Hi guys,

I have not long been bass fishing, but have recently taken it up, i currently reside in Cyprus where the bass fishing isnt great but its my only real option as the sea fishing here is terrible, i have a passion for fishing so thought why not.

As a beginner i have never used a baitcaster before so i am looking to get one a long with a new rod.

I would say that i fish once a week and i was hoping you guys could help me out with an all purpose rod as i know that most are specific.

The rods i have in mind are:

Abu Garcia - Vendetta 6'8

Daiwa - T Casting rod - 7'

Shimano - Clarus 7'

Carrot Stix - Wild 7' (would be great to get your opinion on these as all the reviews i have seen have been terrible.)

The reels:

Dawai Megaforce 100

Shimano Caius 200

Abu Garcia Black Max 2

Any help on this would be great appreciated guys and if someone could help explain the difference the rod length has other than casting distance would be greatly appreciated. I mainly fish shallow crank baits, swimbaits and top water lures but would like to have a rod that also allows me to throw worms, jigs etc.

Thanks in advance guys.

Look in our International Section. We have several members from Cypress and the

bass fishing is excellent!

Regarding your gear, before narrowing your choices, give us the price range you

are considering.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the forum Wilonso.

As far as a multi purpose rod goes, a 6'6" - 7' Medium Heavy power, fast action is probably what you want. Casting distance is the most relevent performance aspect related to rod length. A longer rod also helps in situations where you want to take up line quickly on a hookset. A shorter rod may be easier to handle shore fishing around trees and brush.

As for a first baitcast reel, I'd suggest spending just a little more for an ABU Revo S, Shimano Citica etc. A better quality reel will be more user friendly and will last a long time if cared for. Hope this helps. Good luck!

I have posted in there before and had a few PM's with some of the members its not too bad, the price range i am looking at is around 150-200 dollars for rod and reel.

Thanks for speedy replies

Another Rod and Reel i had in mind was the Okuma Citrix range.

The rods you listed are all good, for the reel look at something a little better but not much more expensive. Reels like the Shimano Ctica E can be found for less than 100 bucks, the first version of the Quantum Kinetic is on sale at Cabelas for $69.99 and was priced and performed the same as the Citica E, and the BPS Pro Qualifier along with the Lews Speed Spool. Try to avoid baitcasting reels with graphite frames if possible as the aluminum ones will on average last longer.

Thanks very much for the advice!

/Rod Wise, Is the selection above a good place to start ?

I have a BPS pro qualifier baitcaster paired with a vendetta and its a very nice combo.

A Bass Pro Pro Qualifier and a Berkley Lightning Shock rod will be a great combo. Together about $150.

i would stick with the two shimano's you listed, the clarus is a good rod for the money. and i have always loved my shimano reels. i have 6 chronarchs and 5 curados, they work flawlessly. the chronarchs are almost 10 years old and havent had a single problem with them as long as you take care of them.

I have a BPS pro qualifier baitcaster paired with a vendetta and its a very nice combo.

I have the same setup and it is great!

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the assistance and recommendations, i decided that i will go with the Shimano Citica paired up with the Abu Veritas Micro 7'

My guess based on what I've read is that you've made a good choice. My only Abu rod is a new Villain spinning rod. Never held a Citica, but have a Curado 51E, Chronarch 100B and Chronarch 101A. Can't say anything bad about any of them.

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the assistance and recommendations, i decided that i will go with the Shimano Citica paired up with the Abu Veritas Micro 7'

It's against International law to put a Shimano reel on an Abu Garcia rod.

Love the Citica. Haven't fished with a Veritas yet, but I like them. For arguments sake, check out the St. Croix Avid series, my favorite rods.

Mike

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the assistance and recommendations, i decided that i will go with the Shimano Citica paired up with the Abu Veritas Micro 7'

Great choice! Good luck fishing!