How to spend $300?

[INbassMAN]

I need some advice on how to spend $300. Here's what i have:

Boat with 2 cheap fish finders, but they work. I might also add that i'm still trying to figure out how to read them.

I have about 3 or 4 baitcasters combos...the nicest reel cost about $50 and the same with the rod.

1 spinning rod/reel (cheap)

I have some basic tackle

Should i spend it all on a nicer fish finder or a couple of rod/reel combos? Or should I beef up my tackle selection? or split it up between any combonation of the 3?

Thanks

[Lucky Craft Man]

hmmm...if you could swing it, I would add $50 and get this:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602025-cat602012&id=0036996018280a&navCount=4&podId=0036996&parentId=cat602012&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat602012&hasJS=true

There is nothing more important than electronics. If you can't find the structure, then you can't find the fish.

PS The reviews on this one are low, but the FishElite I have I can't be happier with (I have the black and white screen version).

[kikstand454]

thats a tough one. lots of stuff to get and alot... or not enough...money to get it.

you can get some good rods and reels for 300 bucks, esp if youre willing to wait for sales or buy slightly used. 300 dollars will buy you much more tackle than you ever need all at once. it wont go far buying sonars though. have you thought maybe of a gps? if i was in your situation... i think id be looking to get a gps/fishfinder combo to have at the helm so i could benifit from all the wonders of gps. you can get some cool units for that much... or preferably... keep saving and get a nice one that you can eventually take with you to a boat upgrade.

thats mho, but then... i have 27 rods and reels and more tackle than bps. lol....

[stratos 375]

Here's how to jump start yourself in the spring. Don't worry about the depthfinders. Just turn them off, unless you have a water temp. display. (much more important to me.) If your rods & reels are in good shape, spend the 300 on some quality line & a new selection of lures, or perhaps some lures that you've always wanted to try. Like I said, you don't even have to look at the depth or structure, just work the banks, & pay attention to the water temp. that's where most of the catchable fish will be anyway. Train your eyes to see what's on the shore, & eventually you can pretty well guess what's going on underneath you. Only fish deep when you have to.  You'll have plenty of time to figure out how to interpret your depth finder. In my opinion, the're way overrated. I've got a decent one on my boat, and know how to read it, but most of the time, it's a 500.00 temperature gauge. Not sure from your post of your experience or level of skill, but if you're not sure about the tackle , keep it simple. Jerkbaits, traps & jigs

[Sfritr]

Two words:

1.Tackle  2.Warehouse

dont pass go don't collect $200

[brushhoggin]

Here's how to jump start yourself in the spring. Don't worry about the depthfinders. Just turn them off, unless you have a water temp. display. (much more important to me.) If your rods & reels are in good shape, spend the 300 on some quality line & a new selection of lures, or perhaps some lures that you've always wanted to try. Like I said, you don't even have to look at the depth or structure, just work the banks, & pay attention to the water temp. that's where most of the catchable fish will be anyway. Train your eyes to see what's on the shore, & eventually you can pretty well guess what's going on underneath you. Only fish deep when you have to. You'll have plenty of time to figure out how to interpret your depth finder. In my opinion, the're way overrated. I've got a decent one on my boat, and know how to read it, but most of the time, it's a 500.00 temperature gauge. Not sure from your post of your experience or level of skill, but if you're not sure about the tackle , keep it simple. Jerkbaits, traps & jigs

uhh, i highly disagree. without a proper unit, you are unable to find the suddle changes in contour that are key in locating bass.good quality structure like brushpiles and trees go un noticed

[stratos 375]

hello mr brushoggin, disagreement noted. From reading between the lines on this gentlemens post, I see he has depthfinders he doesn't know how to use, a boat and some basic tackle. This would lead me to believe that maybe he's not quite at the pro level just yet. From the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like he's ready for hard core structure & submerged brushpile tactics just yet either. And if that's not enough, locating subtle contours and other structure doesn't always mean there will be fish on them, and even if there are fish clearly on the structure, they ain't always gonna bite. I'm sure as his fishing hobby develops, he can master depthfinder interpretation & the science of deep structure fishing. But I say, ditch the depthfinders, tie on a spinnerbait, fish where there will be active fish & have fun.

If you want to spend quality time & learn your depthfinder, pick a nice post frontal day when there ain't nothin bitin & distractin ya. Just my most humble opinion.

[VABassin'14]

I would go with tackle. If you already have the electronics and enough rods and reels, spend the majority of it on new lures. Tackle Warehouse is where I would start.

[Matt Kremers]

Have you done any tournaments before? I suggest spending some $$ on tackle (lures, plastics, etc). But definitely try and get in some local tournaments. Local tournaments can go from $25 to $100 to get into, and you can learn more than you could ever imagine. Not to mention the are a TON of fun. Fish as a non-boater and study what your boater does. You can shot the breeze all day and learn some new techniques. In general, the more you pay for an entry fee the better chance you have of getting paired with a knowledgeable angler. Look into FLW BFL and Bassmaster Weekend Series for nationwide tournaments.

[Elite Image Fishing]

It's your money, buy what you want and feel comfortable with. I have went off advice before and the best way to buy gear is to sit down, look at what you have... and don't have and go from there. But no one knows you like you know yourself... go with your instincts, or else you will end up with a boat full of someone else's gear... just my .03 cents.

[Lucky Craft Man]

hello mr brushoggin, disagreement noted. From reading between the lines on this gentlemens post, I see he has depthfinders he doesn't know how to use, a boat and some basic tackle. This would lead me to believe that maybe he's not quite at the pro level just yet. From the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like he's ready for hard core structure & submerged brushpile tactics just yet either. And if that's not enough, locating subtle contours and other structure doesn't always mean there will be fish on them, and even if there are fish clearly on the structure, they ain't always gonna bite. I'm sure as his fishing hobby develops, he can master depthfinder interpretation & the science of deep structure fishing. But I say, ditch the depthfinders, tie on a spinnerbait, fish where there will be active fish & have fun.

If you want to spend quality time & learn your depthfinder, pick a nice post frontal day when there ain't nothin bitin & distractin ya. Just my most humble opinion.

After hearing Stratos argument, I agree with him. I spend a lot of time on Lake Erie where my depth finder and GPS are king and without them I would be screwed, but I did spend most of my early fishing days in the shallows, without a depth finder, fishing visible cover, which is a great way to fish. Therefore, my suggestion would be on lures and equipment.

[stratos 375]

i didn't want it to come off as an "argument" but rather a friendly point of view. We are however in agreement.   The shallows are an immeadiate & usually productive fix for most.

Did I mention Line???? Invest in some decent line on all your gear.

[aarogb]

Split your money between getting combos and beefing up your tackle.

As long as your fishfinders still work they are good enough.

[turret_plug]

seeing as you're from Indiana and the lakes are frozen...... spend it on gas money and go to Alabama to go fishing!!!!!!!!!!

[Casca]

1. shimano curado 200,$180.

2. powell max casting rod,$140.

3. find that extra $20 somewhere.

4. don't look back.

regards,

Casca

[Fishing Rhino]

I'm an electronics junkie.  I have an Eagle Cuda portable powered by 8 AA batteries to prove it.

Hold onto your money.  Learn to read your sounders.

Get familiar with the bottom of the pond you fish.  Work from the shallows outward for starters.

Pay attention not only to depth changes, but changes in the echo that represents the bottom. 

The echo may be smooth and thin.  It may be irregular and broad, usually I like that kind of bottom.  Pay attention to the changes in that echo.  That represents transitions in the bottom composition.  You have three types of bottom and they can be found individually or in combination, mud, sand, rocks.  I suppose you could also add clay.

A smooth thin line denotes no vegetation, no stones, and likely, no fish.

That doesn't mean fish are never there.  It is the type of bottom that fish generally do not like except when they are moving around.

Fish need a food supply, and some place to hide for protection, or to lie in ambush.

Irregular bottom echoes are interesting, and worth some fishing effort.

When you catch a few fish in an area, study the image on your sounder, and look for similar bottom.

Apply yourself to it.  It won't take long before it makes some sense to you.  Other than for general info, water temps are not critical where I fish.  They are relatively small bodies of water, with no significant streams or creeks entering or leaving, so water temps do not fluctuate by more than a degree or two.  One end of the pond is usually a degree or so warmer because it gets more sunlight.

Concentrate on the bottom changes whether they be in depths or composition.

[midnighthrasher]

Two words:

1.Tackle 2.Warehouse

dont pass go don't collect $200

x2

you got a boat

you got electronics

you got rods and reels

BEEF UP YOUR TACLE

OR.....

wait and pick apart the flea market and buy a bunch of deals. You can probably get 500$ worth of stuff for that 300$

[Ineedanewscreenname20170204]

If I were in your spot I'd wait a few weeks for the Bass Pro classic sale and pickup either a ProQualifier or Extreme casting combo (7' medium-heavy fast rod) and spend the rest on jigs, trailers, 3/8, 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits, plastics, good hooks, at least one Rapala xRap.  Pick up 600 yards of 12# yozuri hybrid ultrasoft from cabelas.  But that's just me - do your own shopping...

[bassman31783]

Just my 2 cents but I would use it to get a new Reel 1st & a new rod 2nd. It's not every day that you have $300 to drop on fishing gear so why not put it towards something a little more expensive. Lures, line, & accessories are something you can buy every day without breaking the bank. However your reels & rods are something you usually have to save for.

[Simp]

Quote

Just my 2 cents but I would use it to get a new Reel 1st & a new rod 2nd. It's not every day that you have $300 to drop on fishing gear so why not put it towards something a little more expensive. Lures, line, & accessories are something you can buy every day without breaking the bank. However your reels & rods are something you usually have to save for.

I kind of agree with bassman here on the tackle part. With that said I don't know what type of combos you have. You seem content with them and so I find it hard to also reccomend buying rod and reels. I guess I would recommend you do two things. I think it is important to find a sensitive rob for worm and jig fishing. It doesn't have to be a 200$+ rod or anything. The 100-200 rods offer fantastic performance. I know the Powel get great reviews for there price and so do falcons usually. Both have models in the sub 150 price. However I would recommend you check out our flea market for gear. Tons of great deals on rods and reels, plus a fair amount of "tackle lots" cheap. The quality is usually fantastic! The one thing to make sure you don't do is buy something like a 20$-30$ swimbait or something. Not saying they don't have there place but right now if you buy some lures buy a variety of lures to find out what works for you. I live in Southern IL and here is what I would buy on a budget for my neads.

Lures

Rage Toads

A black and white Buzz Bait

Assortment of jigs Black and Blue, and green pumpkin is all you need.

Rage Craws for trailers and tex rigs

Alurringbaits trick sticks

Strike King Red eye rattle trap

Wiggle warts(these are killer in early spring)

Rapala DT (Dives To) pick a couple depths you usally fish.

Spinnerbaits- get several in all three blade syles. White and Chartreuse are great colors.

A Popr syle bait or two. Personally I like Storm Chuggers

Line

Power Pro briad if you fish grass and pads 40 or 50lb.

You could also buy some Fluro if you jig and worm allot. I use it exclusively for flipping and pitching. Only problem is quality fluro usually runs about 20$ a spool for 200 yards. Exceptions are XPS fluro and Cabelas Fluro.

Now if you decide you want a new quality reel for a good price it's hard to be a Shimano Citica 200E. I also hear the Revo S isn't bad. Keep an eye on the flea maket you can usually pick one up sub 100$.

[INbassMAN]

Lots of great suggestions. Thanks everyone for your input. I am relatively new to bass fishing, but I do plan on fishing some tournaments this year. In fact I'm quitting my softball league so I have more time to fish:) Hopefully, I can get alot out of these tournaments. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the water.

If I decide to get a rod/reel combo, what would be your suggestion for spinning gear?

Thanks

[angler1]

I would get a good rod, reel, and line. You can get a good abu garcia revo baitcaster for around $150 which will leave you $130 for a rod and $20 for line. Remember, without quality equipment you will not get quality accurate casts. The only thing between you and the fish is your line so it needs to be quality. Good equipment is not cheap, however it works and lasts longer than cheap stuff if it is maintained and kept in good condition.

[SWMIBASSER]

You would be amazed the deals you can find when you really look. As was pointed out I have NO DOUBT you can get $500 or more of stuff from the flea market with your $300.

I know some folks with combo's similar to yours who catch lots of fish, so your probably OK there.

I would set down with a notebook and all of your tackle in front of you.

Write down what you like fishing with the most, and what you have to fish that technique.

Then what you want to hone skills on and then make a list of what you have and want based on that.

I've learned over the last few years of having less $$ than I was used to, that I WASTE a BUNCH of money buying things just because they are on sale or clearance.

If it's not something I really wanted or needed, or not in the color I want, or will use, I won't buy it. No matter how cheap it is.

[stratos 375]

here's my suggestion for spinning gear. don't buy any.

spinny gear 'mos definately has it's applications, as you may well learn as your journey thru  this hobby continues.

if you want to learn the basics of this sport, I'd suggets to stick to your casting reels, painful as they may be to someone starting out. But in the long run, they will give you the accuracy & power you need for lure placement. Something which eludes a lot of guys when they pick up a spinny rig. The casting reels made today are much user friendly than they used to be. I had to start out with a pair of Pflueger "knuckle busters" with braided line on all steel rods.

As your getting your feet wet, you're gonna want to throw the full array of modern powerbaits, SB's JB's , crankbaits, jigs, traps,  most of which don't lend themselves to spinnin gear. And if by some amazing stroke of luck, you hooked a big toad on spinnin gear, unless you've been boning up on your back reelin technique & are in open water, you're probably toast.

When you want to get to the level of skippin under docks, fly & rind, drop shotting and other types of light line techniques, that'd be the time to learn on that type of reel.

Although I own many of them, They really don't have a place on my boat, if the fish are being that finicky that I have to scale down to lite line, I'll just find a different batch of fish, or go home and come back when they feel like having something substantial to eat.

Not trying to elicit any scathing rebuttals from the spinnin gear afficianados, it's just my personal preference.

[brushhoggin]

hello mr brushoggin, disagreement noted. From reading between the lines on this gentlemens post, I see he has depthfinders he doesn't know how to use, a boat and some basic tackle. This would lead me to believe that maybe he's not quite at the pro level just yet. From the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like he's ready for hard core structure & submerged brushpile tactics just yet either. And if that's not enough, locating subtle contours and other structure doesn't always mean there will be fish on them, and even if there are fish clearly on the structure, they ain't always gonna bite. I'm sure as his fishing hobby develops, he can master depthfinder interpretation & the science of deep structure fishing. But I say, ditch the depthfinders, tie on a spinnerbait, fish where there will be active fish & have fun.

If you want to spend quality time & learn your depthfinder, pick a nice post frontal day when there ain't nothin bitin & distractin ya. Just my most humble opinion.

ok yeah i definately see your point as this is how i started out, learning the ropes on basics. but he did say he planned on fishing tournaments this year so it wouldn't hurt to be able to distinguish structure he could throw a dropshot in, or suspended baitfish he he could run a crankbait through to get him a nice kicker in case the bank bite was givin him nothin but dinkys