Okay so I'm wanting to get more into bass fishing, such as tourneys and competitions, and I need to upgrade my rod setups.

 

First things first, right now I have a Falcon Jason Christie 7'3" Heavy Jig/Pitchin Rod but am looking for a new reel to put on it that would be good for jigs, flipping, pitcing, and punching. I want a reel with a high ratio, 7.1:1 and up, and preferably a heavy, stout drag.

 

Secondly, I am also looking to get a topwater/shallow or lipless crank setup, a frog setup, and finesse spinning rig. I really want some suggestions that can be had for sub $250 since I'm in college. Thank You!

Are you looking at $250 for everything ? I'll just list my thoughts below.

 

I'd put a shimano curado 300E , on the jig / pitching rod ,

 

On a top water / shallow or lipless / frog, I'd go with a MH rod , Don't spend your money on just a frog rod etc. Get a all around MH rod , you can throw almost anything with it. look at the Lews Reels , great price for the money. On the rods , check out  if BPS and/or Cabelas , they always have sales.

 

Spinning rig , I like falcon bucco's , 6'6 or 7'0 great rod for the money. 

 

Mike

Tatula Type R 8.1:1 for flipping/punching/frogs

Have same question as Mike...$250 for everything?  Already have reels for the new setups?  $250 isn't a lot of money these days unless it is all you can afford.    Like Mike said, don't buy specific technique rods.  Buy versatile rods.  A MHF is a good place to start.  Might want to look at the Fenwick 7'2" M-Mod-Fast HMG for the topwater/shallow or lipless crank setup.  Wouldn't be my first choice of action for topwater, but when you're limited to just a few rods, you work with what you have.  Ask smalljay67 to give you his experience with this rod.

 

I like my Tatula Type R 8.1:1 and can recommend it.  New will run you a bit over $130, I think.  About what I paid for mine.  Will eat up your budget in a hurry if $250 is for everything.

Are you looking at $250 for everything ? I'll just list my thoughts below.

 

I'd put a shimano curado 300E , on the jig / pitching rod ,

 

On a top water / shallow or lipless / frog, I'd go with a MH rod , Don't spend your money on just a frog rod etc. Get a all around MH rod , you can throw almost anything with it. look at the Lews Reels , great price for the money. On the rods , check out  if BPS and/or Cabelas , they always have sales.

 

Spinning rig , I like falcon bucco's , 6'6 or 7'0 great rod for the money. 

 

Mike

no im looking at $250 per rod setup. Also has anyone used the new quantum smoke speed freak bc reel yet? And i was looking at using either all Jason Christie rods, or going with omens or duckett ghosts for the rest of my rods with the exception of the frog rod which i was looking at a Dobyns Fury 7'3" Mag.

Get the new citica i's, they are awesome at a great price.

For rods i really recommend falcon bucoos

Are you looking at $250 for everything ? I'll just list my thoughts below.

 

I'd put a shimano curado 300E , on the jig / pitching rod ,

 

On a top water / shallow or lipless / frog, I'd go with a MH rod , Don't spend your money on just a frog rod etc. Get a all around MH rod , you can throw almost anything with it. look at the Lews Reels , great price for the money. On the rods , check out  if BPS and/or Cabelas , they always have sales.

 

Spinning rig , I like falcon bucco's , 6'6 or 7'0 great rod for the money. 

 

Mike

why would anyone put a 300 size reel on a jig and pitching rod setup ??? you want a light reel , not a big high capacity reel like the curado 300e that weigh 10.5 ounces . a reel that will hold between 100-160 yards of 12 lb. line is plenty . you want the reel light , strong ang with at least 10 lbs. of drag . also get a high speed reel with at least a 6.4:1 gear ratio .

Hey pgersumky

 

Don't you think 12 lb test is way to light for ( jigs, flipping, pitching, and punching) For Texas ? I lived in Texas & Cali , I'm going 20lb FC and / or Heavy braid / Heavy braid + Leader. I have heavy reels , that few oz's to me Isn't a factor. 

 

My 2 Cents ..... Mike

Hey pgersumky

 

Don't you think 12 lb test is way to light for ( jigs, flipping, pitching, and punching) For Texas ? I lived in Texas & Cali , I'm going 20lb FC and / or Heavy braid / Heavy braid + Leader. I have heavy reels , that few oz's to me Isn't a factor. 

 

My 2 Cents ..... Mike

Yeah I'm gonna be using 18 or 20# Sunline FC Flippin for my flip/pitch/punch rig, Probably 50# power pro for my frog rod, 50# power pro with a FC or mono leader for my topwater/shallow crank rod, and then 8# fc on my finesse spinning rig

I use 50# ppss on my jig rod with 15# red label leaders as necessary.