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Started By
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What’s a good rod and reel combo for around $200?
Posted on 10/18/21 at 7:56 am
Posted on 10/18/21 at 7:56 am
For general, all purpose bass fishing. It’s for a kid getting into bass fishing but I’d like to get him a nice set up that will last. If my budget isn’t enough I can go up if it makes a big difference. Back when I was fishing it was All star rods and Pflueger reels. But that was 20 years ago..,
20
Posted on 10/18/21 at 8:10 am to Clovis Pilgreen
H2O XPRESS Rod and Reel Combo from Academy
Posted on 10/18/21 at 8:24 am to Clovis Pilgreen
BPS has a few Combo setups from Lew's that are in your price range.
Thought about buying one setup for my son.
Thought about buying one setup for my son.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 8:35 am to Clovis Pilgreen
I'd vote for $100 Lews reel and 70-100 H20 Express rod. I have 3 of the H20 rods and have been impressed with them for the money, even in the salt.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 8:36 am to Clovis Pilgreen
Get a mid level Lew's reel and a 30.00 Berkley rod. With line a little over 100.00. Spend the other 100.00 on gas to take him fishing. Your welcome.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 8:47 am to Clovis Pilgreen
Shimano is my only choice, but I’m a coastal guy
Posted on 10/18/21 at 9:52 am to Redlos
quote:
Shimano is my only choice, but I’m a coastal guy
It used to be mine. Do yourself a favor and look at some of Diawa's offerings, especially JDM reels. I now have a mixed collection.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 9:55 am to Clovis Pilgreen
A Shimano SLX combo is a great setup. Individually, the rod and the normal SLX reel are about $100 and worth the price, but you can buy the combo for a pretty good discount at $140. Shimano SLX Combo - $140
However, you can get one of the upgraded slx reels and still keep it under $200.
The SLX XT is very similar to the standard SLX but has upgraded braking system with more precise adjustments and only costs a little more ($130). The combo with the SLX rod is $170 - Shimano SLX XT Combo - $170
The SLX MGL 70 is an awesome reel esecially for throwing lighter baits or for flipping/pitching. It's a smaller sized reel with a lighter spool (that's the MGL designation). The reel retails for $150 and the rod for $100, but here the combo is $170: Shimano SLX MGL 70 Combo - $170
The last option is a little outside your price range but you get a DC reel (a reel with a built in computer to minimize backlash and maximize casting distance). Separately the reel is $190 and the rod $100, but the combo is $220: Shimano SLX DC Combo - $220
Regardless which reel, I'd get either the HG (7.2:1) or XG (8.2:1) model. For the rod, I'd recommend either the 6'10" M/F or the 7'2" MH/F as they're your most versatile.
Other rod options in the same price range that I'd recommend include:
Rods:
Dobyns Fury (7'3" MH/F) - $120
St. Croix Bass X (6'8" M/XF or 7'1" MH/F) - $110
I really think the SLX reel is the class of that price range, but I haven't fished many Lew's options so other posters may be better able to offer insight there. I will say, I think the SLX is hands down better than the comparably priced Abu Garcia REVO models, and I have fished those a good bit.
However, you can get one of the upgraded slx reels and still keep it under $200.
The SLX XT is very similar to the standard SLX but has upgraded braking system with more precise adjustments and only costs a little more ($130). The combo with the SLX rod is $170 - Shimano SLX XT Combo - $170
The SLX MGL 70 is an awesome reel esecially for throwing lighter baits or for flipping/pitching. It's a smaller sized reel with a lighter spool (that's the MGL designation). The reel retails for $150 and the rod for $100, but here the combo is $170: Shimano SLX MGL 70 Combo - $170
The last option is a little outside your price range but you get a DC reel (a reel with a built in computer to minimize backlash and maximize casting distance). Separately the reel is $190 and the rod $100, but the combo is $220: Shimano SLX DC Combo - $220
Regardless which reel, I'd get either the HG (7.2:1) or XG (8.2:1) model. For the rod, I'd recommend either the 6'10" M/F or the 7'2" MH/F as they're your most versatile.
Other rod options in the same price range that I'd recommend include:
Rods:
Dobyns Fury (7'3" MH/F) - $120
St. Croix Bass X (6'8" M/XF or 7'1" MH/F) - $110
I really think the SLX reel is the class of that price range, but I haven't fished many Lew's options so other posters may be better able to offer insight there. I will say, I think the SLX is hands down better than the comparably priced Abu Garcia REVO models, and I have fished those a good bit.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 9:59 am to Clovis Pilgreen
You didn't specify baitcast or spinning. For spinning you can get a Diawa BG combo for $150 or less if you can find them. He can use it for bass, inshore, pretty much anything for fish in the bass size range.
For a baitcaster price matters more and I'd spend most of that on the reel and upgrade the rod later as needed. Look at any of the $150 offerings from Lews, Daiwa or Shimano and you'll have a nice reel that'll last. And if he doesn't show much interest you'll have a nice reel for yourself that'll last.
For a baitcaster price matters more and I'd spend most of that on the reel and upgrade the rod later as needed. Look at any of the $150 offerings from Lews, Daiwa or Shimano and you'll have a nice reel that'll last. And if he doesn't show much interest you'll have a nice reel for yourself that'll last.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 9:59 am to DuckSausage
quote:
I'd vote for $100 Lews
I have a Lews LFS that is right at $100 and I like that reel a lot.
If shopping @ Academy the Falcon Bucoo and St. Croix Bass X are both right around $100
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:02 am to Clovis Pilgreen
I'll also add, stay away from All Star rods. They sold out and are only made in China and are basically an Academy house brand at this point. Much better rods for the money can be had.
Back to your original question, a couple more rods to consider are the Academy H20 Express Ethos ($80) and the CastAway Skeleton Nano ($130).
Back to your original question, a couple more rods to consider are the Academy H20 Express Ethos ($80) and the CastAway Skeleton Nano ($130).
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:10 am to Clovis Pilgreen
How old is the kid?
Spinning or baitcaster?
Spinning or baitcaster?
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:14 am to The Last Coco
quote:
The Last Coco
What he said.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:37 am to The Last Coco
Dude, thanks for the info and links. I assume American Legacy is a reputable place to order from?
To answer other I’m looking for a bait casting setup. He’s 12 but a big 12.
To answer other I’m looking for a bait casting setup. He’s 12 but a big 12.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:42 am to Clovis Pilgreen
quote:
American Legacy is a reputable place to order from?
Yes. They're legit.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:51 am to Clovis Pilgreen
Increase to 230.
Get an Abu Garcia revo stx on eBay for around 150-160.
Then search eBay too for a Veritas rod for 79.99
Get an Abu Garcia revo stx on eBay for around 150-160.
Then search eBay too for a Veritas rod for 79.99
Posted on 10/18/21 at 10:59 am to Saskwatch
quote:
I have a Lews LFS that is right at $100 and I like that reel a lot.
If shopping @ Academy the Falcon Bucoo and St. Croix Bass X are both right around $100
This
Posted on 10/18/21 at 11:21 am to Clovis Pilgreen
quote:
To answer other I’m looking for a bait casting setup. He’s 12 but a big 12.
Definitely spend the bulk of your budget on the reel. A higher end rod will make a difference if you fish a lot of plastics, but not only is he growing you have no idea where his preference will end up rod-wise and the odds of nailing it right now are slim. I've caught 2 10lb+ bass on a 6.5" medium fast but most guys like heavier stuff for bass. Let him learn on a cheap rod and upgrade from there. A cheap rod isn't that bad, but if he tries to learn on a cheap baitcaster the entire experience will be needlessly frustrating.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 11:27 am to Flats
quote:
but if he tries to learn on a cheap baitcaster the entire experience will be needlessly frustrating.
$100 bait casters are pretty good nowadays. I have a Fishing 13 Concept A, Shimano Curado, and Daiwa Coastal. I throw that $100 Lews LFS just as much as the others with little to no issues.
Posted on 10/18/21 at 4:32 pm to Clovis Pilgreen
Carbonlite from BPS
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