New Bc Combo Under $200

[rmcguirk 58]

After fishing for many years with spinning set ups out of my kayak, at the end of last year I got my first bait casting set up. It is a BPS extreme rod MF rod and BPS extreme reel. The set up cost about $150. After the typical initial troubles getting used to using it, I've gotten pretty good with it.

I'm looking to add to my arsenal and also upgrade a bit, though I'm not looking to spend more (or at least not much more) than $200 all in. I'm also looking to get something for lighter presentations -- unweighted worms, small shakey head jigs, etc. I've been looking at ML power rods with F and EF action. The idea of getting a ML power rod does limit somewhat the number of options available as many models do not come in that power -- there's a ML St. Croix Avid that looks great, but it blows most of my budget at about $180.

I've been looking more closely at the BPS CarbonLite series, which has a medium light power 6'6" rod: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-CarbonLite-Trigger-Rods/product/10205012/66742 It is currently on sale for $79 (from $99).

As far as reels go, I was looking at both the BPS Pro Qualifier (at $99 not on sale) and the BPS Carbonlite Johnny Morris model (which is on sale from $129 to $109): http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-Baitcast-Reels/product/1110020501438/274204

Thoughts on that combo? Any other rod/reel combos to suggest keeping the total to the $200 range?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

[smalljaw67 2,163]

For what you want to do I think the perfect rod would be the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'10" M-F casting rod and go with the Pro Qualifier reel to stay in budget. I often recommend these rods as they are, IMO the best rods in the $130 -$200 price range. What makes the 6'10" M-F the rod you need is the fact it can handle the smaller plastics with ease yet still fish the normal 3/8oz to 5/8oz range of lures without being overpowered. St, Croix's ML is right in line with what the 6'10" M Fenwick is going to be and it will come in a little less expensive yet still provide you with a quality stick and allow you to keep your budget. Check it out, it may be what you have been looking for.

[11justin22 44]

I got a carbonlite with micro guides a couple of weeks ago and have fished with it several times. Very good rod for the money. Very light and sensitive. For a reel I would get a pro qualifier or an Abu revo.

[Delaware Valley Tackle 3,795]

The current generation ABU Revos are on clearance allowing you to get a lot of reel for the money. IMO you'll have a much more versatile arsenal by leaving the light tackle to your spinning rigs and picking up a MH/F casting rod for heavy cover fishing. A higher end second hand rod from the flea market here should keep you within your budget.

[Jim_M 32]

FYI. Picked up a Bass Pro Crankin' Stick and Johnny Morris CarbonLite baitcaster reel. All of $165.

With 8# Sunline Sniper fluoro and 1/2 - 3/4oz cranks I can cover water. Serious water.

[LgMouthGambler 544]

Carbonlite is garbage. Better off with the ProQual if going the BPS route. I would recommend Shimano, unless you find a good Curado or Citica E, its not worth it, Chronarch is out of your budget.

[Jim_M 32]

Carbonlite is garbage.

I own LH and RH Shimano, Ardent Edge, Lews, BPS ProQual, JM Signatures and CarbonLite reels. Fish a lot with them. Love them all.

I have no preference or allegiance for matters such as these. I don't even need specific handing. Lucky me.

Sorry your experience with the JM CarbonLite sucked. To be honest, I had $89 worth of expectations for the thing, ended up with $200 in performance.

Mileage does indeed vary.

[rmcguirk 58]

So, I ended up getting a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'10" M-F rod. It arrived last night. Very light and feels and looks great. Ordered it through Amazon for under $100 (before tax and delivery). Thanks for the suggestion, Smalljaw. I also ordered a BPS Pro Qualifier reel. That should arrive today. I'll spool it up tonight and be ready to hit the water tomorrow.

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions.

[smalljaw67 2,163]

So, I ended up getting a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'10" M-F rod. It arrived last night. Very light and feels and looks great. Ordered it through Amazon for under $100 (before tax and delivery). Thanks for the suggestion, Smalljaw. I also ordered a BPS Pro Qualifier reel. That should arrive today. I'll spool it up tonight and be ready to hit the water tomorrow.

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions.

Let us know how the new set up works for you.

[Jim_M 32]

I'll spool it up tonight and be ready to hit the water tomorrow.

Excellent. Catch something!

[bwell 29]

Carbonlite is garbage. Better off with the ProQual if going the BPS route. I would recommend Shimano, unless you find a good Curado or Citica E, its not worth it, Chronarch is out of your budget.

I have to agree with Jim H here, I have nothing but good things to say about the Carbonlite reels. I personally would choose it over a Citica any day of the week and twice on Sundays.