Rod Reel setup

[Flat Rock]

I have 3 BC's...
1, Bill Dance rod 6'6"  M/H  w/ Alba Garcia Revo  (don't care for it much, temperamental )
2, Alba Garcia 7' med Mod with w/ Lews 6:8  ( crankbait setup, love it)
3, Powell 7' M/H Ex Fast   w/ Lews Tourn 7:5  (soft plastics, love it as well)

I'm sharing what I'm using because I'm thinking maybe I want to add a 4th rod setup to my collection.  I really like my Lews reels, very forgiving.  Not crazy about the Garcia reel... damn thing wants to BL unless I have something heavy at the end of the line like 1/2 oz or more to pull the line.  And I love me Lews, very forgiving and find I don't even think about casting when I'm using it, unlike the Garcia that its hard NOT to focus on casting.  (I'll probably sell it soon enough)

I don't want to spend 3-400 bucks, thats nuts for me.. but I'd like to find a nice all round rod / reel setup that could maybe fill in what I currently don't have.

What would you suggest I might consider looking at ?

[caddyjoe77]

Do you throw jigs or flip grass?  or is that included in your soft plastics category?

[Flat Rock]

Do you throw jigs or flip grass?  or is that included in your soft plastics category?

Yes I'm sorry plastics and jigs

[Mike Cork]

I guess my first question is, "what do you want the new set up for?"

I have over 20 set ups so I'm not trying to steer you away from another set up. For me the more the better, just means less retying of lures on fishing day.

You might be happy just buying another Lews to replace the ABU, this would make that rod more useful for you. A 6'6" MH is a very versatile rod and with a reel that you like, you'll be able to fish spinnerbaits and chatter baits, to heavier topwaters like zara spooks and whopper ploppers.

[Flat Rock]

I guess my first question is, "what do you want the new set up for?"

I have over 20 set ups so I'm not trying to steer you away from another set up. For me the more the better, just means less retying of lures on fishing day.

You might be happy just buying another Lews to replace the ABU, this would make that rod more useful for you. A 6'6" MH is a very versatile rod and with a reel that you like, you'll be able to fish spinnerbaits and chatter baits, to heavier topwaters like zara spooks and whopper ploppers.

Right that's probably what I'll probably do with that rod anyways...  I had a indepth conversation with a friend yesterday and I think I'm looking for a med hvy with a med/fast action, since I don't have anything like that.  My Powell is a EX Fast and I like fishing the bottom with it, but I'm thinking a 7' that would fit in between the EF and the med modified with a little bit larger eyes since my other two 7'rs  seem to have small eyes on them.   Maybe even see if I can find a rod maker and have one custom made... nothing fancy, just something that would be my all round go to rod that will fill between my med mod and ex fast

[1ReelFanatik]

A custom rod is always nice.  I've never had one built to my specifications, but have 4 nice ones that were built for someone else.  Be aware that most of the time a custom rod is not going to return as much of your money as a good factory rod will should you decide to sell it.  Personally I don't care if someone else's name is on it.  Or if the colors aren't what I would have chosen.

What model and generation is your Revo.  Some models are known to be temperamental.  I have a Gen 1 STX that has been an excellent reel for me.  Mostly it has been used to cast 10 inch unweighted ribbontail worms into the slop using 40# braid.  It has also made some of my longest casts the day that I fished brackish water with a 3/4 oz. saltwater spoon tied on.

If you like Lew's, then stick with Lew's.  Or you could try a nice Shimano or Daiwa.     I am partial to Daiwas.   

[Pferox]

OK here is something off of the wall.

Replace the Garcia with a more favorable reel, I bet you will use that rod much more that way.

For the new rig, get a spinning setup, this will allow for some finesse and extremely light casting opportunities.  These can be cheaper than a Bait casting rigs, allowing more bank for the replacement reel.

A 2,000 or 3,000 spinning setup ought to run around $100 give or take.

[Flat Rock]

OK here is something off of the wall.

Replace the Garcia with a more favorable reel, I bet you will use that rod much more that way.

For the new rig, get a spinning setup, this will allow for some finesse and extremely light casting opportunities.  These can be cheaper than a Bait casting rigs, allowing more bank for the replacement reel.

A 2,000 or 3,000 spinning setup ought to run around $100 give or take.

Until this yr I have always been a spinning man.  I have 4 spinning setups now, one light for blue gills and such, a med 2 pc that that has been my favorite rod since the 80's. and 2 catfish/stripper rods.   

I listed what I had because I was wanting a 4th BC and was looking for ideas.   

[caddyjoe77]

IMO you can't go wrong with a daiwa Sv TW.

[zippyduck]

IMO you can't go wrong with a daiwa Sv TW.

Pair that with a Dobyns Sierra 734 and you have a rod to do just about everything.