Got a president on a 7ft bass pro tourney rod 110 bucks n a silvermax on a 6'6 ugly gx2 for bout the same price they serve me well

From shore casting distance matters. I can cast farther using Excaliber Silver Thread copolymer line on any spinning reel setup. I would make this change first.

I like to cast past the fish and bring my topwater lure to the right or left of them by a few feet so I don't spook them. I work my lure softly past them. I cast parallel to the Lilly's and weedlines when I can too. The thrill is I draw them out to strike.

The game changer is switching to a line that gives us shore fishermen more distance. You don't always use it but it's there when needed.

From shore I like a 6' med action rod for most lures. My topwater rod is a med/hvy action rod.

For a decent $100 on clearance a LEWS SPEED STICK or LEWS TORNAMENT spinning rod can be found for 1/2 price or less on eBay. Use the spinning reel you have now and change your line to Excalibur silver thread copolymer. You should be under $100 way under. Buy some YUM shad scent and let the bass fishing begin.

A 6' rod will never equal the casting distance of a 7' rod all else being equal.  However, shore fishing can sometimes require a short rod for casting....especially should you decide on a casting rod.  No problem from your boat.  My 6' Lightning can't equal my 7' rods in distance, but is more usable from a brushy shoreline.

 

It seems the vast majority of baitcast users prefer Low Profile reels (guilty ).  Don't overlook a round reel.  Often a used one can be purchased for $30-$50 since they aren't nearly as popular.  You will be surprised at how well they perform.  They are less apt to backlash in my experience.  Yesterday I dug out the first baitcast reel I ever bought.....an Ambassadeur 5001C.  It has sat for 35-40 years because I had never used one before and didn't know anyone that did.  Needless to say I quickly gave it up because I didn't know how to cast that type of reel.  Obviously the lubes aren't going to be very good by now.  I spooled on 17# mono, mounted it on an older 6'6" XMLTi MHFrod rated for 3/8-2oz. and tied on a 7/8 oz. Rattletrap.  I was casting this lure just as far as I was a 7/8 oz. Spro BBZ1 on a 7' HF Prodigy rod rated for 1/2 to 1-1/2 (a 706) using a Trion baitcast reel just cleaned by DVT and spooled with the same line.  Not apples to apples, but should point out how well these reels will cast.  I also want to point out that the Trion is an excellent casting reel with these types of weights and can be found in the $45-$50 range for one in decent shape.

 

BTW, my second baitcast reel purchase was in 2009 when TW was closing out the Daiwa Fuegos.  I love reels....especially baitcast reels.  Spinning reel count is 6 with one being a carry over from about 40 years ago.  I gave my others spinning combos to my grandsons.  Baitcast reel count is about 41 so you can see where my love is.  :eyebrows:   My spinning combos hardly ever get taken out.

Look at the cherrywood rods too.

This spring I bought a Lews combo from Wal Mart. I have used it hard and I really like it. Have more expensive rigs but none that I like better. It's less than $70. bucks and I wish I had gotten 2 of them. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lews-Laser-Mark-Rose-6-6-Baitcast-Combo/35680299. If you decide on a BC, it is a good deal. By the way, I can cast small lures a country mile with it. I hope that link works.

Do you have a Gander Mountain in your area? They are really aggressively pricing their inventory. Might check them out. Some

good deals...

 

Old school basser...

Second your line is good for topwater.

I started out using 8# silver thread copolymer for my senko & Carolina rig rod.

I keep the line just snug enough to feel a nibble.

One of the best rods I have is under $90. It is the browning stalker gold combo. I really thought it wouldn't work but this is the third year with it and I haven't had a single problem with it (knock on wood)

I have the black max combo. I love it. It's my worm rod.  Great value for the money.  could it cast further?  probably, but it does the trick for me.

I also have the silver max reel paired up with a Berkley lightning.  Can't tell the difference between silver max reel and black max reel to be honest.  both work great.

 

I recently bought a spinning combo.  I got a daiwa triforce 7' rod for $20 on amazon. (unbelievable value rod) with  a Pflueger President spinning reel for about $50 on sale or after a rebate.  The reel is a dream and it has a ton of very high reviews.  Got both my brothers turned on to the president and we all love them.  My brother landed a 6lb bass on it yesterday matter of fact.  And I'm a firm believer that you don't have to spend a lot to get a good set up.  Lots of hype out there.  My $20 daiwa triforce does just fine.  I've caught plenty of fish on it and I love the rod's sensitivity. 

 

Wait for labor day sales or check out gander mountain's current sale.  I never buy full price and you can find great deals if you spend time looking. 

 

Good luck!