Bass fishing rod/reel setup

[nate4023]

Thanks for the replies! My current set up is pretty cheap. It's a Quantum Escalade baitcaster with a 6'6" Medium lightning rod. I'm leaning toward the Veritas rod, not exactly sure what specifics I will get yet. Then as for the reel, I have heard of the revo and Curado before so possibly one of them. What about the BPS reels? Are they junk or actually decent equipment?

[fishincreek]

Pro qualifiers and Johnny Morris reels are not junk.

[fishingchamp]

For a cheaper set up I have 2 of the Pinnacle reels sold at Wal-Mart matched with the Field and Stream rods sold at Dicks Sporting Goods. The reels cost $60 and the rods cost $80. Pinnacle makes reels for Bass Pro and are just rebranded. I understand Shimano makes the Field and Stream rods. I haven't had any problems from the reels or the rods. The rods are very light and seem to be strong. I caught a 6-14 on the cranking rod last spring and it brought it in with no problem. I keep looking at Curados and I've used one but I figure I can get 2 reels for the price of one with the Pinnacles. I have a Shimano Cumara I use for jig fishing and it's a great rod but the Field and Stream rod does a great job for a lot less money. With 2 teenage daughters going into braces, I have to make my money stretch!

[nate4023]

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shop...5055310/460653

What's your all's thoughts on this combo?

[imthemedic]

It's a good set up. I have 8 pro qualifer reels on my boat. For the money they can hold their own against any reel on the market. Im not a big fan of BPS rods as I have broke several, but thats not to say they are junk. I use Pro Qualifer Tournament edition reels on 7' Veritas rods and I have had no problems at all. I also have several Quantum PT Energy reels mounted on Abu Garcia Villian rods and they are great also. They are about twice the price and to be honest they really aren't any better then the Pro Qualifiers/Veritas combos. As someone mentioned the Johnny Morris Combos are nice too. If it were me considering BPS it would be Johnny Morris, Pro Qualifier or Carbonlite. What is important is maintance and proper storage with this and quality combo will last many years.