Advice On Rod&reel Purchase...

[Missourifishin]

I fished a lot growing up, but I just got back into it last year after about a 15 year hiatus. So I'm basically a novice, and reading the topics here make me realize even more that I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm planning to buy my first rod and reel that are specifically for bass. I'm looking for something reliable, but relatively inexpensive. And I'm thinking I want to go with a spinning reel. I want a setup that is good for a variety of lures, although crankbaits are probably my favorite. My fishing is all done from the banks for right now. I basically need a good starter setup for bass.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gravestone]

6 1/2'-7' MED.POWER FAST ACTION spinning rod w/ #10 mono or co-poly line will cover about 90% of ALL bass fishing.

I use St. Criox Premiere 6 1/2' & 7' MED.POWER FAST ACTION w/ DIAWA 1300 SS TOURNAMENT spinning reels. I use braid but I don't recommend starting out with it. That set-up will cost about $225 for the rod and reel.

[new2BC4bass]

A spinning outfit is a good way to get started.  A Medium power Fast action will make a good all-around rod.  If only throwing crankbaits, a slower action would be better, but I use Fast a lot for crankbaits as it is a more versatile rod IMO.  I do have a couple rods dedicated for crankbaits, tho.  Hopefully you won't be throwing into a lot of heavy cover, because a MHF would be better in that case, and such a rod wouldn't be my pick for throwing shallow to medium depth crankbaits.  I assume these crankbaits would be your first choice fishing from shore.

 

Length of rod is going to depend on where you fish.  A 6-1/2 might be too long if there are a lot of trees and shrubs around.  If fishing from a dock or wide open areas, then a 7'6" or longer rod would be better for its ability to make longer casts.

 

You don't mention a budget, only that you don't want to spend a lot.  Rather subjective considering the fishing addicts around here. 

 

The 1300 SS gravestone mentioned is a good reel even if it isn't the latest, greatest technology.  Look for a used one.  I personally don't use more than 8# mono on my Medium powered spinning rods.  No idea why gravestone suggested not starting with braid.  Memory and line twist isn't nearly the problem with braid that it is with mono or fluoro.  Cost will be 2-3 times that of mono.  Possibly why it was mentioned not to start with braid, but not a valid one afaic.  Braid lasts a long time.

 

There are plenty of threads asking about low cost rods and reels.  The Pflueger President is usually one of the first reels mentioned.  I can highly recommend a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth spinning rod.  Specifically the 7'4" MF for open areas or the 6'3" MF for close areas.

 

I suggest searching for those threads on low cost rods and reels.  You will find plenty of suggestions for both.

[gravestone]

Reason I suggested not to start with braid is : 1)IMO you need to use a leader,either flour or mono. That means learning to tie the right knot to connect the two. 2) handling braid will cut you faster than other lines..like when you snag up & try to break it. 3) he's on a buget. IMO mono is better way to start.

Missourifishin,the outfit that I recommended fits your buget but you need to handle it and see if it fits you.I have much more expensive rods ( g.loomis ) & reels ( shimano sustains ) but the R&R I mentioned I use almost exclusively.

[Brian6428]

Here is what I would suggest starting with:

Pflueger president spinning reel ($60)

Berkley lightning rod, 6'6 medium ($37)

8lb Yozuri Hybrid ($12)

 

This setup is cheap, reliable and pretty good too. I don't have a Pfleuger president but their reviews are great on here and every other website. I have two lighting rods and they are great for the price. This combo would provide you with lots of enjoyment for pretty cheap.

 

Brian

[new2BC4bass]

Braid definitely can cut you.  Its initial investment isn't cheap.  Personally I think its other properties outweigh the initial cost.  So far I have only used a leader on braid once.  Having said this, I must admit the vast majority of my reels carry monofilament line.  I grew up with it, and feel it still satisfies most of my needs.  I just know that one of the bassresource members that I trust fishes almost every day using spinning gear almost exclusively.  His preferred line is braid.  That is enough recommendation for me.  Although only 2 of my 6 spinning reels carry braid, I have to admit its handling properties when it comes to memory is better than mono especially if the reel hasn't been used in awhile.  I do prefer how mono casts over braid, but that is just me.

[Cgrinder]

President on an Elite Tech would be a great setup. Those rods fish above their price range. I would also recommend braid because it is more manageable on the spool and leader knots are easy to learn. I usually use a mono leader in open water because Pike. No reason to skimp on line if you can afford it.

[gravestone]

Braid definitely can cut you.  Its initial investment isn't cheap.  Personally I think its other properties outweigh the initial cost.  So far I have only used a leader on braid once.  Having said this, I must admit the vast majority of my reels carry monofilament line.  I grew up with it, and feel it still satisfies most of my needs.  I just know that one of the bassresource members that I trust fishes almost every day using spinning gear almost exclusively.  His preferred line is braid.  That is enough recommendation for me.  Although only 2 of my 6 spinning reels carry braid, I have to admit its handling properties when it comes to memory is better than mono especially if the reel hasn't been used in awhile.  I do prefer how mono casts over braid, but that is just me.

That's all I've used on my spinning reels since 1998. Love the way it handles,cast and fishes. Then thin diameter let's you get away using less weight, to me more advantages than disadvantages. But i'm looking back to mono for some situations.

Been fishing a lot of shoreline blowdowns and when you get your jig hung you disturb the whole spot! I put a post in this forum on McCoy line,like what the fellas said so I,m gonna spool up some #8 mean green & see how many I can loose....uh I mean land out of these blowdowns. Maybe I'll go with #10.

[Missourifishin]

Here is what I would suggest starting with:

Pflueger president spinning reel ($60)

Berkley lightning rod, 6'6 medium ($37)

8lb Yozuri Hybrid ($12)

 

This setup is cheap, reliable and pretty good too. I don't have a Pfleuger president but their reviews are great on here and every other website. I have two lighting rods and they are great for the price. This combo would provide you with lots of enjoyment for pretty cheap.

 

Brian

 

Where can I find that rod for $37?

[rockchalk06]

Where can I find that rod for $37?

Walmart sells them for 40 bucks.

[mjseverson24]

Your budget of 200-300 is quite high for a begining spinning combo. I would suggest getting two combos for this price.

 

combo 1:

6'6"  medium power ugly stick ($30.00)

shimano sonora 2500 ( $50.00)

20 lb power pro braid ($12.00)

 

combo 2:

7' medium light st.croix Triumph ($80.00)

shimano sonora 2500 ($50.00

20lb power pro braid the rest of spool from combo 1, and 10 lb berkley vanish  for a leader of about 15'($11.00)

 

use combo 1 for all horizontal presentations like cranks, spinners etc...

 

use combo 2 for all bottom contact and finnesse presentations.

 

both of these combos for about $230.00 would cover a lot of different techniques very well.

 

Mitch