need rod/reel set up help

[cojab]

So I just saved up enough cash to pick up a good quality rod and reel set up. I'd like to run down what I have already and then get suggestions of how I should use those combos and then get a suggestion for another rod and reel. I will also say that for the new combo I am thinking I would like to try a Dobyns rod and a Lews reel.

Currently I have:
1. Veritas 2.0 7' medium action with a Revo SX 6.4x1 12 lb mono
2. Wright McGill Jig/Worm rod 7'2" fast action has a BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4x1 12 lb mono
3. Wright McGill Crankbait rod 7' med-fast action with a Shimano Citica 7.2x1 with 12 lb p line

So how should I set up and use my current stuff and which new set up should I get to fill in the holes that I have. I fish mostly plastics but I just ordered some NuTech jigs and I am wanting to concentrate on learning those baits this year. After that I want to really learn how to fish crankbaits and deeper structure.
Thanks for the help

[cojab]

I should add that I can spend about $150 each for the rod and reel which would keep me in either the Fury line up or the Savvy if I can swing a few more bucks.

[njpaulc]

Since you asked for advice here goes.  First, I'd take the Shimano reel off the Crankbait rod, and put it on the Jig rod, better use of the high speed retrieve and then I would put heavier line on it, maybe 15 LB florocarbon, less stretch better hooksets.  The reason I'm not suggesting even heavier line is I am assuming Colorado has clearer water with sparser weed growth.

Then I would look to buy a spinning rod for drop shot, shakey head and finesse plastics.  6 to 10 lb test floro or mono, 7 foot since you seem to be comfortable with that length.  I don't have any really new gear, so I'm not going to suggest specific brands, you could only match my stuff in a second hand store

[LgMouthGambler]

What do you need? Enlighten us as to what kind of water systems you fish, that might help to get a better response. I would say a heavy rod for frogging or punching, but I dont know if you need that.

[cojab]

Thanks for the reply. A new spinning combo was also in my thought process but I am actually pretty well set up with those.
The Shimano on the jig rod makes sense. At some point I want to replace the Wright McGill rods. I got these through a friend whose dad works for them. I got great deals on them but they are not my favorites. They just seem heavy and stiff to me. Could one of these end up being a frogging/punching  rod since they are so heavy.
Like mentioned I fish mostly plastics, and those have been on the Veritas. I want to learn jigs but they seem to heavy on the Veritas so I have been throwing them on the jig rod now. I also want to learn crankbaits but the crankbait rod definitly feels stiff and heavy when I've tried it.
I usually fish a 900 acre electric only lake here from a boat. Not to much heavy matting but there is tules on the edges that I fish regularly.
I hope this makes sense. I have limited background in bass fishing so I dont always make sense to the people who have done this awhile.

[LgMouthGambler]

You dont need a setup for frogs or anything that braid would be an advantage for?

[MissouriFishin]

I definitely agree with the previous suggestion about switching those reels. A 7:1 ratio is much better suited for plastics and jigs than crankbaits. I use 6.4:1 for crankbaits, and some people actually prefer slower than that.
As for new gear, I love my Lews bait casters. The Lews Tournament Speed Spool fits your budget. And If you look around online enough, the Tournament Pro probably will too. I have both and I love both of them.
As for the rod, I'm not much of a jig fisherman, and I've never fished a Dobyns rod. But I have been looking into them. Go to their websites and check out the Fury series. They have a wide range of rods, and I've heard good things. And that series runs about $109.99. I'm sure there are some there that would be great for jigs.

[cojab]

You dont need a setup for frogs or anything that braid would be an advantage for?

Sure. Could always throw frogs and I have some braid I can throw on a reel. We just don't have big grass mats around here. Could definitely throw into those tules though and I'm sure braid would be beneficial in there.
Are you suggesting getting a frog rod? I would almost rather use one of the existing Wright McGills for that if it would work ok and upgrade the jig or crank rod.

[LgMouthGambler]

A good MH F rod with 50# braid would be goo.ake sure the reel is a 7 speed or faster. Something with at least 31IPT.

[Mike Cork]

Currently I have:
1. Veritas 2.0 7' medium action with a Revo SX 6.4x1 12 lb mono
2. Wright McGill Jig/Worm rod 7'2" fast action has a BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4x1 12 lb mono
3. Wright McGill Crankbait rod 7' med-fast action with a Shimano Citica 7.2x1 with 12 lb p line

Great advice about the gear ratios

I am not very familiar with Wright McGill rods, so when you say a Jig/Worm rod I don't know the action. I can assume it's a medium heavy with a fast tip. So in staying with the same rods this is the one for the faster gear ratio. The Crankbait rod, is probably a medium and should have a similar action and feel as the Veritas. Personally I'd make one a rattle trap rod and the other a crankbait rod. I'd also use the lightest weight of the two for your topwater applications.

I've held a few McGill rods and I agree that they were over all heavier in weight, this was several years ago so that could have changed. To chunk a crankbait all day with a heavy rod can be very tasking.

Holes? For the fishing situations you have, I'd think a good jig rod is a necessity. I'd recommend saving a few more dollars and going with a Dobyns Champion Series. They have tremendous sensitivity for bottom bouncing baits. And with a bait like a jig, where sometimes the bite is detected by the lack of weight of the bait, a very sensitive rod is a must. In the Champion Series, a 705 or 735 both make a great jig rod. I like the 735 because it's longer. A 734 is a great jig rod if you don't have a lot of cover, and will become a favorite all purpose rod as well, it does everything.

Adding a decent jig rod would be a great start for you. Bass fishing is a sickness and we can never have enough equipment LOL I have way too many rods and a different one for each application to maximize my baits potential and strike to land ratio. (it really is a sickness for me)

[cojab]

Thanks for the replies. Mike, I also cant tell you the actions on the Wright McGills. They are literally only marked as Jig/Worm and Crankbait. They say what lure and line weights but not the action.
These rods are seriously heavy to me, especially compared to the Veritas. Like mentioned I dont have a bunch of experience with bait casting equipment but I can tell the difference there.
So I'm thinking of a new jig rod then and converting possibly the jig/worm rod to the fastest reel I have for frogging or punching if this sounds like a decent plan. I really think the Wright McGill is heavy enough for this.
As far as the crankbait rod the Wright McGill feels nothing like the Veritas. I might just do as you suggest and hold onto this for rattletraps and when I start concentrating on learning cranks try to pick up another rod a little better suited for it. Feel free to correct me if this sounds like I'm not tracking correctly here.
Any suggestions on the gear ratio for the new reel? I would prefer to throw it on the new rod.
I appreciate the comments.

[Mike Cork]

Ultimately it comes down to what feels right for you. We are all a little bit different. But I think you're headed down the correct path in general.

As far as reels go, I run 7:1 on everything. It's just the way I like it. There is good concepts in using a lower gear ratio reel for certain applications but it's not my style. I prefer to have the fastest reel possible and control the retrieve myself.

[cojab]

Thanks Mike. I appreciate your input.