I’ve been fishing for around 2 months now and I have a decent amount of tackle (a couple of jigs, ton of soft plastics, hooks and other general stuff). I have one baitcast combo. From here and out, should I focus on getting a ton of tackle or get more rods? Anything helps just a little confused on what to do. Thanks

Three setups are a great starting point

1 mhf 7-76 casting rod fast action

2 medium cranking rod 7-76

3 m or ml spinning rod for small stuff

 I prefer a 610mlxf for small worms shakey heads and tubes.

So I would spend your cash trying to get good gear.

I have a medium action casting rod and a solid spinning rod I forgot to mention. So my next move would be to get a nice medium heavy rod? Do you recommend a good rod and reel?

i you think you have enough tackle and rods time to get a boat.

Your set-ups are dictated by your needs.

Are you in a boat or busting the banks?

What type of bait are you throwing?

large surface baits will require beefier rods.

 

the 3 rods stated earlier in the thread is spot on, but if you want to throw CB, large Surface bait and Swimmers, would require at least 2 more.

 

another way to reduce the amount of rods needed is to buy rods that cover more weight. A great example is the loomis Mag series....

 

Personally, I would let desired techniques dictate your needs.

 

side note.....my buddy throws small plastics, small CB and poppers. 3 rods and life is simple for him

Consider a spinning rig.

7-foot medium heavy with a 2500 size spinning reel.

Rule 1 of bass fishing: you NEVER have enough rods!!!!

I agree with 3 setups ?

 

Topwater 

Mid-depth 

Bottom 

 

Which setups is dealer's choice!

I have only been fishing for about 5 years but I have grown to love it. I started with a very cheap Walmart combo and over the years I have bought more terminal tackle and plastics than I could fish in another 5 years

 

What I have learned is that if you are serious about fishing and have a strong passion for the sport, then buy the best gear you can afford. It's not that it necessarily catches more fish but the user experience is nicer. Quality over quantity. Buying used higher end equipment is a great way to to save as well. It's taken a lot of trial and error finding the perfect rods for me personally. 

 

I now have three rods but only bring two with me at a time. Which two depends on the conditions. I prefer shorter rods for control, accuracy, and comfort. I fish from shore 99% of the time. 

 

6'9" Fenwick HMG ml-f spinning, Pflueger president xt 30, used for drop shot, neko, ned, two piece rod good for family vacations. 

 

6'8" St Croix Mojo Bass m-xf spinning, Pflueger president xt 30, used for Texas rigged plastics, wacky, ned, pretty much anything soft plastic and in line spinners. 

 

6'6" St Croix Avid X mh-f casting, daiwa tatula hsl 7.3/1. Jigs, Texas rigged plastics in heavier structure and cover, top water Frogs. 

 

 

 

 

I'd definitely start with the rod/reel combos. You can't play a round of golf with one club. And you can't cover year round fishing with one rod. Versatility in presentation types is very important if you do much fishing. Rod/reel outfits are the starting point. That said, you don't need a whole bunch of outfits, at least to start. But I'd definitely add another one:

 

I see you're in Roch and mention Cayuga. Knowing where you are helps a lot. I'd add a medium spinning rig, 6-12lb line. This will cover your lighter tackle bass applications. This'll come into its own in colder water, clear water, and areas with little cover. Techniques that this rig will add to your game include light jigging (3/32oz-1/4oz), Ned, Shaky, tubes, small swim baits, Drop-Shot, small crankbaits and topwaters, in-line spinners, ... . This is a standard rig EVERYONE should have, esp in the north.

 

As you can see, there's little reason to collect such lures and techniques if your lone rig is not appropriate for them. Can you use your BC rig for these? Depends on the line weight its currently holding, the rod power (and sensitivity), casting capability of reel, and your casting ability. Still, spinning is better suited for these lighter applications.

 

Lastly, the best rod length you choose will depend on where/how you fish. If you fish from shore a lot I'd go shorter, say 6ft. If from a boat a 7fter is nice. If both, I'd say a 6'6" is the best of both worlds.

 

Happy shopping.

Decide what techniques and presentations you will use in the areas you fish.  Go from there to decide what rods, reels, tackle you want to use.  You can make alot of presentations work on the rods you have.  In my opinion only you can answer your question and only after you decide how you will be fishing.  Or if you have a bunch of money to burn just go buy a bunch of stuff and have fun.  I think that's what most of us do.  

Another teenager.    Welcome to the forum.  Glad to have you.  Lots of good advice.  I agree you can't have too many rods or reels.....up to a point.  I've no idea what you can afford.  Or how you fish.  A MHF makes a good all around rod.  I prefer casting.  You didn't mention the power and action of the rods you already have...other than a medium action casting rod.  It should do well for treble hooks.  Even if you meant medium power, it should still work for treble hooks.  A MF is what I used until breaking down and getting a dedicated crankbait rod.

 

Haven't checked today, but if TW still has 20% off, then I'd look at an Okuma TCS as there is an extra 10% off on them.  All reviews I have read on them suggest it is an excellent rod at full price.  At $100 it should be a no brainer.

 

Casting reels...look at a Fuego or Tatula.  I also like my Lew's Tournament MB.  If going the spinning route, look at a Pflueger President or for less a Trion.  I bought my brother-in-law a Daiwa RG and he is liking it a lot.

Yes, I meant medium power casting rod and that is all I have for casting

Dont know what kind of cover your facing or how big the fish in your area are.  Most people start with a MHF casting rod.  If your area has thick weeds and you love to frog you may want to grab a heavy.  It will give you the most presentations available if you already have a medium.  I like to frog with a 5 power or heavy and jig work is also good on a heavy.  It will not be long before your into swim jigs and tossing small swimbaits like the money minnow or skinny dipper on a weighted hook.  If you had a MHF i might go another way but adding a heavy might open up your options the most right now...