New Rod/Reel........ Opinions Please

[Greggys]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104163_100003001_100000000_100003000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL


Hey everyone,

I was hoping I could get a few members on here to chime in on what their thoughts are on a rod/reel combo I'm looking at picking up for this spring/summer/fall. So some background on me first. I live in Whitby, and last season (for me a season is spring/summer/fall) I did the most fishing I have ever got to do in my life. I've grown up going fishing from a young age, my family has a cottage on Simcoe and I've grown up catching perch and bass out on the lake. That all kinda stopped happening for a long time, until the last 2 years I've gotten back into fishing in a big way. I dont have my boaters license so I dont go out on the lake anymore but I love to do shore fishing. I usually drive up and do some fishing at lake simcoe where the trent canal meets the lake and random spots on the canal. I have some success, I might hook on to a pike every now and then but 7/10 trips I get nothing. So basically I fish for pike/bass from shore with little success. I seem to always use a spinner, a crankbait and I have tried some soft grubs but havent ever got anything on one. My rod and reel I got as a gift about 10ish years or so ago, all I know is the rod is called "black beauty" the reel is a spinning reel, a shimano I believe. Well the rod, its still good, I guess but the reel is just barely functioning.

It just so happened I got a gift card to Bass Pro for xmas this year and I'm gonna put that to a new reel&rod. Now its only for $25, and I'm kinda on a budget and prolly wont get out fishing as much this year, but I'm prolly gonna be targeting the same kinda fish (bass and pike). The above link is for a baitcast reel I was looking into trying. The price point is great, its actually $69 at the store right now. But when I held it, it felt really light and somewhat "cheap" I guess. I didnt have confidence that the rod or reel would last me too long, especially if I got on to some big pike. That being said my rod now might be completely wrong for the fishing I do, but it seems much "stronger" or "stiffer".

So basically I was hoping some people on here could lend me some useful advice on either this specific reel/rod combo, or anything they might want to suggest to replace it. I'm really open to suggestions, however I would like to stay in that ballpark of a price range. Nothing over $100 hopefully. Keep in mind I do have the gift card so I'm most likely going to buy it from Bass Pro. Also whats the difference when having a longer rod compared to a shorter rod? IS it just for casting purposes?

Thanks!

 

[PainInTheBass]

My friend owns that combo and it is alright. It has served its purpose and continues to do so. However, i would agree with your assessment of the feel of that reel. However, in that price range, i am not too sure how much better the reels can be. If you wait for the reel trade in event, you can get a discount on a reel and come up with a combo yourself. I would suggest making down to BPS during the event, and see what kind of combo you can get with the reel trade ins.

As far as rods go, the stiffness is not everything. Rods are rated for power and action. The stiffness is a combination of the 2, and is not always beneficial. The power of a rod determines the weights of the lures you can throw with the rod. The action determines the bend of the rod. Also, the material of construction will affect the stiffness of a rod. i.e. - graphite is naturally generally stiffer than fibreglass. What you need to do is get an idea of what lures you want to throw, then look for rods that are targetted for throwing baits in that range. Then pick the one that is affordable and comfortable for you.

I would suggest looking at Berkley Lightning Rod Shock or Berkley Amp rods (at LeBaron - which aside from location, should not matter since the $25 is going towards the reel). Do not get stuck into thinking you have to buy one of the premade combos. These rods are $50 and $40 respectively, and provide what I feel is a very nice light rod, and a good value.

For reels, consider the Rapala Volt as a nicely priced reel. If BPS is priced higher, recall that there is a reel tradein event and that they generally price match if I recall correctly. You can also look at teh Abu Garcia Black Max or the Daiwa ProCaster in sinilar price ranges.

Longer rods provide longer casting range in open water, and the ability to move more line on hooksets, which can be beneficial on techniques such as Carolina Rigging or pitching to heavy weeds.

i hope that helped some.

 

[WhitetailFreak]

Just wondering PainintheBass..... But would you have any input on the daiwa strikeforce low profile baitcast reel? I was thinking of pairing it with the shimano voltaeus because it on a rebate if you order it and I'm on a budget. I'd greatly aPpreciate some input.

Ps I mostly fish bass with some occasional 2-4 lb rainbow in April.

 

[PainInTheBass]

Just wondering PainintheBass..... But would you have any input on the daiwa strikeforce low profile baitcast reel? I was thinking of pairing it with the shimano voltaeus because it on a rebate if you order it and I'm on a budget. I'd greatly aPpreciate some input.

Ps I mostly fish bass with some occasional 2-4 lb rainbow in April.

I have not used the Strikeforce. Now, I am admittedly a Daiwa guy, but I have never been a fan of the budget Daiwa reels due to some of the negative reviews that I have consistently heard about them (ie reels getting rough after some use being the main one). However, with no experience with these reels, all I can share is heresay and anecdotal evidence. However, if you look at the 60 reviews at BPS http://www.basspro.com/Daiwa-Strikeforce-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reel/product/10204886/-1665205 you see that the majority of people who have used the reel have been happy with the purchase. Another reason why I am not keen on that reel is the graphite frame. Graphite is not as rigid as aluminum. However, in reality, the frame rigidity is rarely ever a concern with bass reels. Were you using the reel for mainly pike or musky, then it would be a different story.

Similarly, I have very little input on the Voltaeus other than having felt a heavier powered model in the store and thinking it felt heavy.

I don't really think you would be in the wrong if you purchased either or both. However, make sure you pick the rod power based ont he lure weights you will be using and the type of cover you will be fishing. More weeds etc will want a slightly heavier powered rod.

Good luck!

 

[Garfield the cat]

Hey dude. Garfield in Markham here. If you can hold off til march 16 to the 20 th. Sportsman show in t.0. U can get reely ( lol ) good deals and more for yur money.
I was thinkin of goin to get my float reel from there.

 

[WhitetailFreak]

Thanks for the input. I have checked all of the BPS reviews as that's where I will be purchasing it from and have considered the factors towards the power of my rod. That's most likely gonna be my choice for a new and affordable rod and reel.
Thanks agai. For your expertise and advice.
Cam