KSRonH

You're going to get lots of recomendations, as everyone has their opinion on what brand is best but here's my 2 cents as far as generalities, and I own both Gloomis and St Croix rods. I would recommend in Gloomis in only the IMX or higher quality lines. With St Croix buy Avid or higher quality lines. I personally would recommend one higher quality combo over trying to get two combos using your $300 to $400 dollar budget. You can purchase good spinning reels in the $70 - $100 dollar range, ( Abu 502 or Pflueger Supreme for example ) leaving more dollars for the rod which I feel is the more important component. I feel you will be happier with one high quality combo than two lesser combos. Also check the for sale items here as many great deals are available from time to time. Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase.

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I agree with KYntucky Warmouth as far as the 3 casting and 1 spinning rod option, and also with Lucky Craft Man as far as ending up with higher quality rods down the road. My personal 4 rod combo would be St Croix rods in the Legend Tournament series. The Sweeper, 7' MHF, Teaser, 7'MF and the 7'MM for cranks. My spinning rod choice would be the 6'9'' MLXF dropshot rod. St Croix offers the trade up program where you can trade rods up to a higher quality line and get full retail, minus 10 dollars a year, towards the new rod. This would allow you to start with the Premier line and upgrade down the road, or maybe the Legend Tournament Teaser and 3 Premiers. Like you said, lots of options, and so this is just my 2 cents. Good luck with your new rods.

Looking at purchasing a new tackle bag to better organize tackle in my boat. Currently have two soft side bags and lots of loose plano boxes. I would like feedback if you've had experience, ( good or bad ), with any of the three choices I have narrowed it down to. Looking at Cabelas Advanced Angler Pro series magnum bag, Flambeau's AZ8, or BPS's XPS Stalker bag. Leaning towards the Cabelas but your feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

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I'm an upstate ny transplant also. Welcome to BR

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