Setup for back bay bass

[JF89]

Good afternoon all...
I'm looking for advice regarding a new setup for back bay bassing... I'm talking about casting 1/2 to 3/4 oz jig heads with 4-5" bass assassins or plugs at the marshes. I currently have a penn setup which is *ok* but I'm looking for something with a little better action and smoother drag. Would like to keep the entire setup under $400. A bonus would be if it could be used for casting at the bridges too though I know this is asking a lot as we often need slightly heavier weights for that kind of current.

 

[Leprechaun]

You are right, its really a pair of outfits that you need. One a light model and one a med power version. Its tough to split that difference, because with a lighter outfit if you tie into a better fish at a bridge he can run thru and cut you off on the other side. I've had that happen a few times in my bass casting past. Trust me, it sux to lose a “real” fish to too light tackle.

There are TONS of rods & reels out there to look at. in the $400 outfit category. I would look at a Tsunami Carbon Shield (Green) with a Shimano Spheros SW inshore. Check out John Skinner's Youtube videos of him casting to snook and Tarpon with that rod. Seems plenty strong to me.

Go with a 3000 size reel for the lighter outfit and a 4000 for the more stout outfit. Other reels to consider are the Penn Clash II and Tsunami Evict. I can speak to those two, because I own and use them. Both are really well-made, solid pieces. No stupid ferro-fluid magnetic seals (like Daiwa uses), or strippable micro-module gears (like the Shimanos from the Stradic and up in their line). 20lb braid on the light and 30lb on the heavier.

Other choices in rods are the St. Croix Inshore Mojo, And Shimano Talevera. Go for a 7' model in the lighter and 7.5' or slightly more in the heavier. More length is more better in this app (versus a jigging rod), because if the breeze is up a bit and you need to cast into it, the longer rod will get you a bit more distance.

You need to head to a well-stocked tackle shop, so to evaluate what is available at your budget range. I recommend Trophy Tackle in West Babylon (go on weekends so that John the owner is there - tell him I sent you), or Causeway B&T here in Wantagh. Both can get you going - after evaluating all sorts of potential rod/reel combinations.

Oh, and I made the assumption that you’re casting from a boat. If you are shore-based, someone else will need to advise you. I haven’t done that type of fishing in more than 30 years.

Come back and let us know what you decide on. Good luck!