I have bass fish for a while, growing up i always went with my dad but it was never really serious like some of you guys. Iv always just used what reel pole i had and took some senkos or something. I have since sold my jon boat and decided to rig out a kayak for bass fishing and really learn the ropes so to speak.

So my question is i want 3 rod and reel set ups. one for a worm/jig, one for crank baits/spinner baits, and one for top water frogs and such. being in a kayak i want to keep it to three..

So having said that what would you pros take as far as gear ratio, rod length etc. Any help would be awesome.

I would probably go buy Academy stuff just getting started. Relivable, tough and less expensive than most brands. It is not the BEST, but ou are not paying for the best, either. Depending on what you want to spend, that is. If you budget is $1000, we can talk differently to better equipment. Are you looking for baitcast or spinning or spincast? That is a good starting point for this discussion. Eac have their followers, but MOST serious bass fishermen use baitcast rods for most of your applications. But, that may not be for you, but it may be, don't know. Let me know or let us know what your preferences are on the reels and we can be mroe specific. If you want, you can PM me and we can discuss it in detail. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Really im not looking to dump 500 dollars in a rod and reel and me loose it out of the yak im thinking of spending 100-200 dollars on each one. I really like the lews line, i use there spinning reels for crappie fishing. Where im really lost is what gear ratio, rod length etc for each bait. I know youd want somthing a little stouter for running spinner baits and cranks but that about it.

K, here goes.

For CBs, I would choose a 7' MH rod with a fast tip. If you are buying Lews reels, then that would be a 5.1:1 ratio to a 6.3:1 ratio for that application. The Orra WINCH is a GOOD reel in the $100 price range as well. For the worm/jig rod, I would go with a 7' or 7'3" rod or even 7'6" rod, that may be too long for your kayak, though, so check it out in the store. A 7:1 or faster reel would be in order here, because it takes up line so quickly. MH with a fast tip or even H with a fast tip would be what I would look at. For topwater, I would go with a 7' MH with a fast tip, or some would go for a M rod with a fast tip. I would also go NO LOWER than a 6.3:1 gear ratio but probably a 7+ gear ratio to take up slack. Hope this helps and maybe it can get you started. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck. If you do go with Lews reels, that will limit a little bit on what to spend on the rods. The Academy Ethose rods are good choices in the $60 range, for the most part. For my crankbait fishing, I go with an 8' or no less than a 7'6" rod, but that may not fit in a yak.

Thad Rains

Thank you! yes it helps alot! That will get me started!

After looking at Tacklewarehouse Lews reels, there are a couple of options to choose from on the lower end.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Mach_Speed_Spool_MCS_Casting_Reel/descpage-LMC.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_LFS_Series_Casting_Reels/descpage-LSFS.html

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Laser_MG_Speed_Spool_MCS_Casting_Reel/descpage-LLSP.html

The first 2 are $100 each and the last one is $80 each. The seconnd one has all the gear ratios you would need to outfit your whole outfit, if you go that way. If you want to spend a little more money on the reel or rod, let me know.

Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Thanks man! I was actaully looking at that first one, iv read some good reviews on it. Im gonna look into rods and see if i can come up with some decent ones for my applications, i may end up with two of thous...

Actually, the 2nd one has all the gear ratios you would need. YOU CAN THROW A CB on a 6.3:1 or there abouts reel, but it will tire you out very quickly.

Thad Rains

maybe i can put my hands on one at academy tonight and that will help me make a better decision. Thanks brother!

I sent you some suggestions in a P/M.

Tatula CT Reels $84 on Ebay free shipping
Daiwa Aird X $55 on Tackle Warehouse free shipping

I am in love with this combo and have fished a lot in this price range, you won't be disappointed in these.