Hello everyone.

I've been bass fishing for two years using only spinning gear. I think its time to try my hand at baitcasting. Since this will be my first and only setup for now I need an all purpose rod and reel. If baitcasting is something I enjoy using I will get several technique specific setups.  

My price point is about $300. I don't want to spend too much and find out its not for me although I still want to start with pretty good quality gear. I was thinking of going with a Shimano Citica E reel, for the price they seem like very nice reels from what I've read.

The part I'm stuck or unsure about is what rod to go with. The Citica is $120 at *** so that leaves me with between $150-180 for the rod. Maybe a Shimano Compre or Crucial? I really like the Airrus Ultra XL, great grips, high exposed reel seat, removable butt sections, good aesthetics, etc. However I don't know much about the brand or their rods in general.

Any help regarding rod/reel options would be great.  

I have heard the Ultra XL is a bit weak at the tip, no experience with them though.  The Citica would be a good choice, a 6.x:1 is a good all around gear ratio.  As for rods in that price range, I'm partial to the Powell Max and Kistler Magnesium rods but there are a lot of choices in that price range, even more if you watch ebay for a deal.  I would suggest you try to physically hold the rod and reel if possible to see if it is a good match for you.  You are the only one that knows if you like something or not or will be able to fish it.

I shimano curado would be a good choice. And maybe a St. Croix Premier or Mojo bass for a rod.

Fenwick Techna AV AVC70MHF

This series is being replaced and is on sale. Cabela's has

them for $130:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0030060119381a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=fenwick+techna+av&sort=all&Go.y=7&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&Go.x=16&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

This rod will match up perfectly with the Citica.

8-)

Shimano Crucial CRC-X610MH

Length: 6' 10

Line: 10-20 lb

Lure: 3/8-3/4

Power: Medium Heavy

Action: Extra Fast

Ideally suited for fishing 1/4-1/2 oz. spinner baits, buzz baits, traps, Texas rigs, jigs, Senkos & Flukes.

I am by no means an expert, but I own many high end setups. And for 300 I would go with the Falcon Bucoo heavy and a Diawa zillion 7:1. The combo is really light and yet has enough power to get those pigs to the boat. This setup has quickly become my go to rod and reel.. ;D

This is what I would do:

Curado 200E7 on Ebay: 150.00 shipped from several trusted sellers.

Powell Max 6'8" or 7' Medium Heavy: 140.00 Shipped from Tackle Warehouse. These rods are really nice for their price.  

You even get a combo that matches color-wise and you still have ten bucks to spare.  

cititca200/201E

Powell Max 683c

that is about $262.00 to your door is two days from ***!

Now the hard part.....$38 for tackle!!!  8-)

I shimano curado would be a good choice. And maybe a St. Croix Premier or Mojo bass for a rod.

Right on bud, right on haha. I'm really happy with it, caught many fish on it.

powell max 7" mh  139.99  model # 703c

abu garcia orra sx 99.99

They are great!!