If I could only have one rod and reel for bass fishing, it would be the very best 7' MHF rod I could afford, plus a 6.4-7:1 reel... something from the Daiwa Tatula or Lew's Tournament Pro on up.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Probably a 6'-6" MH casting rod with a fast bc reel.  That extra speed is nice when you need it.

7'6" ML with a 5.2:1 2500 reel spooled with 10lb braid and leader, or a 5wt fly rod with floating line will keep me busy freshwater fishing for a long time. 

Shimano Chronarch ci4 6:1

St. Croix Avid 7' MH/F

I think Maxximus is right. If it was only one combo, it would have to be a med. spinning combo. Nothing else comes as close to being able to do anything in a pinch.

I have so many, there is no reason for me to answer this question.

Hootie

 

A problem for a lot of us, I'm sure.  I can't even list one favorite rod or favorite reel....another popular monthly question.

You mean like 15 "favorites" and 2 others that I like a lot? 

 

 

 

 

My opinion on this changes from time to time but in general......

 

G. Loomis MBR783 GLX 6'6" MH Fast with a Shimano Core 101MG.  It is the most versatile set up I have.  

If I could only have one combo it would be a Dobyns Champion 734 C because it's one of the most versatile rods I have owned and used. I would pair it with a Lew's Tournament Pro with a 7.1:1 gear ratio. I would get the high speed because it would come in handy when you need to pick up slack quickly or cover water quickly. If you need to fish slow you can always focus on what you are doing and slow down your retrieve.

My opinion on this changes from time to time but in general......

G. Loomis MBR783 GLX 6'6" MH Fast with a Shimano Core 101MG. It is the most versatile set up I have.

Now that there is a good one.

Hootie

My IP79 and Destruction X4 combo. Pretty much throws anything I care about throwing.

Original poster said if you could only have one combo right?  I guess that makes the prepper in me come out.  High dollar and fancy bling just seems to have to fade away and your pick would have to be something that can do everything at least in a pinch.  Something that will last or can be easily fixed.  Something that can do more than just throw hvy jigs or flip.  Might have to do more than just bass fishing. 

 I am a Clearwater yankee.

 

So I can use almost anything.

 

But if I lived in thick stemed weeds & huge lily pads ? 

120# braid & a BEEFY saltwater spin rig to pull the whole dam plant up. It would probably break the basses jaw. So I would catch & eat a lot.

7 'med  spinning rod with my 2500 size Stella attached.  Ten pound braid with a fluro leader.  Can use this everywhere and have and it catches

if i'm just bass fishing it'd be a 6.3:1 curado& my powell endurance 714.if i'm going after multiple species(bass,cats,panfish,trout) it would be a 2500 size spinning reel(getting a new one today&cant wait!)&my powell endurance 6103.

Shimano curado 301e on a Phenix 682c.

Shimano curado 301e on a Phenix 682c.

That's an awful lot of reel on that little rod.

Length:         6' 9"

Power:          Medium Heavy

Action:          Fast

Lure Wgt:     1/4-1oz

Line Wgt:      10-20lb

Gear Ratio:   6.2:1

 

Roger

I'd pick up a new hobby, fishing would not be enjoyable enough to me to continue with it if I was only allowed to have 1 rod and reel.

Shimano curado 301e on a Phenix 682c.

Wow, what do you that combo for?

For sake of the question. It would be a 7' m/f spinning rod and a 2500 sized reel. I used this combo for a long time and landed all types of fish. Then I got bit by the bug and have invested my money in higher dollar equipment. Now I couldn't even think about only owning one.

That's an awful lot of reel on that little rod.

 

 

Wow, what do you that combo for?

I promise I'm not being sarcastic