New rod...

[Kasim Baluch]

I find Le Baron expensive and I need a new rod as the other Shimano rod I bought was defective so I narrowed it down to three (mostly because of the sale flyers that came in tonight lol)

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/66-ugly-stik-combo/10035234?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Fishing/FishingRods/PRD~0786995P/Abu+Garcia+Saphire+Crest+Spin+Combo.jsp?locale=en

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Fishing/RodReelCombos/PRD~0784558P/Shimano+Zyclo+Spinning+Combo.jsp?locale=en

Let me know what you guys think! Everyone has an ugly stik so hey, why not include it for that price and something around 6-6, medium action is all I needQ Want something that will last me a little while, at least until I hit my learning curve from most of the veteran guys on this site

Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

 

[ALN]

I ave the Abu crest and it's a great feeling rod, it's very sensitive when I crank, I can feel every hit on a rock or logs, but stiff enought so I can jerk it and rip weeds of my crank and keep it swimming. Jigging with it is also good as I said before you can feel it well. But when you do get a large fish on it give it a sec before you set the hook. Since it is a bit stiffer it doesn't absorb the impact, so of you set to quickly the hook might just pop out. Case it happened to me, so I give it a second for it to take the lure/bait before I set.

That's my input for that rod

 

[nickhockey96]

the ugly stik is a great rod incredibly durable with an addition to a very fair price, i would recommend you get it

 

[ALN]

Cause it happen*
Sorry iPhone

 

[staffman]

The ugly stick is the best of the 3 choices.

 

[rocheleauc]

The ugly stick is the best of the 3 choices.

I agree, used one for years growing up and it never failed me.

 

[grubman]

Hi Bang
You must be in a different post code then me. My flyer only shows Quantum and Shimano rods. Never the less.

I have 12 rods, but that does not make me an expert. But, from my brand list of Hawk Grip, Shakespear, Browning, Daiwa, Bass Pro, Fenwick and Angelo Viola rods, each one has a time and place of use. It's like using the right tool for the right job.

Here is a site to help you choose: http://www.boatersworld.com/static/bwarticles/product/select-rod.html

You may want to check past posts on the topic. I mentioned that balance is one critical factor that an outfit will help you feel and catch more fish. Another part of a "balanced" outfit is your line, make sure the rod is rated for the line you intend to use.

Most of my rods are ultra light with 4-6 lb mono line. I want to give the fish a fighting chance of breaking my line. I have'nt lost many but I usually catch more fish then someone with heavier line, most of the time.

If you get the chance check out Bass Pro, the selection is phenomenal. I have caught 10lb Sheephead on my Bass Pro Micro Lite with 6 lb mono. It's a great balanced outfit that I usually use.

The Ugly Stick maybe a great rod, I've never tried or had one. There are alot of brands around and Bass Pro regularly sells the Ugly Stick at Canadian Tire's sale price.

Hope to see you get the big one, what ever rod you get.

 

[sunny14]

I agree with "grubman" "There are a lot of brands around and Bass Pro regularly sells the Ugly Stick at Canadian Tire's sale price."

Bass Pro Shops have an Incredible selection of Rods including their "Brand Name" Rods. Same thing for their Reels. Their Prices are The BEST!

I'm looking at a Big Rod for Muskie and Pike. Bait Casting Style. I shopped around a lot and their Ugly Stick Muskie Rod at $39.99, 6'-6", Hevy Action, and "Blank Through Handle" which I consider Important.

That one is my Choice! My OLD Penn 209M can hardly wait to "Hook Up" with it!!

I looked at those 2 K-Mart Ads and to No Surprise they are NOT available at the closest 3 Stores to me. I've been to 2 of them and all I could see where cheap Combos with Reels I've never heard of. I did however buy a nice pair of "O" Ring Pliers for about $8 or $10 Bucks.

Bass Pro also has a selection of "Triggered Ugly Sticks" (Baitcasting) from 6'-6" to 7'-6", Medium Light To Medium Heavy Action, 8 or 10 of them for $29.99 to $31.99. Best Prices I've seen anywhere!!.

I did a Screen Capture on the Muskie Rod as below. Also Detail Pic of the Ugly Sticks as mentioned above.

Hope it all Helps!! :grin:

Rick

 

[NADO]

In my opinion rods aren’t as important as reels in a combo but they still do play a key role. The combos you identified in your first post would all be entry level combos. The rods will work fine but have minimal sensitivity and the reels will work but not nearly as well as the higher quality reels as they will have more plastic components. I have been going to the local stores around me lately (rainbow sports and natural sports) they both had the old models of the Shimano Compre and the Quantium PT Tour Superlite rods at significantly lower prices than I paid. The Compre was on for 80 bucks and the Superlite was somewhere around the same price and I have seen the superlite retail as high as $150 in the past.

My advice would be to try and find a deal like that at a local privately owned fishing store as you wont be able to find that kind of quality on sale at Canadian Tire or Wal Mart. Then you could just put a Shimano Sienna 2500 on it for somewhere around an extra 30-40 bucks and you’ve got yourself a much better combo with much higher sensitivity. In that price range you might be able to find a better reel from Mitchell or Okuma but I am not well versed in their product lines.

 

[diggyj]

Personally I wouldn't go for any of those combos but thats just my choic.

On a side note Shimano combos are on sale at CT right now for 50% off.

Quantum combo is 70% off.

Dirk

 

[Dugger]

In my opinion rods aren’t as important as reels in a combo but they still do play a key role. The combos you identified in your first post would all be entry level combos. The rods will work fine but have minimal sensitivity and the reels will work but not nearly as well as the higher quality reels as they will have more plastic components. I have been going to the local stores around me lately (rainbow sports and natural sports) they both had the old models of the Shimano Compre and the Quantium PT Tour Superlite rods at significantly lower prices than I paid. The Compre was on for 80 bucks and the Superlite was somewhere around the same price and I have seen the superlite retail as high as $150 in the past.

My advice would be to try and find a deal like that at a local privately owned fishing store as you wont be able to find that kind of quality on sale at Canadian Tire or Wal Mart. Then you could just put a Shimano Sienna 2500 on it for somewhere around an extra 30-40 bucks and you’ve got yourself a much better combo with much higher sensitivity. In that price range you might be able to find a better reel from Mitchell or Okuma but I am not well versed in their product lines.

I agree 120% with Nado. It is entry level as are most combos and often just too heavy for what you are actually fishing for never mind the quality. If you are using it once a month for baitfishing for whatever, I guess it would do. If it is indeed "entry level" that you are looking for, the price is great but, we do get what we pay for. Like any sport, if you compromise on equipment, you get less back from the enjoyment and success you seek.

 

[Kasim Baluch]

Well first I wanna thank ALL you guys for the replies! You're all a great help!

What I got, other from what people think of the rods that I posted, is that I should look for something that may not be a combo deal as they usually slap on minimal reels with a decent rod?

So what should I be looking at as a start up rod? I don't mind spending the money as I've always wanted something of my own. The rods I use now are older and don't have sensitivity to them. To be completely honest I always wanted to have a feel for when a fish was biting or not.

Pretty much asking, is there another rod and reel that you guys would suggest otherwise?

Take in mind maybe an $100 budget tops. Still in university, need to pay off that tuition! <_<

 

[Kasim Baluch]

I agree 120% with Nado. It is entry level as are most combos and often just too heavy for what you are actually fishing for never mind the quality. If you are using it once a month for baitfishing for whatever, I guess it would do. If it is indeed "entry level" that you are looking for, the price is great but, we do get what we pay for. Like any sport, if you compromise on equipment, you get less back from the enjoyment and success you seek.

Definitely don't wanna compromise on equipment! I just know I don't know the top of the line stuff so any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[sunny14]

Definitely don't wanna compromise on equipment! I just know I don't know the top of the line stuff so any suggestions would be appreciated!

As has been suggested a number of times and apparantely one of your preferences "Shakespeare Ugly Stick" from Bass Pro Shops and don't overlook their own "Name Brand" Rods.

Go on their site and look around. $30.00 To $50.00 for the Rod should do it. I have no idea about there Spinning Reels. I've backed off of them, other than the 6/8 I already have.

If your budget is $100 to $150 I'd suggest that you won't be looking at "Top of the line stuff"

A couple of my Fenwick Rods are into the $200 to $275 area. After using them a number of times, I really don't see any better performance from them to justify that kind of price.

HOWEVER. You should be able to get a decent Set Up as above. The Muskie Rod I mentioned earlier and showed a picture of is an "Ugly Stick Muskie Rod at $39.99" at Bass Pro. I looked at other "Top Name Brands" for 2 to 3 times that price. NOT!!!

Go Online To Bass Pro Shops!

That's it. I'm Outta Here.

Rick

 

[Kasim Baluch]

As has been suggested a number of times and apparantely one of your preferences "Shakespeare Ugly Stick" from Bass Pro Shops and don't overlook their own "Name Brand" Rods.

Go on their site and look around. $30.00 To $50.00 for the Rod should do it. I have no idea about there Spinning Reels. I've backed off of them, other than the 6/8 I already have.

If your budget is $100 to $150 I'd suggest that you won't be looking at "Top of the line stuff"

A couple of my Fenwick Rods are into the $200 to $275 area. After using them a number of times, I really don't see any better performance from them to justify that kind of price.

HOWEVER. You should be able to get a decent Set Up as above. The Muskie Rod I mentioned earlier and showed a picture of is an "Ugly Stick Muskie Rod at $39.99" at Bass Pro. I looked at other "Top Name Brands" for 2 to 3 times that price. NOT!!!

Go Online To Bass Pro Shops!

That's it. I'm Outta Here.

Rick

Thanks again! I'll definitely look into it taking in your advice.

Going to try and pick one by the end of the week!