Bait casting set up
 

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

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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 $$ you can do the Mojo Bass or for a few more than that you can get a Premier, which in my opinion is the best rod on the market for the $$$.

Re: Bait casting set up
 

X2 on mojo bass rod

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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.

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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.

Re: Bait casting set up
 

Shimano and St. Croix all the way...

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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?

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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.

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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.

Re: Bait casting set up
 

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