Suggestions on a decent rod and reel

[Buzzbait]

It's becoming more and more clear that my cheap Shimano will no longer suffice. I'm pretty sure it's a trout rod.

Anyone got some advice on a decent set up for me? I fish mostly top water Buzzbait and spinners.

I read that a 6.5' medium action rod is a good bet. Specifically, he recommends the Kistler "Helium LTA Series" (Roger Lee Brown - The Bass Coach).


What do you think? I need something fairly inexpensive that will do an all around job.

[Randy Yeager]

A 7' G. Loomis 844 Baitcaster Med Heavy is good choice for one of your first rods. You can use it for a bunch of different things from jigs to worms to buzzbaits, flippin, pitchin, draggin, basically, it works for almost all techniques.

I have several that I rig different ways, would'nt trade them our for nuthin.

[macinckirk]

I would just buy a crucial rod from shimano great rod for the price and a good warranty

crc70m is what I would get for what you want buzz and blades

[Fishitifyoucan]

I would recommend you buying/trying one of BPS's Extreme combos. You can buy your choice of rods with several different reel set ups for only $99!! I own a few of these combos in different lengths and actions and I am very happy with them. The new 07 reels all have 7 ball bearings and plenty of drag. For under $100 bucks they are very, very hard to beat. Hope this helps.

[Lake]

Buzzbait
You need to take a serious look at the EVX series from Okuma. They make a killer rod for buzzbaits and blades. Model # is EVX-C-681MH you can see the specs here.

http://www.okumafishingteam.com/rods/co ... ialty.html

Also be sure to check out the MSRP cost on the right hand side of the page.

[Matt Moreau]

I am Partial to Powell rods, but they are not cheap. I made the mistake when i started of buying cheap gear and it has cost me in the long run. As i got more and more serious i found that this "CHEAP' gear just couldnt cut it. After a trial period of many "TOP" brands i have swiched 95% of my stuff to Powell rods and Shimano reels. The Powell rods are incredible...Light, tough and super sensitive. I have got them stuck in trees when backing up... Caught in my rod lockers and made S shapes out of them and i have yet to break one. I admitidley am very hard on my gear and i have broke many rods...Loomis, Lamiblast... blah blah blah but again i have not yet broke a Powell. Like i always say Kudos Keith!

So the point i am trying to make is, if you are truly getting pasionate for the sport and see yourself fishing for years to come, even if its only 1ce a month, BUY DECENT GEAR NOW!

[FISH2WIN55]

Zebco 202 snoopy rod and reel.
J/K
I would look at a GL3 and a Quantum Accurist reel.

[drew]

Based on your requirements, I recommend a Shimano Compre and Curado combo. Out the door it will cost about $300. Buzzbaits and spinners are fished near cover, so I recommend a 200 size reel with a 7:1 gear ratio and a 7'ft rod in a medium to medium heavy size. This setup is very versatile and will also work well with other presentations. Checkout Tackle Warehouse for the different models and pricing.

[Buzzbait]

......if you are truly getting pasionate for the sport and see yourself fishing for years to come........ BUY DECENT GEAR NOW!

Damn. I knew it but didn't want to admitt it. I might have to sell one of my boats then I guess.

[Calistar]

bb,
As you can see there are plenty of opinions out there on rods and reels. All of them will work.

Since you are just starting out, I would recommend a solid lower-end combo until you figure out your strengths, likes, and dislikes. That way you don't invest too much money on a product that you may not like.

I would suggest the Shimano Citica baitcasting reel and match that up with a Shimano Clarius or Compre Rod. You should be able to get out the door for about $200 total and that setup will last you for years.

Good Luck in your search...

[stlhd0521]

I would go Powell 703 (169.00) and Abu Garcia Revo S (99.99), the lightest combo for the price. Also great warranty on the rod

[DG]

For just starting out and far beyond that, you can't go wrong with one of the BPS extreme combos that are on sale now. The ETX10hd paired with an Xtr66mt(medium) or the xtr66mht (heavy) will do fine for most applications or at least until you branch out and need more equipment. The sale proce is $119.99 and the regular price is $179.98. The new extreme reels are a smooth and are covered with a good warranty. I sent back an old extreme reel (5 years old) and they sent me a new model rather than repair the old at no cost!!!! The rods are also covered for replacement.
Dg

[Smile_n_Jax]

I'll also go along with the BPS Extreme series combo's. You get a nice selection of rods and reels and the current sale price is $99 for the combo. I have a 7' MH rod with a 7:1 ratio reel and am very happy with it. Works great for topwater and rip baits.

[Kevin Evans - Kap]

poor quality lingers long after a good price is forgotten - Get the best products your budget can afford. Having the confidence in a rod and reel set up and how to best untilize it is just as important as the confidence you have in your favorite baits.


Kap

[TonyL]

I've only been at this a few years , but have had ta aquire rods quick (for 2) as we (son/I) were learning new techniques every weekend ! We've got about 24 rod/reel combos now Shimano , Lamiglas , Kistler , G loomis , included , and to date two of my favorite rods are some cheap Daiwa glass crankin rods topped off with Cabela brand baitcasters 6'6" I believe . We just got in from fishin and were headed out again the following weekend and was just tired of playing musical baits/rods so went online found a sale(was a little strapped also ) at Cabelas - rod $24 , reel $59 , had'em shipped yeahh they're a little heavy but my 11yr old son at the time didn't have a problem throwin it all day long ! Since then we've aquired alot of great used gear at great prices right off of this site , shoot I bought a bundle of rods twice off of Bassbones (miss that guy ),grat gear at a great price! Point-don't have ta spend big $ ta have good stuff!

[BassManDan]

Hey Norm,

Like others have suggested, Bass Pro Shops would be a good place to start, they have good equipment at great prices.

My best suggestion for a good entry level combo would be a Shimano Clarus 6'6" Med. Heavy rod ($60) and an Abu Garcia Revo S reel ($100). Spool it with some P-Line 15 lb CX. you can use it for pitching, texas rigs, senkos and of course buzzbaits!
Yeah it seems a bit pricey for entry level, but you will have it for the rest of your life if you take care of it.

Glad to hear that website was up your street, hopefully you can build all the buzzbaits ya want!

All the best,
BassManDan