If You Could Only Have Two Baitcasters, What Would You Choose?

[Zeeso]

Hey guys and gals,

I have been a regular here , reading the articles and such and decided to join the forums so I could discuss some fishing topics.

I just recently purchased a baitcasting. 6 1/2 ft medium heavy fast tip carbonlite combo, I am in the market for a second, as I understand they are technique specific. I have no problems with backlashes, and love the control and accuracy they provide. I plan on using it for mainly spinner baits, some heavy soft baits, and maybe some small cranks. If I were to get a second, what would you guys recommend? Something that I can use a variety of different baits and techniques with. Should I lean towers a 7ft + rod , and use it for heavy cranks, top waters, pitching, etc.. or would there be a better option that is more universal. Thanks for taking time to read, and I appreciate any helpful insight from seasoned baitcast users. Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

The rod you have will cover most techniques for single hook lures. Your second rod should be medium power/ moderate action for all medium weight treble hooks. Later, I suggest adding a spiining outfit for finess and

lighter lures.

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome ~

Short answer - a 7' medium action rig might come in handy as a second stick.

A-Jay

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That setup is fine for spinnerbaits and pretty much any single hook bass bait. I'd look for a 7' MH/Mod cranking rod and match it with a Revo Winch, Curado E5 or PQ in 5.3:1

Beat me to it RW

Edited February 15, 2012 by Delaware Valley Tackle

[0119]

I think it all depends on where you fish. Big water or small. Shore or boat or both. For me a 7' is to long for narrow creeks and canals. Weedgrowth keeps me from fishing cranks much. Its something you gotta consider. As far as reels, 4600C3's.

[tugsandpulls]

i got all my baitcasters over the winter use to use spinning rods only so i cant wait till spring see what works best for me i bought a 7 ft mh rod with a quantumn escalade reel with 40# braid a 6-6 med with a shimano cenan reel with 10# mono and a 6-6 quantumn nitrous combo with 10# mono

[roadwarrior]

That setup is fine for spinnerbaits and pretty much any single hook bass bait. I'd look for a 7' MH/Mod cranking rod and match it with a Revo Winch, Curado E5 or PQ in 5.3:1

Beat me to it RW

You da MAN!

Although I certainly prefer MH for many applications, Medium power covers a broader

array of lures, at least for me. Specifically, the Avid AVC70MM ranges from Bandit 100

to the LC RC 3.5. For a DD22 or DT16, I'm fishing the Lamiglas SR705R, but I consider

that "technique specific" and not particularly "versatile".

[Craiger12]

No way I could do it with only 2...

[smalljaw67]

The rod you have will cover most techniques for single hook lures. Your second rod should be medium power/ moderate action for all medium weight treble hooks. Later, I suggest adding a spiining outfit for finess and

lighter lures.

Yep, that 6'6" MH-F is a great "all purpose" set up, I use a 6'6" MH-F for pitching jigs, a lot use a longer rod but I've used that length so long that I can make really accurate pitches with it and do it with distance also. But for your second, I'm in total agreement with Roadwarrior, your first setup will cover every single hook lure very well, so now you need setup with a rod that is medium power, moderate or moderate fast action, and a reel with a gear ratio of 5.5:1 up to maybe 6.2:1 but no faster. This setup will let you fish a wide variety of cranks, topwaters and other lures sporting treble hooks. You have recieved great advise so far from all the members.

[Zeeso]

The rod you have will cover most techniques for single hook lures. Your second rod should be medium power/ moderate action for all medium weight treble hooks. Later, I suggest adding a spiining outfit for finess and

lighter lures.

Thank you! Yes, I already a few spinning outfits specifically for finesse baits. I don't know why I waited so long to get into bait casters, I guess it was the fear of, "more time picking out backlashes then fishing" mentality that some of my buddies would push onto me. I have taken my rod out a few times now to the water and I have yet to experience any type of problems. The accuracy, control, and speed of which I can fish is just so much greater, that I can't stop using it. Sadly, my backyard and basement are not producing that many fish this time of year. I can't wait until spring!

And thank you everyone else for you input as well. Lots of good information gathered. Hopefully I can pick up a good deal at the BPS spring classic. Does anyone know how their rod and reel trade in works? Does it matter how old the outfits are? Does that devalue the amount I would get for a trade in. They are all in working condition, just old. From what I read you got a coupon as long as it was in working condition. But the coupon amount was based off of your new purchase. Thanks!

[LgMouthGambler]

Well, if your gonna talk about what I own as what 2 I would keep.... The first one is my Shimano Curado 200E7 on my 7 ft Berkley Lightning Shock rod and 65# Spiderwire for wrenching out pigs in the grass with a frog. The other being my Abu Garcia Revo SX on 7 ft Vendetta rod and 65# Wire for casting my plastics and swim baits. These are my 2 faves.

[NCLifetimer]

I personally would have a 7' m/h for single hooks and a 7' medium with a parabolic action for treble hook lures, both casting rods. Reel ratio is up to you, for me it would be a 5something on the treble hook rod and 6 something for the single hook rod. Your current rod should meet your single hook applications, so I would get a 7' medium rod with a medium action if i was you.

[youngbassman]

veritas 7'3" thats a short answer with a lews reel best reel and rod combos ever

[Zeeso]

So...

I think I have decided on what I want.

I am going to look at the 7ft MH, Fast action Vendetta casting rod, and pair it up with a bps pro qualifier in the 6.4:1.

The reason for the MH, is that I read some things about the 7ft M, moderate action rod, and that a certain user had some problems with that rod, multiple times. Anyone else have information on that? If it is just an oddball occurrence I might go for that rod instead. It seems like a solid bang for your buck rod, and read a great review on tackle tour. I would be mostly for throwing traps, flipping in heavy cover, and some cranks. There is a lot of underwater vegetation where I fish, so i strong rod to rip it out is a plus. What do you think?

What about reel ratio? Do you think 6.4:1 will cut it for a versatile combo? or should I go 7:1, I can always slow it down. Anywho, thanks again for any future input!

[DaveT63]

The reason for the MH, is that I read some things about the 7ft M, moderate action rod, and that a certain user had some problems with that rod, multiple times.

Not sure if you are talking about a specific brand/model with this comment, but the 7ft MHM rod is a staple for a LOT of fishermen throwing crankbaits and treble hooks. If you are hearing something bad about one model, check others. There are fantastic rods out there in this length and action.

Dave

[Zeeso]

Not sure if you are talking about a specific brand/model with this comment, but the 7ft MHM rod is a staple for a LOT of fishermen throwing crankbaits and treble hooks. If you are hearing something bad about one model, check others. There are fantastic rods out there in this length and action.

Dave

Yes it was pertaining to this specific model. My may concern is not breaking the bank so I was looking at a budget priced rod and this one had stellar reviews for its price point. Just that i saw a few posts talking about problems with the mhm rod in particular. I full well understand that that is a staple for cranks and trebles. I suppose ill broaden my search and try and find one that fits the bill better. Thank you for your time!

[new2BC4bass]

I originally opened this thread with the idea of trying my best to limit my choice to my 2 favorite baitcasters, but that isn't what you were really wanting to ask. Therefore I have to agree with the majority of the other posters. Whether a Medium or Medium Heavy would depend on the weight of the lures you plan on throwing most of the time. If you will be throwing 3/8-1/2 oz. most of the time, then I wouldn't be picking out a MH rated for 3/8-1 oz, However, a MH rated for 1/4-3/4 oz. should work great.

I like my Falcon rods and Airrus rod for treble hooks...both in Med. and MH. I personally like longer rods, yet my current fav for cranks is a 6'6" Medium Falcon. The same model in 7' use to be before I fell and broke it into 3 pieces.