JSmalley9

Thanks for the great recommendations. I really appreciate it guys! Part of what I struggle with is knowing which action I should go for. What I typically find the most luck with seems to be the various crankbaits, your standard break back and what not. I don't have a ton of experience with jigs, but that's something I'd really like to get into. Almost exclusively I fish with my Father and he has absolutely everything. I am ashamed to admit that I essentially don't have any fishing equipment of my own, I just use his stuff. He has a million and one spinning setups - including a few that I really like (helps that he doesn't like the ones that I do) so I was looking to get my own gear started this holiday season with a baitcaster.

Hey everyone! I've been reading through the forums quite a bit lately to try and find some answers. I know this is a question that has been asked a million times, but I was hoping I could ask it yet again. I am looking for a rod and reel to start off a bait caster set up. I would like to spend no more than say $150 (each) - but I'd certainly be happy spending less if the increase in price doesn't get me a big jump in performance. I was strongly considering the Mojo Bass for the rod, but wasn't sure exactly which (good idea?). My primary fishing is for Bass of course, but I also do enjoy switching it up now and then and going for the odd pike, Muskie, cat, and walleye. I live in Michigan if that makes a difference. The reason I'm asking again is because after going through previous threads I've gotten a little lost in abbreviations and lingo. I've been fishing for most of my life, but never 'seriously'. I don't know much of the fishing jargon (if there are any resources out there that could help, I would absolutely appreciate that!). This is especially true for me with rods, reels, and the various baits and retrieval styles. If you show me a lure I'll generally know what to do with it (for the basics anyways) but I'll have no clue what it's called or the proper name for how to use it. I apologize for the lengthy post, but thts only for my eagerness to learn! tl;dr - Need a bait caster rig, under $150, that would excel in multiple applications. Also, whatever resources that can be recommended for my own education (I love a good book) in modern fishing. Thank you so much everyone!