Im going to join my school bass club soon, and I'd like to get an idea for what rod setups I might need. I have a low budget, as any highschool student, and I can only afford two rod/reel combos of mid quality. Any recommendations would be great. Goal: < $250

your high school has a bass club? Luckeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Check out the Rod Choice Basics thread pinned at the top of this forum.

Unfortunately that budget may hold you to using spinning gear. The other issue is that you will also have to make room for buying baits. If you don't have one already, I would recommend getting a part-time job. You're old enough if you're in high school. Ask for an application at any local business in your town. Working after school/on weekends will help you rack up money quick. For now you may want to get one solid combo, a medium-sized line, and a small variety of baits.

check out the buy/sell section of forums, by the way. You can get better quality gear at a price that'll fit you a lot better.

Do you have any gear to start with? What's your experience bass fishing so far? What types of lures/presentations do you fish the most or like? What types of water, structure and cover do you usually fish? Is that budget for one rod/reel combo or for both combos?

General advice without more info would be tiger one M/F spinning rod with a 25500 or 30 sized spinning reel, and one MH/F baitcasting rod with reel all within your budget. Using the Flea Market forum here to find quality used equipment is a good way to stretch your budget.

Good luck

Mettle + H20 Ethos = 120

President + Lightning Rod = 100

your high school has a bass club? Luckeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

lol i wish my school had one

I would say a medium spinning rod in the 50 dollar price range, coupled with a 50 dollar spinning reel of your choice. For baitcaster, I would get a Shimano sellus rod- MH with an Abu Garcia Silver max reel. that should keep you under 250. Also, I could be wrong, but I think the only difference between the black max and the silver max is a flipping switch- which is definitely not necessary.

I would say a medium spinning rod in the 50 dollar price range, coupled with a 50 dollar spinning reel of your choice. For baitcaster, I would get a Shimano sellus rod- MH with an Abu Garcia Silver max reel. that should keep you under 250. Also, I could be wrong, but I think the only difference between the black max and the silver max is a flipping switch- which is definitely not necessary.

I don't own a black or silver max, but from playing with them in-store i've noticed the gears on the silver feel a lot smoother than on the black. I could be wrong, but that's what I noticed.

I would look for a medium action spinning rod and 2500 series spinning reel to cover lighter lures and finesse tactics. If you are able to fish a baitcaster I would find a 7 foot MH Fast casting rod paired with a reel that is low profile and feels comfortable to you. Labor days Sales coming forward in the next few weeks would be a good starting point unless you are comfortable buying used.

Mettle + H20 Ethos = 120

President + Lightning Rod = 100

Solid suggestion right there. I might switch the President to a Trion to save a few bucks and Lightning rod to another Ethos (they go on sale for $40 regularly). 

Mettle/ethos is an awesome set up

For spinning id go with a president/cabelas tourney trail for around $100.

I have both of these combos and they are great and theyre warranties are better

Unfortunately that budget may hold you to using spinning gear. The other issue is that you will also have to make room for buying baits. If you don't have one already, I would recommend getting a part-time job. You're old enough if you're in high school. Ask for an application at any local business in your town. Working after school/on weekends will help you rack up money quick. For now you may want to get one solid combo, a medium-sized line, and a small variety of baits.

When is he going to fish? Lol

When is he going to fish? Lol

I have plenty of time to fish, and I worked 30 hours last week. I'm working seventeen hours this week and I'm going on a 4-day trip to New Hampshire for smallmouth and trout! Is four days no time? Lol

2 lightning rods ( I like the shock models) and a citica 200E. I have zero expertise with spinning reels but if you need to throw a light bait get one. I hear pfluegers are a good value.

If you are just getting serious about fishing. I would try and learn more about tying knots, rigging baits, and general bass behavior/fishy looking spots.

Buy rods at the opposite end of the spectrum. A medium heavy and a medium light. These two rods will allow you to experiment and find the techniques/lures that work best for you.

Have fun and never think you have the "wrong" tool for the job.

If you're joining the club, check with the head of it first. A lot of them will get deals with certain companies or stores, and you may be able to save a few bucks that way. If I'd only be able to buy two rods, I'd probably get a medium heavy power rod with a fast action rod as a bait caster, and a medium power fast action spinning rod. As far as length goes, pick what feels comfortable to you and feels somewhat like an extension of your arm and not bulky or cumbersome.  

sierra trading post has a daiwa exceler 7 ft med/heavy combo for 80 bucks its easy to cast and will work fine, my bro's been using one I bought him all summer. I just bought a gander mt elite series spinning rod for 65 bucks on sale its a fantastic rod for that price. pick your favorite spinning reel in the 50 dollar range and your good to go with some extra money left over for tackle.