Alright so I'm being gifted a brand new bait casting combo of my choice!

It will supplement my ML and M spinning setups. I plan on using the bait caster to throw everything that's on the heavier side, so jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, silver buddy, ect... 

I plan on buying another, cheaper one somewhere down the line for treble hook baits. 

But for now, I'm thinking: Tatula CT 7.3.1 paired with a St. Croix Avid X 6'8 MH. 

Thoughts? 

Sounds like a great first baitcasting setup. Unless you prefer the shorter rod for some reason I suggest getting the 7'1" version of that rod. Will give you more leverage for hook sets with heavy hooks, as well as better distance casting and pitching. 

 

It it might be a little powerful for lipless cranks, but set your drag a little looser and use a line with a bit of stretch to compensate. 

Sounds great!  I'm going to go against popular thinking a little bit, though. I've found gear ratios above 7 to be too fast for me.  Some cranks like wakebaits and spinnerbaits want to roll over. I think this 7:1, 8:1, etc. are more marketing.  Guys that fish contact baits will certainly disagree.  An outfit dedicated to heavier apps. will do better with a modest 6:1 ratio.  At one time 6:1 was unheard of.  Just had to stir the pot.  LOL

6.3 is the daiwa speed you are looking for all around.  If your frogging jerkbating or jig fishing where the rod moves the bait speed is not a bait factor and the fast reels give your more time for more presentations.  

Buy shimano it’s easier to learn how to use a baitcaster it’s more forgiving than a Diawa imo.

No buy a daiwa there better.  Wait said it last

I agree with those that have mentioned for all around versatility a 6.x ratio might be better. Either way you go with some presentations you'll have to reel faster and others slower. But either ratio will work for sure. 

I'm new to baitcasters and have taken a liking to Lew's.  Give them a look.  I came into the market with zero brand loyalty or bias and found my way to Lew's.  

Thanks for the feedback!

My suggestion for a 1st baitcasting rod would be a rod with a little slower action to learn to cast with yet perform all the presentations of a general use rod. I prefer Dobyns because they tend to be a little more forgiving than St Croix, both are excellent choices.

3 power or MH in either 7' or 7'3" in Fury or Sierra series depending on your budget.

Daiwa reel A good choice.

Tom