Looking to start fishing more and will most likely will be in a kayak most of the time so would like to try and get away with just two sticks.

I've never been real big into fishing so I don't know a lot about the power and action of rods and what they go best with.

What ill be fishing the most.
-plastics (texas and wacky rigs mostly)
- poppers and jerks
- cranks
- chatter baits with trailers

Would like to staying below $200-$250 each. I like the looks of both the Lews mach crush and mach II combos. They any good?

Mainly i would like to know what power/action works best with what ill be fishing with above and any recommendations in rods/reels and combos (would like to stick with casting rods/reels for now)

TIA

Most common actions are Medium to Medium/Heavy with a fast tip for most bass fishing applications.
Some guys go medium-lite but have decent power in the butt, this depends on fish size too.

There are too many options out there for rods and reels.
Outside of saying Shimano baitcasters are worth the money, I will forego commenting on brands for rods and reels, I have my preference and others have theirs.
I have never fished out of a kayak but look forward to hearing of your success.

Welcome to your new addiction.

You will soon have a wall rack with 30+ rod/reel combos.
There is no "two" rod/reel combos for bass.

There is only ALL OF THEM.

Less makes great baitcasters. Even their cheaper ones are better than a lot of the store brands

I use a Lews Speed Spool MG on a 6 1/2’ rod and love the set up. Looking to get another this spring.

For the plastics, around a 7 foot Medium or Medium Heavy rod with a fast tip and a reel with a high gear ratio, 7:1 to 7.5:1 gear ratio.

Here’s one I found in about 30 seconds. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/lews

For the crankbaits, you should be able to find a cranking stick. It’ll have a moderate tip. Reel around a 6:1 to 6.8:1 ratio.

2 versions of this one. 6’6” and moderate fast would be good for crankbait. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/abu-garcia-silver-max-baitcast-rod-and-reel-combo#repChildCatid=3967030

when kayaking I just take a 7'1 med/heavy with 50lb braided and a 7'3 medium with 30lb braided . ratio's just depend on the user, I stick to higher ratio's cause I can just reel slow if needed.

med/heavy setup is mostly used for jigs, top water or throwing anything into heavy cover. this setup is pretty versatile so I can throw a leader on and use the same stuff on this as I do on my medium setup.

medium setup is for cranks, rattletrap's, swimbaits, lighter spinner baits or maybe even a texas rig.

You should definitely check out 13 fishing. I have one of their cheaper reels which is the inception for $120 and it's my favorite reel I own. it casts so much better than one of the lews I own.

The big question is do you want to learn with a baitcaster?  I bought a 7 foot medium bass pro combo for $119.  It was over fathers day weekend so I think it was usually a $149 package.  They spooled it with their mono and it must be garbage because I had massive problems with it.  I've changed nothing but the line (Pline flouroclear) and had great luck with it ever since.  You could throw anything you listed on one.  For lighter tackle I have a 6 foot medium light spinning rod.

I would personally start with a medium rod in the 7foot range.  It sort of in the middle.  You can go longer or shorter and more or less spine.  After you fish for a while you will have an idea of what else you might like for where you fish.  Then you always have a rod that fits right in the middle.  Just a thought.

If you go baitcaster and your right handed....think about a left handed retrieve.  All of the hand switching makes no sense to me and I prefer working te rod with my dominant hand.  Just my $.02....ultimately I'm a total newb myself.

This.  I don't understand why anyone would reel with their dominant hand....it makes no damn sense.  Not having to switch hands is great too.

I’m the odd guy. I’m right handed but I get better action with my left hand. I reel my spinner and baitcaster with my right hand.