I've done several searches and while I've found posts talking specifically about reels, or specifically about line, I haven't found anything here that gives a good overview of tackle for a beginner bank fisherman (I'm sure its there, I just can't find it!).

Let me start by saying that I fished growing up, but that was over 10 or 15 years ago so I'm basically a beginner now. I would appreciate some advice on tackle specifically for bank fishing. I don't want to spend a whole lot, but I want reliable gear.

So far, I'm thinking about getting two rod/reels that will allow me to fish a range of species:
1. A medium-duty rod/reel for catfishing, maybe some bass, etc. I would probably want to stick with spincast since that's all I've ever used. I was thinking a Zebco 33 on a medium-action Ugly Stick. Any other recommendations? Can the spool on a reel like that be replaced so I can easily swap line? What length rod should I get? What type of line should I put on it?

2. A light rod/reel to be used for panfish, trout, etc. I've used a lightweight 7' rod with an under-swung trigger spincast and liked how I could hold the line with my finger to feel small bites. It was my buddy's rod/reel, but I don't know what brand. Any recommendations on what length, line, action, etc?

Finally, if my wife will only let me buy one of these two rod/reels right now...and given the time of the year...which of these two should I buy first? On the one hand, the medium-duty set-up is probably better all-around. On the other hand, it's crappie and trout season...and a longer, lightweight setup would probably be better for jigging.

Thanks!

You are right on target with your choices. A closed face spinning reel with 8 - 10lb line on any ugly stick is a good trouble free inexpensive way to start. Spend a little more on the better Zebco reel and you will have something nice for years to come.

This is just my opinion but i would much rather spend the extra $15-20 on a lower end shimano for your medium rod. They usually come with a spare spool that you can spool up with different line for different species. For medium action rods i like anywhere in the 7'6" length with the medium action and maybe medium heavy just because i like fighting my fish instead of winching it in.

As for your light set up i know the perfect set up for the price. a 6'6" or 7' Berkley Cherrywood rod. Usually $19.99 but on sale this week i believe at academy for $9.99. Pair that up with either a Quantum Optix 10 or 20 which go for $19.99 or so and you'll have the exact same light set up as many of us bankfishers on there.

Personally i have a 6'6" cherrywood in light action with a optix 10. This is my cheap set up i use for fishing for crappie, sandbass, various pan fish, and trout in the wintertime. Since i use this rod only when im fishing the creeks or ponds i went cheap and got the best for my money and academy is great with their exchange/return policy.

pair that rod up with some trilene smooth casting 4lb test and youre set. Learn how to set your drag correctly and you can land anything. Ive caught 6lb hybrid on this set up, takes a little longer for the fight but its worth it!

Thanks for the input! ultralite09, I've read good things about the Quantum Optix, but I'm a bit hesitant to buy an open spinning reel...what is the learning curve like on those?

not bad at all. its pretty easy, i started fishing with them when i was about 6

Adam, go with the spinning reel, go to your local pond and practice by tying a 1/4oz weight on the end of your line, just cast and retrieve, after your first outing I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I just bought that rod at Academy 5 days ago for 19.99

Go back with your receipt & they will give you the difference or your $ back. If you don't have the receipt just take the combo back & they'll do the same thing.

Academy is AWESOME about that

Does anyone know if Academy's website reflects what is actually in there stores?

I ask, cause their website shows the cherrywood poles at $19.99 and don't show Quantum Optix at all.

I think I'm going to pick up a Light action 7' cherrywood rod. I'm definitely considering the optix 10 or 20... but I've been reading good things about the Zebco 11T. Has anyone used both and can give an opinion?

i dont know where you heard good stuff about that reel . i looked at bps and the first 3 post were completely negative . personally, i wouldnt take one of those if it was given too me .get a spinning reel , they are super easy to use

I have an Optix, it's not a very smooth reel and kinda heavy, but it'll get the job done. I don't remeber if it came with a spare spool; I don't think it came with one. I had an 11t. I was very dissapointed. The spool is just to small. I didn't get half the distance that I got with my other lite spinning reels. The line knotted constantly from the start (small diameter spool), and changing the line on the spool was a headache. Once I finally changed the line successfully, I still couldn't get out a decent cast. I trust Pflueger spinning reels, but I won't even buy their underspin spincast reel. Pflueger spinning reels are the best spinning reels on the market at this time. I would buy a Trion (comes with a spare spool) and a BPS Micro Lite Graphite spinning rod in whatever lenght you're comfortable with. I like the one-piece rods for "feel" fishing cause I believe they are more sensitive than two-piece rods. The one-piece rods in the lower price range usually top out at 5'6" - 6' range for lite and ultra-lite rods. I would get a light weight combo right now and get a medium set up when the bass spawn begins. For bank fishing, I would buy spinning tackle for both medium and UL tackle. One exception would be for Catfish gear. You're usually casting weights of an ounce or more, so casting distance will not be a problem with the spincast reel. They have more cranking power and control to winch in bigger cats, and most have bait-clickers to let ya know when ya got a bite. I like Zebco 733's with a 6'6" or 7' medium rod for my catfishing from the bank unless I know I'm around big blues. Then, I get my baitcasters out. But, for bass, panfish, trout and etc, you'll want a setup that you can cast a light bait or lure a long ways. Nothing does this better than spinning tackle. Hope this helps. Sorry for such a long post.

Haven't used the Optix, but will warn you about the Zebco. I, until a few days ago, had one on my 10' Bn'M jigging rod, and the cap would always seem to twist off at an angle real easy, snagging the line. If you get the regular 11T, the plastic trigger breaks off pretty easy too. I got mine off eBay, an 11T Platinum (or something like it), which had a metal trigger. On the plus side, they're pretty cheap, so if you get one, then get another for a backup.

Went to Academy at Spring Creek in Plano at lunch today and got a 7' medium action cherrywood rod ($9.99...they didn't have any 6.5' rods and no light action rods) and a Optix 20 ($19.99).

The guy helping me (Kent, Kyle, Keith?) was very helpful and showed me how to tie on the line and spooled the reel for me. I went with 6lb line because the reel does not come with two spools (I was planning on putting 4lb on one and 8lb on the other...so 6lb was the compromise).

Thanks for everyones help!!

That setup is perfect for now, ENJOY