Getting A New Rod And Reel, Need Advice

[tbone-111]

Based on the discussion and advice I received in this thread:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/123746-using-drag-on-a-spincasting-reel/

 

I've decided to get a new rod and reel.  I've been using cheap spincasting reels since I was a kid and I'm just wanting something more reliable.  Right now I'm looking for either a baitcasting or a spinning reel.  Any recommendations on type or specific models?  I'm looking to buy only one rod and reel and I go for all kinds of fish - bluegill, bass, carp and catfish are mainly what I fish for.  I've been fishing with a lot of hollow body frogs  and spinners lately for bass and just bait for carp/catfish.  What reel type would be best for someone like me who has used only spincast?  I've tried baitcast before but have gotten massive birdsnest messes...probably just need practice but not sure which type would be best.

 

 

[birdseyelespaul]

Tbone, I will tell you that once you learn how to use a baitcaster you'll be glad you did. Baitcasters can be annoying when you're first learning but you just have to be patient. Get yourself an Abu Garcia Black Max. Its like $45 at Walmart. Its a reliable reel and its relatively inexpensive. Walmart sells Abu Garcia rod/reel combos as well. Once you find what you're looking for, go to youtube and look up Bassresource. Subscribe to their youtube channel and Glenn has videos of how to set up your baitcaster and videos for just about everything else. Good luck!

[Marty]

If you decide to go with spinning, a 6'6" or 7' rod with medium power and fast action can serve as an excellent all-around combo that you can use with a large variety of techniques and species of fish.. A 15# braid would be a good line with this combo.

 

One problem is you said you like fishing for bluegills as well as the bass, carp and cats. Two problems come to mind:

 

1) The lightweight lures used for panfish will be harder to cast

2) Fighting the fish won't be nearly as much fun as with an ultralight

 

It's tough to find a combo for both gamefish and panfish that does well with both.

[Jrob78]

I would get a baitcaster, it's a natural transition from a spincaster.  A decent baitcasting combo is going to cost more than a decent spinning combo, so what's your budget?

[tbone-111]

I would get a baitcaster, it's a natural transition from a spincaster.  A decent baitcasting combo is going to cost more than a decent spinning combo, so what's your budget?

 Between $100 -$150 for reel and rod.

[BassAssassins14]

I would go with a 6 9" or 7' Abu garcia veritas. Which the rod will run you about 90$ then for a reel i would go with a Abu garcia cardinal which is about 30$

[MacP]

If that's your budget get a Lews Speed Spool and a lightning rod shock in medium.  It's easier to learn to cast a baitcaster on a decent rod with some flex than a really stiff one.  Lightning rods are pretty nice and cheap to boot!

[Jrob78]

I would look for an aluminum framed baitcaster, like the Lew's Speed Spool, Abu Garcia Revo S, Shimano Citica E or G, BPS Pro Qualifier or Daiwa Exceler.  These  reels will fit in your budget and hold up to a lot of use.  As far rods, spend the remainder on a medium powered graphite rod, 6'6"-7'.  If you have an Academy near by, look at their All Star rods or Ethos rods.  The Lightning rod as mentioned above will work, Lew's makes some decent rods and BPS has some good rods for not a lot of money.  You can always upgrade the rod later and your reel should still be going strong.  Also, resist the temptation to buy a rod and reel combo that's already put together, you can usually get better quality components if you buy them separately.

[tbone-111]

Thanks everyone!  It seems the concensus pick is an Abu Garcia or Lew's Speed Spool baitcaster reel and a 6'/6"-7' rod.

 

The "pros" I can think of for a spinning rig would be: 1)easier to cast ligher lures 2)easier to learn, 3)they usually come with two spools so I can spool one with ligher line for my panfish/bass fishing and heavier for carp/catfish.

 

What is the allure of baitcasting reels over spinning?  Virtually everyone I ask says go baitcaster but I guess I just don't know as much about that reel type and would liek to learn. 

 

Thanks in advance!

[camovan]

Accurate casting would probably be the #1 reason. Could you keep your zebco for panfish and then use the new reel for larger species? If not you probably are better off with spinning and you can get a little more for your money too. I couldn't live with a $50 bait caster but am perfectly happy with my pflueger president at the same price.

[tbone-111]

Thanks.  I am leaning towards a baitcaster given the abundance of votes that way but I'm curious - given my requirements I listed above, what are the  spinning reel and rod models everyone would recommend if I decided to go that route?

[roadwarrior]

Spinning tackle would be a much better fit at this point.

I buy most of my rods and reels here on our Flea Market.

 

Specific suggestions:

Shimano Symetre 2500 gently used for around $75

Someone else will have to help with a $75 used rod,

but it should be Medium Power/ Fast Action. 

[lmbfisherman]

I think one of the best bang for your bucks at that price would be to get a BPS Carbonlite and BPS Pro Qualifier combo.  Especially if it goes on sale, like it regularly does. 

[born2fish94]

Thanks everyone!  It seems the concensus pick is an Abu Garcia or Lew's Speed Spool baitcaster reel and a 6'/6"-7' rod.

 

The "pros" I can think of for a spinning rig would be: 1)easier to cast ligher lures 2)easier to learn, 3)they usually come with two spools so I can spool one with ligher line for my panfish/bass fishing and heavier for carp/catfish.

 

What is the allure of baitcasting reels over spinning?  Virtually everyone I ask says go baitcaster but I guess I just don't know as much about that reel type and would liek to learn. 

 

Thanks in advance!

If i were you i would put a abu garcia silver max or black max on a denali jadewood rod. They retail for 100 dollars. and I would suggest the spinnerbait rod. its got the tip to comfortable handle spinnerbaits, and work a topwater, and also has the back bone for worms. great all around rod. and it comes with a lifetime warranty guarantee. Pretty hard to beat in my opinion

[Jrob78]

I think one of the best bang for your bucks at that price would be to get a BPS Carbonlite and BPS Pro Qualifier combo.  Especially if it goes on sale, like it regularly does. 

x2

I think this would definitely be the best bang for your buck and the PQ is great for backlash free learning due to the dual brakes.

 

1 rod and reel, be it spinning or casting, isn't going to cover bluegill-catfish.  It doesn't matter if you have an extra spool or not, rods are not that versatile.  I use and prefer baitcasters so that's the way I would go.  If you go spinning, that will work too.  Either way, I would get a rod that can handle up to 5/8-3/4oz and use your spincaster for panfish.