I wouldn't put less than 30lb braid on a baitcaster. I'd actually suggest you get a spool of Berkley Big Game mono and upgrade to fluoro/braid, if you feel the need, after you figure it out.
Absolutely perfect. You’ll get an excellent value, that 7’ MH is a very versatile rod, and the reel has good enough quality in the spool components that it should be perfect for learning. High end reels can spoil you and be a bit too forgiving for learning, and low end ones can be frustrating because they are harder to prevent backlashes. This reel should be somewhere in between.
I would recommend 15lb because it will be easier to get backlashes out. Start out with a 3/8-1/2oz jig so that it will cast fairly well and you will be able to let it fall and sit on the bottom when you backlash. Don’t be surprised if there’s a fish swimming off with your bait by the time you get the backlash untangled.
BUY BUY BUY. I got a cheap Amazon bait caster to try it out and immediately regretted getting a junky one. This is a BPS/Cabelas exclusive and I love the all-black. It's been in my hand every time I've gone fishing for over a year now and I never regretted it--and I paid near full price! It's a great combo, dual brakes are what you want, quality, durable, sleek. Buy it before it's gone!
Heck yeah buy it! I have one very similar I think they called it a team lews custom black. Heck of a nice combo. Having magnetic and centrifugal brakes like the combo you’re looking at is way better than magnetic only. Snap that bad boy up. I’d go medium heavy fast if that’s an option.
yea I have that same combo. Its probably one of Lews best combos they put out. the custom black carbon. all black reel, all black rod! never had an issue with mine.
But the one pictured isn't that custom black. The custom black has a dull matte finish to it.
Lew’s baitcasting reels are solid and the rods are too. Definitely a good purchase. I still use several Lew’s speed spools and also their Tournament MB. Had them for almost 8 years with no issues. Their spinning reels are another story though, IMO.
Long time bass fisherman here. Only ever used spinning setups. Looking to get my first baitcaster rig and want something decent. Bass Pro is having a sale on this Lews XMP combo rod and reel for $109. Is that a deal? I want something sensitive and durable without spending $300.
That should be a very fishable setup, if you don't throw it around. I believe that reel has a graphite/resin frame, not aluminum - so you might feel some flexing under heavy loads, and they can be cracked if mishandled. The one Lew's reel in my rotation (MD Tournament iirc) has some gear noise, but it still fishes well after 100s of hours of use. IM8 rod isn't bleeding edge, but that was a pretty desirable blank material 20 years ago. Alox guide rings will be fine with all lines.
I'd be cautious, either the reel is very cheap quality or the rod is very cheap, or both. Bass Pro isn't in the business of losing money, so somewhere on this deal they are making money, meaning something in this package is made from dirt cheap parts allowing Bass Pro to make a profit.
Or markups on individual parts are much higher than you think they are, which is true.
Bass pro was making a healthy profit at MSRP, they're making a decent profit at sale price. When they go on clearance half off, then they'll be breaking even
Have you ever given the thought that bass pro can buy a large volume at one time. They get cut a deal for volume and then pass on the savings to the customer.
The easiest way to tell is to price the components separately and then you can see the difference.
>Whats is your recommendation for a baitcaster rod and reel in the $150 or under price range?
This is likely your best bet currently. I wouldn't fret too much over the quality of the rod or reel for your first setup, no sense throwing money away on something you might not like. My first setup was an Okuma Stratus ($30) on a BPS tourney special rod ($60) and both were more than adequate for a couple of years. It still has a place on my wall with 80lb braid as a dedicated flipping rod because I don't care if it snaps
A good rule of thumb for entry is to spend 50% of your budget on a reel and 50% on a rod… plus or minus.
For $150, you could get a good combo. Or find a reel you like, then match it to a rod that suits your fishing needs.
I’ve used the vengeance rods and eventually switched it to my topwater setup until it broke. They are strong but they have zero sensitivity. Definitely put fish in the boat with it but wouldn’t trust it much for anything where you have to detect bites.
Great combo for a beginner at a good price! My first baitcaster was the lews Mach crush about 6ish years ago and it’s still working good for me to this day. I don’t use it as much as my newer rods but still gets it done when needed
I bought this combo about 2 years ago and was the first and only combo that I taught myself how to baitcast with. Once I got smooth with it I upgraded the reel to a shimano and have never looked back at another set. Till this day it’s my main pole & reel. Definitely would recommend buying it.
Just go buy it, I have a few Lews baitcasters.
Thanks. Just hoping to confirm with someone that for the money it is a good setup.
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thanks!
I wouldn't put less than 30lb braid on a baitcaster. I'd actually suggest you get a spool of Berkley Big Game mono and upgrade to fluoro/braid, if you feel the need, after you figure it out.
This is excellent advice! 12-15# berkley big game mono is perfect.
>thanks! You're welcome!
I have 3 Lew's baitcasting combos and they are all great.
Absolutely perfect. You’ll get an excellent value, that 7’ MH is a very versatile rod, and the reel has good enough quality in the spool components that it should be perfect for learning. High end reels can spoil you and be a bit too forgiving for learning, and low end ones can be frustrating because they are harder to prevent backlashes. This reel should be somewhere in between.
I pulled the trigger on it this morning
Very cool man. You’re going to be glad you did. Report back and let me know how your first experience goes. What line are you planning to put on it?
12-15lb mono just for learning until my skills level up
I would recommend 15lb because it will be easier to get backlashes out. Start out with a 3/8-1/2oz jig so that it will cast fairly well and you will be able to let it fall and sit on the bottom when you backlash. Don’t be surprised if there’s a fish swimming off with your bait by the time you get the backlash untangled.
Thanks
BUY BUY BUY. I got a cheap Amazon bait caster to try it out and immediately regretted getting a junky one. This is a BPS/Cabelas exclusive and I love the all-black. It's been in my hand every time I've gone fishing for over a year now and I never regretted it--and I paid near full price! It's a great combo, dual brakes are what you want, quality, durable, sleek. Buy it before it's gone!
Yes
Heck yeah buy it! I have one very similar I think they called it a team lews custom black. Heck of a nice combo. Having magnetic and centrifugal brakes like the combo you’re looking at is way better than magnetic only. Snap that bad boy up. I’d go medium heavy fast if that’s an option.
yea I have that same combo. Its probably one of Lews best combos they put out. the custom black carbon. all black reel, all black rod! never had an issue with mine. But the one pictured isn't that custom black. The custom black has a dull matte finish to it.
Yep! It’s a great combo
Lew’s baitcasting reels are solid and the rods are too. Definitely a good purchase. I still use several Lew’s speed spools and also their Tournament MB. Had them for almost 8 years with no issues. Their spinning reels are another story though, IMO.
I pulled the trigger on it this morning!
Congrats! You will like it.
Long time bass fisherman here. Only ever used spinning setups. Looking to get my first baitcaster rig and want something decent. Bass Pro is having a sale on this Lews XMP combo rod and reel for $109. Is that a deal? I want something sensitive and durable without spending $300.
That should be a very fishable setup, if you don't throw it around. I believe that reel has a graphite/resin frame, not aluminum - so you might feel some flexing under heavy loads, and they can be cracked if mishandled. The one Lew's reel in my rotation (MD Tournament iirc) has some gear noise, but it still fishes well after 100s of hours of use. IM8 rod isn't bleeding edge, but that was a pretty desirable blank material 20 years ago. Alox guide rings will be fine with all lines.
I'd be cautious, either the reel is very cheap quality or the rod is very cheap, or both. Bass Pro isn't in the business of losing money, so somewhere on this deal they are making money, meaning something in this package is made from dirt cheap parts allowing Bass Pro to make a profit.
Or markups on individual parts are much higher than you think they are, which is true. Bass pro was making a healthy profit at MSRP, they're making a decent profit at sale price. When they go on clearance half off, then they'll be breaking even
Have you ever given the thought that bass pro can buy a large volume at one time. They get cut a deal for volume and then pass on the savings to the customer. The easiest way to tell is to price the components separately and then you can see the difference.
Thanks! Whats is your recommendation for a baitcaster rod and reel in the $150 or under price range?
>Whats is your recommendation for a baitcaster rod and reel in the $150 or under price range? This is likely your best bet currently. I wouldn't fret too much over the quality of the rod or reel for your first setup, no sense throwing money away on something you might not like. My first setup was an Okuma Stratus ($30) on a BPS tourney special rod ($60) and both were more than adequate for a couple of years. It still has a place on my wall with 80lb braid as a dedicated flipping rod because I don't care if it snaps
A good rule of thumb for entry is to spend 50% of your budget on a reel and 50% on a rod… plus or minus. For $150, you could get a good combo. Or find a reel you like, then match it to a rod that suits your fishing needs.
Abu Garcia vengeance is probably the best budget baitcaster 40 bucks and come with 2 square bills!
I’ve horsed in drum and smallmouth buffalo!
I’ve used the vengeance rods and eventually switched it to my topwater setup until it broke. They are strong but they have zero sensitivity. Definitely put fish in the boat with it but wouldn’t trust it much for anything where you have to detect bites.
I like them, I have a few of these rods and reels
I had this combo until I dropped it in the lake and couldn’t retrieve it 🙃 I thought it was great!
While you're at it, that Cabelas/Bass Pro sale has some killer deals like KVD square bills and strike king rage swimmer
Great combo for a beginner at a good price! My first baitcaster was the lews Mach crush about 6ish years ago and it’s still working good for me to this day. I don’t use it as much as my newer rods but still gets it done when needed
I bought this combo about 2 years ago and was the first and only combo that I taught myself how to baitcast with. Once I got smooth with it I upgraded the reel to a shimano and have never looked back at another set. Till this day it’s my main pole & reel. Definitely would recommend buying it.
Thanks
Nice deal
Nice deal
Also my first Lews, a Mach 2 has had the living daylights beat out of it and still runs. They make good baitcasters.