Which Rod/Reel?

[asdfvgera]

I'm mainly a flyfishermen but since there aren't many streams near me I'm trying to get into bass fishing for the times I can't fly fish. I'm looking to spend aroun d $100 for a rod and reel and I'd like to try a baitcaster out.

Just wondering what would people recommend, is there such a thing as a easy to cast baitcaster?

Oh, im mainly going for smallmouth if that matters.

[new2BC4bass]

I can't answer that from a position of having cast every make/model out there, but have read reviews on most of them. LOL. I am going to guess that a reel such as the Premier would be near the top of any "easiest reel to cast" list. However, its price is way out of your listed range. Quantum makes some dual brake reels that should fit the same slot as the Premier at a lot less money, but still cost more than $50,so... None are going to be as easy to cast as a spinning reel. Plus, IMHO, you will get a better reel for your money if you select a spinning outfit in the price range you are looking.

As I found out after getting back into fishing early last year, $100 isn't going to buy you much in today's market. Best to buy used if that is your limit. You will realize a lot more for your investment, but even then $100 ain't going to buy you much. Now, if you are willing to spend $100 on each, then you can expect to get a pretty nice outfit, especially if buying used.  I will leave it to the more experienced as to which models would be best at your budget level.

[roadwarrior]

Great advice!

8-)

[SeanW]

One thing Ill say is that if you wanna try a bait caster, you need to spend over $100. ANything cheaper is a nightmare to learn with. Trust me on this, I tried many moons ago. For a rod you can look at a Abu Garica Vendetta. That will give you a good quality rod for not a lotta money. Reels? Find a used Revo or Curado 201B. That puts ya at about $140. Or go spinning and get the same Vendetta rod and find the best reel ya can with the change.

[Grey Wolf]

You'd better stick with a spinning combo for that cheap of a price.

Berkley Lightning-rod.....40.00

PFLUEGER PRESIDENT SPINNING REEL..........60.00

you can't go wrong.

[OHIO]

I second the President. It's a great reel for the money.

[asdfvgera]

You'd better stick with a spinning combo for that cheap of a price.

Berkley Lightning-rod.....40.00

PFLUEGER PRESIDENT SPINNING REEL..........60.00

you can't go wrong.

sounds good, I think I might go with that, I just wanted the challenge of a baitcaster and it gives you a lot of control, but I'm not using it much so a spinning is fine.

What kind of line should I be using, I have no clue?

[bilgerat]

You'd better stick with a spinning combo for that cheap of a price.

Berkley Lightning-rod.....40.00

PFLUEGER PRESIDENT SPINNING REEL..........60.00

you can't go wrong.

sounds good, I think I might go with that, I just wanted the challenge of a baitcaster and it gives you a lot of control, but I'm not using it much so a spinning is fine.

What kind of line should I be using, I have no clue?[/quote]

Oh boy, you went and did it now... ;D

First and foremost, DO NOT exceed 8 lb test for spinning gear if you go with mono. Anything heavier will give you line issues that are no fun. I myself use braid on my spinning outfits and use a mono leader. That's just me, there will be 100 different opinions on line. Get ready.

[asdfvgera]

You'd better stick with a spinning combo for that cheap of a price.

Berkley Lightning-rod.....40.00

PFLUEGER PRESIDENT SPINNING REEL..........60.00

you can't go wrong.

sounds good, I think I might go with that, I just wanted the challenge of a baitcaster and it gives you a lot of control, but I'm not using it much so a spinning is fine.

What kind of line should I be using, I have no clue?[/quote]

Oh boy, you went and did it now... ;D

First and foremost, DO NOT exceed 8 lb test for spinning gear if you go with mono. Anything heavier will give you line issues that are no fun. I myself use braid on my spinning outfits and use a mono leader. That's just me, there will be 100 different opinions on line. Get ready.

is the leader the same as in flyfishing, is it attached to the line? I thought that line was the same all the way through. If you cut it off do you have to add more like flyfishing?

[bilgerat]

I know nothing about fly fishing. Here's a site which will help you. http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

Leader length is a personal preference thing. Some use 2', I use about 6'. There is no right or wrong. Just get the knot correct. The Albright and Blood knots are a good start.

[asdfvgera]

can I use a double surgeon's knot to attach the leader?

also from what I've heard leader is optional, do I really need one?

[OHIO]

You don't need a leader, but a lot of people like it if they are using braid for abrasion resistance and for less line visibility.

When I used to use a leader I would tie a uni to uni knot and it worked out fine.

What do you plan on using the set up for? Plastics, cranks, etc?

[bilgerat]

can I use a double surgeon's knot to attach the leader?

also from what I've heard leader is optional, do I really need one?

The two I suggested may be better as they are "low profile" knots which will go through the line guides with minimal resistance. Your surgeon's knot would work, it's just a bit bulky.

[asdfvgera]

You don't need a leader, but a lot of people like it if they are using braid for abrasion resistance and for less line visibility.

When I used to use a leader I would tie a uni to uni knot and it worked out fine.

What do you plan on using the set up for? Plastics, cranks, etc?

cranks and jigs, does that change anything?

[OHIO]

You don't need a leader, but a lot of people like it if they are using braid for abrasion resistance and for less line visibility.

When I used to use a leader I would tie a uni to uni knot and it worked out fine.

What do you plan on using the set up for? Plastics, cranks, etc?

cranks and jigs, does that change anything?

Well normally you would want two different rods for fishing crankbaits and jigs, but you gotta work with what you have.

If I were you I would get a MH/F rod. It seems to be the most versatile.

I would also not use braid.

[Vinny Chase]

You don't need a leader, but a lot of people like it if they are using braid for abrasion resistance and for less line visibility.

When I used to use a leader I would tie a uni to uni knot and it worked out fine.

What do you plan on using the set up for? Plastics, cranks, etc?

cranks and jigs, does that change anything?

If you are going to use this setup for both techniques I would go with 6-8 lb P-Line CXX, but I prefer braid/leader with jigs so eventually you should look into splitting these techniques into separate setups.

[asdfvgera]

You don't need a leader, but a lot of people like it if they are using braid for abrasion resistance and for less line visibility.

When I used to use a leader I would tie a uni to uni knot and it worked out fine.

What do you plan on using the set up for? Plastics, cranks, etc?

cranks and jigs, does that change anything?

Well normally you would want two different rods for fishing crankbaits and jigs, but you gotta work with what you have.

If I were you I would get a MH/F rod. It seems to be the most versatile.

I would also not use braid.

what length rod would you recommend?

Also I think I'm just going to go with this line, should I get the clear, low-visible green, or fluorescent blue

[OHIO]

I prefer a rod that's at least 7', but it's all about your preference.

As far as the line goes, get the green or clear.

[asdfvgera]

any other recommendations on rods? from what I've researched that lightning rod doesn't break down into 2 parts so it would be hard to travel with.

[hitchhiker]

Off subject, but if your ponds are clear enough for a backcast you could always flyfish for them.

Big wooly buggers, poppers, zonkers, streamers, damsels, dragonflies...

Lug that and a spinning rod you'll be able to make a day out of it.

[B-Dozer]

Off subject, but if your ponds are clear enough for a backcast you could always flyfish for them.

Big wooly buggers, poppers, zonkers, streamers, damsels, dragonflies...

Lug that and a spinning rod you'll be able to make a day out of it.

Great idea, I enjoy that myself. If space is tight a rollcast usually will work.

[asdfvgera]

Off subject, but if your ponds are clear enough for a backcast you could always flyfish for them.

Big wooly buggers, poppers, zonkers, streamers, damsels, dragonflies...

Lug that and a spinning rod you'll be able to make a day out of it.

I knew that, I just rarely ever get to fish with a spinning rod so I just wanted to try something I normally don't do. And I really don't enjoy flyfishing for bass that much, not sure why.