forget a baitcaster right now. you are just getting into it, stick with spinning.

baitcasting seems to be like what i am used to with spincast just that i stop the line with my thumb correct?

 

No, you feather the line throughout the entire process with your thumb. There is a steep learning curve, but don't let that deter you. Once you get good with a baitcast reel, you can pitch a jig right on top of a bass' face or cast across a river to a downed tree and make it stop right before going into a limb. If you buy a junk baitcaster, though, you'll more than likely get frustrated and hate it.

if you want to catch fish get a spinning reel, if you want to be picking out knots in your line, major birds nests and not catching fish get a baitcaster.

Its kind of like deciding you want to be a race car driver and stepping into a formula 1 car, if you have zero experience its not going to end well.

 

Ok, so ill stick with spinning for now and so far i have the Pfleuger Trion and a Berkley Lightning Rod or the  Trion combo (i think this is spinning?) Any others people would recommend, like i said around $100 a little over owuld be fine.

Ok, so ill stick with spinning for now and so far i have the Pfleuger Trion and a Berkley Lightning Rod or the  Trion combo (i think this is spinning?) Any others people would recommend, like i said around $100 a little over owuld be fine.

Yes, it was on sale earlier this year..it was 59.99.  Honestly don't like to buy combos, but when I held one in hand at BPS.  It felt pretty decent, especially for the price..and that reel gets a decent review.

I really like my Mitchell 300xe picked up at Walmart for $50. I currently have it on an ugly stick but will be switching that soon to a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock after getting one for my baitcaster.

I didn't see many negative reviews on the Mitchell when I was shopping for a new spinning reel. The only thing I don't like is that the spare spool that comes with it is plastic and not aluminum.

LC

Many of the combos come with 2 piece rods, I prefer 1 piece myself.  Just about any of the mentioned rods and reels will make a very usable entry level outfit.

Look at the pflueger echelon spinning combo at sportsman' s warehouse. Cost $50. It's what I use for weightless plastics and finesse style presentations now that I've learned a baitcaster. Before I could use a baitcaster, it was all that I used. I've had mine for about 3 years now and it's held up great. I fish at least 2 times a week, so it see' s alot of use. You wouldn't know that it has been used if not for the paint that has chipped off the reel from where I've dropped it. It comes with a nice IM6 rod which is pretty sensitive. It's a 2 piece, but this is good since you're fishing on a pier and have to travel.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Pflueger-Echelon-Spinning-Combo/productDetail/Spinning-Combos/prod99990134290/cat101052

Here's an article from outdoor life on the best spinning combos under $100.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2012/01/killer-combos-best-spinning-gear-100-or-less

C'mon guys...You are members on the #1 Bass Forum on the internet. 

Our guys have already given you some good advice. My advice is to step

it up a bit.

Be sure to tell us what you end up getting.

It looks like a New Ugly Stik is on the way at iCast, I've seen it on another site (TT) and they did a quick write up.  It looks pretty sharp considering and has been updated to look more "modern".  It supposedly is more sensitive than the last version. 

Link?

Go google ugly stik gx2

Be sure to tell us what you end up getting.

I went with the Pflueger President and Abu Garcia Vengeance 2 piece. I had to get a 2 piece because of the car but at i just got a cheaper rod for now because i will get a piece and better rod soon.

i have a president. I like it a lot. Im going to have to get me one of those ugly stiks when they come out. They arent so ugly any more.

I went with the Pflueger President and Abu Garcia Vengeance 2 piece. I had to get a 2 piece because of the car but at i just got a cheaper rod for now because i will get a piece and better rod soon.

Those vengeance' s are good rods for the price.

Glad to hear it, i figured i paid like $36 for it and when i get my own car a 1 piece will fit and im not really out anything. I got them both today, the pro angler that i am, i am used to reels that come with line already on it so now i have to order/go get line.