Bait casting set up

[BottomBouncer13]

Anyone of you fine folks have any advice on what's a decent setup for bass fishing in the 200 range. I would like to use it for lots of techniques as well so it has to be versatile. If anyone is looking to sell some gear hit me up too. Thanks in advance

[catfishonthelake]

Any of the Shimano or Abu's in the $80 to $120 range will be reliable and cover a wide range of applications. Check out the new Shimano Casitas or the newly released Abu Black Max, Silver Max or Pro Max. There are literally hundreds of options for rods. I'd go with graphite, MH in the 7' to 7'6" range. St. Croix has some options for you in your price range...like the Triumph X or Triumph. For a few more $$ you can do the Mojo Bass or for a few more than that you can get a Premier, which in my opinion is the best rod on the market for the $$$.

[Mikey topaz]

X2 on mojo bass rod

[Sleeper-6]

I have a bunch of Abu Vendetta / Shimano Curado G setups that I am happy with. I also have a couple St Croix Triumph and a premier rod that I have been happy with. I haven't tried too many others, so unfortunately I don't have much to compare them to for you.

[gnuisance]

I personally don't think I could get by with one set up for bass fishing. I like a 2000 size spinning reel and 6'6 or 7' m or med lt for drop shot, shakey head, small swimbaits, swim jigs and cranks and a 7 or 7'6 MH baitcaster for jigs, frogs, top water, larger cranks, deep cranks, spinner baits, buzz baits etc. I know that doesn't make it easy but that's my preference.

[UglyStick]

Shimano and St. Croix all the way...

[BottomBouncer13]

I personally don't think I could get by with one set up for bass fishing. I like a 2000 size spinning reel and 6'6 or 7' m or med lt for drop shot, shakey head, small swimbaits, swim jigs and cranks and a 7 or 7'6 MH baitcaster for jigs, frogs, top water, larger cranks, deep cranks, spinner baits, buzz baits etc. I know that doesn't make it easy but that's my preference.

Yeah I don't plan on only one. I have a drop shot/shaky head set up already. Just need a casting set up for heavier baits. Do you guys fish senkos on bait casters or spinning?

[Chrisper4694]

I use bait casters for bass with swimbaits, cranks, jerk baits, med or large jigs sometimes. For whacky rigs and worms I always use spinning because I can't skip a lure for crap with a baitcaster...I've seen it done but I can't even come close haha.

[Lard Almighty]

Abu, Daiwa, and Shimano make good baitcasting reels. I've also heard good things about Lew's. If you've got $200 to spend, make sure at least $150 goes into the reel. A cheap baitcasting reel will break before you get it out of the package! As for rods, a Berkeley Lightning Rod will give you great bang for your buck. St. Croixs are great rods, but they're a little pricey.

[tradingfrank27]

I purchased 2 Shimano Casitas in December used them a few times before the ice. The are just as smooth as my more expensive Curado I's. As for how long they hold up, I can't tell you but they fit into your palms very well. The line capacity is small so be aware of that. I got mine at Ramsey Outdoors in North Jersey, they have $20 off $100 coupon that is allowed to be used on Shimano reels (which is rare). Good luck on your search, St. Croix Mojo rods are good for the price, can use coupon on those too. Good luck on your search

[briansnat]

You can get a Lew's Speed Spool Tournament for about $140 and a Berkley Lightning Rod or Lightning Rod Shock for $40. Lews reels and Lightning Rods offer a lot of performance for the money. The Bass Pro Shops B ionic Blade is another good rod for the money and it's on sale for under $50 right now.

Or you can get the basic Lews Speed Spool for LT $100 and get a better rod, something like the Fenwick HMG or Shimano Clarus also LT $100.

Personally, with a baitcaster, I'd put more money in the reel and save a little on the rod with the idea of upgrading the rod down the road (For spinning I reverse that and put more money into the rod).

Last spring I picked up a Shimano Curado on sale at Dicks and along with some coupon points it ran me $135. If you can find a deal like that the Curado is a pretty nice reel and you can pair it with a Lightning Rod or B ionic Blade and have a really nice outfit.

As far as the type of rod, I think you will find a 6', 6" to 7' medium, fast action rod with a line test range somewhere in 8-20 lb range to the be the most versatile.