Help Me Choose My New Rod/reel Combo!

[AirbusAngler]

Ok so I have 1 baitcaster. Its the BPS carbonlite 6'6" M with fast action tip. The reel is the carbonlite baitcaster with

Ball Bearings: 7+1

Drag: 8 Lbs.

Reel Weight (oz.): 6.7

Recovery: 29" Per Turn

and 6:4:1 ratio.

I use that with 20 or 30# braid and do all types of fishing from jigging to cranking.

I have a spinning rod for real light tackle such as dropshot and wacky. I am going to buy myself a new setup and I want it to be different. I just dont know which way I should go either a heavty duty rig for big jigs and baits and leave the carbonlite for light cranking and small baits or if I should get something similar.

Its hard to explain but I feel my current setup is a happy medium for all kinds of fishing. What I want to do now is purchase something on either end of the spectrum.

Please list your suggestions such as rod length, action, etc.. and prefered reel specs as well as what type of fishing it would be good for. (jigging, spinning, crankbaits, etc)

If you know the rod/reel brand name and model that would be even more helpful!

Thanks in advance and happy holidays!

[Raider Nation Fisher]

What's your price range?

[dcorp]

You can do a Medium Heavy rod, 6'6 or 7'. It would be good for plastic worms, top water, and jigs. The rig you have now is probably better for crankbaits and spinners. We really need to know how much you want to spend to get specific.

[NorcalBassin]

Not sure on your price range, so I'll give you a couple possibilities that I have and really enjoy fishing with:

My jig rod: Dobyns Champion Extreme 743 teamed with a Curado e7

My Senko/Ika rod: G Loomis NRX 893 teamed with a Curado e7

My crankbait rod: Lamiglas XL705 Glass teamed with a Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 5.2:1

***Many others swear by the Lamiglas Certified Pro CB rods (705 or 765) but I've never felt the need to upgrade.

Other rods with full lineups that have huge followings at lower price points: Shimano Crucials, Phenix Recons, Powell Max, and St Croix Avids

[AirbusAngler]

Thanks so far for the input! I forgot to mention the price range. Id like to stay under or around the $350 mark

[Bluebasser86]

If I was in the same boat I'd want to go with a heavier worm/jig combo. The combo you have now will do most things but would not want use it for plastics or jigs. I'd look at something in the 7+ foot range and MH/F and a highspeed reel like a 7.1. You could easily get a good rod and reel combo like what I described for around $250.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

For jigs and larger baits I use a Calcutta on a MH Powell Endurance 7ft. I also use a Calcutta on an Ethos 7ft heavy.

Cranks and top waters the four setups I use are a MH/F 7ft Ethos, M/F 6ft 6in Ethos, MH/F 7ft 6in Powell Endurance, and a 7ft MH/MF Abu Garcia Veritas. The Ethos and Veritas are paired up with Calcutta reels and the Powell is paired up with a 200e Curado. The Ethos rods are around 59 to 79 dollars, the Powell rods are between 150-179. And the Calcutta reels are between 200 and 250 depending on size.

If you haven't tried the Ethos rods, they are absolutely amazing.

[Jim_M]

Well you have Finesse, Light to Medium gear wrapped up. I add some muscle (combo model # 38-956-304-05) and call it good.

The 7'-6" Heavy X Fast rod works for A TON of presentations and techniques. And the Johnny Morris is a fantastic value.

Here's the BPS page link. http://www.basspro.c...10#BVQAWidgetID

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

[AirbusAngler]

Thank you all for the input! Considering Abu Garcia rod against the Shimano Cumara 7'2" MH with extra fast tip. For the reel a 7:3:1 Quantum Smoke sl151hpt. Any advice?

[new2BC4bass]

I haven't any experience with the Abu rods. I do have a Cumara 7' 2" MH Fast. Based on my experience with that rod, I definitely want a Cumara 7'2" MH XFast for jigs. Popular opinion is to use a 7.:1 or faster reel for quick line pick up. Not sure what reel you could team up with the Cumara to stay within budget, and still have a reel to last a lifetime. I don't have any experience with Quantum reels, so can't comment on that choice.

[Hound_dog]

Look into the Lew's Tournament Pro Speed Spool TP1SH. This is a great real and light weight. I tried the smoke out and picked the Lew's of the Quantum. I have been so pleased with it that I have been replacing some of my older reels with the Lew's in the same speed. Very comfortable reel to hold and throw all day.

As far as rod it depends a lot on where you fish and what kind of cover you are fishing. I as mentioned you have the finesse and medium baits covered. I would be more inclined to go for a Heavy action rod in the 7' range. You can flip with it, drag a carolina rig, throw bigger crankbaits, and big worms. Again it all depends on where you fish and cover you fish in.

[Gotfishyfingers?]

For around 250, you can buy any St. Croix Mojo rod and add a Shimano Curado.I think that is a sweet set-up!! I have a few of these and for the price, I love it!!! The gear ratio I prefer is the 7.0 but curados' come in like 5 different ones. Oh-ya.com has them for like 135.

[ajwhite765]

If it were me, I would get the cuñada 7'2 Mhz extra fast. They are on sale right now for 179.99.

[ajwhite765]

If it were me, I would get the cumara 7'2 mh extra fast. They are on sale right now for 179.99. Th