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Baitcast combo for smallmouth

1K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  BrettSass844 
#1 ·
I am looking to purchase a baitcast combo for smallmouth. I don’t want to spend a ton since I have never used a baitcaster for bass, but I have for catfish. Cabela’s has a Lew’s Laser Pro Speed Spool combo on sale for $99.99 regular $169.99. 6ft 10in medium heavy 1 piece. Reel gear ratio 7.5:1. Just wanted to get the opinion of some of you more experienced smallmouth guys here. Is this a combo I should purchase or look around some more. Thanks in advance.
 
#4 ·
I should have added that I already have a 7ft medium spinning set up that I use for senkos, tubes, and jig/grubs. I wanted a baitcast set up for cranks, top water, and swimbaits. In most situations I will probably use my spinning more I just wanted more versatility.
 
#7 ·
For cranks you want a rod with moderate action in the tip; in other words, avoid “stiff” rods with a fast (or extra-fast) tip. (Several manufacturers design rods specifically for throwing crankbaits). I also think a medium power is your best bet, unless the baits you plan on throwing are big and heavy.

All that being said, since you mentioned topwater, a medium-heavy is ideal for throwing whopper-ploppers in the 110 to 130 range.
 
#11 ·
Dude, look at the Cabelas Tournament ZX setup. Rod on sale for $69, reel for $50. The rod reviews are great, and the reel is a Diawa, even has the Diawa emblem on it. They almost always give you $20 bucks off if you buy a combo. That would get you a nice setup for $100. The rod has 2 medium options 6'9 crank bait and 7'1 topwater
 
#12 ·
Lews and Shimanos have both been great to me. From entry level models to Curados and Lews tournament series. You can get several models of Fenwick rods on sale at Cabelas routinely for $50. They are good rods. Temple Fork also makes a good rod. I have a 7’ MF paired with a Shimano Citica. It may very well be my favorite setup.
 
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