I have a baitcaster and enjoy it now the backlashes are getting fewer.  I love the idea on having one good all around combo rod - this one is med-heavy action 7' shimano clarus with exceller reel.  Its fine for me right now, I don't need a $300 blank just yet.  My question is this:  if I want to alternate light to heavy rigs can I buy another b/c reel and rig it with lighter line - say 10lb Yo-Zuri hybrid for casting cranks, drop shot etc?  Then when I am out fishing I can simply change up the reels instead of having 2 rods with me.  Or, do I have to buy a spinning rig for light stuff?  

You can run lighter line and lures on your MH rod, but it won't be as efficient as a lighter powered rod.

There are quite a few bc reels that will efficiently handle lighter line. I have Yo-Ultra Soft in 8lb on my Sol, and it casts very well.

Most baitcast reels capable of casting weightless/very light baits are probably out of the price range you are looking to spend as far as I know, unless anyone can suggest one..  I use a spinning setup for most of my plastics, so maybe I'm wrong.

Keep your eyes peeled for spinning combo on sale at BPS or Cabela's. You can get a Plfueger President or Shimano Sedona on a store brand rod for cheap and have exactly what you need. Just my suggestion.

Ronnie

Keep your eyes peeled for spinning combo on sale at BPS or Cabela's. You can get a Plfueger President or Shimano Sedona on a store brand rod for cheap and have exactly what you need. Just my suggestion.

Ronnie

x2.

   

  They have a Shimano Spirex/Bionic Blade combo for 100$ or a Pflueger President/Extreme Xps combo for 120$. You can buy a new reel and lighter line and take the time to change it out or you could spend about the same amount of money and get a spinning rod/reel combo that way you have it there and wont have to change anything. Just tie on your bait and cast it out. I think you would do better fishing light/weightless baits on a spinning rig because its easier to cast. Good luck.

thanks guys - I ended up with a Shimano Clarus 7' med-light fast action spinning rod with shimano sahara reel.  I hope this does the job.

Good reel choice  .

thanks guys - I ended up with a Shimano Clarus 7' med-light fast action spinning rod with shimano sahara reel. I hope this does the job.

Good choices! (I have a 6' Clarus Med. Fast action and a Sahara 2500).

Just remember the lighter the line the more prone you will be to the backlashes. So practice with the lighter line a little.

interesting point on the line.  I got 8lb test p-line 100% flouro.  I have had a few issues with it, well, going crazy and tangling on the cast - nothing major, but odd to me.  I love the line though.