Buying a new rod and reel, suggestions?

[EWMoly]

I'm getting into fishing a lot more this summer and figured I should stop using my friend's spare rod. I'm generally fishing creeks, lakes, and rivers. Most of the time I find I'm fishing for trout, small mouth, and generally whatever comes up. I have a bugget of $300 for both the rod and reel, any suggestions would help since after all the research I've been doing I'm still somewhat lost with what I should be getting. I have an idea, but suggestions one what to look at would help.


Thanks.

 

[AaronKrick]

I would suggest a 7ft rod that is medium or medium light power. I caught a 25 lb + steelhead on my 7 ft uglystick light. It is a soft rod but takes a complete beating. IMO your best option is an uglystick cause they are probably the toughest rod, and one of the cheapest, yet you are getting a great rod. For a reel, stay away from zebco or a cheap diawa. Other than that you can get a very good reel that is around $100. Just go to a local tackle shop and they'll set you up with a good reel or rod.

 

[jlisk]

I am very partial to the 7' Fenwick HMX medium power. Pair it with a nice Shimano Sahara and you really cant go wrong.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

I agree with jilisk...i own a sahara and absolutely love it..I dont have the HMX, but I do have other Fenwicks that I love as well

 

[alwayscatching]

http://www.basspro.com/St-Croix-Premier-Series-Spinning-Rods/product/74392/ 129 2pc 119 1pc

Medium fast action

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-Signature-Series-Spinning-Reels/product/10205149/

johnny morris carbonlite series reel


That, if you are looking to set up a really nice light rod/reel combo that will allow you to cast all day or even fish for walleye with a jig head and live bait. The rod is very light and sensitive which will allow you to feel everything. It has a strong backbone which will be able to handle trout and smallmouth(I love smallmouth they fight like hell!). The reel is also a really light but versatile reel which has different sets of drags but the one I would go for would be a 6.1:1 gear ratio with a max drag of about 22 pounds. This is one of the optioned combos I would recommend. The cork handle via St. Croix premier are fantastic! Best quality cork handle you will ever feel and it just yells out pure class.

 

[EWMoly]

Awesome! Thanks a lot guys!

 

[McInnis87]

If your real patient enough, Id just wait until September for the new Ugly Stik GX2 to come out. The girlfriend hates it that Im already planning on what set up Im going to run on it. Still havent figured that part out yet though. Go Ugly Stik and you wont regret it, 7ft med action has done right by me for the last few years.

 

[apz245]

ugly stiks are good as mentioned above, I have an ugly stik lite 8'6 for salmon and a 6'6 for spinning, if you want something more sensitive i hear fenwick is good, and i have a daiwa rod that I like.

I think a good rod for all purpose would be 7 feet, medium power, 6-15 lb line, something around those specs

 

[alwayscatching]

nothing wrong with an ugly stick but this gent is looking for quality with that kind of budget, and unless your not really wanting to spend money like what he suggested he is willing, then those ugly sticks will last you years.

 

[NADO]

what are you fishing for is the main question? If you would like to tangle with Salmon/Steelhead starting in the next few weeks then you can get an entry level float setup within that budget. If you would like it for all around fishing then I would say split it in 3, 100 for a reel and 200 for two rods. Get a 6'6 rod and something longer like an 8.5' or 9'. If you want to go the float route get a 11.5-13'.