clemsontyger

Thanks much. And those two types of rods sound do-able for just all-around bass/crappie fishing on each?

That's for each set-up, so $250 max, give or take. I'm guessing I can certainly get by on the cheaper side with crappie rod/reel than bass as well.

Oh man, I've already lost my son's 33 doing exactly that. So trust me, when I do take the rod out with me now I'm more concerned about that than I am my paddle. Worst case I can arm paddle back

That subject line blows my mind that i am saying that, but over the past week or two I've realized that I really have spent my entire life knowing nothing about fishing (I am 43). I grew up with a Zebco 33 basic rod/reel combo and have never used anything else, and have mostly done bank fishing. I recently bought a recreational kayak which has been a blast, but which has also led me to become more interested in fishing. So I've been taking out my 33, and not surprisingly have not been having a lot of luck, though some of that no doubt is due to the guy holding the rod. I found this forum while reading countless articles and watching all kinds of videos. The problem is that I think i've researched myself to the point of paralysis by analysis now. So while this may be my first post, I know this has been asked countless times before, but can someone be so kind as to just validate my thinking? I'm mostly going to be fishing small lakes, and the calm rivers which lead into those lakes. Open water as well as completely flooded forests which lead to the open lake. Maybe some occasional bank fishing too of course, but primarily this is about fishing from my kayak. I know there is no one perfect rod/reel for all types of fishing, however there is no way I can get away with saying i need 4-7 rods/reels :) I'm going to be fishing for bass and crappie, and mostly using live bait, swim bait, plastic worms/jigs, and maybe an occasional topwater or crankbait. My tacklebox is very light, so I won't be fishing any of them exclusively enough to warrant a rod/reel for any one type of lure. Just want something to give me a decent chance. So far I've come up with a 6'6 MH Rod with 2500 or 3000 Pflueger President spinning for bass fishing and a 6'6 to 7 light/UL with similar reel for crappie fishing. From what I've read I am not ready for a baitcaster, so spinning reel is the plan for sure. I realize there are tons more options between these two, but if my goal is to just get out there and have a good time, would this get me started? My budget for each rod/reel is probably around $125. Thanks to any and all who will indulge me on this tired question. I know this is a long way to ask for rod/reel, but wanted to hopefully give enough detail as to what I'm looking to do.