THE BASS COLLEGE

been fishing since i was alittle kid..over this past summer ive gotten serious about bass fishing and starting my arsenal up of taclke.rod/reels..give me ur input on some rod and reels u recommend..all i have so far for rods and reels r..

-daiwa 6'6 medium power fast tip spinning rod with daiwa exceler 2500ha spinning reel:using for drop shoting and all my small plastics

-daiwa 7'6 heavy power fast tip casting rod with daiwa strikeforce reel:using for frogs

<>>>....im looking to get a crank bait rod/reel,spinnerbait/buzzbait rod/reel and a swimbait rod/reel in the next couple months..

<>>>>.....as far as pricing rods: 80-180,reels:50-180...i want my equipment to be durable/reliable (i wanna spend my money once on gear and be done with it for a couple years) that way i have more money towards lures!!!

Ok I will get back with you in a bit on some good suggesstions. i know a lot of members will also respond especially after the holidays are over. Talk to you in a bit. Glad to have you here.

For a crankbait rod/reel I would suggest these:

Boyd Duckett, the 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion, combined forces with legendary rod builder and winner of numerous ICAST "Best of Show" awards, Ken Whiting to create the Duckett Micro Magic Split Grip Cranking Rods. Perfect for a variety of cranking applications, the series was designed on the Micro Guide Concept to provide anglers with a lighter overall rod, a significant increase in casting distance and accuracy, as well as, a substantial improvement in balance and sensitivity. Equipped with custom designed American Tackle Micro Guides, these guides were specifically designed for the Micro Magic series to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of tournament fishing.

Duckett Rods painstakingly balanced each rod in the series, because they have found that sensitivity is more a function of balance rather than vibration. Balancing a rod correctly makes the tip lighter, and therefore allows the rod position to be more easily displaced - translating into increased sensitivity. Also featuring Comfort Grip reel seats and a split-grip handle design, an access port at the base of the butt grip allows you to further fine tune the balance of the rod depending on reel choice, etc. Light weight and durable, the Duckett Micro Magic Cranking Rods offer proven actions specifically suited to crankbait applications combined with the performance and innovation to take your fishing to the next level.

Additional Features:

# Custom Hook Keepers

# High Quality AA Cork Grips

# Backed by Duckett Rods' 20-year Warranty

Duckett Micro Split Grip Cranking Rod 7' Medium

Featuring the soft, progressive actions and tapers that are so important when fishing crankbaits and other reaction baits, the Powell Endurance Cranking Series Rods deliver the non-compromising performance and exceptional angler value that have made Powell a leader in rod building for over 100 years. Also sporting a distinctive new look with deep purple water spot patterns along the lower portion of the blanks, the Powell Endurance Cranking Series includes rods constructed with either graphite Maximfiber blanks or S-glass fiberglass blanks. The Moderate Fast actions cushion the strike and fight, ensuring the small treble hooks stay pinned and don’t rip out, and every rod also delivers the reserve power necessary to move big fish away from trouble. These same progressive actions also allow you to make extra long casts and cover more water for a better chance of getting your lure in front more fish.

Smaller, specially designed Fuji Alconite Guides also provide many of the advantages of micro guides, including reduced friction, increased casting distance and heightened sensitivity, but they are still large enough to allow knots and debris to pass through with no probems. Premium Fuji Reel Seats also help further reduce weight, and combined with a split grip handle design and high quality cork grips, ensure all-day ergonomic comfort. Available in several proven models, the Powell Endurance Cranking Casting Rods offer all the attributes and premium features you need for fishing reaction baits - at a price that is hard to ignore.

Backed by Powell's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Powell Endurance Cranking Rod 6'9" Med Hvy

Featuring the soft, progressive actions and tapers that are so important when fishing crankbaits and other reaction baits, the Powell Endurance Cranking Series Rods deliver the non-compromising performance and exceptional angler value that have made Powell a leader in rod building for over 100 years. Also sporting a distinctive new look with deep purple water spot patterns along the lower portion of the blanks, the Powell Endurance Cranking Series includes rods constructed with either graphite Maximfiber blanks or S-glass fiberglass blanks. The Moderate Fast actions cushion the strike and fight, ensuring the small treble hooks stay pinned and don’t rip out, and every rod also delivers the reserve power necessary to move big fish away from trouble. These same progressive actions also allow you to make extra long casts and cover more water for a better chance of getting your lure in front more fish.

Smaller, specially designed Fuji Alconite Guides also provide many of the advantages of micro guides, including reduced friction, increased casting distance and heightened sensitivity, but they are still large enough to allow knots and debris to pass through with no probems. Premium Fuji Reel Seats also help further reduce weight, and combined with a split grip handle design and high quality cork grips, ensure all-day ergonomic comfort. Available in several proven models, the Powell Endurance Cranking Casting Rods offer all the attributes and premium features you need for fishing reaction baits - at a price that is hard to ignore.

Backed by Powell's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Powell Crank Cast Rod 7' Med 704CB

When ripping or throwing crankbaits, the rod action is of supreme importance. The perfect rod for these techniques will have a softer progressive action, yet contain enough reserve power to move a fish away from structure if needed. The action, feel, and productivity of these baits are vastly increased when a softer, more progressive rod is employed. When you do get bit, this same rod action cushions the fight, allowing the small treble hooks associated with these baits to stay in the fish and not be ripped out. Whether you're fishing one of the graphite Maxumfiber moderate-fast action rods, or one of the super light S-glass fiberglass moderate-fast rods, you will have a tool that will give you a true advantage on the water. These rods truly hold all the elements necessary to maximize the thrill of reaction bait fishing. The rods come in various lengths and line ratings suitable for many different scenarios.

G. Loomis Crankbait Casting Rods

Loomis Crankbait Casting 903 7'6" Med

The first rods in Loomis's specialty rod lineup were the Crankbait Rods. A good crankbait rod needs to be relatively soft with a moderate mid-flex action that will not tear the lure away from the fish before it has a chance to get the bait securely. It also needs to be forgiving enough to not tear the hooks out when the fish lunges, especially near the boat. For many anglers the perfect crankbait rod used to be made of fiberglass. That was before G. Loomis blended a variety of graphites to make a rod with just the right action. With the sensitivity of graphite you can have the correct action to cast your crankbait, you can feel brush, rocks and the lightest strike, and you can successfully land your fish. Another big advantage is that the G. Loomis Crankbait rod is much lighter than the old fiberglass rods, so when you're on a good crank bite you can throw it for the whole tournament without wearing yourself out. These rods shine for ripping jerkbaits or working topwaters like Sammys or Zara Spooks, as well as tearing lipless crankbaits through the grass. We offer the entire lineup of Crankbait Rods with actions that work with any bait from tiny "finesse" cranks to deep, bottom dredgers like DD22's and heavy swimbaits. Try a Loomis Crankbait Rod and feel the difference.

REELS

Shimano Curado 200 E Casting Reels - $179.99

CU200E5     Right     5.0:1     7.6     5SS,1A-RB + 1A-RB     10/155, 14/110

It's not easy to improve upon one of the greatest casting reels of all time but Shimano engineers and designers are constantly searching for improvements. The Curado E is a complete overhaul from the D Series. The Curado E series utilizes a frame that is smaller than the previous Curado 100D but has the same line capacity as the previous 200DHSV.

Shimano not only redesigned the entire frame size of the Curado E they also made sure to reduce the overall weight by 2.2 ounces. As with the D Series the Curado E Series is equipped with Super Free casting technology and a Magnumlite Spool. Shimano has continued with HEG gearing and a Dartanium Drag for fish moving power and fighting strength.

Key Features:

Aluminum Frame

Lightweight Graphite Sideplates

Variable Brake System with Reduced Mass Hub

Super Stopper II

Abu Garcia REVO Winch Casting Reel - $199.99

The Abu Garcia Revo Winch was designed to provide pure cranking power and brute strength. The two main ingredients for the Winch's power and strength are the 5.4:1 gear ratio and the extra tough Duragear brass gears. The Revo Winch is built to withstand corrosive elements, the X-Craftic Alloy frame and side plates provide outer corrosion resistance while the HPCR Bearings provide internal movement protection. The HPCR Bearings also give the Winch increased durability and smoothness. The Carbon Matrix Drag System is rated up to 24lbs to handle the monsters of the deep.

Abu Garcia has made another leap forward in their Revo series with the addition of the Winch. The deeper spool of the Winch allows for more line and longer casts. The Revo Winch is ideal for deep water reaction bait applications such as deep crankbaits, spinnerbaits and swimbaits. The Revo Winch meets the demands of anglers looking for cranking power and strength.

OKUMA CITRIX

CI-254V     Right     5.4:1     8.6     7BB + 1RB     12/130, 14/95     $119.99     

Offering potent performance and bold styling - with gear ratios ranging from a blazing fast 7.3:1 to a powerful 5.4:1 - the Okuma Citrix Series Casting Reels do it all for less.  Each reel’s ALC Diecast Aluminum Frame provides a rigid, lightweight base of operations, keeping all gearing in perfect alignment, while seven ball bearings and one quick-set anti-reverse bearing ensure fluid functioning and rock solid hook sets.

A Multi-Disc Composite Drag System also provides consistent drag pressure through out its range, and a Micro Click Drag Star allows for precise drag settings.  Up to the task of handling braided lines, a Zirconium Line Guide Insert delivers added toughness, and an external adjustable Centrifugal Cast Control System provides the smooth, convenient cast control you need for varying conditions.   Packed with innovative features and components, the Okuma Citrix Casting Reels deliver the performance and affordability that have solidified Okuma as a leader in advanced reel design and angler value.

I Own these reels and rods. These are suggesstions for CRANKING RODS and REELS only. For a worm/jig rod reel, or for topwater, or for an all around rod/reel, the suggesstions will be different. Take a look around in this section here also as there are a few posts already with a lot of these questions being asked and answered. I hope this helps a little, and there is more here also on rod./reel selection and also in the video sections.

JUST CLICK ON THE NAMES OF EACH ROD OR REEL AND THE LINK WILL TAKE YOU RIGHT TO THAT SPECIFIC PRODUCT WITH PRICES, MORE INFO, AND VIDEOS ON THEM.

I will get back with you tomorrow on the other rod/reel suggesstions.

wow thanx for the info already!!

LOL No problem I give almost instant responses about 18 hours a day 7 days a week during off season. The rest of time we will respond within an hour or less, 24/7 , 7 days a week. I will have pictures and info on all the other suggesstions by tomorrow afternoon. You will get a lot more feedback also after the holidays are over.

CLICK HERE FOR MY SUGGESSTIONS ON SWIMBAIT RODS and REELS << click

SPINNERBAIT/BUZZBAIT REELS

I own and use these reels here below. I own a lot more, but if I were to pick two, moderate priced, very well constructed, durable all around reels for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, I would pick these.

CU200E7     Right     7.0:1     7.6     5SS,1A-RB + 1A-RB     10/155, 14/110     $179.99

It's not easy to improve upon one of the greatest casting reels of all time but Shimano engineers and designers are constantly searching for improvements. The Curado E is a complete overhaul from the D Series. The Curado E series utilizes a frame that is smaller than the previous Curado 100D but has the same line capacity as the previous 200DHSV.

Shimano not only redesigned the entire frame size of the Curado E they also made sure to reduce the overall weight by 2.2 ounces. As with the D Series the Curado E Series is equipped with Super Free casting technology and a Magnumlite Spool. Shimano has continued with HEG gearing and a Dartanium Drag for fish moving power and fighting strength.

Key Features:

Aluminum Frame

Lightweight Graphite Sideplates

Variable Brake System with Reduced Mass Hub

Super Stopper II

Shimano Curado 200 E Casting Reels - $179.99

Abu Garcia REVO STX Casting Reel - $199.99

Packed with premium features and available in hyper-speed, the Abu Garcia Revo STX Casting Reel has been further upgraded to ensure the highest level of performance. The most significant addition being the dual cast control Infini Brake System. Combining a sealed centrifugal brake with the reel's original linear magnetic brake, the new system provides a limitless range of cast control whether you are pitching a short distance or airing it out for ultra-long casts. Additionally, the Revo STX also features a new swept handle design and drag star for maximum winding leverage and comfort.

Still retaining its smooth Carbon Matrix Drag System for solid stopping power and the Duragear Brass Gears for serious cranking leverage, the Abu Garcia Revo STX is as tough as it ever was. The ten (10) Stainless Steel Ball Bearings plus a Corrosion Resistant Instant Anti-Reverse Bearing provide consistently fluid casts and retrieves, while the Eversilk Coated Pinion Shaft and Pawl dramatically reduce friction for even more enhanced casting and durability. Perfect for a wide range of bass fishing applications, the Abu Garcia Revo STX Casting Reel delivers the quality, engineering and performance anglers have come to expect from Abu Garcia.

Additional Features:

# X-Craftic Alloy Frame and Sideplates

# Infini II Spool Design

# TiN Wormshaft

Abu Garcia REVO STX Casting Reel - $199.99

SPINNERBAIT/BUZZBAIT RODS

Duckett Micro Split Grip Cast Rod 7' Med Hvy

2007 Bassmaster Classic winner, Boyd Duckett combined forces with legendary rod builder and winner of numerous ICAST "Best of Show" awards, Ken Whiting to create the Duckett Micro Magic Split Grip Casting Rods. The series was designed on the Micro Guide Concept to provide anglers with a lighter overall rod, a significant increase in casting distance and accuracy, as well as, a substantial improvement in balance and sensitivity. Equipped with custom designed American Tackle Micro Guides, these guides were designed especially for the Micro Magic series to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of tournament fishing.

The team at Duckett Rods also painstakingly balanced each rod in the series. Based on their years of experience in the industry, they have found that sensitivity is more a function of balance - rather than vibration. Balancing a rod correctly makes the tip lighter, and therefore allows the rod position to be more easily displaced - translating into increased sensitivity. Also featuring Comfort Grip reel seats and a split-grip handle design, an access port at the base of the butt grip allows you to further fine tune the balance of the rod depending on reel choice, etc. Light weight, durable and extremely sensitive, the Duckett Micro Magic Casting Rods offer the technique specific performance and actions to take your fishing to the next level.

Additional Features:

# Custom Hook Keepers

# High Quality AA Cork Grips

# Backed by Duckett Rods' 20-year Warranty

St. Croix Mojo Cast Rod 7'6" Med Hvy

Moderate Fast     12-25lb     3/8-1 1/4oz     8+Tip     Mojo Cast 4

Click to View     15-1/2"     $120.00

The St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods feature some of the finest materials and construction in the business, in a very affordable package. These technique-specific rods feature the brand new SCII graphite material, a mid-modulus graphite fiber with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by others rod manufacturers. This is St. Croix's most popular material that produces rods that are highly sensitive, lightweight and durable.

The Mojo Bass rods feature high quality components like Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides with double-plated black chrome frames, Fuji ECS reel seat, premium cork handles, and two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

Protected by St. Croix's 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service. Click here to check out St. Croix's Warranty page.

Handcrafted in North America.

The mojo is a great rod for the price range youre looking in

wow!! good stuff man!...yea ive noticed u like the spit grip handles alot..my 2 rods i have already r full handle..what r the pro's and con's for both in ur opinion??..and what do u think about the shimano rods over the rods u suggested? 

From what I have read about the split grips vs full grip is that split grip is for a more balanced rod, weight reduction, and looks mostly.

Cody that is right. and the shimano or OK but I don't think they are the same quality overall as the ones I mentioned. Reels are one thing, rods, that is something else.

Delawarebass at December 20, 2010 at 6:04 PM

Cody that is right. and the shimano or OK but I don't think they are the same quality overall as the ones I mentioned. Reels are one thing, rods, that is something else.

ok

ok since ive got the crankbait and spinnerbait rods down..what rod/reel u suggest for jig fishing?

I use several, the prices are what I need to know though, but as far as what I use from $99.00 to 450.00 are these:

Abu Garcia Veritas in 7 foot or above.

Boyd Duckett Rods same length

ST CROIX LEGEND ELITE same length <<(this is the best in my opinion)

G.Loomis NRX same length

I like the flipping and pitching rods for jigs to be at least 7 feet I prefer the ones that are from 7 3' to 8 feet.

 Most any good reel is fine on them, but I always use a braid in 50-65 lb test on them and I like to use the ARDENT Denny Brauer Flipping reel. These are all at Tackle Warehouse, which of course I am partial to, expecially since it is completely free shipping on this stuff, and you get free baits from us and we are affiliated with them and it helps run this site and gives you all the benefits you get here by shopping there. 

I will post some pics and direct links once I get out of the driveway and get to the stores and get situated here. I am having a bit of trouble with 14 inches of snow and 50 mph winds. lol

Any of what he said in this sound familiar to you guys?

yea i hear ya..we got 31 inches of snow here in central jersey

what do u think of this reel ----Shimano Citica 200 E Casting Reel---- vs. the curado 200e?

As far as outward quality and durability it is comparable, but the real difference is internal. The Curado has more Ball bearings placed at Critical stress points and one is an ARB bearing, causing the reel to be much smoother casting and less friction on parts, etc Thus the difference in price, but it depends on how much it would be used and for what purpose. It is a good reeel but not a Curado.

One of the rules I follow is this:

Regardless of the brand of reel or price, I stay away from any reel that has less than 5 ball bearings. 5 is considered the minimum in reel standards for the proper amount. More than 7 Ball bearings is generally for sales purposes, but in some cases such as a Calais, or some other truely high quality reels, it may not be just for sales, but even that is questionable. Reel manufacturers all privately agree though on the 5 BB principle that i mentioned. There are other factors though as well that make a higher priced reel worth the money, such as being a true aircraft grade aluminum and not just aluminum, and the TYPE of Ball Bearings that they have not just the quantity.

i see..so should i spend more money on he curado now and it will last longer than a citica?..

I have a question about not so much brand but tapper of rods I'm looking for a rod to use for both flipping and pitching and double as a frog rod. Now from what I have read and seen most people prefer a med,medhvy, or heavy with a moderat to fast taper and for frogs its always heavy action extra fast tip. Are these two techniques I should not try to combine in one rod and what tapper do you prefer for pitching.