Looking For 2Nd Opinion On New Setup Before Purchase

[Gaerith]

I'm looking to purchase a new setup for around $300, and I'm hoping I can get some feedback on if I'm making a good decision!

 

I recently started fishing again, and rIght now I have an Abu Garcia Cardinal spinning rod combo M/L 6', that I mainly use for (rainbow/brown) Trout fishing in rivers.  I am looking to get a pole that would be good for kayak fishing and boat fishing.  I live in SE MN, so mainly fishing for Bass/Pike/Walleye in central MN, and occasionally northern MN.  I don't plan on using it for saltwater fishing at all.

 

I really like my spinning rod, and would like another one, but I wonder if I shouldn't get a baitcaster instead?  Which one would allow me to do more?  I have 0 experience with baitcasters, but am willing to learn.

 

I am looking at getting a St. Crox Avid 6'6" Medium rod.  For almost 2x the cost of an *** or St. Croix Premiere, is it worth it?  I'm looking at less than 7' for kayak fishing, and would like it to fit in my Outback.

 

I am the most lost at what reel to get.  I see a lot of people suggesting Shimano, so I was looking to pair the Avid with a Shimano Symetre.  Otherwise, I could go with a Stradic/Premiere.  What size would be best, 2500 or 3000?  Or I could get a Chronarch/Premiere - Ugh, so many choices.

 

I will probably use braided line with a fluoro leader if that helps.  Thanks for any suggestions, I really appreciate it!

[Topwaterspook]

Welcome to BR. There's a lot of great info here. Some great folks as well. You may want to check out the "flea market" here. There are always rods and reels for sale by members. Sometimes at terrific prices.

[Arv]

I just got an Avid and I really like it. I think its well worth the extra money as it performs better than any of the other 100 dollar rods I've fished with (although I havent used a ***). I think that would be a solid choice as part of your set up. If you are going to stick with a spinning set up you could pair that rod with the Pflueger Supreme MGX. I don't have one myself but they get outstanding reviews. I was about to buy one until I found a deal on another reel in the fleamarket.

 

If you're going casting and want to stay under 300 you could look at a BPS Pro Qualifier as a reel. I've had two and think they are great reels that perform above their price mark of 100. If you can go a little over 300 I'd recommend something like a Shimano Citica, Daiwa Lexa, Lews Tournament Speed Spool or Abu Garcia Revo S.

 

Also, check out the fleamarket. You will find some amazing deals on quality equipment there. Pretty much everyone that has been a part of the forum for a while should be a trustworthy seller as I've never had any problems with any sellers or buyers since I joined. Good luck and welcome to BR!

[roadwarrior]

This might help:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-DHC5-performa-review.html

[new2BC4bass]

Spinning:

Fenwick Elite Tech 6'3" MF

Pflueger Supreme XT or the MG for a bit less

 

Casting:

Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'3" M Med-Fast

Lews Tournament Pro or Pflueger Patriarch

[Smallmouth Hunter]

I'm would say wait till the new reels come out after icast. There are some sweet new reels coming out!

[flyfisher]

I'm would say wait till the new reels come out after icast. There are some sweet new reels coming out!

Or wait and see how much the older models are discounted or if there are any good rebates going.  A few years ago Shimano had their mail in rebate and that in conjunction with the reel trade in at bass pro i picked up 2 citicas for 60 a piece.  I also picked up the symetre this spring for $50 when they did the redesign.

[lmbfisherman]

Spinning:

Fenwick Elite Tech 6'3" MF

Pflueger Supreme XT or the MG for a bit less

 

Casting:

Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'3" M Med-Fast

Lews Tournament Pro or Pflueger Patriarch

I'd agree with the above statement.  The exception on the casting is that I'd look to get a Chronarch - $199 (American Fishing Legacy -10 off coupon if you sign up to their news letter) and you can find a Fenwick Elite Tech for around 99.99 or lower easily online.  This line of rods is light, sensitive and imo the best bang for your buck rod you can get.  They also fish imo as much as 200 dollar rod (I own Cumaras and Loomis GLXs). However, I'd probably go M/F, to me this would be more of an all around rod.

 

I'm would say wait till the new reels come out after icast. There are some sweet new reels coming out!

If you go spinning and can wait, the Stradic Ci4 will be on clearance. 

[lmbfisherman]

Oh and to add the Fenwick rods come with a Limited LIfetime Warranty...other than the Avid all the others you mentioned don't have that.

[pkpence]

I personally do not own an extremely expensive rod (i.e. one over $100), but the *** 13 rod that I bought a couple of months ago has been a dream. I have some friends that I fish with that own some higher end rods, and they are on the *** 13 band wagon. What I have heard from retailers in my area (Simmons Sporting Goods, Woods and Water), is that the *** 13 won't stay at $100 for very long, as it is a great value.

 

Just my 2 cents there.

[new2BC4bass]

I personally do not own an extremely expensive rod (i.e. one over $100), but the *** 13 rod that I bought a couple of months ago has been a dream. I have some friends that I fish with that own some higher end rods, and they are on the *** 13 band wagon. What I have heard from retailers in my area (Simmons Sporting Goods, Woods and Water), is that the *** 13 won't stay at $100 for very long, as it is a great value.

 

Just my 2 cents there.

 

I can believe it.  Try to find a Fenwick Smallmouth for $71 tyd like those I bought.  Today's sale price knocks $9 off the MSRP. 

[lmbfisherman]

I personally do not own an extremely expensive rod (i.e. one over $100), but the *** 13 rod that I bought a couple of months ago has been a dream. I have some friends that I fish with that own some higher end rods, and they are on the *** 13 band wagon. What I have heard from retailers in my area (Simmons Sporting Goods, Woods and Water), is that the *** 13 won't stay at $100 for very long, as it is a great value.

 

Just my 2 cents there.

If they raised the price and added a better lifetime warranty I'll probably finally buy one.  I like the peace of mind and good warranty. 

[Gaerith]

Thanks for all the info, you guys rock!  I think I'm going to get an Fenwick Elite Tech, and wait for the Stradic Ci4 to go on sale/clearance.   The info about the lifetime warranty was really helpful, thanks.

[kickerfish1]

The fenwick elite tech rod that will be the most versatile for Minnesota waters would be the 6'9 medium xf rod. It would cover most bass techniches and help fish most walleye techniques as well. I bought both of my elite techs on sale. One rod was $60 and the other was $80 new. Get that rod and pair it with the stradic FJ 2500 series reel. During the holiday sales you should find them between 15-20% off. This would put you under your budget and you would have some money left for line a few other items. The stradic ci4 looks ugly on the elite tech while the stradic FJ matches up a bit more nicely in the looks department.