Spinning Rod And Reel Advice

[aqualkinbush]

Hey so I'm looking for a spinning rod and reel for finesse fishing. I want to keep the price for the rod and reel at around 100 bucks at the most for each. I don't know squat about spinning rods or reels. I can use them, but I don't know what really to look for to be able to determine the best bang for my buck. I know I want something that I can throw a bait as light as 1/8 oz on. I know I want something that is fairly lightweight and sensitive but beyond that I don't honestly know enough about the various manufacturers out there to make an informed enough decision and I have found the information available on the various "budget" rods and reels lacking.  

 

If you guys could make some suggestions or provide some tips that could help me make a more informed decision I would be very grateful. I don't have a huge amount of money to spend on fishing gear atm but I really need another rod and reel combo to be able to fish more finesse baits and rigs. I currently use a 7ft med hvy Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod paired with a Quantum Smoke Baitcaster and would like to own a rod and reel that is at least somewhat comparable to the quality I am used to from them. 

 

 

[thehooligan]

Best bang for your buck would be a fenwick elite tech smallmouth rod. Can be found for $80-100. Second rod id go for would be a *** ***, there $99.

 

For reels, if you could add another 20-30 bucks to your budget you could afford a stradic fj which is just an amazing reel. 

 

I guarantee you would be very with either rod paired with that reel 

[MCS]

I hear great things about the rods theholigan mentioned but I will suggest a BPS Carbonlite for 100 bucks it is dang near the lightest and sensative rod. It also has a good feel in your hand. My MH/F is great for Texas rigs, weightless plastics, split shot rigs. Occasionally throw a jerk bait or lipless with it.

Far as reels go a pflueger is hard to beat. For 100 buck you can get a supreme, for 80 bucks a purist is pretty sweet also. I have three pfluegers ranging from $50 to $90 and there is nothing in that range that can match.

[bigbill]

Why not look at the reel & rod combos at Dicks Sporting goods being offered?

For my light weight lures I have more fun with a cheap 5'6" light to med action rod with a spinning reel using 6 lb test copolymer line. I love it when a bass bends the rod.

[Dramer77]

i know it may not be as nice as what your looking for , but at walmart they have a hank parker abu garcia spinning combo thats like $50 That actually looks really nice.. an i believe the action was for finesse

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/23596811?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=19880599990&veh=sem

 

its actually med action , its listed wrong

[MrSwimJig]

Pinnacle Performa XT Spinning reel and a *** *** Black Med/Lt rod. Length is your choice. 6' 7", 6' 10" or 7' 1"

 

I have been very impressed with this reel and this rod and I use it for finesse applications.

[Revival]

I would recommend a St Croix Premier Medium and a Shimano Stradic FJ or Ci4.  You looking at just a little more than you want to spend if you buy it from the right places.  I have the Premier/Ci4 and love it.  Its ridiculously light and the rod is very sensitive.  A lot of people prefer the FJ so thats a great option.  I have heard nothing but good things about the *** rods too.

[hooah212002]

I'll put another vote in for a Pflueger President. Solid, well built and very smooth.

[skeletor6]

For sure a fenwick elite tech smallmouth. Either the M/XF or ML/F depending on how much cover and how heavy you are throwing. For the reel I'd get tge nicest Shimano that you can afford. The stradic fj is above your price point but the best reel for the money imho.

[new2BC4bass]

For sure a fenwick elite tech smallmouth. Either the M/XF or ML/F depending on how much cover and how heavy you are throwing. For the reel I'd get tge nicest Shimano that you can afford. The stradic fj is above your price point but the best reel for the money imho.

 

I agree with skeletor and hooligan.  I don't have a Smallmouth spinning rod, but do have 2 Smallmouth casting rods.  If the spinning rods are anything like the casting rods, then they are a great buy.  Some feel the Stradic FJ is the best reel for the money that Shimano makes.  For your budget, I would go with a Smallmouth rod and Pfleuger President spinning reel.  I don't think you would regret either purchase.

 

EDIT: Or a cheaper Shimano if you prefer.  Personally I have several of the older Daiwas that were top-of-the-line back in their day.  Most will be within your $100 limit used.

[aqualkinbush]

thanks a ton for the advice guys. Can anyone give me any tips on what I should be looking for in a spinning reel that can help me determine if it's a quality reel or not?

[aqualkinbush]

Sorry for the double post but I wanted to update with what I ended up getting. I picked up a Pflueger President and I was going to buy the Fenwick Smallmouth rod (still am actually) but i went to dicks and they had the Abu Garcia veritas line on sale for $20 off so I ended up getting one of those instead. However, a miracle has happened and the Fiance has given the go ahead, without me actually asking for it, to purchase a fenwick small mouth rod and a quantum smoke spinning reel so I'll be purchasing the fenwick rod and putting the pflueger on it and when I get it putting the smoke on the veritas.

[MCS]

Nice choices sounds like you got hooked up.

Now she's got one awesome wedding in the works for you lol just smile and nod.