I hope this isn't one of those topics that should be avoided - but for someone looking to upgrade from their old zebco 33/404 - what would be the next step? A baitcast? Primarily all the fishing I'm doing is gonna be bass and catfish from lakes/ponds with plastics primarily and good old stinky stuff for catfish. Or am I just as well suited with the spincast?

Another option besides baitcast and spincast, is a regular spinning reel, which is what a lot of people use for soft plastics.

Didn't mean to exclude spinning - would it be the "better" option since my primary use is plastics?

Adding another skillset to your fishing abilities is always a plus. There will be a learning curve transitioning from a spin cast to a b/c. You are going to have to use your thumb a bit more than just pressing and releasing a button. As far which b/c that's an entirely different thread....

I think spinnming tackle is the best option for soft plastics, especially weightless presentations.

Specifically a 6 1/2'-7' Medium Power/ Fast Action. If you want more suggestions let's start with

a pricing point.

Yeah I realize there's a learning curve. I've used a baitcast a few times fishing with my cousin when I was a kid and seem to remember doing okay with it. I just didn't know if there were any particular advantages given in primarily pond fishing and if there were any particular differences between the two given the type of fishing being done.

I think spinnming tackle is the best . If you want more suggestions let's start with

a pricing point.

Let's say something on the lower end honestly - don't have a lot of money to invest. I know you get what you pay for, but I'm talking fishing maybe 1-2 times a month thru the spring and summer. Maybe!

Get a pflueger trion spinning reel for $30.  Great reel for bass and catfishing.

Thanks for the feedback folks - will look into that!

Let's say something on the lower end honestly - don't have a lot of money to invest. I know you get what you pay for, but I'm talking fishing maybe 1-2 times a month thru the spring and summer. Maybe!

 

I've been mostly fishing from the 'lower end' for quite some time and I have to say that I've had very good luck with Mitchell spinning combos.  I've got a MedLite 300 combo that I've used a couple times a week for four years and an even cheaper Medium Mitchell Avocet that is newer, but has been very solid.  I've had bad luck with low end Daiwa, Quantum, Pflueger.  I've beat the crap out of a cheap Shimano Sienna and cannot get it to break so I can justify that next upgrade 

I've looked at the pflueger combos in the $70 range, and I think that is doable for me. My wife said it could be an early birthday present for me! Ha!