42 replies to this topic

[Tiago]

I've got about 4 cheap rod/reel combos from Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire, my most expensive being only $29.99, the Shimano one from Wal-Mart which I've been trying lately and casts the farthest, no issues yet.

 

However, considering I've spent maybe close to $300 on lures most of which I don't use because I always find one I hear is better than the last and there's never enough time to try them all often, I figure I may as well invest in a really good rod at this point.

 

You're probably going to ask me a million questions ranging from what fish do I want to catch to what kind of fishing I do. I don't need/want one specific to one species or made only for shore fishing or off a boat. There's got to be a good rod/reel that's generic in the sense I can use it while fishing from shore/piers or off my kayak, and for all species.

 

Any suggestions?

[Giuga10]

I've got a Shimano Zeric combo and I love it, reel is great and it's perfect for literally every species IMO. Rod holds up great and is strong yet not overpowering. Only $90 too, however I got mine for $30... love those Canadian Tire sales

[Tiago]

Even at $90 for a good combo that's cheap.

 

This is the one?

http://www.canadiant...o.jsp?locale=en

 

 

Also, what's the difference between a baitcaster and spinning? I can't find any quick simple explanations that point out the main difference. All of my rod combos are spinning, only issue I ever have and even then it's not too often, are tangles.

[Tiago]

I love my current shimano one, only problem is today it got tangled a few times on several casts, but I think the reason behind this was perhaps I put too much line on the reel.. going to try removing quite a bit off and see if the problem persists.

[alwayscatching]

Grab yourself a 7 ft Ugly Stick rod and pair it with http://www.basspro.c.../1207180531143/

 

You don't need to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a simple multi-species rod/reel. Although fishing really is a science, you can get away with using basics like this combo. 

[driftman]

I love my current shimano one, only problem is today it got tangled a few times on several casts, but I think the reason behind this was perhaps I put too much line on the reel.. going to try removing quite a bit off and see if the problem persists.

 

 another thing you might want to consider is that line has memory and if it doesn't go on the reel the same way it came off the spool then it could tangle on you

[alwayscatching]

Or if you want a combo that is by far the best I have seen in a long time for only 49.99, Bass Pro Shops has a Browning 2pc combo 7ft Med-Heavy rod and reel combo. It was 69.99 but the sale was 49.99, I suggest you take a look into that.

[Tiago]

What would you guys say about this one?

 

I'm really happy to date with all my Rapala purchases, as is usually the case I'd like to stick to a name/brand I trust and have been satisfied with, is this one alright?

 

http://www.canadiant...e=en#product_aa

[alwayscatching]

A buddy of mine who was landing around 15 bass a day one week broke his on day 3, werent the biggest of bass either. I wouldn't say its a horrible rod but you can find better. Rapala has the R-Type rod but that is the only rod I liked personally.

[Giuga10]

Even at $90 for a good combo that's cheap.

 

This is the one?

http://www.canadiant...o.jsp?locale=en

 

 

Also, what's the difference between a baitcaster and spinning? I can't find any quick simple explanations that point out the main difference. All of my rod combos are spinning, only issue I ever have and even then it's not too often, are tangles.

 

Yup that's the one. Bait casting if done right can offer farther casts and extreme precision, my accuracy with my bait caster is incredible spinning, not so much . Also baitcasting is mostly used for Bass, Pike, and Musky

[alwayscatching]

Yup that's the one. Bait casting if done right can offer farther casts and extreme precision, my accuracy with my bait caster is incredible spinning, not so much . Also baitcasting is mostly used for Bass, Pike, and Musky

Actually it depends on what type of casting you are doing. If you are flipping and pitchin' your baits into docks or heavy tree cover and what not, you will have an easier time with a bait caster, but some people can be more precise with their spinning rod casting overhand to lets say an open pool where theres heavy weeds. I am a heavy bass fisherman and I tend to use 2-3 baitcasters for my style of fishing. I have 4 spin rods and I use 1 of them for bass drop shot fishing.

[NADO]

If it were up to me at this point in my fishing addiction and I had 4 rods like that the next purchase would be a long rod for float fishing and a quality reel that can be used on your cheap rods for bass and panfish and then you can use it on your long rod for steelhead float fishing. Salmon is just a few weeks around the corner and steelhead follow after that, you wont regret it!

 

Get yourself a cheap 13' streamside rod or if you want to put out a bit more cash get a Raven IM8 or I will be getting a sheffield warranty replacement back soon that I will likely be selling for a good price. I would also sell my 7' shimano compre to replace your cheap rods, I used to have a 6'6 compre before I lost it and always regretted going to the 7'. Personal preference really, I think theres still an ad in the classifieds for it.

[fisher12]

I would recommend not buying a combo as I've read they usually pair the rod up with a cheap reel. A good reel which was recommended by a former forum member is the reel which I use today for bass fishing, imo it's pretty smooth, it's the Mitchell avocet gold and I have the 4000 size reel with 10lbs. mono on it. I just paired it up with a Shimano rod I got in a combo.

[NADO]

thats a huge reel for bass fishing, you dont need anything bigger than a 2500 for bass. 4000 maybe for salmon pier fishing, I bought a 4000 once and returned it right away.

[alwayscatching]

thats a huge reel for bass fishing, you dont need anything bigger than a 2500 for bass. 4000 maybe for salmon pier fishing, I bought a 4000 once and returned it right away.

2500 is basically all you need for size, but the mitchell reel I recommended is perfect for any combo of bass fishing and will last you a very long time

[DILLIGAF?!]

Fenwick has good selections of rods and good warranty as well. Rod ranges from $49.99 - $150 depending on type. For bass fishing. Light reels are ok.

[apz245]

I fished cheap rods for most of my fishing, just recently started buying higher end stuff, I highly recommend going graphite rather then getting an ugly stik, the difference in sensitivity is really noticeable, with a graphite rod you simply feel more bites/what's going on, and they're available for around 25 dollars and up now. I'm a huge fan of ugly stik, they're practically unbrakable, but the difference you notice when fishing a graphite rod is night and day

[Clab]

I've noticed that all the Canadian tire rods from "name brand" manufactures are not on the manufacturers sites. Food for thought my friend. They sublet the company name and produce combos for specific sale at large retail stores. I'd recommend you go to bass pro, sail or another tackle shop.

[fisher12]

I realize now that I could've fished bass with a smaller reel but I was intending on using it for pike also but didn't get around to fishing pike yet. I also wanted to use 10lbs. line and the 4000 size was rated for 10lbs, unlike the 2500 or 3000 size which was rated for 6 or 8lbs. line. Towards the OP, for all species a 4000 sized reel should be sufficient.

[NiagaraSteel]

For all around I use a 7 ft ugly stick light,but any ugly stick is good. I would suggest for you to get a 7 ft medium or medium light power with a fast action. I spent I think 44 $ on my uglystick and it brought in a 20 lb + unexpected steelhead last fall. Can't go wrong with an uglystick, and they are the least breakable rod on the entire rod market. I would suggest a different rod for salmon and steelhead, but they uglystick is good for everything else. For sammies and steelhead get at least a 9 ft rod. A have a shimano clarus salmon and steelhead rod 9 ft and it works great for spoon chucking from the pier for kings and also works as a float rod.

EDIT: forgot about the real. Plufegeur, abu garcia, shimano are good brands. Stick around the 95$ mark + if yo want a really smooth reel that will last for years assuming you treat it right.