Bass Fishing - Got a Baitcaster reel for Christmas, What rod?

[PantherMartin15]

Hey all,

So I fish almost exclusively on Rice lake for bass. purely cause its close, holds various fish and I dont get many days off back to back. Anyways, I have a spinning rod/reel combo I've been using and for Christmas this year I got a baitcast reel. This is my first one, and I've never tried one before so its a learning curve for me.

My question is whats a good beginner rod for me? I'm planning to keep this as a jig / top water setup, the reel I got is the Abu Garcia Silver Max2. I'm hoping to score a deal at the outdoors show this upcoming weekend so I need some options to be on the lookout for.

Thanks!

 

[ChromeAddict]

Whats your budget?

 

[PantherMartin15]

Hmm good question. retail probably wouldnt want to spend much more then $100 if I can. Looking for something I can learn on but also will do the job I want once I figure out the casting technique. So in the $100 range

 

[buckhorn-bassin]

Check out the abu garica vendetta med/heavy would be best for overall fishing. I believe they are around 80 bucks or so. The Veritas by abu is also a very nice rod for the price they are around 110ish. I own both rods and have never had any troubles with them!

 

[usernamehere]

Fenwick HMG

 

[PantherMartin15]

Purely based on the reviews from BPS, the St Croix mojo bass trigger rods seem very well liked.

 

[ChromeAddict]

I would take an HMG over an Mojo Bass any day.

 

[PantherMartin15]

Went to Sail and took a look at the mojo and the HMG. The mojo was priced over $100 ( cant remember the exact price) and the HMG was $89. One of the sales reps I was talking too said he personally uses 2 of the Fenwicks and loves em, says you cant beat the price for the performance and the warranty.

Looks like the HMG is in the lead.

Does anyone have experience with the outdoors show in Toronto? Think I could score a deal on one there?

 

[riddickulous]

My advice would be to bring your reel and into a store and feel the balance of your combo. Try to find a combo that balances well on the spot where you keep your index finger (depends on how you hold the rod). Pick a rod action and power to match your technique. For weedy Rice that's probably a medium-heavy with fast action. 6'6 to 7' is good but keep in mind that most casting rods are 1-piece and a hassle to transport.

In terms of rods, any of the suggestions above are good. If you can find an older model Shimano Crucial, some stores were clearing them out for $100 and lifetime warranty.

With the $16 admission at the show, you won't be saving much money but if you're going anyways, you might luck out on something. There are plenty of sales going on at this time of year, Sail has 15% off today until the 8th. Bass Pro has their rod trade-in deals starting Friday.

 

[PantherMartin15]

Pulled the trigger on the HMG at Sail today. $88 tax in, best deal I could find. Must be a decent rod if they had a bunch on display on Thursday but none today. Cant wait for bass season!

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

Went to Sail and took a look at the mojo and the HMG. The mojo was priced over $100 ( cant remember the exact price) and the HMG was $89. One of the sales reps I was talking too said he personally uses 2 of the Fenwicks and loves em, says you cant beat the price for the performance and the warranty.

Looks like the HMG is in the lead.

Does anyone have experience with the outdoors show in Toronto? Think I could score a deal on one there?

Glad we could put a rod in your hand that you will definitely have fun fishing this coming open water season

 

[usernamehere]

which sail you work at?

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

which sail you work at?

Oshawa

 

[usernamehere]

oh ok, thought you worked at either vaughan or etobicoke.