Starter Baitcast Rod

[Michael Borman]

Since xmas is around the corner, I'm in the market for a baitcast rod. I've never used one before, so I'm really sure what to be looking for (or how to use!) Mostly I hit rivers, and use a combo of tubes and cranks.

I do want something that will last me sometime, and in the mid range section. I don't mind paying for quality.

Was looking at the BPS combos and came across this one.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-Signature-Series-Baitcast-Combos/product/1408230711553/

Is this worth the price? Are there better quality setups that I should be looking at?

I did notice the HMG was highly recommended, not sure about a good reel for it.

Thanks!

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Hey Borms since your looking to spend around $250, id recomend getting a HMG and throw a shimano reel on it. A Hmg costs around $100 so ud have approx. $150 left for a reel. The Shimano Citica would be in ur budget, they were redesigned this year, and any shimano reel is an awesome reel. Also if u mainly river fish u dont need anything more than a medium power. Hope that helps! By the way u really dont want to go cheaper than that on a baitcast setup, ive tried my fair share of cheaper baitcast setups and the performance really suffers. No sensitivity and bad castability.

 

[ChromeAddict]

H94 gave you some excellent advice. An HMG with a Citica will last you for a long time.

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

the new citica is closer to the 200$ mark. I fish 2 fenwick hmg's paired with shimano caenas, I trust them with my fun fish and tournament bags. For under 200$ you cant beat the combo. The rods I fish are 7' Mh fasts, Id suggest that as a first casting rod with a 14-17lb mono line. With that setup youd be able to do the fishing you described above as well as much more.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

U could get the last gen citica for around $120-$140. Many stores still have them and they are a great reel. You could get the caenas like was mentioned, ive heard decent things about them

 

[cbg]

Fishing world in hamilton is clearing ouf the older citcas for $99.99. I believe you can order online. Not sure about delivery cost. Pay attention to gear ratio.

 

[Michael Borman]

Thanks guys for your input! Really helpful.

The HMG was top of my list, wasn't sure what to pair it with. Now I can start my santa list

Based on what I'm doing 6.3 over a 7.2 ratio would be ideal, added to a HMG Mh F 7' rod.

Sound good?

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Ya with 6.3:1 ratio you can do pretty much everything. Also if ur mainly river fishing I would suggest a m power rod. The majority of the time you won't be throwing massive baits on a river anyway, and its no fun throwing light baits on a MH baitcasting rod. Just my 2 cents

 

[Michael Borman]

Ya with 6.3:1 ratio you can do pretty much everything. Also if ur mainly river fishing I would suggest a m power rod. The majority of the time you won't be throwing massive baits on a river anyway, and its no fun throwing light baits on a MH baitcasting rod. Just my 2 cents

Good to know ... the rod world is a complex place!

Thanks H94 for all your help, really appreciated.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Good to know ... the rod world is a complex place!

Thanks H94 for all your help, really appreciated.

No problem!

 

[410001661]

Well.......what did you get? Fishing world had a pre season sale and I bought a Revo STX for $135

 

[Michael Borman]

Well.......what did you get? Fishing world had a pre season sale and I bought a Revo STX for $135

A wise friend told me to try before you buy! He's going to lend me his to make sure I like the bait casting style first.

I did pick up a 6'9" HMG M and paired it with a Sedona 2500FD. Got both from SAIL during boxing week for around $155

$135 is an awesome deal!