New Rod and Reel for myself

[rich_ace_G]

Ok, so I started fishing with a cheap combo just to feel how I would fair up with this hobby. And quite frankly, this hobby isn't cheap but you know what...It's all worth it!My rod/reel combo broke and I just bought a 6'6" Daiwa Heartland Walleye Series Spinning rod. 6-12lb. and would like to pair it with a Daiwa spinning reel also 6-12lb. Only because this Brand is on my price range and it's on sale. I've never used Daiwa before. I wonder how good is this brand.

 

[Dugger]

the last time I used Daiwa was in the late 70s, not sure what the quality is like these days

but for sure the amount of enjoyment you receive back from angling hinges on a how good your equipment is, as you know

there is an incredible array of equipment out there on sale, slightly used etc.

I bet most of the more experienced anglers here have a few rods and reels each they never use that someone getting into the sport/art would just love to get

I would be willing to throw some gear/tackle into a "fund" for noobies to own

ok, slightly off topic

what are you willing to spend Rich? Start from there but it sounds like you found something you are happy with

 

[rich_ace_G]

thanks for your input man. i did my research on the rod as soon as I saw that it's on sale. $45, on every retail and internet, it's selling from $59 to $79 so i think it's a steal right there. I have an extra spinning reel that i can mount on this rod(for now). Being that it's 6-12lb, i wonder if this rod is versatile for just about any fish not weighing more than 20lbs.

 

[grubman]

Daiwa rods are great, I have 2 older ones a 8'6" Procaster (spinning), and a 7'6" Black Widow. The Procaster I can use for any fish but mostly for bass and walleyes. The BW I use for salmon. They are both great rods for certain (right) applications and conditions.

I have bought a used Diawa reel off kijiji for $10. Cheap b/c when the guy's wife was fishing, the screw holding the cover and bail spring return parts came off and they lost it. I have made the parts and got a spring to make it fully functional again. But it's so wobbly that it's like a jack hammer. So I had to try to balance the reel. The inside of the reel is totally dry, no lube at all. I'm not impressed with Diawa reels, the rods yes. Diawa reels are on my black list along with Zebco/Quantum. For the money I'll take Shimano, Abu Garcia, Mitchell or even the Bass Pro line anyday.

I just met a guy who's on his second Quantum reel, he replaced the first one b/c the drag knob stripped the threads, then he could'nt tighten the drag anymore. I had the exact same problem with a different Quantum reel. Piece of crap to me if this can happen to 2 different reels and I bought mine 20 years ago, that tells me they made no improvements in 2 decades.

If you have a spare reel use it for the time being.

Good luck with your new equipment.

 

[rich_ace_G]

yep, i have an extra shimano reel and i will pair it with this rod. thanks guys. appreciate all the help. really a noob when it comes to equipment...and starting to learn more...need to learn more...this is slowly "burning a hole in my pockets". and hopefully this equipment will hold up for a long time.

 

[Dugger]

well, sounds like you have an "all around" rod you are happy with that meets your budget!

good luck my friend and go forth and catch some fish and let us know how it goes!

 

[tangledspool]

Daiwa is one of the best gear I've ever used....really really tough in terms of reels; once I left mine in the sand by mistake...when spinning the lever, it was making a grinding noise...oh-oh... but once I got home I washed it, put some mineral oil and voila!...like new again; I wouldn't say the same about the rods...the cork material is week....other than that it's a good deal for the price.