BrackishBassin

I’d go for spending more on a reel than a rod. To me, as an inexperienced bank beater, a reel is much more versatile. Bass fishing rods can get so technique specific that it doesn’t make sense for me to spend $200 on a rod (maybe get a good MH all around rod). But, I could see myself spending $200 on a reel that I would use to throw every single bait in my arsenal. I can always move a reel from an extra H rod to a M rod, but I can’t change an extra H rod into a M rod, if that makes any sense.

Rip it through the weeds. Bassresource has a video discussing different set ups to use to do just that. It may sound weird, but I fish my lipless cranks (in one of the ponds I fish that is choked with underwater vegetation) on the same rod I use to fish my frogs. It’s a MH with 50lb braid. As soon as it gets hung, I can just pop the rod tip and it’s free again. I know it sounds weird to fish cranks on something that stout, but it’s the only way I can effectively fish that type of bait, or any bait with trebles, in that pond.

Don’t know prices for the Owner stuff, but Jann’s Netcraft sells stainless steel split rings that I used to convert my saltwater stuff over to in-line single hooks. Haven’t had any issues with them in the two years since I put them on. They were pretty darn cheap too.

I carry all my tackle in a waterproof backpack, but I’m a bank beater so it’s a necessity. Quite often there’s no dry place to set it down.

I don’t have many issues with throwing into the wind with my Tatula CT. It’s a magnetic braking system. That being said, if it’s really windy, I just switch to a spinning set up and throw into the wind all day without worrying about it.

I know everyone suggests a MH/F for all around bass fishing, but I spend way more time with my M/F rod in my hands. Maybe it’s because of the water I fish (small lake and ponds from the bank), or the lures I have more confidence in or enjoy fishing more (mostly moving stuff due to my ADD), but that’s my go to. Having fished both spinning reels and baitcasters, I definitely prefer a baitcaster for ‘active’ fishing. If I’m just soaking a bait, then a spinning reel is fine.

I really enjoy throwing the Biwaa Seven I got from one of my subscription boxes. Great action and easy to control the depth. Allowed me to try them out without spending an arm and a leg. Think they’re around $25 each, but don’t quote me on that.

I throw a bluegill color, white/chartreuse, and black/blue.

I wear a pair of Ariat Workhogs. They’re composite toe (less chilly in the winter but still protected), waterproof, and decently high up on my calf so I can tuck my pant legs into them to avoid ticks/chiggers.

I exclusively throw 3/8, but the water I fish isn’t that deep and there’s tons of grass on the bottom. 1/2 is just too heavy, especially with a trailer on it.

Had the same thing happen to me in 2016. I carry two scales with me all the time - digital and spring scale. Never again!

I’ve done tons of reading and watched lots of videos. Spent an hour and a half throwing the ‘correct’ baits for the conditions (cloudy with cold water) without getting a nibble. Said screw it, tied on a wake bait, and caught a new PB. My new theory is called Kitchen Sink Bass Fishing. If you’ve got it, throw it.

How do you search just for the reels it applies to?

I think there are less OEM fans on these forums than their are people that prefer companies that design and produce their own stuff. Not to mention, Daiwas are hard to beat if you look at the features being offered at particular price point.

No experience with the rods. The reels use the exact same parts as reels half their price (e.g. Shishamo). You can get great gear for great prices on eBay. Guys have mentioned the Fuegos. You could also take a look at what Kastking offers. Most of the guys on here that have used them have nothing but good things to say about them, minus one weird drag washer issue. Don’t know if that’s been corrected yet or not. If you’re looking for starter gear, you’d have a hard time beating a Fuego (or KastKing) with an affordable rod (e.g. Ugly Stik Elite, Berkley Shock, etc.).

If you’re manually closing your bail, which you should be to avoid line twist and other issues, it’s easier than fishing with a ‘normal’ spinning reel. The only purpose for the bail is to guide the line back onto the roller. If you close the bail by hand normally, you’d just need to switch that motion to reseat the line on the roller.

I don’t pitch a bunch because I’m a bank beater, but I tend to resort to a pitch when I know for a fact I’d have a hard time actually casting to my target because it’s too close. I know that’s not a ton of help, but I have limited boat experience. In my yard, with a bucket as a target, I’d say my effective pitching distance (maintaining accuracy) is not more than 10 yards.

Think you might be mistaking the Fierce for another reel. Fierce 2 was released in 2015 and the BG (newer edition) didn’t show up until 2016. The Penn Battle 2 looks very similar to the new BG, but it was around before the BG as well.

I’d suggest giving a Penn Fierce 2 a shot. I have one in the 2000 size that I use to fish both salt and freshwater. Owned it for two years now and haven’t had any issues. It reeled in my previous PB largemouth (just about 5lbs) and countless saltwater fish (everything from whiting to red drum to sea trout) without an issue. I think I paid something in the neighborhood of $50 for mine.

They’re just hard to beat at the prices you can buy them. Plenty of guys here like other reels, but it’s hard to find a comparable, say Shimano reel, at the same price point as the Daiwa stuff.

You can get a Daiwa Tatula CT (anywhere from $82-$97 depending on the seller on eBay) and match with with a great rod of your choice for less than $200. I tried the combo route, then stepped up to matching a CT with a rod I liked. I’ll never buy another combo again. Too many good deals out there on quality equipment.

I do it, but it’s a holdover saltwater habit. Every time I get back from fishing salt and/or brackish water, the drags get tightened all the way down and the whole rod and reel get washed down. Then I loosen them back up afterwards. So, I tend to do the loosening of the drag with my spinning gear even after fishing freshwater. It’s just a habit at this point.

Wakebaits, whopper ploppers, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, more poppers... Crap, I’m not helping...

Like my new PB caught on a topwater in February. My new mantra - throw it, because you never know.

Same thing for coloring your line black with a sharpie. Somehow it makes it less visible when you color your line black, but you use black baits at night/muddy water because the bass can see them better. It’s magic...