Hi guys. I've really gotten into bass fishing over the past 2 summers but still consider myself to be a relative novice. Moreover, the nuances of rods/reels/tackle still confounds me.  My current setup is:

 

1. 7' MHF Veritas w/ Daiwa Tatula CT 7.3:1 - use with jigs, Texas rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits

2. 7' MM w/ Shimano Curado K 200 6:1 (can't remember the exact ratio) - used for cranking

3. 7' MF w/ Daiwa BG 2500 (spinning) - some soft plastics and very light crankbaits/jerkbaits

 

I've recently been donated an additional 7' MHF rod. I was thinking of pairing it with another Daiwa CT reel and dedicating one to spinnerbaits/chatterbaits, and the other to jigs/soft plastics. However I thought I would seek the wisdom of this great forum and see if you guys had any suggestions. Much appreciated!

 

Oh, and budget for the reel is ideally ~$150

if you are not in a hurry you can bid on a few auctions on E-Bay for a Diawa tatula SV.

They usually run higher than your budget, but I bought 2 of them this spring, by bidding on auctions.

one cost $140.00 the other was $130.00. They were both new.  

Simmons sporting goods is the company I usually buy from. they always have auctions running.

 

I would use the SV for jigs and texas rigs. It is great for pitching and skipping.

Put the CT on your spinnerbait rod.

Lews tournament pro at sportsmans outfitters for $139 can't be beat.

32 minutes ago, Russ E said:

if you are not in a hurry you can bid on a few auctions on E-Bay for a Diawa tatula SV.

They usually run higher than your budget, but I bought 2 of them this spring, by bidding on auctions.

one cost $140.00 the other was $130.00. They were both new.  

Simmons sporting goods is the company I usually buy from. they always have auctions running.

 

I would use the SV for jigs and texas rigs. It is great for pitching and skipping.

Put the CT on your spinnerbait rod.

Not in a hurry so I think this is what I'll do. Any recommendations on gear ratio?

 

Thanks for your help.

11 minutes ago, caposa said:

Not in a hurry so I think this is what I'll do. Any recommendations on gear ratio?

 

Thanks for your help.

I have an 8.1 to 1 and a 7.3 to 1.

they both work well. I prefer the 8.1 to 1 for pitching. 

I'd save a little money and go with the ct instead of the sv. I much preferred the ct especially for moving baits where casting distance matters. The shimano slx is worth a look too. Combo can be had for 139 and they're 99 a piece separately.  Good luck

1 hour ago, Shimano_1 said:

I'd save a little money and go with the ct instead of the sv. I much preferred the ct especially for moving baits where casting distance matters. The shimano slx is worth a look too. Combo can be had for 139 and they're 99 a piece separately.  Good luck

You are right the ct seems to cast a little farther, but when pitching, skipping or throwing light lures the sv is much better. It depends on what you plan to use it for.

Guy in another thread found a Tournament MB for $95.  Pretty tough to beat that price.

My picks for a new reel :

 

Tatula SV

Tatula CT

 

Like others have said, if you're not in a hurry then ebay will be your friend when it comes to the SV. You can usually get them for about $150. The CT can be had for less than $100. 

 

I purchased and SV and love it. Cast great and feels super solid in your hands. CT is amazing reel and fishes amazing. I don't think you could wrong with either choice.