Non-Boater setup from near scratch HELP! lol

[bbtt123]

So I'm in a spot again in life to return to my passion and get back on the water. There is a local club which runs tourneys around me and I'm looking at joining as a non boater. Problem is I lost about 1/2 of my tackle and all of my rods over the past two years with a few situations getting in the way. So I'm looking at getting setup as basic as I can for now and upgrading and adding eventually.

I know as a non-boater to keep a compact profile is best, so I'm looking at carrying the following:

Tackle bag: I have one, its set up nice and I am positive I will just need to update hooks and rings and maybe buy a few additions. With the bag I have I have multi tool and plenty of soft and hard baits, it was my previous non-boater bag so it should be serviceable for now.

Rods/Reels: Here is where I need help, I have NOTHING right now, I'm thinking of going with one baitcasting setup and one spinning setup to keep my load light and not be overbearing bringing too much into the boat. Wondering what would be the best setup for gear, my budget is on the low end for now so I'm working with bargain hunting and trying to get bang for buck as well as covering the basics. I'm good with soft plastic and cranking/spinner work, jig and drop shotting finesse tactics were never my strong suit but I can pull it off if needed.

I know there's a few other odds and ends needed, but wondering what you guys would recommend coming from a "cover you bases" situation. I'm looking at reels right now as well as rods, the rest I can pick up after the initial money spent to get my rods set up.

Thanks in advance, if anyone thinks of anything else I might need..or tips..I'd appreciate it.

James

[Frank]

id get 4 rods and maybe an extra reel to bring in the bag.  i buy Shimano Stradics on ebay for about 70.  You can also put braid on all your poles, the use a flouro leader to cover all situations

[kram1982]

What kind of lakes does this club fish? That will make a difference on tackle selection and also rod selection.  I also agree on the 4 rods, I usually take 5 with me when I fish a BFL as a co - angler and always wish I had 2 or 3 more with me.

[ACbassassassin]

id get 4 rods and maybe an extra reel to bring in the bag.  i buy Shimano Stradics on ebay for about 70.  You can also put braid on all your poles, the use a flouro leader to cover all situations

Wow! I've never been able to find Stradics that cheap on eBay!

[bbtt123]

What kind of lakes does this club fish? That will make a difference on tackle selection and also rod selection.  I also agree on the 4 rods, I usually take 5 with me when I fish a BFL as a co - angler and always wish I had 2 or 3 more with me.

Forgot to mention this part ...oops The club fishes in the Jackson area which is where I recently moved to. Mostly this area with one on Kent lake in the middle.

[kram1982]

So mainly inland lakes. Lots of jig and soft plastic fishing. If you want one rod each to start with, I would get a nice 7 ' MH bait casting rod and a 7' M action spinning rod. I am a fan of Shimino Sahara spinning reels. Quality reel at a pretty decent price. All my baitcasters are Lew's, really like those and wouldn't consider buying anything else at this point.

As far as additional equipment, I carry a scale for culling, culling tags, rain gear, small towel, some extra line in case I have to re-spool one of my reels, sunglasses, sunscreen, that's all I can really think of for now.

[Dan]

I also carry a small Rx bag of anti-diahrea, aspirin, dramamine, etc. I also carry an extra hat, and a back up pair of sun glasses.

[Got Fish??]

Get youself a couple of  $80 rods and some $60 reels,8 to 10lb line, some cranks and soft baits and hooks. Start from there, most fishing tackle catches fishermen not fish. Then let your fellow fishermen and the lakes you fish on tell you how to fill your tackle box. You'll have to much tackle before you know it!!

[bbtt123]

Thanks for the help already guys and for the few PM's I've received offering help, really gives me hope for this year and the possibility of making it a positive productive season.

I've been talking to a friend of a friend who owns a shop down south and he's suggesting and offering this setup to me, all brand new and is willing to work with me both on price and payment plan.

6'8" Medium Fast Shimano Compre - Tatula 100H (6.3:1) - Multi Purpose set up for cranks, top waters, jerk baits, etc.

7'2" Medium Heavy Fast Shimano Compre- Tatula 100 HS (7:1) Multi Purpose - jigs, worms, spinner baits, chatter baits, etc.

7' Medium Spinning Shimano Compre  (Saros 2500) shakey heads, senkos, etc.

Any thoughts for this 3 rod setup? I think this would cover my bases and the price is reasonable all things considered.

[bob o]

swap out the 7' med. spinning for a 6 1/2' mh spinning for skipping docks. since you might not know who you will be fishing with a stiffer spinning rod will do double duty if needed as a drop soht rod or a skipping rod. just my .02
above all else have fun and don't let the angry boaters get to ya. yea there are a few (not on this board tho) 

[Waterfoul]

I'm not a huge Diawa reel fan, but it looks like the Tatula gets pretty good ratings. 

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatatulapg3.html

[Manxfishing]

Thanks for the help already guys and for the few PM's I've received offering help, really gives me hope for this year and the possibility of making it a positive productive season.

I've been talking to a friend of a friend who owns a shop down south and he's suggesting and offering this setup to me, all brand new and is willing to work with me both on price and payment plan.

6'8" Medium Fast Shimano Compre - Tatula 100H (6.3:1) - Multi Purpose set up for cranks, top waters, jerk baits, etc.

7'2" Medium Heavy Fast Shimano Compre- Tatula 100 HS (7:1) Multi Purpose - jigs, worms, spinner baits, chatter baits, etc.

7' Medium Spinning Shimano Compre  (Saros 2500) shakey heads, senkos, etc.

Any thoughts for this 3 rod setup? I think this would cover my bases and the price is reasonable all things considered.

it's not a bad choice at all
If it were me. i'd buy 2 spinning combos and the MH casting
There's a bigger bang for the buck.  A cheap spinning reel works a cheap baitcaster is just a pain in the ass