Any suggestions? I live in MA and haven't run into any 15lb bass at least not yet. I am a spinning reel type of guy

and would like to purchase a bass spinning reel/rod over the winter seasons for next spring. What do you suggest and

what line would you put on it? Thanks for any suggestions!

start with the basics. 7ft MH F action rod with a 2500 reel of your favorite brand. and then 20 pound braid. that should be a very versatile set-up

appreciate the input ! i'll keep it in mind while shopping for the rod.

How much are you willing to spend?  What techniques will you be using most of the time?

a lot of casting most likely ..crankbaits..live bait..a mixture of those mainly.

probably would spend 150 tops..nothing too expensive I am just a casual fisherman

Then you probably won't want that MHF rod.  A rod designed for crankbaits is what you want to look for, and in Medium power.  Lots of good ones out there.

 

SirSnookalot uses a lot of Star and Hurricane rods for fishing in salt and freshwater.  I want to try a couple, but may have to visit him to find them. 

For an all around spinning rig I'd look for a 6'6 - 7' m/f rod with a 2000 - 3000 sized spinning reel. If you like cranks, 8ish # mono might be something to consider. I like braid on my reels but mono will allow for more stretch with a fast action rod.

I suggested a soft tip because of using live bait.  Depends on what he uses for live bait.  Didn't want him snapping bait off on aggressive casts.  I've been fishing my crankbaits an a MF rod.  Figure the power of the rod, and the fact I use braid, would keep the fish hooked up.

150 bucks price range, for me, is a no brainer. 

 

Pflueger President 6930 with a St. Croix Triumph or Shimano Claurus in 6'6" Medium.

 

 

I don't think you'll find many that disagree with me that under $100 bucks for reels the Pfluegers are hard to beat.  Much more than that, price wise, I'm all Shimano.

 

If you wanted to scout a little more...

 

Go to Ebay and find a Pflueger President XT (They are red)  amazing little reels.  I'd look for a 6930 still.  Spool it up with 8lb mono and you'd be set.

 

My wife and I have fished with the plain President Combo all year and it's been amazing. 

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Pflueger-reg-President-reg-Spinning-Combo/1308567.uts

 

80 bucks!