re: Best baitcast rod and reel combo <$200 (Update pg 3)

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If you have to choose between the 2, the rod is more important IMO.

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I would disagree. I have caught more bass on a 1991ish Berkley Lightning Rod than any other rod. It was like $20 at Walmart. I get your point. I'd rather spend more money on a nicer reel and average rod than have an above average rod and decent reel.

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have an okuma Citrix reel

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Have the same reel on a lamiglas kenai kwik as well as the cold water on another., I've become slightly partial to their brand. Not expensive but still very nice.

201 is left retrieve

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What's the difference in the 200 & 201 models?

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200 - right hand retrieve
201 - left hand retrieve

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201 is left retrieve

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Good to know, I'll be getting a 201, in that case. Thanks!

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Gonna' jump on that Academy deal for the Shimano Citica G6
What's the difference in the 200 & 201 models?

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201 should be a left hand retrieve. 200 is the standard right hand retrieve. Get whichever feels good to you... I use left hand retrieves now after trying them for the first time last year. Not sure why I ever used right hands to begin with! Lefty feels so much more natural. But to each their own.

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Also I've decided to go Medium Heavy, Medium-Fast/ Fast on Rod. Preferences?

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All depends on what you're using it for, but for general all around use, a Medium action rod with a fast tip is a good buy. If you're horsing fish in from structure, the MH rod may be a better fit.

As for brands, go check out the Tourney-trail series rods from Cabelas. Great rods for the price and warranty. Others to look at would be the AllStars at Academy if you're looking for decent quality at a low price, or if you're gonna drop $100 on a rod, St. Croix Mojo Bass/Mojo Inshore is good, as is the Shimano Terramar. (Shimano's warranty took a big hit last year though, so I'd probably stick with one of the other 3 mentioned)

Update: Got fitted up today with the new Citica.

Shimano Citica 201G6 (graduation gift from SO's parents)
St. Croix Mojo Bass rod, 7' Med-Heavy power Fast Action ($99.99)
50lb. Sufix Green Braid (300 yds $19.99)

Had the reel not been a gift, it would have been right at $200 before tax, so mission accomplished

Liking it a lot, one bass tonight on chatterbait. Action is phenomenal, especially on the bladed swim jig