JohnnyRebTX

I'm dead set on Abu Garcia Ike Signature Series spinning rod for topwater (frog fishing mostly). I'm going to sell my Abu Veritas 2.0. I realize there's better out there in its price range, and most of y'all use baitcasters. But I'm a sucker for purple. (To each his own) Which length and power spinning rod would y'all suggest out of these? I mostly bank fish. Thanks! https://mikeiaconelli.com/article.php?id=42

Y'all convinced me. Daiwa Tatula ct and original Tatula rod 7'2" M/H it is. Now, which model and gear ratio? Is it just personal preference at this point?

However, I also use a Daiwa RG-AB 2000 on my ultralight setup. That reel beats all of those for the price. Cabela's occasionally has them for $39.99. That's a steal!

I have used an Okuma Inspira ISX 30W for about a year. Good reel. Better than a President imho. However the President XT and Limited Edition are about on par with it. I like my Shimano Nasci better than all of the previously mentioned reels so far though.

1/4oz-3/4oz baits mostly. I don't have much that would weigh more than that. I have a pretty decent lure collection for a novice. I just pick out stuff I haven't thrown before, watch some youtube tutorials, and practice with them.

I'll play with the lefties and righties. See what feels better. I figured someone would suggest that (for good reason I know, I know). I'm right handed. Grew up on spincasters. Spinners were odd to me at first, but I grew to enjoy them. I'm not surprised at the reel suggestions, but I am a little bit at the rod advice. I thought most everyone on here picks G Loomis or St Croix over the rest. Lotta love for the Tatula rod. Interesting.

1/4-3/4 oz mostly

Hey all. I'm not new to fishing, but I am to fishing with baitcasters. I own about ten spinning setups, and I figure it's about time to learn baitcasters. Better late than never. I have searched through the pages for information and found lots of good advice. (Y'all always give great advice. Thank you) Anyways, I'm looking to buy my first casting rod and reel very soon. Budget will be around $200. I already own a setup that I like for worming. (St croix mojo bass +Shimano Nasci) I already own a topwater setup that I enjoy. (Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0+Okuma Inspira) This setup will be solely for heavier baits since I've read most casting setups excel at that application. Help me select my first casting rod and reel. I read most of y'all suggest the Daiwa Tatula CT in the $100 range for beginners. Abu Garcia Revo & Shimanos are right behind that reel. Then there's a few Lew's fans on here. I'm leaning towards the Daiwa from y'alls input. What model would suit me best? I'm right handed, but I got use to using a spinning setup. I think I would still like a right-handed caster even though I'm a spinning guy. I cast better right-handed, and I can just switch hands to reel. Next question is what rod do I pair it with the $100 price range? The Tatula XT? A St Croix Bass X? Maybe a Lew's TP-1 speed stick? Something else? Thank y'all for any and all advice. Mucho appreciated!!!

I just wanted to say a quick thanks to all the members on here for rod, reel, and line suggestions. I'm still a novice at lure fishing, but I have started to consistently catch bass daily thanks to y'all! I bought a St Croix Mojo Bass, Shimano Nasci, and power pro braid due to the recommendations on this forum. I'm typically casting a wacky rigged yamamoto senko with exceptional results. Thanks again all!

Well, long time coming. I finally caught a bass on my st croix mojo bass and shimano nasci. I was using a GrandeBass airtail rattler in Smokin Shad color. First fish on the Mojo. It was a blast. 15.5" Just under 2lbs.

Thanks. I own one Berkley Glowstik, and the rod stopped glowing after one year of use. I wished that part lasted longer. Otherwise it's a decent rod for mid to small cats. I own the old version, and I see they updated the rod since. I may give the new one a look. Otherwise I'm considering Ugly Stik Catfish, Okuma Battlecats, and Team Catfish Thundercat spinning for their white blanks for catfishing. Then Abu Garcia Veritas, Duckett Ghosts, and Shimano Sellus rods for their white blanks for bass.

I'm resurrecting this old thread for a different reason. I have considered switching to all white blanks because I fish a lot at night. I fish for catfish and bass from the bank, and I can see the white rods better under the moonlight. I use minnows on bobbers, and chicken liver a lot.

Screwy Lewy Lures seems to make some good looking jig sets.

I'm all set for the most part on hard plastic baits. I would like some more jigs, spinners, buzzbaits, frogs, and maybe spoons. I have seen some sets for sell by smaller company tackle makers, so do y'all know of any deals on sets of the above said baits?

A chrome rat-l-trap caught my first fish on a lure. I only had 3 lures cuz I just never had luck with any. Live bait is and maybe always will be my go to. That being said, I have a lot more than than three lures now.

5lb Channel Cat, 5lb Flathead, 3lb Spotted Gar, 1.5lb Black Crappie

11.5lb, 28" Smallmouth Buffalo, 7 lb Striper, 6lb Blue Catfish

Great pics!!!

Since I've gotten back into fishing, it has brought my family much joy seeing me post many of my catches on social media or via text. Especially my parents. They told me the passion for fishing gene must have been passed down through both my grandfathers as well as my great grandfather. Here are the pics.

I'm experiencing many firsts as well. I'm learning a ton through Web browsing with a lot of info right here on this forum. My first topwater catch was on a whopper plopper yesterday an hour before sunset. That was awesome.

I was able to get out just before sunset. I saw a lot of surface activity, so I went with topwater. This is my first catch on the Okuma Inspira & Abu Garcia Veritas, first time using braid, and first topwater catch. Man that was exciting. I'm hooked!

I'll take a closer look at those this week when I bring my reels in to switch to braid at BPS. Always on the hunt for a good blend of performance, durability, and value. I actually wanted one rod with the stiffness of the Veritas. I use to use a Shakespeare Tiger spincast in heavy for my heavier lures (I know...I've come a long way) I caught a big gar on a rat-l-trap with that setup, and it handled him easily.

I would ask if the monkey bait ever stops, but I already know the answer to that. I never thought I'd enjoy fishing quite as much as I do when I started going out again. I believe everyone has to find that hobby or niche that is chicken soup for the soul, and for a time it was target shooting for myself. I love to be by the water now .

Or I could just call it good with what I have for bass, and pickup an ultra light St. Croix Panfish Rod for throwing my tiny lures.

Can't beat a Penn+Ugly Stik on the cheap side for live bait though. Those setups are here to stay. The drag is awesome, and the rods are perfect for tossing around without worry around mud or placing in rod holders with bells.