I want to get a new rod and reel for the upcoming fishing season. This season I want to focus more on bass then panfish but still be able to catch both on one setup. I want to spend around 300 dollars on both. I don't know how to use a bait caster so I would prefer a spinning reel. I just bought a St. Croix Rage for 150 but I'm not sure that it was the best purchase in that price range. I have used pfleuger reels in the past and was interested in the president but not sure if that's the best choice either. I have a 5'6 ultra light bps crappie maxx with trion 20 on it and a 6'6 medium ugly stik gx2 with a trion 30 on it. TL:DR Spinning rod and reel for 200-300 dollars. Thanks!

If it were me, I'd split it, spend half on a spinning set-up and half on a baitcaster. Whether you realize it now or not, once you start really getting into bass fishing, you'll probably end up wanting one.

I am not against this option - I think I am most put off by bait casting is that I've never used one. I mean realistcally I could probably just use my gx2 for my spinning set up and purchase a bait caster unless you think otherwise. I have only fished for bass with senko's but am interested in using top water stuff as well as spoons. I also own some crankbaits and other various stuff that I've never used or haven't had luck with (probably due to wrong setup).

My advice would be to go with a baitcaster. It does take quite a bit of getting used to. Once you get the hang of cast control, though, you will end up only using spinning gear for finesse. My wallet found out the hard way that once you go baitcaster, you go all the way.

My advice would be to go with a baitcaster. It does take quite a bit of getting used to. Once you get the hang of cast control, though, you will end up only using spinning gear for finesse. My wallet found out the hard way that once you go baitcaster, you go all the way.

Once you get used to bait aster and how much more distance control combined with how silently you can make your lure enter the water even on long cast you will see what he is talking about.