New Lews Spinning Reel, Advice On Rod?

[buzzed bait]

I’ve been in the market to get a nicer spinning setup, but not spending too much money at the same time.  Last night I went to the local Dick’s Sporting Goods and found some killer clearance items, the prime one being a Lews Speed Spin SS300A.  Now I’m sure in the world of spinning reels I could have done MUCH better, but this reel is nicer than any of the spinning reels I currently own.  Also it was on clearance for $29.97 so I figured I really couldn’t go wrong.  Last night I put it on my cheap Daiwa Samurai Medium Fast rod and am going to be slinging it after work.  What rod would you suggest I start looking for to pair with this new reel?  I would really like to make this a good spinning set up that could be an all-around soft plastics combo and allow me to start pitching plastics under docks more in this summer heat.

Thanks!

[loudcherokee]

Berkley lightning rod shock series. And please report back on that reel after you try it out if you don't mind. I've been eying one up and not sure if I want it or not.

LC

[buzzed bait]

LC I will gladly report back. Thanks for the input, I was eyeing one of those lightning rods. If it were you would you prefer a 6', 6'6" or 7'. And would you prefer medium or medium heavy? Just looking for thoughts on the right rod for the plastics and dock skip/pitch approach.

Thanks!

[loudcherokee]

LC I will gladly report back. Thanks for the input, I was eyeing one of those lightning rods. If it were you would you prefer a 6', 6'6" or 7'. And would you prefer medium or medium heavy? Just looking for thoughts on the right rod for the plastics and dock skip/pitch approach.

Thanks!

I'm probably not the best to suggest a rod type for a specific fishing technique, as I'm pretty new to this myself. I'm personally going to go with a lightning rod shock in 7' mh action, as soon as I decide on a spinning reel.

I suggested the lightning rods due to my satisfaction with my current shock series rod in 7' MH for my baitcaster. Ive also had success with lightning rods in the past. I can feel every turn of a spinnerbait blade or wobble of a lipless crank (rattlin rap) through the water on my current rod. I really don't think they can be beat for only $40 at Walmart.

LC

[buzzed bait]

Fair assessment LC!  I was leaning toward the 7' myself because I like the longer rod for casting and to keep the tip up when need be.  I like what you're saying about the sensitivity of the rod.  I currently have a couple of cheap shimano combos that get the job done, but lack on sensitivity.  I've been wanting a good rod that had more feel than i currently have.  I feel like my fishing with soft plastics has started to slowly improve, but i feel like a quality rod and reel are my next move in terms of getting better at it.  Hopefully I can give the reel a good test this afternoon when I get out of work.

[loudcherokee]

Fair assessment LC! I was leaning toward the 7' myself because I like the longer rod for casting and to keep the tip up when need be. I like what you're saying about the sensitivity of the rod. I currently have a couple of cheap shimano combos that get the job done, but lack on sensitivity. I've been wanting a good rod that had more feel than i currently have. I feel like my fishing with soft plastics has started to slowly improve, but i feel like a quality rod and reel are my next move in terms of getting better at it. Hopefully I can give the reel a good test this afternoon when I get out of work.

The only thing with the longer rod is that i *THINK* that ive read that shorter rods are more accurate, but i could have that backwards. But i also read that longer rods are better for flipping/pitching, so pick your poison, lol.

LC

[gramps50]

I have 2 Lews spinning reels, a SS100a & SS200a, I like both of them, very smooth. Haven't had either of them for  a long time so I can't comment on longevity. They come with 2 spools one being a braid spool which is shallower & has a rubber ring in the center. Most of my other spinning reels are Pflugar, Trion & President. I can't really put my finger on it but I think I like the Presidents better.

 

Lews sells their refurbished reels on eBay, so from time to time you can get a good deal one one there too.

[Cgrinder]

DSG should have some Field and Stream Tec Spec Elite rods on clearance. Word is that those are decent rods for the price. I think they're like $38 or something at my local store.

 

You could also get a St. Croix Triumph or Mojo Bass spinning rod. Sometimes DSG has deals on those.

[buzzed bait]

Thanks for the input guys!  I took it out after work today and was able to cast it a few times before it started raining on me and the mosquitos carried me off.  But I have to say the thing is silky smooth.  It casts so smooth i could barely feel the line coming off the reel.  And contrary to the other spinning reels i have, it pulls in the slack pretty quickly.  I spooled it up with 12lb mono and it really felt great.  Now I just need to catch a nice fish and see how the drag is!

[loudcherokee]

Thanks for the input guys! I took it out after work today and was able to cast it a few times before it started raining on me and the mosquitos carried me off. But I have to say the thing is silky smooth. It casts so smooth i could barely feel the line coming off the reel. And contrary to the other spinning reels i have, it pulls in the slack pretty quickly. I spooled it up with 12lb mono and it really felt great. Now I just need to catch a nice fish and see how the drag is!

Good deal! keep me posted! I'm especially interested in how it handles braid with the braid spool. I'm trying to decide between the Lews speed spin and the new and upcoming Mitchell 300pro.

LC