Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I live in south florida. I started bass fishing maybe 2 1/2 years ago, but didn't really get wrapped up in to+ it until about a little more than a year ago now. I have a Ugly stick I purchased at bass pro shops down here. I mainly use plastic worms. I've gotten pretty good at it and have decided its time to look into upgrading my gear. I'm looking for a nice rod and spinning reel. Can anyone suggest some nice quality gear?

The standard question is:  price range and application?

1st - Graphite Rods

2nd - Middle of the road reels

3rd - Good Hooks

 

You'll be given good advice on this forum for sure but the bottom line will be your preference & confidence level you have with your equipment! Good luck & tight lines!

Commit to a $200-ish budget. A ST Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" Medium Extra Fast spinning rod, designated for wacky style, paired with a Shimano Symetre 2500 would be a great upgrade in the $200 rice range. It's not just for wacky style, you can use it for about a dozen applications.

If your budjet is in the $150-$175 range, then in my opinion you should purchace a:

 

Duckett Goast Spinning Rod $99 - They come in two options, 7" Medium for 1/8 to 3/8 oz lures, and 6'9" Medium Heavy for lures 1/4 to 1/2 oz.

Bottom line- great all around Bass rod for $99

 

Abu Garcia Orra 2S30 Spinning Reel $70 - Make sure it is the 2S30! It holds 180 yards of 10# braid and 140 yards of 10# mono.

Bottom line- Good line capacity, and 7 ball bearing. All around good reel for $70

 

Duckett Gohst Spinning Rod+Abu Garcia Orra 2S30 Spinning Reel Is a graet combo for all around bass fishing, that is quality at a reasonable price. You just have to choose which action rod you want, Medium or Medium Heavy?

Bottom lin- Great Rod+Reel Combonation for $170

First, welcome aboard!

 

Second, budget needed.

 

I'll assume you're in the $150ish combo range,

thus I'll suggest a Bass Pro Carbonlite, or 

any rod in the $80-100 range plus a Shimano

reel in the $60-70 range.

 

Of course, not knowing your budget means I'm 

shooting in the dark. There are plenty of options

that aren't Shimano to choose from. Just that

for me, Shimano is my brand of choice based on 

great experience.

 

As well, if you hit eBay, you can find a Daiwa Lexa

spinning reel (2000SH is my rec) for well under

$100. A good, solid, quality reel for the money.

 

2 cents...

Don't forget about the possibility of buying some used gear from guys on this site. Excellent sellers, lots of great quality, and you could potentially pick up a far better combo in excellent shape for the same price or less than you would for lesser quality stuff new. Just yet another option for you to think about.