I'm trying to work on some new setups. I'm fairly novice to all of the intricasies of bass fishing.  However, for my lake, I do know which setups I'll most likely use and would like to replace my current hand-me-down sets. I'd like to keep each rod/reel combo to less than $350.  I'm looking for:

 

1) A topwater combo - Currently I've researched the *** 7'1" Med Heavy/Fast with a Lew's Speed Spool 6.4:1 and 17# Mono.  Is this an ok route to go? Where I get confused is what's compatible reel/fishing line.  Can 17# Mono be used with the Lew's Speed Spool casting reel, etc?

 

2) A flippin/pitchin combo (mostly medium structure, not heavy mats) - Currently I've researched the same setup as above only with 20-25# flouro and 7.1:1 gear ratio.  Again, is this setup ok and is this line ok to use with that particular reel?

 

3) Frog combo - Currently I've looked at a *** 7'3" Heavy/Fast with Lew's Speed Spool 7.1:1 and 50# Braid. Is this ok?

 

 

As you can see, my main question is the line compatiblity with the reels I've considered buying. Perhaps these reels can't handle that kind of line.  If so, can you please direct me to a reliable casting reel that's suitable for the conditions listed above and costs less than $200.

 

 

Note:  I already have a crank setup that I'm satisfied with.  I also plan to use my topwater setup for shallow spinners. And I already have a situational plastics setup (although I'll be looking to upgrade that one as well in the future -- *** 7'1" Med/Fast with a Lew's Speed Spool 6.4:1 ratio and 8-10# Flouro line). Any comments on this section is appreciated as well.

 

Thanks guys!! Looking forward to learning all I can on this site!

The only thing I would change is to drop the line weight of you flipping setup down to 12, maybe 14 lbs. If you are wanting the high strength line for it, then go with braided line.

Have you used the Speed Spool reel before? Or is it just one that you think you'd like?

I would look into the stcroix avid series rods, pinnacle perfecta series, and also fenwick rods. As far as reels I would suggest a revo stx, bps pro qualifier, and I would say upgrade from the lews speedspool to a bb1 or a tournament speedspool or even a tournament pro if you still want to stick with the lews brand. I dont know how you fish but I like to throw my topwater/jerkbaits with a medium power rod.

The only thing I would change is to drop the line weight of you flipping setup down to 12, maybe 14 lbs. If you are wanting the high strength line for it, then go with braided line.

Have you used the Speed Spool reel before? Or is it just one that you think you'd like?

 

 

I currently own two Speed Spools. I read a lot of good reviews for them given their price range.  The specs however are what's tripping me up.  It says max line capacity is 12#.....meaning I shouldn't be throwing 17# mono, 25# fluoro, or 50# braid  right?  Which reels are capable of handling these lines?  And for the flippin rod, I'm not sure I'd want to get below 15# fluoro.  I guess I could try braid.

I have 17 lb mono on my Speed Spool right now, it's working just fine. The numbers on the reel just tell you the capacity with commonly used lines; not a maximum strength that the reel can handle.

The line numbers on a reel are just to show you spool capacity. You can fish any line you want, within reason, and your examples fit the bill from that perspective. Line choice is one of the most debated topics on the forum. Read up and experiment to find what works for you.

I'm trying to work on some new setups. I'm fairly novice to all of the intricasies of bass fishing.  However, for my lake, I do know which setups I'll most likely use and would like to replace my current hand-me-down sets. I'd like to keep each rod/reel combo to less than $350.  I'm looking for:

 

1) A topwater combo - Currently I've researched the *** 7'1" Med Heavy/Fast with a Lew's Speed Spool 6.4:1 and 17# Mono.  Is this an ok route to go? Where I get confused is what's compatible reel/fishing line.  Can 17# Mono be used with the Lew's Speed Spool casting reel, etc?

 

2) A flippin/pitchin combo (mostly medium structure, not heavy mats) - Currently I've researched the same setup as above only with 20-25# flouro and 7.1:1 gear ratio.  Again, is this setup ok and is this line ok to use with that particular reel?

 

3) Frog combo - Currently I've looked at a *** 7'3" Heavy/Fast with Lew's Speed Spool 7.1:1 and 50# Braid. Is this ok?

 

 

Note:  I already have a crank setup that I'm satisfied with.  I also plan to use my topwater setup for shallow spinners. And I already have a situational plastics setup (although I'll be looking to upgrade that one as well in the future -- *** 7'1" Med/Fast with a Lew's Speed Spool 6.4:1 ratio and 8-10# Flouro line). Any comments on this section is appreciated as well.

 

I like your frog set up.  I'd be more tempted to also use braid on the flippin/pitchin combo, but see no reason why your choice shouldn't work fine as well.  My MH rods normally get 12# mono.  I doubt you would need a 17# strength line, but again, I see no reason why it shouldn't work just fine.  Lines are a personally choice, and you will get many suggestions with few in agreement as to which is best.

If you are going to use the topwater setup for strictly topwater than I would absolutely go for a burner model reel. Anything 7.1:1 and up. Reason being most topwater baits require slack in the line when implementing movements whether it's walking the dog, chugging a chug bug or, popping a popper. In order to compensate for strikes on slack line, the quicker your slack goes away (with a 7.1:1) the quicker your hook set takes effect on a fish. Just my 2 cents on the matter.