How do I pair a baitcasting reel with rod: Hey everybody, thanks for all your help on my last question. I'm very new to bass fishing, rods reels, etc. How do I match a new baitcaster...

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Hey everybody, thanks for all your help on my last question. I'm very new to bass fishing, rods reels, etc. How do I match a new baitcaster reel with a new rod...thanks in advance for your help. I do know I want to buy a rod most likely with a Medium action. I'm in California and fishing mostly open water on the bank. Not a lot of heavy matted grass or vegetation. The water body is an old rock quarry with a small percentage of laydowns. I already have an Abu Garcia combo medium heavy power for heavier presentations but would like something medium power for more all around use

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Buy the rod and reel together as a combination - BPS/Cabela's offers lots of combos - or when you go to the store, pick a rod you like then find a reel for it that you think feels right on it. Again BPS will allow you to do this, or Sportsman's Warehouse if you've got one of them.

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Ok, thanks!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Whatever feels good in your hand brother. Some guys have those big old paws n don't like the low profile.. For me i luv them.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Go to Walmart and get a 6.5 ft. Medium action ugly stick combo.

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Thanks man, these ol hands have nerve damage from years of carpet work so I love the low profiles too. Guess I overthink this whole thing. I'll look for combos that feel good

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Thanks Gordon, Right now the Walmart near my house I'm lucky to find 4 ot wide gap hooks. The shelves are bare. They have rods bu no combos right now. Thanks for your advice on the combo. I'll keep checking in at one of the other Walmarts

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Dambass wrote:

Thanks Gordon, Right now the Walmart near my house I'm lucky to find 4 ot wide gap hooks. The shelves are bare. They have rods bu no combos right now. Thanks for your advice on the combo. I'll keep checking in at one of the other Walmarts

DB my motto is if it fits your budget n your hand get it. Was a time i had to buy combos i could afford. When i started fishing bass tournaments n my hands n wrists started getting worse i had to change. I bought lighter n better balanced gear. That fit my budget n my hand. 👍👍

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Its flippen weird Grizz, at 62 and in the last 8 months...I have become a driven man. The wife went back to school at 48, kids have their lives and then there's me...semi retired with fish on the brain. It's a good thing though. Just keep truckin as they say

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Spirito, just called Bass Pro Shops...they don't have jack right now...just the expensive $300 and up range. The guy told me to try back in a couple weeks. It's just hit and miss right now. Could pick up something on line for delivery but I heard a couple of nightmare stories about the rod that was shipped with the rod tip broken...stuff like that

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I've never had any problem with Cabela's mail order. But I hear ya. It's best to hold it in your hand. Times are just really tough right now. Amazon may be your best bet. I don't know if they sell combos, but they will sell you a rod and reel if you know what you want. How much are you looking to spend, I'm sure folks on here will make recommendations for you?

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Dambass wrote:

Its flippen weird Grizz, at 62 and in the last 8 months...I have become a driven man. The wife went back to school at 48, kids have their lives and then there's me...semi retired with fish on the brain. It's a good thing though. Just keep truckin as they say

DB I'll soon be 75. Not a single day goes by that i don't think about fishing.Hope i never lose that fire. 🎣🎣

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Right, thanks Spirito...I will check it out

Dambass Loc: Glendora California

Grizz, glad I'm not going crazy...thanks again man!

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I have a couple of BPS Bionic Blade rods that are very comfy.
They come in a variety of lengths and action. I broke the tip off one
(got hung up), took it back and told them exactly what happened. They said “go pick out a new one”. No problem. They are about $79 regular price, but are on sale frequently.