So Im new to the world of baitcasters, have not fished really since I was a tennager 30 years ago and alot has changed, best change is my ability to afford gear. I have 5 rods and 5 reels I will list and Im hoping to see what y'all think I should pair with what based on what Im looking to do. 

 

The techniques I know how to use at a beginner level and use with meager success are as follows. Jigs, worms, spinner baits, whopper ploppers. Im looking to expand my use of skipping jigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, flipping/punching matted vegitation, texas rigs and swimbaits

 

I also REALLY like skipping lures but am not that great at it yet but for me the sight of that jig skipping along the water into a spot I aimed at is like hitting a golf ball exactly how you envisioned it, its heaven. 

 

My current gear is as follows.

 

Rods.

Lews Signature Series andy Montgomery Skipping Rod 6'10 H/F

Abu Garcia Veritas 6'6 HM/F

13 Fishing Rely Black 6'7 M/F

13 Fishing Omen Black Gen 3 "kayak" 

7'4 MH/XF and a 7'4 H/F

 

Reels

 

Lews Pro Skipping and Pitching reel 8.3:1 short spool only like 40yards of line fit 

13 Fishing Origin F1 6.6:1

13 Fishing Origin C 8.8:1

13 Fishing Inception 8.3:1

13 Fishing Concept A2 8.3:1/ 25lb drag its a beast really love that reel

 

Obviously the skipping combo its the Lews which Im very happy with ( I love Andy Montgomery he's a character) and I also have the Concept A2 reel with 65lb braid paired with the 7'4 Heavy fast for mat punching.

 

When I did my inventory before this post I didnt realize I had so many 8 to 1 gear ratio reels. Im obviously going to need a 7 to 1 and Ive been eyeing the new tatula 100 with the hyperdrive. at this point in my journey Im looking to get mid tier gear thats good value for the price and once I gain experience and really figure out which tactics I gravitate towards then Ill start looking at higher end set ups. 

 

Ive been reading that a moderate/fast action is best for crankbaist and chatter baits. Also open to line poundage and type suggestions, as well as rod suggestions.

 

thank you in advance to anyone that takes the time to look at this and offer me advice. 

 

 

This is a big question, but I'll do my best to answer it. Here are the 5 setups I'd use if I had your gear, with the line I'd use in parenthesis at the end. Line choices are very subjective, but I'll try to help at least get you started and will keep it really simple for you, so you only have to buy 3 types of line. I also have never used 13 brand reels and will just choose them based on speed:

 

1. Lews Skipping Rod 6'10 H/F with Lews Skipping Reel (15 pound hybrid line for skipping soft plastics and jigs)

2. 7'4 H/F rod with Concept A2 8.3:1 reel (50 pound braid for throwing frogs & toads & some punching) 

3. 13 6'7 M/F rod with 6.6:1 reel (10 pound hybrid line for crankbaits, topwaters, and jerkbaits)

4. 7'4 MH/XF rod with 8.8:1 reel (15 pound hybrid for jigs, heavy t-rig worms)

5. Abu 6'6 HM/F with 8.3:1 reel (15 pound hybrid line for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and smaller swimbaits)

 

This covers a majority of bass fishing. Are there more specialized rods that would be "better" choices for certain techniques? Sure, but this covers all the bases you mentioned in your post moderately well. 

 

21 minutes ago, JackstrawIII said:

This is a big question, but I'll do my best to answer it. Here are the 5 setups I'd use if I had your gear, with the line I'd use in parenthesis at the end. Line choices are very subjective, but I'll try to help at least get you started and will keep it really simple for you, so you only have to buy 3 types of line. I also have never used 13 brand reels and will just choose them based on speed:

 

1. Lews Skipping Rod 6'10 H/F with Lews Skipping Reel (15 pound hybrid line for skipping soft plastics and jigs)

2. 7'4 H/F rod with Concept A2 8.3:1 reel (50 pound braid for throwing frogs & toads & some punching) 

3. 13 6'7 M/F rod with 6.6:1 reel (10 pound hybrid line for crankbaits, topwaters, and jerkbaits)

4. 7'4 MH/XF rod with 8.8:1 reel (15 pound hybrid for jigs, heavy t-rig worms)

5. Abu 6'6 HM/F with 8.3:1 reel (15 pound hybrid line for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and smaller swimbaits)

 

This covers a majority of bass fishing. Are there more specialized rods that would be "better" choices for certain techniques? Sure, but this covers all the bases you mentioned in your post moderately well. 

 

 

Thank you very much!