So I know I'm asking for a ton of responses, but hey, that's what y'all are here for. This will be my first post, BTW; surely not my last. I am like a ton of guys on here: fished forever as a youth and young adult, stopped, and now am getting back into it. I currently have an Abu Garcia 5500C3 on a MH 6'6" Ambassadeur rod. (no comments, I already know) I figure to keep it for an all around, but am looking to start SLOWLY rebuilding my combos to three or four, purchasing rod and reel at same time. The thing is, I don't own a boat, so I primarily fish lake banks. I am currently lusting over the 4th gen Revo S and want to mount it on a Veritas rod . Now it's your turn: opinions on the combo in mind? What about rod length and sensitivity? I figure on getting a 6'6" M rod and use it for cranks, topwater, and spinners and revert to the 5500 for plastics. I haven't mastered jigging yet, so thats not an issue right now. Let the advice roll in!

Stick a new revo s on a 7' mh veritas micro guided rod. I have this combo and its awesome.

Use the 5500 for cranks and get a Crankin Stick from BPS. Revo S and 705/706 Veritas is a nice combo.

6'6" M St Croix Avid with a Shimano Chronarch 200E just for starters.

If you really like the new Revo and Veritas I recommend to grab it. I have mine paired with a 7' micro guide rod. It's my topwater rig. It's my favorite combo I have. Very lightweight about 12 ounces with line and feel grips. Fully exposed reel seat and its very sensitive.

My concern is getting a combo that is too dialed in for one particular job. You're the second person to suggest this exact pair, but how versatile would/could this set up be? I am looking for something that may have to carry the weight of being my primary rig for six months or so, so I need it to be pretty broad as far as it's capabilities. Thanks!

My concern is getting a combo that is too dialed in for one particular job. You're the second person to suggest this exact pair, but how versatile would/could this set up be? I am looking for something that may have to carry the weight of being my primary rig for six months or so, so I need it to be pretty broad as far as it's capabilities. Thanks!

So bump it to a 7' MH Micro or a 7'3" MH regular guide and you have basically a do everything combo. Jigs, Texas rigs, spinner baits and even cranks.

My concern is getting a combo that is too dialed in for one particular job. You're the second person to suggest this exact pair, but how versatile would/could this set up be? I am looking for something that may have to carry the weight of being my primary rig for six months or so, so I need it to be pretty broad as far as it's capabilities. Thanks!

A 7' MH/F rod with a 6._:1 reel will let you "properly" fish just about everything aside from crank baits and some very light finesse style techniques. Even then, you can throw spinner baits, vibrating jigs, swim jigs, etc. instead of a crank, and they might honestly be a better all-around lure depending on who you talk to. I would go with the Revo S or another comparable reel and stick it on a 7-7'3 MH/F Veritas like Rock Chalk said. From there, you can get a M/M baitcaster or spinning combo for treble hooks, and a M/F-ish spinning combo for lighter presentations and you will have a solid base to go from. Then you can start getting special application set ups (deep diving cranks, flipping/pitching, etc.).

So I know I'm asking for a ton of responses, but hey, that's what y'all are here for. This will be my first post, BTW; surely not my last. I am like a ton of guys on here: fished forever as a youth and young adult, stopped, and now am getting back into it. I currently have an Abu Garcia 5500C3 on a MH 6'6" Ambassadeur rod. (no comments, I already know)

Nothing wrong with that set up, that C3 will last a long time, I like round reels. FWIW that set up is more versatile than you think, the ambassadeur rod I guess came from Walmart? If so it is flexible enough to use for trebles and being 6'6" short enough to work topwaters like spooks, you can fish spinnerbaits buzzbaits etc on that combo. The recommendations you have recieved on the second setup will cover most all other applications, it may not be ideal for pitchin and hauling bass out of the thick weeds, but for t-rigs, senkos, jigs, spinnerbaits etc it will do fine. Then you can get a 7MF rod for a third set up to cover small worms, weightless plastics, etc. Right now is a good time to buy as the fall sales are starting up, then come March you can take advantage of the Spring Classic sale at BPS and add to your arsenal. I would recommend using your second set up for the plastics as the rod will be much more sensitive than the one you are currently using.

i have a couple 7 mh veritas and love them. super versatile. i can fish any technique with that rod. even cranks. put a 6.4 reel on there and youll be set. i personally like the 6.4 for all cranks because when i hook up with a fish i can keep up with a fish if it charges the boat. just my 2 cents.

A 7' MH/F with a 6 or 7:1 reel is a very good all around casting setup. The C3 reel are workhorses and nothing to be ashamed of. I would not retire that reel at all. They shine as a cranking reel. Add a casting setup similar to the above reccomendation and follow it up with a M/F spinning rod with a 2500 size reel for finesse applications and you'll be able to effectively fish any common bass technique.

Walmart.com has Veritas micro guide rods for $70 right now. Just picked up another 7ft MH. That is a steal.