Advice Needed

[Kellermc]

I've just recently discovered this site, but hopefully the obvious wealth of knowledge here will be able to help me!

I've fished a fair amount since I was 14 (I'm 19 now) on my large pond, but it was mostly self-taught and with a cheap combo you'd find at Wal-mart (but has managed to serve me pretty well). I fish for large-mouth bass in KY, usually with cranks but also with some other baits. I am wanting to upgrade both rod and reel, and was looking for some advice. My budget is around $150, and research I've done over the internet has been a bit overwhelming. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated, as I'm looking to fish on local lakes here fairly soon and I understand there is a great deal I've yet to learn. Thanks in advance!

[Lund Explorer]

Welcome to the forum!

You're going to find a whole lot of very accomplished anglers around here that will give you all of the advice they can. You'll also find that there are many articles and videos that could keep you busy for days on end. Clicking on the link below takes you to one section of them that you may find helpful.

http://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish

I hope you'll enjoy it around here.

[Kellermc]

Thanks for the help, it's greatly appreciated. Definitely a great place to learn!

I was offered by a buddy a carrot stix baitcasting rod with an abu garcia reel..6'9" rod and reel is 6.3:1 ratio..reel and rod is a couple years used and in great condition..offer was for $110. Decent deal?

[Bass_Fanatic]

Thanks for the help, it's greatly appreciated. Definitely a great place to learn!

I was offered by a buddy a carrot stix baitcasting rod with an abu garcia reel..6'9" rod and reel is 6.3:1 ratio..reel and rod is a couple years used and in great condition..offer was for $110. Decent deal?

What kind of Abu reel? If its a Revo series and both the rod and reel are in good working shape I say jump on it. You wont be able to find that kinda quality by buying new.

[Alpster]

What kind of Abu reel? If its a Revo series and both the rod and reel are in good working shape I say jump on it. You wont be able to find that kinda quality by buying new.

Even if it's a C series (round)reel, it still sounds like a good deal if everything is in good, working shape.

Ronnie

[pad slammer]

I would recommend a Abu Garcia Vendetta 6'6" med/hvy with a quantum pt catalyst 6:3:1 you can get into it new for about 150-170 at gander mountain its a great all around set up until you find what you like. If you don’t like it you have 90days to return it!

[Packard]

I'd advise getting a used reel on this websites flea market or ebay. You should spend between $60-$100 on the reel. As for the rod I would recommend a 6'6" M or MH. The BPS Tourney Special isn't a bad rod for the money and is $50. I would also consider an Abu Garcia Vengeance, Berkley Lightning Rod Shock, and the Quantum Energy.

[WdyCrankbait]

I would suggest putting more $$ towards a better rod then reel. Can you take a trip to your nearest fishing tackle store and get your hands on a lot of different rods? That would be the first thing I would suggest. Come back on this site and search in the rod,reel, line forum the rods your looking at and see what people have said about them.

Looking at/for new fishing tackle is supposed to be fun! Enjoy it, you've earned the $$ and now you are rewarding yourself! (I agree with Packard as well, use the flea market forum here.)

PS, welcome to the forum!

[Bluebasser86]

Just a word of warning, if that is one of the original carrot sticks they seemed to have a lot of breakage issues. I had one for about a year that broke suddenly on the retrieve while I was yo-yoing a trap, no snag, no fish, just folded in half. I've heard several other guys that have had them break and my wife works at Cabela's and they are apparently one of the most returned rods because of it.

[endless]

Did you ever decide yet? If still looking I would consider The GM Tournament Spinning Combo for $79 and then get some nice tackle if in need. $150 can take care of both. http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=419935&pdesc=GSX_Tournament_6_ML_Power_Spinning_Combo&aID=504AC1&merchID=4006

I have an older model for about 3 years and I love it. I have the 6'6 M that I use for worms, Wacky rigging.

With $150 for a rod and reel the BPS Extreme combo $159 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Reel/XPS-Extreme-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/10204889/-1664741

or PQ combo $169 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Combos/product/102398/-1522975 might be the best bet for in the price range unless can still jump on the clearance deals they had going on or some sale somewhere. If you trying to get a Baitcaster. I would also see if they had any of the older RCX's rod and reel in.

My wife has the Extreme 6'6 M she likes it, it's ok to me. When I do use hers I will mostly use it for C-rigs. I do have a 6'6 MH PQ that I like. I use to use for frogging but now it's my jig setup since I got me a frog setup now. I will still use for my hollow bodies though. Definitely look into bargain bins for sure. I got Citori 7' M Spinning rod for $40, originally $99 then.Probably my favorite rod that I have, I use for Chatterbaits. . I also got the Citori baitcaster for $69 ($99)and I did, paired it with a 7'6 H Carrotstix for $89($149) that I use for Frogging now. So far mine hasn't broke yet,lol. There is deals out to be got just have to find them.