Rod Advice

[QUOTE=BigBlueJake;470341]Hey guys need some advice. My rod and reel collection is kind of a hodge podge group that I have assembled over the last 10 years. I am now taking bass fishing more seriously and I have been enjoying fishing in tournaments the last couple of years. Now that I have a real job I am looking to basically start over on my rods and reels. I have been reading and talking to guys about the importance of having the same equipment on all of your bass rods (meaning same rod, same reel) so that there is no let off when you put one down and pick up another one.

So where I plan on starting is by upgrading my rods. I plan on starting with a 7', a 7 1/2' casting rods, and a 7' spinning rod. I was hoping to be in the 100-120 dollar range for each rod. What are your suggestions for that range? I have been looking at the Bass Pro Carbonlite rod and the Johny Morris carbon rod (I really don't see a difference between these two except for the name. Both are 85 million mod.) I have talked to some of the guys I fish with about Carrot Stix too and it seems like some love them and some aren't too enthused about them.

What rods would you suggest and why for bass fishing in that price range?

For reels I think I have decided on the Bass Pro extreme series. They seem to be decent at a good price 79 bucks each. But is there something else you would say is must to look at for a reel?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.
Jake[/QUOTE]

Here is my advice and I hope I dont repeat anyone, I havent read the replies. I would go with a name brand for both the rods and reels, one with a good warranty and that stands behind their stuff. I use shimano, for rods and reels. BPS changes their stuff once every couple years and while they may be cheap, you get a year and then its on you if it breaks or tears up. What Im saying is go with products that have been proven and will be around a while. I went the BPS route and I got some decent stuff pretty cheap. But the curados are still cranking the extremes are gone.

Also, an adjustable brake system is a must. Im not talking about the turn dial, I mean the brakes you push in and out inside the reel. They are much easier to fine tune to cast.

My three in order that I like are the abu Garcia verdict, veritas, and my kissler mag. Love these rods. And reels i like are my abu Garcia revo sx I have two next is my quantum kvd reel I use for crankin then my bps pro qualifiers I have two. Spinning reels all I have is the pfluger presidents I have had three of them for years work as good as the day I bought them. If you keep your rods cleaned. And keep the reels oiled and greased they will last.

for reels: The best reel for the money is definitely a shimano curado. This compared to similar products from abu or quantum is not even close. the curado is very smooth and has one of the best braking systems i've seen.

as far as rods go: i've owned a few rods so far in my life and the carbonlite from bps is the best yet. its very light and yet still has the backbone too catch nice fish. not for sure on how much a vendetta differs from a veritas but the vendetta is terrible.

all i can say is wait until the spring sale and then go get some good deals or buy online from tacklewarehouse or somewhere similar!

I have a couple of the BP extreme reels. They are some of the smoothest casting reels I own. I love them. Especially for the price. JMHO.