I have been using spinning rods for most of my bass fishing. I have one bait caster and have mastered casting it, flipping is another story. I would like to by another bait caster to cover more applications, but still keep some of my better spinning rods in action until I have the money to replace them eventually. What type of rod/reel would you suggest? This is what I'm working with right now.

1- Baitcaster � (1) American Rod Smiths, MH, 6.6ft w/ shimano Calcutta 250 reel 5:1.(used mostly for t-rigs, grubs, jigs, horny toads)
2- Spinning � (1) Falcon Low rider Med, 6.6ft, shimano symetre 4000 5.7:1 (used mostly for t-rigs, stick baits, flukes, small crank baits, small spinner/buzz baits)
3- Spinning � (1) Falcon Original Med, 6.6ft, shimano symetre 2500 5.7:1 (used mostly for finesse t-rigs, wacky worms, small stick baits, flukes, small crank baits, small swim baits, small lures)
4- Spinning � (2) Falcon Original Med Heavy 7ft, shimano symetre 4000 reel 5.7:1 (used for mostly c- rigs, wacky worms, � rattle traps, tail spinners, larger lures, stick baits, spinner baits, buzz baits) (these rods are carolina rods per Falcon data sheet)

I have been looking at Kistler , Falcon , St Croix and Gloomis for rods. As for reels I would like to stick with Shimano. I have been looking at Curado Speer Free, Castic and Conarch.

As long as u stick with shimano and falcon i dont think u will have a problem good luck

Look at the Texas Sidewinder Rods they are awesome just click on the link above and give Kit a call he is one of the nice guys and does not mind to take time to find out what you want in a rod.

The Ambassaduer 4600 C3 is a good all-around reel for bass fishing. It's a little less costly than the Shimano.

I am a Quantum dealer and I have a few Accurist 500 combos left. I can get pricing info for you.

if i were you i would buy a pflueger supreme or the president and get a falcon cara 6"6' medium heavy action rod and this setup will be absolutely awsome.

I have a cara 6'6" mh and it's a good rod but I don't like the price. I just bought several of the american rodsmiths at academy on 2 for 1 (2 for $40) special (titanium series). I also have a sidewinder 7' medium heavy and it's really sweet but I haven't used it yet. I just went to academy to get another curado (the old style) and ended up with a new citica instead. I just though it looked like more reel for the money....we'll see

yater, you were suppose to wait until Santa brought you that rod!!!!!!

Sshhhh! I took a quick looksee and wrapped it up under the tree. I can't wait to use it!

I ordered a Texas Sidewinder, MH 6.5ft should be in next week. Now i need a reel.

An thoughts on Shimano Curado Vs. Conarch or Calais, I'm a recreational fisherman so far. I'm having a hard time justifying 250$+ for reels. I can get a new Curado for 99$ at BPS. Will the better reels help with my casting distance, backlashes etc. Should I go with a used Conarch or Calais?

The curado is tough to beat for the price. I picked up a new citica the other day...the citica will take the curado's place in the $119+/- price range and the new curados will be marked up quite a bit. I'd buy the old curados while you can and then consider the citica. $350 for a reel just doesn't make sense to me. I'll probably throw the damn thing in the drink anyway

Thanks. I'm goiong to go the Curado route for now.

I actually returned the new citica today for another curado. After throwing them back to back, the curado is the winner. The citica is heavier and felt awkward (top heavy) after using the curado. The curado was actually $20 cheaper at academy so I got some other stuff with the credit. I'll stick with what works for now

i honestly think that you should think about gettin a abu garcia record reel i traded in my pflueger president for it and am very happy and i put a falcon rod on my abu garcia.,,,,works great has such a great drag,,, but if you want a low profil reel go for the pflueger purist real my friend has one and he really likes it,,,,pfueger are bad about scatching up though