Noob Help Required

So I haven't been fishing for years, hoping to get back into the sport this year. Just gearing myself up now. I bought a new BPS baitcaster (Pro Qualifier) and an XPS Extreme MH 7' rod.

Thinking of (2) other spinning setups and I should be set.

Here is my question. How do you recommend outfitting these setups? Line & lure for each?

My thoughts were:
Baitcaster - 17lb flouro for spinner/crank/jig/carolina rig worm

Spin #1 - 8lb flouro for finesse & wacky rig

Spin #2 - 30lb Braid - topwater & heavy cover

Please help!!! Am I on the right track? Thoughts / comments always appreciated.

So I haven't been fishing for years, hoping to get back into the sport this year. Just gearing myself up now. I bought a new BPS baitcaster (Pro Qualifier) and an XPS Extreme MH 7' rod.

Thinking of (2) other spinning setups and I should be set.

Here is my question. How do you recommend outfitting these setups? Line & lure for each?

My thoughts were:
Baitcaster - 17lb flouro for spinner/crank/jig/carolina rig worm

Spin #1 - 8lb flouro for finesse & wacky rig

Spin #2 - 30lb Braid - topwater & heavy cover

Please help!!! Am I on the right track? Thoughts / comments always appreciated.

first 2 sound about right. i wouldn't go with a spinning rod for topwater or heavy cover though for a variety of reasons. a few being: the power you need, heavier line (not 30), and the gear ratios.

for topwater, 30 lb braid would be ok, but again i would go with a baitcaster. for heavy cover, you need a longer rod with a lot more backbone to haul the fish out so they don't horse you. high gear ratio helps bring the line in quickly and you want to crank up the drag.

Anybody have any preference to lines?

Thanks Samf for the input. When you say the first two sound 'about right', what am I missing?

What are the setups that people generally carry when they go out?

Rod/Reel / Line / Lures &/or fishing style

i meant those setups are pretty good for all around fishing and what you described. i don't know if i'd personally go with 17 lb. fluoro. depends on the type of place you normally fish. i always try to get away with the lightest line i can especially if it's clear water.

setups vary for each person. what you describe covers it well though. a lot of people throw jigs, cranks, spinnerbaits (especially this time of year) and go finesse (senkos etc).

it's hard to describe the "best" rods, reels, line etc. it all depends on a lot of things like water type, structure / cover, budget, preference. but if i were to pick 2 rods / reels to cover as much as possible for a beginner i would say a 6'6" M spinning rod and a 7' MH baitcaster.

Samf, thanks again for the help.

And not to be a PITA; but:

On those two setups, the 6'6" M spinning & the 7' Baitcast what would you set them up with for line. How would you fish with them? Topwater, cranks, etc.

i personally go finesse with spinning like senkos, wacky rigging, shakey head. the baitcast would handle the rest - topwater, cranking, spinnerbaits, jigs

Perfect, thanks again samf. Now I just have to find a spinning setup and I'll be good to go.

What are your line type and size recommendations for each?

For braided line I like Stren braid. It's called Stren Sonic Braid. My favorite color is the dark green one.

I got the 12 lb test diameter (50 lb test strength) on my new baitcaster and I think its fantastic.

12lb test fluro/mono for the baitcaster or braided line i personally think you only really need the braid line for a heavy cover set up, but its all up to you. and for the spinning rod 8lb-10lb test depending on the reel and your personal preference.

12 lb fluoro is very good overall. the difference b/t that and mono is that it sinks and has less stretch. mono is better for topwater. fluoro is stronger, less visible, and has less abrasion in the water. braid floats as well and is good for top water and heavy cover. i would recommend the braid for heavy over only if you're just getting started. i also agree with creature about the 8-10 lb. test for the spinning rod.

I think the 17# fluoro is just about perfect, unless you primarily fish highly pressured and/or super clear water. On those occasions, you can add a lower test leader if need be.

A lot of it comes down to what water you fish, really. If you're slogging through the weed fests of Metro West, you can (and probably need to) go with heavier line. If you're primarily fishing gin clear kettle ponds on the Cape, you can easily downsize to match those conditions. You should go with as heavy a line as the conditions allow you, in my opinion.