I'm looking at building my rod and reel collection. I always find myself spending too much time tying on baits. This is what I have so far

-Shimano Citica on St Croix Mojo 7'4 Crankster

-Abu Garcia Black Max on St Croix 7' MF Spinnerbait rod

-Shimano Sahara 2500FE on 6'8 Ugly Stik

I think you're doing pretty good there. Depending on your area- a heavy cover (braid) setup?

If you doubt feel you need a dedicated heavy cover/ flipping rod- then your next step is to identify what you enjoy fishing the most, and specialize your next purchase to that. What you have can do all things OK- but specializing in the one thing you like to do the most will probably make you the most happy.

You got a crank, spinnerbait, and finesse setup. Go for a bottom contact setup for Jigs, Trigs, and light punching.

I recommend a baitcast in 7:1 ratio and a 7' MHF rod.

I sold all my gears last year and will only stick to 6 setups this year.....for now lol. This covers just almost everything that I fish.

Drop Shot

Shakey Head

crank

Senko/Trig

Jigs

punch/frog

You got a crank, spinnerbait, and finesse setup. Go for a bottom contact setup for Jigs, Trigs, and light punching.

I recommend a baitcast in 7:1 ratio and a 7' MHF rod.

. This

I sold all my gears last year and will only stick to 6 setups this year.....for now lol. This covers just almost everything that I fish.

Drop Shot

Shakey Head

crank

Senko/Trig

Jigs

punch/frog

Would you mind telling your setup for each? I am curious as to what you prefer. Thanks!

Get a 7-8' MH/F casting rod with braid to use with Jigs-T-rigs and heavy cover. Also, you may benefit from a higher quality spinning rod. However, if an Ugly Stik works for you, then by all means continue using it. I fished with only an Ugly Stik for years and did just fine.

You got a crank, spinnerbait, and finesse setup. Go for a bottom contact setup for Jigs, Trigs, and light punching.

I recommend a baitcast in 7:1 ratio and a 7' MHF rod.

x2

I sold all my gears last year and will only stick to 6 setups this year.....for now lol. This covers just almost everything that I fish.

Drop Shot

Shakey Head

crank

Senko/Trig

Jigs

punch/frog

 

 

Would you mind telling your setup for each? I am curious as to what you prefer. Thanks!

 

Uhh...haha well, ummm, I went to the dark side. I'm just running all high end setups this year except my cranking rod. I'm not sure if this can help the majority of BR members. I'm using megabass rods, some megabass reels, and some Daiwa. I don't want to list it here since I don't want to make it like I'm bragging. I could PM you my setups though or if there's ever a new thread.

 

I would consider upgrading your spinning rod first. Not that there's anything wrong with an Ugly Stick, it's just there's much better rods for bass fishing and you don't even have to spend much more.

 

I'd suggest a 7-7'6" MH/F for jigs and T rigs with a 7ish ratio reel.