My first baitcasting combo

[KYHorseflys]

Okay, so I'm ready to buy my first baitcastin' combo... I'm pretty much a novice so I don't think spendin' a lot of money on super high quality stuff is the way to go (I guess). So here's what I'm looking to get, any advice would be appreciated (good choice/bad choice, etc.).

Bass Pro Shops® Tourney Special® Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...rTarget=browse

$59.98

Reel:
8.7 OZ RIGHT-HAND RETRIEVE
6.3:1
28''
12 YD/150 LB

Rod:
1-PIECE
8 GUIDES
10-20 LB
3/8-1 OZ
6'6" MH
TRIGGER HANDLE C

[gettingonefishin]

You should buy 2 of whatever you buy exactly the same. Rig em up differnt like a worm on one and a jig on the other. If ya buy only 1 take extra line with ya, Cos ya may get a crows nest ya have to cut out. I done most of my learning with a Ambassadeur 5000 years ago. I stood in the boat while it was parked in the yard and experimented and practiced for awhile and that was with a 6 ft fiberglass rod like a baseball bat. Dont get frustrated with it cos it takes some getting used to. Good luck and hope ya make the right choice. But the Shimano is the easiest to learn on and I do think ya should go with a medium action rod. The tip action helps alot. Good Luck

[KYHorseflys]

Thanks for the advice - I have three sets of line to play around with (6lb - 8lb - 12 lb), and a few different size crank baits. Since I live so close to the Ohio River, I plan on practice casting there using the different lines and size lures. Unfortunately, I can only afford one setup for right now... but I have a feeling I'll be spending more money on fishing gear than I could imagine!

[buckdroppings]

Upgrade to the extreme combo. The Tourny special reel is a waste of your money. That rod is nice but you get a great deal on the extreme combo at $99.99

[KYHorseflys]

The Extreme Combo is listed at $120 online - there's another I've been looking at that is a little cheaper: Browning® Fishing Medallion® GT Baitcast Reel and Rod Combo.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...rTarget=browse

Anyone got a take on that combo?

Of course, the problem is, I'm getting over budget here... maybe it's worth it to wait till I can afford more - but that means waiting to start practice casting and gettin' to fishin' too. Decisions, decisions! LOL!

[buckdroppings]

I'll check and see if they still have last years model extreme at the store. If so it sells for $99.99. I bought two a couple of weeks ago. This years model is $120.

[ranimated]

Another consideration........ the better baitcaster you buy, the easier it will be to learn to use. I've been using them for 26 years and even I struggle with some of the cheap ones in some situations. If you dish out the money for, say, a Shimano Citica $119.00, it will make your life easier but I know that's a lot of money. Another way would be to buy a used Shimano Curado. Personally I'd rather pay $60 for a used Shimano baitcaster than pay the same for a new one of almost any other kind.

[KYHorseflys]

Yeah, a buddy at work told me the more ball-bearings, the smoother the action and easier to learn on too. He uses spincasters and likes them the best... anyways, I might just take the hit on buying a higher quality setup - all depends on what happens and what I walk out with from the store! I wish I could afford the higher quality stuff, but... well... we'll see.

[Danny]

Hey horsefly...

I agree that you should try a medium rod first. It will allow you to fish many more flexible ways. I think if you check a med/hvy rod will say for lures 1/2 oz and up... where a medium will usually say for 1/4 oz. If you are fishing jigs and Tx rigged worms or CR, you may lose a little with a medium vs. med/hvy.


For just starting out, I agree with what you are doing. My first wife says all my tackle just disappeared... doesn't know where it went during the divorce... over 20 years ago now.

So I did not fish for a very long time, but when I started fishing again, I bought the really inexpensive rigs from WalMart. They were OK, but if I fished very much, which my fishing did grow and I fished more and more... they would wear out every year. So, if you start with the inexpensive stuff, it will allow you to experiment, learn, and if you tear it up, you're not out much. If you get to where you fish a lot, and the stuff keeps wearing out every year, you may then find that the more expensive stuff is worth it in the long run.

Some simple financial analysis will tell the tale for you.

Danny

[smljaw]

I fully agree with the reel upgrade if you're willing to invest the $$$. A Shimano Citica would be a great choice. The investment will be worth it once you realize the reel held has up for 5+ years. I have a Citica that I purchased in 1998. I think I've had it cleaned twice and had one minor repair done to it.

IMO, Shimano reels are the way to go if you're willing to spend the $$$. Once you buy/use a higher dollar, quality reel you will be glad to paid the extra $$$ for it.

[smljaw]

If you're looking at a $60 outfit, personally, I would go with the Diawa Procaster combo for $55. I have not owned a Diawa for several years but loved the Diawa baitcasters I owned in the late 80s & early 90s. As for the rod, I think you're on the right track going 6'6" medium heavy w/ c handle. Spool the reel with 12 pound Trilene XL and you're ready for just about anything. This is a good choice for throwing a spinnerbait, jig, tube, topwater, fluke, senko, etc.

I'm not sure if living that close to a BPShops is a good thing or bad thing... ??? I think I save money living in Lexington (90 mins from any BPS)...

You can probably get yourself set up for the year with about $150. Good luck and good fishin'!

[KYHorseflys]

Yeah, livin' close to BPShop can be a good/bad thing!

Okay, so from what I'm taking here, looks like going with the medium action rod would be better than the medium heavy, right? And this combo is better than the orginal one I had picked out?

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...rTarget=browse

The thing is, I know that if I really get it going, I'll eventually step up and spend more $ on the higher quality stuff. Baitcasters are completely new to me and the reason I'm looking to go there first is to learn on it. The next setup I buy will probably be a spinner set. Though, from what I've been learning, I'd be better off in the cooler weather with a spinner for light tackle (float 'n fly, jigging)... but again, I want to learn a baitcaster before the weather warms up.

I know it's pretty much all trial and error and finding what suits you best... I guess I'm just trying to find the best "all-around" setup for gettin' it goin'! :)

I planned on getting the baitcaster and spending as much time as I can on a dock learning to cast and get it where I want it to land with different types of lures. I don't own or know anyone with a boat - so I won't have a chance at getting on boats much. :( Anyways, thanks to everyone for y'alls input. Probably head over there tomorrow and pick out what I'm getting and start playin' around with it.

Thanks again for the advice and keep it comin'!