30 replies to this topic

[gnat]

I've been scouring different store sites on the net but the amount of products and information is somewhat daunting. I was wondering if the pros here can help out with any recommendations on a rod and spinning reel that can together meet my relativelly small budget of $200 (I did NOT win the Lottomax yesterday  ). I have usually been targeting bass, pike, and perch but I'm open to other species like steelhead and salmon. I'd like to find something that is a decent quality all-around rod, but I know there's a definite difference in rod lengths when it comes to lake vs. river  angling. Any tips would be appreciated!! I'm a noob, go easy

[ChasinTails]

you can always get an okuma aventa float rod or shimano clarus  and pair it up with your spinning reel, or you can get the aventa rod for 80 and reel for 160 thats a total of 240 if you want to get into float fishing for a little over your budget. look into the abu garcia veritas rods for a spinning only, bass setup. long rods are used in the river to you can use lighter lines like 4lb line and that, shorter stiffer rods are for bass/pike/muskie fishing where a lot of power is needed 

[code85]

The rod my friend recommended me when I was in your position was a St. Croix Mojo Bass 7' - for soft plastics (first 1 peice). They are relatively cheap, I cheaped out on the spinning reel though since I wanted to stay within a certain budget. I may upgrade reels before bass season starts.

[gnat]

Thanks guys. I could be convinced to go somewhat over budget. Now is a long rod essential for river fishing or can it be attempted with a bass setup? (I know. I guess you can attempt with a string on a stick, lol) Or would it be better to just stick with my current cheapy bass rods and just invest in a steelhead setup, even though I haven't tried it yet? I know for sure I will be lake fishing all next season but have a feeling I will get hooked on the chrome eventually

[ChasinTails]

Thanks guys. I could be convinced to go somewhat over budget. Now is a long rod essential for river fishing or can it be attempted with a bass setup? (I know. I guess you can attempt with a string on a stick, lol) Or would it be better to just stick with my current cheapy bass rods and just invest in a steelhead setup, even though I haven't tried it yet? I know for sure I will be lake fishing all next season but have a feeling I will get hooked on the chrome eventually

you can do it on a bass setup but itll be hard with anything less than 12-14lb line and thats a bit heavy for steel, with bass all you really need is a reel with a good drag, i would save up for the river stuff

[LordMykiss]

I am slightly confused why you need a reel? Also if you have bait casting, it can out produce spinning and cheap center pins bait presentation wise. What I have for salmon, is ugly stick 8' 6 casting rod with a bait casting reel. You generally don't want to fish for salmon with your steelhead rod.

[ChasinTails]

I am slightly confused why you need a reel? Also if you have bait casting, it can out produce spinning and cheap center pins bait presentation wise. What I have for salmon, is ugly stick 8' 6 casting rod with a bait casting reel. You generally don't want to fish for salmon with your steelhead rod.

but the setup needs a decent weight to get out, after that the free spool is pretty good 

[gnat]

Thanks Klik. I am still learning up on the diff between baitcasting, spinning and centrepin. I certainly don't feel ready to commit to centrepin...but read an article on baitcasting vs. spinning. Spin is what I'm used to. I just have cheap rod/reel combos right now which are increasingly giving me problems casting so I was hoping to upgrade somewhat to a better reel...maybe with more BB. It seems this is one of the bigger differences the higher you go price-wise but I could be wrong (?) I just feel more comfortable with a spin reel right now.

[ChasinTails]

 I just feel more comfortable with a spin reel right now.

thats totally fine! ive seen guys with dinosaur spinning reels outfish guys with shiny kingpins and islanders. id then suggest you invest in a good quality spinning reel and a good rod to go with it 

[Porkpie]

10.5 foot fenwick hmx and a shimano Sahara shoulld get you going for steelhead, and last a long time. You can also use this rod for shore fishing for pickerel, or panfish. Works just fine! The reel is a decent quality mid range reel, and should do all you need. Get it in the 2500 size. As for salmon, well you won't find to many around now, so not much of an issue. If you wish to pursue them next fall, you can always pick up a $40 9 foot ugly stick at that time, and go to town. You could even use the same reel. A 10.5 foot rod is a great starter length, and I believe the fenwick can be had for about $100 and the reel should be around $80. Good luck!

[LordMykiss]

buy stuff on sale separately. wait for something good to go on sale. long way before salmon. and if you use spinning for everything, you may want to  buy a higher quality reel. i would suggest for  you to pick between a shimano or daiwa. shimano has smoother retrieve, daiwa has better drag. buy something bigger, then you can use it for carp and salmon as well.

 

almost no one uses thin leaders anymore, you can do just fine with shorter rod. my friend till few month back had a 6 6 rod and landed same amount of fish. only hard part is mending your line properly.

[gnat]

Problem is I don't know what's good. I'm not sure what it means by mending line. I assume it's fixing tangled line on the reel? Sorry for my ig'nce. I really am trying to pick up the lingo. I have to teach myself but I do learn fast. I know they're stupid questions but I assure you the answers are appreciated.

[Christopher K]

Some of these responses are pretty strange to me, the OP wants an ALL around rod, therefor he DOES NOT want a float setup, as its mostly useless through the summer with a few exceptions. I'd go for a 7'6"-8' clarus, fenwick or quantam and match it with a nice sahara, looking for a rod in the 6-12lb range M or MH, this will get you through most of your bass, pike, pier fishing and you can use it as a stream rod if you want. If you want to have more fun with the perch get another UL setup.

[gnat]

You all have been extremely helpful btw! I don't know many chicks that would want fishing gear for xmas. 'Cept maybe you FG? Lol

[Christopher K]

Problem is I don't know what's good. I'm not sure what it means by mending line. I assume it's fixing tangled line on the reel? Sorry for my ig'nce. I really am trying to pick up the lingo. I have to teach myself but I do learn fast. I know they're stupid questions but I assure you the answers are appreciated.

When you float fish your slack line will get pulled downstream by the current, this creates drag and results in an unnatural presentation, mending line is simply lifting that line and placing it upstream of your bait to avoid drag, if you position yourself at the head of a pool you won't have this problem.

[gnat]

I love how everyone thinks I'm a dude , lol. Does not offend me. But thx ChrisK for your input! I will be weighing this all!

[ChasinTails]

I love how everyone thinks I'm a dude , lol. Does not offend me. But thx ChrisK for your input! I will be weighing this all!

i dont lol, but you can use a pin for all round even for bass and pike. but if you ask me get a 7ft mh abu garcia veritas spinning and an okuma cs 35 spinning reel total =150 and you can get bass, pike, salmon, trout and anything else with that pair it up with 25lb braid and your all set 

[gnat]

Ok that makes sense. Thanks again. So much learning here!

[LordMykiss]

that is why i suggested the ugly stik. long enough for river, short enough for shore fishing or bass. 65 bucks plus tax. then SHE has roughly 120 to spend on a good spinning reel.

[LordMykiss]

also i am probably worst person to ask advice on budget gear lol