All Purpose Baitcaister and rod

[Jackster]

I have about $250 in gift certificates from bass pro shop. I'd like to buy myself an all purpose nice bait caster and rod. I don't think I've ever spent more than $80 for a combo in my life so I have no idea what to get in the higher end stuff. I know I'll probably get several opinions which is great. That will give me a good starting point.

[Catch]

Johnny Morris Combo Page 37 in 09 Catalog. 299.00

[smuckey41]

Johnny Morris Combo Page 37 in 09 Catalog. 299.00

i feel the same and on your pole i would get med. or med. hvy. action depending on what type of fishing you like to do. if you like light tackle stuff no more then a 1/4oz then i would get a med. but if you throw more heavy stuff like jigs deep diving crank baits, worms, spinnerbaits things like that i would go med. hvy. and get a 7 foot rod no less then 6'6. just my thoughts.

chuck

[slowride]

All you need is a 6'6 mh bps rod, they have a bionic blade rod (or something like that) on sale now for $49 norm $79, great rod! Then get a low profile baitcaster u like? With that 6'6 u can fish about anything bass. This is just my recomendation for an all purpose entry level, you'll be fine...

[FishinPhil]

In my opinion I would recommend an abu garcia ambassadeur 4600 0r 5500 round baitcast reel. They are easy to maintain, cast well, have a 22 lb drag I believe which is alot more than low profile reels besides the revos. They also only cost $85 and they have a $15 mail in rebate right now. You cant go wrong with a fenwick hmg either. They have numerous models and cost about $130. Good luck in your shopping

[bob46]

I agree with catch, I would buy ugly stick light rod, with about a 50.00 reel, now it is johnny morris all the way I have 2 johnny morris elite reels and 1 elite rod and two signature series rods. Love them.

[bigboyjon]

I would hold off and see what the big spring sale has to offer. They usually have a couple of good deals, Extreme rods were half price last year. They also in years past have combos that has done well for me, I got a Viper combo and it been good. I rather have two good combos then one I would be afraid to use. There alot of other things to spend money on that might make things more fishing friendly, depth finders, tackle, or even some led lighting.

[goosecreekguy]

i agree with bigboyjon...waiting on the spring sale will likely get you a better outfit for less money. personally i like the quantum kvd combo...its a pretty versatile setup that has held up nice (and im kind of tough on my equipment) for a decent price so you'll have some bucks leftover for tackle or whatever... if you're dead set on spending all the money on a single combo, consider the johnny morris or a shimano, both are NICE.

[slowride]

FishinPhil i do like ambassaduer reels i've got several and they last forever! However they are heavy, and hold way too much line, and if your throwng a deep plug the abu's will beat up up. But for a starter their easy to cast and well worth the price.

[MagikSmallie]

Get a Shimano Crucial Rod 7' Medium Heavy, with a Shimano Citica. $280

[Dakota Kid]

you don't have to blow your wallet on gear. A really good set up will run you 100-200. I bought a couple BPS extreme reals last year and I'm impressed. As far as matching rods, I'm a believer in what feels god, go with it.

[Col Forbin]

I got to agree with Dakota Kid here - you don't have to have high end stuff to get the same results. I would not skimp too much on the reel. Nothing will drive you crazy more than a cheap reel while fishing. If I was looking to save some money, i would go with a lower end rod than reel, but for the kind of money you are talking about you can get a nice combo. I think the Shimano Citica, for the money, is the best performing reel out there. You will not be disapointed with that reel. That will leave you about $130 for the rod. I would seriously look into a Carrot Stick. They will run about $150, but will be as low as $120 when on sale. They have a lifetime, over the counter warrantee (if you break it, just swap it for another just like it at any place that sells them for free). I would get either a 6'6 or a 7' (I prefer the longer rods, but I am 6'4), in MH (they run a little lighter than they say - so that would be comparable to a true medium. You will love that combo - I have one, and it is one of my favorites.