Selecting Rods and Reels There are several tools for a tournament angler to use to help take top honors at the final weigh-in. The "backbone" that's in our arsenal is the rod and reel. There are countless combinations at our disposal. Rod and reel companies are continuously flooding us with new and better products. Gone are the days when one combo would work for everything. While it would be nice to have 20 different combos to choose from, you can actually get by with six basic sets that will let you make the proper presentation you need to make. Tournament anglers will likely be better off purchasing five or six quality rigs rather than using the same amount of money to buy 12 rigs. Not all rods and reels are created equal. The saying, "You get what you pay for." applies to these combos as well. You don't need to go broke buying equipment to do well. I won't name brands, but in reels a good quality one will cost between $120 to $150. I've tried the cheaper route before and believe me, it's not worth it.

When it comes to rods there seems to be an unlimitless amount of choices. The best rule of thumb here is you're not going to find the quality you need in a discount store. The best rods will be found in top-notch tackle stores that carry a wider variety of quality merchandise. Even a high quality rod costs just so much to build and you won't find one for less than $75.00, but it also doesn't have to cost $400 either. It's been my experience that you can purchase a top quality rod for $100 to $150 dollars. And it just makes sense to purchase something that will do the job better and last longer than to go with cheap ones that won't do either very well. The first combo you need is a worm rod. You have a lot of choices here. With worm fishing, a rod with excellent sensitivity is very important. The most important characteristics are a fairly soft tip for casting accuracy and a stiff backbone for hook setting. Another feature you also should look for is trigger-style handle. Get at least a 6-foot 8-inch, or even 7-footer.

This rod combo can also be used for Carolina rigging. The next combo you should have laying on your front deck is a spinnerbait rod. Bathroom Vanities For Sale MiamiHere you want a rod six feet long, trigger-style but with a shorter handle than your worm rod. Building A Fence Around Ac UnitYou also want a soft tip for maximum accuracy. Victorian Steampunk Wedding Dresses For SaleThis rig usually requires pinpoint casting to specific targets and shorter casts. This rod can also double for topwater lures, soft jerkbaits, Spooks, and buzzbaits. Use a high speed 6.1 gear ratio reel. Your number three rod and reel combo should be a spinning rod. You'll need this for finesse fishing and light-line situations.

You should use a 6-foot medium action graphite rod. This one is for drop-shot rigs, casting grubs, or any skipping situation you run into. Your choice for combos number four and five will be crankbait rods. This is one area where I feel you'll definitely need more than one. Both rods should be made of fiberglass. One should be 6-foot, 8 inches long, and the other should be a 7-footer. You won't find many pros that will opt for graphite over fiberglass in a cranking rod. I definitely feel that you'll lose less bass with glass rather than the graphite. Everyone knows that especially in the spring, a lipless crankbait is hard to beat and with a 7-foot rod and a high speed reel you'll have the perfect combo. With the 6- foot 8-inch rod I'll use a 3.8:1 reel. What this does is allow you to work deep-diving crankbaits correctly. The lower ratio gears will allow your cranks to reach the desired depth easier. You'll also want relatively long handles on your rods so that you can make long casts.

Your sixth, and final, combo should be a flipping rig. You could use your worm rod to double for this. But given the big-fish potential that the flipping technique gives you a 7-foot, 6-inch heavy action is what you need to go with. Here your reel choice will be one of personal preference. I don't want a reel with a flipping switch, but that is personal choice. I've taught myself over the years to flip left handed so my hand is on my reel. If you will use these guidelines for rod and reel combinations, it won't cost you thousands of dollars but instead just hundreds. Too many anglers use mismatched sets that are not suited for their intended purpose.   I hope this helps get you to the winner's circle.Good luck and God Bless.Bill Wilcox is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Yamaha Outboards, MCMC, BG Products, Pro Rule, Johnson Fiberglass, Brown's Automotive, Continental Batteries, Kistler Rods, Swamp Hog Lures, Strike King Lures, and Fun-n-Sun Sports Center. Grow your fishing skills and improve your angling effectiveness.

Subscribe to the free weekly BassResource newsletter. Read More Articles For Beginning Anglers Fillet Knives & Fish Cleaning Lures - Exclusive Lures Minnow Buckets & Aerators Rod Holders & Cases Get fishing rod & reel combos: spincast to add to your fishing gear! Pflueger Youth Apprentice Spinning Combo Zebco 202 Stainless Steel Spincast Combo Zebco Micro Spinning Flatboard Combo Silver Bay Micro Combo Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker Spinning Combo Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Combo Zebco Authentic 33 Spincast Combo with Tackle Wallet Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Spincast Combo Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ladies Spinning Combo Shakespeare LadyFish Spincast Combo Shakespeare LadyFish Spinning Combo Zebco 33 Ladies' Camo Pink Spincast Combo I accept Visa, MasterCard, Cashier's Check, or Postal Money Order. Personal checks will be held for clearance. I do not sell online as I prefer to speak to you directly about your requirements.

Please feel free to use my toll-free number 800.354.5050 You are entitled to a 3 Day Inspection Period. If you are not completely satisfied, I will issue a refund, less shipping and insurance charges, upon receipt and inspection. Returns must be shipped in the original condition and original packaging and packing materials. Buyer assumes full responsibility for items not properly packaged or under insured. Restored = Refinished to original manufacturer's specs. Refinished = Not refinished to original manufacturer's specs. New or Mint = Apparently unused. Excellent+ = Near New Excellent = Shows light usage Very Good = Shows light usage with some minor dings Good = Fishable without any problems, sound, reliable You can sort by rod make, length or price. Use the scrollbar to the right of the Price column to scroll through the list. S/N 0901Original bag and tube Original Bag & TubeCanvas Tube ProtectorFine early example of Joe's workSerial Number 95-06

S/N 9502Original bag and tube NEW FROM MAKER, FRANK DRUMMOND, NOT PREVIOUSLY OWNEDBuilt on the Paul Young Midge TaperOriginal Tube and Bag with Hang TagSerial Number 131080 NEW FROM MAKER,FRANK DRUMMOND, NOT PREVIOUSLY OWNEDSerial Number 151195One Light Tip, One Heavy Tip S/N 2111479Original bag and tubeBrowntone Original bag and tube Garrison reproduction S/N 1034Original bag and tubeFull flex Original bag and tube1 tip down 1 1/2 inch Non original bag and tube Original Bag & Fiber Tube, no labelUp Locking Reel SeatTrade Rod Made for Alex Taylor's of New YorkSanded and new finish maintaining Granger varnish patina by Michael Sinclair Original Bag & Tube; 75% LabelPatent Pending Up Locking Reel SeatMinor dings to reel seat barrelHistorically correct restoration with original Premier Silk by Michael SinclairExceptional Post-Restoration Condition Condition rated at Restored; The only evidence of restoration is hand written Granger Premier instead of stamped.

Assumed its only been revarnished.Coke bottle gripSliding band reel seat.Reel seat has dents and owner engraved initials.Original bag and tube with 80% label. Original bag non original tube Original bag replacement tube S/N 6014Original Bag and tubeImpregnated Non Original Bag & L&C "Captain" TubeSeveral replacement wrapsLyon & Coulson equivalent of Heddon DeLuxe Model PRICE REDUCEDOriginal labeled bag and non original tube2 1/2 ferrule Original Bag & TubeBag has original label and hang tag1 3/4 FerruleJapanned Ferrules Non Original bag and tube2 1/2 ferrule 2 1/2 FerruleNon Original Bag & Tube S/N 69302Original bag and tubeFerrule plug Mr Hosack apprenticed under Charlie Jenkins in the 70's S/N 3749Original bag and tubeEarly California rod. It appears the ferrules have been reset.They are sound and tight. S/N 4911Original bag and tube S/N A.A.MO1Original bag and tubeFerrule plugMarked for a 5wt but would be better with a 6wt

Original bag and tubeOne of Mr. Jenkins very early rods, built in 1971. Its the 45th rod built by Charlie and was built for the the Hank Roberts shop. Original Bag & Tube (Orange Label) Original Bag & Tube, Lift Repair Wrap on 1 Tip Original bag and tube Impregnated rodOnly 2 built by Charlie and Steve S/N GA803-11Original bag and tubeBuilt by Charlie and Steve Original bag and tubeSerial Number 70-87 Serial Number 361Original bag and tubeMade 30/8/93 Serial Number 366Original bag and tubeMade 27/10/93 Serial Number 369Original bag and tubeFerrule plugOriginal owners name on the caneMade 12/2/94 S/N 383Original bag and tubeMade 30/9/94 Serial Number 446Original Bag & TubeMade 23/2/98 PRICE REDUCED Serial Number 457Original Bag & TubeMade 4/8/98 S/N 8151Original bag and tubeFerrule Plug Varnished Made in England Circa 1985, Original Owner's Name on Cane. It is believed there were approximately 40 Jennings/Moran rods built. S/N 1086/3Original bag and tubeFerrule PlugImpregnated Made in England Circa 1985, Original Owner's Name on Cane.

S/N 2247Original bag and tube PRICE REDUCED Original bag and tube Has a 4" repair wrap on one tip Original bag & tubeImpregnated S/N 2498Original bag and tubeFerrule plug Serial Number 43562"Made For" Owner's name on cane and engraved on butt cap endWes Jordan Right Hand Cork GripOriginal Bag &TubeTube Label 95% Serial Number 81105Original Bag & TubeMarked 8 weight, also good with 7 weight 2 3/4 oz Rod WeightCap and Sliding BandOriginal Bag, Tube, & Hang TagFerrule PlugMade For Abercrombie & Fitch Original tube,non original bag 1 guide replaced on each tip. Original bag and tubeFerrule plugs Restored by John Bradford 4.6 Oz.Sliding Band1 Tip -4" Original Bag & Tube Original Bag & TubeNo Hang Tag on bag5.7 ounces1 Tip short 4 inchesLocking Reel Seat Original bag and tube Original bag and tube. The butt cap on the reel seat is stamped with and "S" which we believe to mean salesman sample. Phillipson Trade Rod made for Weber99% Tube LabelTube cap carries the Peerless AAW Co. aluminum tube company hallmark

Hollow Built, Patent Number on Cane, Historically correct Restoration, restorer unknown, Excellent Restored Condition. Original Bag and tube S/N 80-30Original bag and tubeImpregnated Replacement Bag and TubeSerial Number 29 S/N 45207Original bag and tubeFerrule plug S/N 41206 Original bag and tube S/N 34303Original bag & tubeFerrule plug Built on the Anita Rae TaperCarries Mike's initialsReel Seat Spacer Straight Grained OakMedium FlamedBlued HardwareCap & Sliding Band Reel SeatFerrule PlugOriginal Bag & TubeSerial Number 9618 Cocobollo Reel Seat spacerMedium Flamed CaneBright Nickel Silver HardwareCap & Sliding BandFerrule PlugOriginal Bag & TubeSerial Number 9512 Built on the AK Best Signature TaperStraight Grain Walnut Reel Seat SpacerMedium Flamed CaneBlued HardwareCap & Sliding BandOriginal Bag & TubeFerrule Plugs Amboyna reel seat spacerBig Cat Taper, fast 5 weightMedium Flamed CaneBlued HardwareCap & Sliding Band Reel SeatFerrule PlugsOriginal Bag & Tube

Original Bag & TubeBig Cat Taper, fast 5 wt. Bastogne Walnut Reel SeatFerrule PlugsSerial Number 200020Tip #2 short 2" at tip top Serial Number 200219Original Bag with Custom Leather CaseHighly figured Rosewood Burl Reel Seat SpacerBlued Downlocking Reel SeatFerrule PlugsGierach/Best Special Taper Original Bag and TubeSerial Number 14-001 Lightly sanded and new varnish overcoat performed at South CreekButt cap marking indicates built pre 1937Original Bag & TubeTube Label approximately 50% remaining S/N 304-7Original bag & tube Early-vintage example of Mr. Whitehead's workFossilized Woolly Mammoth Ivory Reel Seat and Ferrule PlugOriginal Bag & TubeSerial Number 4BMade circa 1989 S/N 6936 Original Bag and Tube with additional new Winston bag for after market 2nd tip All sections marked same serial number in Winston handSan Francisco. Built in 1980 by Glenn BrackettSerial Number 1791Built in Twin Bridges, MTTeak wood spacerHandwritten provenance by Glenn Brackett included with purchase.

Original Bag & Tube, No Label Refinisher unknownExcellent refinished condition Original bag and tubeconverts to an 8'6" spinning rod Original Bag, Champion Tube1 Tip Short 3/4" Original Bag and TubeFiber Tube has damage but has shrink wrap for strength. Old Faithful Rod Co. portion of Wright & McGill. OBTRestorer unknownWrapped historically correctWrap ghosts evidentIn excellent post restoration condition. Appears not to have been fished. Rare Surf RodOriginal vinyl zipper case with stiffener PRICE REDUCEDSerial Number 1950298Original Bag & TubeCopper Colored Tube with MedallionHas received a varnish overcoat Original bag and tube Has "Fern" written on the butt sectionRetirement gift for Fern Morgan, rod wrapper, from Wright & McGillEmailed provenance available from the ConsignorQuote: I obtained this rod from Ferne Morgan's niece who inherited it from the estate after Ferne's passing. I bought the rod from Ferne's niece. Replacement bag and tube.