Set up help?

[Scott the fishman]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

There is a balance between the importance of the rod and reel for every technique out there. Regardless of which is more important, I will say what I've been saying for quite a while: buy the best gear you can afford. It will save you money in the long run, and you can plan your next combo, not your next upgrade.

I have to say, I don't have much experience with reels of this price range. About the only one I've used (and am still happily using) is the BPS Pro Qualifier. That's always an option. I'd wait for it to go on sale though; you know it will at least once before x-mas.

PnJ is right about Daiwa's magnetic brakes, or the Magforce V and Z brakes anyways. They work differently from other magnetic brakes and make excellent pitching reels. Unfortunately, most are out of your budget. So are most of the shallow spool reels I know of, which also help in making a great pitching reel. That's not to say other reels will be bad at it.

A couple years ago, I would've told you to look out for a used Daiwa Sol, stick a $10 set of Carbontex drag washers in it. The Sol is a wicked pitching reel, and a used one would have easily fallen into your budget before it was discontinued. Now you'll pay quite a bit for one, even used (if you can find someone selling one). That said, you still do run across an amazing deal now and then, so keep your eyes peeled.

Now, I'd stick to a reel in the $75-100 range that has a good reputation, and you should be fine. Any reel like that will probably best your current Silver Max in pitching.

For the rod, I'd definitely go 7'3-7'6" for you. Being tall, and fishing from a bass boat the majority of the time is the best scenario for pitching with a long rod. You'll just have to deal with it from shore (I often use soft underarm casts from shore anyways). I'd also stick with something with around a 3/8 1-1/2oz rating; that'll put your 1/2oz weighted baits right in the sweet spot.

The balanced vs light rod argument is usually a factor when picking a rod, but I think a balanced rod is a must for a technique like pitching/flipping. For that reason, I'd stick with a factory balanced rod, or a rod with micro guides.

Again, I have no experience with any of the following rods, and my recommendations are based on what I've heard from others.

I've heard good things about BPS's Carbonlite Micro rods. And like the PQ reel, they're bound to go on sale before x-mas.

Another option is one from my personal favorite factory rod company, the Dobyns Savvy or Savvy Micro. Both will have good balance, because they are factory balanced. The Savvy will be pushing your budget though. You can order from TW by Monday and get 20% off. Or thehookuptackle.com all November and get 20%. (I've ordered from them, they're great to deal with). The SSM734C (7'3" H) or SSM766FLIP (7'6" H) would both work, although the latter may be a bit overkill for someone pitching less than 3/4oz weights.

Powell also makes a great product. They fish similar to the Dobyns, but aren't quite as balanced over 7'. I think a you like a similarly spec'd rod from them as well. Again 20% from TW right now.

Abu Garcia makes a couple good rods as well, like the Veritas. Even more budget minded, I've heard good things about the Tech Spec rods from Dick's Sporting Goods for the price. Might want to look into them if you've got a Dick's near you.

BB

I have decided with everyone on this threads much needed help to ask for BPS microguide rod and pro qualifier. I have the pro qualifier so i know its a solid real. And i have not been disappointed in BPS yet.... Thank you everyone. Really owe you all one