FibWi Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Hi everyone, I'm still relatively new to Bass fishing, but recent events have led me to begin searching for a new and low price set up (as I'm a College student). Since I had to buy a new rod anyway, I thought to myself, why not buy a baitcaster while I'm at it (since I enjoyed using my friend's)? This would be my first baitcaster. I've created my preferred set up that would fit my budget, and this left me with a couple of questions. I am planning to get: A Berkley Lightning Trigger Rod A BPS Pro Qualifier I fish mostly senkos, lizards, brush hogs, flukes, etc. However, I am planning to begin using Spinners, Buzzbaits, and Jitterbugs. Since I fish the shore primarily, I was wondering which rod I should get? The 6'6 MH or 7' MH? I also wanted to ask which gear ratio on the reel should I go for? 6:4:1 or 7:1:1? If you have any other set up suggestions other than the one I listed, please do tell. Thank you! Oh, and by recent events, I meant my crappy Walmart Abu Garcia rod broke right as I lifted a huge bass out of the water. Quote
Packard Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 Looks like a nice combo. I'd go with the 7'MH with a 6.4:1 Quote
northern basser Posted January 9, 2012 Posted January 9, 2012 If your fishing from an open shore, I would agree on the 7 footer. However, if there are any trees, brush, obsticles etc.... you might want to opt for the shorter rod. As for the reel, I would get the faster one. You can always slow down your retrieve if you need to. Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted January 9, 2012 Super User Posted January 9, 2012 I own a Pro Qualifier on a Berkley Lightning Shock rod. I use 65# Spiderwire, so I need the Shock series. They are a little more, but I think they are a bettr quality. I would get the 6.4:1, due to is versatility, especially if you plan to use different baits with it. Quote
FibWi Posted January 9, 2012 Author Posted January 9, 2012 If your fishing from an open shore, I would agree on the 7 footer. However, if there are any trees, brush, obsticles etc.... you might want to opt for the shorter rod. As for the reel, I would get the faster one. You can always slow down your retrieve if you need to. Generally, it is an open shore. I do occasionally deal with trees that are right above my head, but I could always just alter the way I cast temporarily right? I own a Pro Qualifier on a Berkley Lightning Shock rod. I use 65# Spiderwire, so I need the Shock series. They are a little more, but I think they are a bettr quality. I would get the 6.4:1, due to is versatility, especially if you plan to use different baits with it. Is this what you meant? http://www.basspro.c...ct/104157/86975 Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 Yes, very good rod. Also, I use 6'6 rods since I do alot of shore fishing as well. Your not gonna lose any castability, dont worry. Quote
Super User deep Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 Generally, it is an open shore. I do occasionally deal with trees that are right above my head, but I could always just alter the way I cast temporarily right? Get the longer rod. You'll learn how to do side-arm, underarm, lob casts; as well as casting from the wrong shoulder if you feel the need. I frequently use a 8 foot rod from the shore with little or no problems. Is this what you meant? http://www.basspro.c...ct/104157/86975 No idea about the rod, but the pro qualifier is a pretty good bang for the buck. Quote
youngbassman Posted January 10, 2012 Posted January 10, 2012 Go for quality get an Abu Garcia veritas. They will last you a while Quote
Super User tomustang Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 Oh, and by recent events, I meant my crappy Walmart Abu Garcia rod broke right as I lifted a huge bass out of the water. Hoisting up fish isn't what any rod was meant for. Quote
FibWi Posted January 10, 2012 Author Posted January 10, 2012 Get the longer rod. You'll learn how to do side-arm, underarm, lob casts; as well as casting from the wrong shoulder if you feel the need. I frequently use a 8 foot rod from the shore with little or no problems. No idea about the rod, but the pro qualifier is a pretty good bang for the buck. Which reel do you think I should get? Thanks again. Quote
Super User deep Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 Which reel do you think I should get? Thanks again. The PQ is good, but IMO Citica E is better. I sold my PQ long ago, still have the Citica that was my first baitcaster. If you don't mind buying used, Curado B, and Citica D's are great deals. All can be had for $70 or less... EDIT: I'm looking at my setups as I type this.. I see a curado B, a curado E, a citica E, a citica D, a cardiff and a revo toro winch... Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 Hoisting up fish isn't what any rod was meant for. Watching too many tournament fishing shows maybe? Quote
FibWi Posted January 10, 2012 Author Posted January 10, 2012 The PQ is good, but IMO Citica E is better. I sold my PQ long ago, still have the Citica that was my first baitcaster. If you don't mind buying used, Curado B, and Citica D's are great deals. All can be had for $70 or less... EDIT: I'm looking at my setups as I type this.. I see a curado B, a curado E, a citica E, a citica D, a cardiff and a revo toro winch... I see. I'll start looking into that. But in the case that I do buy the PQ, which gear ratio would you recommend? I'm fishing soft plastics, spinners/buzzbaits, perhaps frogs later on. Quote
Super User deep Posted January 10, 2012 Super User Posted January 10, 2012 I see. I'll start looking into that. But in the case that I do buy the PQ, which gear ratio would you recommend? I'm fishing soft plastics, spinners/buzzbaits, perhaps frogs later on. 6.X : 1 should be fine; you can always reel slower or speed up.. Quote
FibWi Posted January 10, 2012 Author Posted January 10, 2012 6.X : 1 should be fine; you can always reel slower or speed up.. Sounds good, looks like I'm going with 6:4:1. Just so I know, what are the advantages of 7:x:1 compared to 6:x:1? Disadvantages? Quote
Super User deep Posted January 11, 2012 Super User Posted January 11, 2012 Sounds good, looks like I'm going with 6:4:1. Just so I know, what are the advantages of 7:x:1 compared to 6:x:1? Disadvantages? I have a 7:1 on my dedicated jig rod since I feel I need to pick up line real fast before setting the hook. I also fish jigs on a (semi)slack line. So usually I need to do a little catching up. I have a 4.6:1, and a 5.0:1. Both reels are on setups almost always used for soft swimbaits (weedless hudds and 8" hudds respectively), and I want to crawl those baits along the bottom, slow as I can. I personally find it easier to reel faster than slower. Others might find the opposite easier. It all boils down to "your" personal preferences, A 6.x:1 is usually thought to be a good all-around ratio I believe. Quote
FibWi Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 I just purchased the reel and decided to go with the 6:4:1. The 7' MH was conveniently in stock at Walmart for $40, which is about $30 less than BPS. I also have been using braid/fireline for a while. I was wondering what line strength (braid) I should get for these lures? Would I need a fluoro/mono leader for the spinners? Thanks again! Quote
boonhogganbeck Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 I think you will enjoy that setup. I have that setup and it's versatile. I have used it primarily with plastics and spinner baits, and I think it going to be my dedicated spinnerbait rig. Quote
FibWi Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 I think you will enjoy that setup. I have that setup and it's versatile. I have used it primarily with plastics and spinner baits, and I think it going to be my dedicated spinnerbait rig. Thanks for the input! Do you use braid? Quote
Super User deep Posted January 12, 2012 Super User Posted January 12, 2012 Good deal. Just don't go about boat-flipping big bass again Quote
Super User eyedabassman Posted January 12, 2012 Super User Posted January 12, 2012 Sounds good, looks like I'm going with 6:4:1. Just so I know, what are the advantages of 7:x:1 compared to 6:x:1? Disadvantages? It is alot more easy to slow down than to speed up with any reel.I would go with a high speed in case to want to burn buzzbaits, frog fishing,cranks,spinnerbaits ect. ! There is nothing wrong with 6;4 reel but I can do more with a high speed reel and, if I need to I can slow down! Quote
FibWi Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 I hate making choices! Now I'm starting to have second thoughts about that gear ratio... since I've been making a transition from primarily finesse to other lures. Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 The 6.4:1 reel is a good choice if u are getting away from jigs and plastics Quote
FibWi Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 The 6.4:1 reel is a good choice if u are getting away from jigs and plastics I'm not necessarily getting away from plastics, I'm just expanding my lures. Thanks for the help! Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 I'm not necessarily getting away from plastics, I'm just expanding my lures. Thanks for the help! Ok I understand and I have 7 casting combos right now with 2 7.X reels and the rest being 6.3:1 reels. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.