Looking to get my first Baitcasting setup. Been looking into an abu Garcia pro max reel and I am trying to find a good rod to pair with it. I pretty much use whatever is working in Ohio for bass. Typically I use more crankbaits and topwater then I do soft baits but looking for a good all around. I’ve seen good reviews on Abu Garcia Veritas, KastKing perigee ii, dobyns fury, st Croix bass x and a couple others but I have no idea which one because it seems there is always someone saying that certain ones snap. Just looking for some advice to a novice. Also if the pro max isn’t a good choice im open for suggestions. 

Go up $20 on the reel and get a Diawa CA80 - the Pro Max is a graphite frame whereas the Diawa is an aluminum frame.

If I were you I'd get something like this, in medium-heavy: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/abu-garcia-revo-x-baitcast-combo

 

I can't vouch for it from personal experience, as I don't own a single Abu Garcia product, but I sold a lot of similar combos when I worked at Cabela's and people seemed really happy with them.

Plus, that rod is a mod-fast action, which should be perfect for the application you're describing.

 

Some general baitcasting tips: make sure you let the rod work for you, don't try to muscle every cast. Kinda like golf, when you TRY to swing hard, more often than not the result is worse than if you took a 3/4 swing.

 

Spend lots of time reading BR articles and watching YT videos about baitcasters, but more importantly PRACTICE. In the yard preferably, so you're not wasting precious fishing time untangling backlashes.

i own the kk perigee II 7' rod with 2 tips mh and med. fast  2pc. ... really like it ... better than some of my more expensive rods ...  paired with kk royale legend elite rage red reel it's a killer combo ... highly recommend ...

 

good fishing ...

Thanks for the feedback guys. I need to stop reading and watching YouTube because I’m going to clearly spend more money. What are your thoughts and opinions comparing the Daiwa Tatula ct and the Lews tournament mb reels?

1 hour ago, Chris244 said:

Thanks for the feedback guys. I need to stop reading and watching YouTube because I’m going to clearly spend more money. What are your thoughts and opinions comparing the Daiwa Tatula ct and the Lews tournament mb reels?

Man.  That's a tough question.  I own both.  I consider both to be excellent reels for the money.  Would hate to have to choose just one.  Advice given to many by many....go to store and handle both.  Buy the one that feels the best to you.

2 hours ago, Chris244 said:

Thanks for the feedback guys. I need to stop reading and watching YouTube because I’m going to clearly spend more money. What are your thoughts and opinions comparing the Daiwa Tatula ct and the Lews tournament mb reels?

I own two of each.  So I'll toss my opinion out there, remember this is a personal opinion.

 

The lews is smaller, and is a great casting reel.  The CT it a bit bigger but it feels higher quality.  Both reels will bomb casts, I think the lews is a better caster.  I prefer the brakes on the CT.  I actually prefer magforce Z to any other braking system I've tried.  The TWing system on the Daiwa excels at flipping.

 

If someone asked me which one to buy, I'd say the Daiwa, mainly because of the braking system, but I wouldn't tell someone no or try to talk them out of a tournament MB.

 

Cliff notes:  MB is smaller, and has dual braking if that is your thing.  Better caster.  Mine have ran flawless.

 

CT feels better put together and I prefer the magforce Z braking system.  I find the TWing system excels at flipping. Mine have ran flawless.

Leaning towards the Lews tournament mb. What would be a good rod no more than $100 to pair this with for an all around rod?

I like my Fenwick HMGs,  The Ark Lancer has a couple nice reviews.  One website...in which I read an article about the Lancer...is a site I don't think I've ever read a bad thing about ANY rod.    Tackletour also liked it for its price.  The Aird X gets good reviews.  If you like cork, then look at the Procyon.  Abu, Shimano and several others also offer rods at and below that price point.  Take a gander through the rods on Tacklewarehouse.