Hey,

 

I'm brand new to bass fishing (more or less fishing in general) and just picked up some tackle to try Texas rigging and spinnerbait. What I'm looking for is a good rod that could be used for fishing worms to spinnerbait, I know that's not ideal but I'm obviously not going to be tournament fishing or anything like that, just having fun at the lake.  Is there any rod and reel yall could recommend for under $50 preferably? I also know just like anything in life, you get what you pay for, and <50 probably isn't much in the rod and reel world I'd imagine. But keep in mind, I'm just trying to have fun with it.  If you could also link me to the rod on academy or walmart if that's not too much work, that'd be awesome! And if you can't find/recommend anything (or just don't want to, I understand) could you tell me what to look for in a rod and reel that could be used for worm fishing OR light spinnerbaits? I'd think a medium-heavy rod would make sense? If this is just a ridiculous question (a good all around rod AND reel for under $50) please do let me know. Thanks and appreciate any and all advice you can give! 

Welcome to the forum and the sport. Are you looking at baitcasting or spinning tackle? A MH/F casting setup is pretty versatile for bass fishing. $50 will get you a passable rod but a decent reel to go with it will set you back close to $100. Cheap baitcasters tend to frustrate new users and if not, you'll out grow the performance or just wear it out. They just aren't a good investment. You can find used Shimano Curado B's online for around $50 and they are built like a tank. For new a BPS Pro Qualifier on sale is one of the better values out there. The Berkley Lightning Shock seems to get decent feedback as far as budget rods go. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/rods-and-combos/rods/lightning-rod-shock

There's hr upon hr of good reading on the site in articles as well as posts. Good luck!

id go with a Berkley lightning rod or lightning shock 7'mh for the rod and then an abu silvermax reel if your wanting to keep it as cheap as possible.  better reels would include bps pro qualifiers, lews speed spools, and shimano citicas.

I am partial to Abu Garcia stuff.  They have an ORRA S combo which should fit your needs for a beginner rod/reel.

You can't go wrong with the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. Usually $40 at WalMart. Great rod for the price!

So the berkley lightning rod shock seems to be the general consensus here. And how does this reel sound to go along with it? This is the reel I'm looking at

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_785505_-1__?N=273169066+10001&Ntt=reel&Ntk=All

 

And this is the Berkley rod

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_613244_-1__?N=101394130&Ntt=berkley+lightning+rod+shock&Ntk=All

Or this 7'

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_758703_-1__?N=101394130&Ntt=lightning+rod+7'&Ntk=All

 

What would be more versatile, 6'6 or 7'?

 

And would this Berkley rod/reel work well for heavier lures like spinnerbait as well as plastic worms? 

 

And would this rod reel combo compare to the berkley?

 

http://walmart.com/m/phoenix;jsessionid=A5AD723CA0397C14276508F747259992#ip/Shakespeare-Ugly-Lite-Pro-Spinning-Combo/10298919?type=search

I've heard some good stuff about Ugly stiks in terms of budget rods, so what do yall think would be best for what I'm looking for of what I listed, or of other similar priced items. 

 

I know it's tough to give me suggestions in this price range, and I'm sure one day I'll upgrade to a nicer setup, but for now something in the price range of what I have here is preferred.

 

Thanks again!

Thread on this site on the H2O Mettle.  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/104722-anybody-use-academys-h2o-mettle-reelis-it-better-than-black-max/

 

Link to Academy.  Reel Riot Sale is not running right now.  http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_133325_-1

 

Used Mettle in the Flea Market, $40 tyd.  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/122923-h20-mettle-reel-for-sale/

 

Spinning reels at Cabela's.  Look at the Pflueger Trion, Okuma Stinson, Cabela's Pro Guide, Fish Eagle Tournament,  or Tounament ZX, Abu Garcia Cardinal SX, Shimano Sonora, or check out house reels at places like Gander Mountain or Bas Pro Shop.

 

Also check out rods at any of these Inline stores as well.  That will keep you busy for a couple minutes. 

6'6" or 7' is your choice.  Both are versatile....MF or MHF...again your choice.  7' should cast further if that is important.

Can you check out this thread I just started about another rod/reel I just found on sale at my academy. Has good reviews and seems to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for. I know I seem to be pushing for cheaper, and I know I lose a lot with that, but for now it's what I have to do. And I figure it's better to get out on the lake with something cheaper than to not be able to at all, right?

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/123156-any-experience-with-this-rodreel/

I've seen some nice Abu combos at Gander for under $100 or right around that. I wouldn't hesitate to do that if you can stretch it. Lews has one too at the same price I believe. Either would be a great starter set up for you. Enjoy it and let us know what you end up with.