Oh, by the way, I consulted that well-known tackle expert, the Bait Monkey, and he said you don't need a baitcasting rig, you need a half a dozen or so.

Tholmes beat me to it, I was going to say "No you don't need one, but Mr. Bait Monkey would like u to get one"

Happy Birthday! May we ask what kind of set-up you ended up with?

Once you fish a high quality casting setup you wont want to go back to spinning once you learn how to use it. you could get you a decent BPS setup for that price range, Im a Daiwa guy but I would really try and find me a Citica E for about 65-70 bucks and then a used stick for about 70-100 bucks.. I have seen a few IMX's for about 100-120 recently and thats a heck of a deal on a very nice rod.

Oh, by the way, I consulted that well-known tackle expert, the Bait Monkey, and he said you don't need a baitcasting rig, you need a half a dozen or so.

Tholmes beat me to it, I was going to say "No you don't need one, but Mr. Bait Monkey would like u to get one"

Happy Birthday! May we ask what kind of set-up you ended up with?

Quantum code reel, All-Star 6'6" MH trigger rod w/ 50lb spiderwire braid (have always fished with cheaper stuff, this is the nicest freshwater rig I've ever owned). I backed with mono and spooled up to 1/8" from lip.

Watched a few youtube videos on baitcasting first and have had no problems. Fished all morning without any backlashes. I have alot of experience trolling saltwater with conventional reels, so i know backlash, but was still surprised that I didn't have any trouble casting.

Had a Strike King KVD rattling square bill in firetiger tied on, no leader.

Need, no. Would you enjoy the added control and accuracy? My moneys on yes.

I'm just as accurate with a spinning setup. But I much rather use a BC for spinnerbaits or cranks.

Quantum code reel, All-Star 6'6" MH trigger rod w/ 50lb spiderwire braid (have always fished with cheaper stuff, this is the nicest freshwater rig I've ever owned). I backed with mono and spooled up to 1/8" from lip.

Watched a few youtube videos on baitcasting first and have had no problems. Fished all morning without any backlashes. I have alot of experience trolling saltwater with conventional reels, so i know backlash, but was still surprised that I didn't have any trouble casting.

Had a Strike King KVD rattling square bill in firetiger tied on, no leader.

Congrats on your first crankbait fish and nice setup as well. I use braid the same way with no leader when cranking also but 30# instead of 50#.

Good luck on future success as well