Getting A New Rod And Reel Pt2

[tbone-111]

I posed this question over on this thread:  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/125645-getting-a-new-rod-and-reel-need-advice/#entry1378348

 

Based on the discussion and advice I received in this thread:
 
 
 
http://www.bassresou...incasting-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.

 

 

The majority recommended a baitcasting reel and gave me some great recommendations, thank you!  There were some who recommended spinning reels and for some balance, I'm wondering if you guys could help me out once more with specific spinning reel/rods models that would be best given the above requirements?

 

Thanks in advance, this forum is awesome!

[down4ttown]

Honestly, it will be tough to encompass blue gill fishing with Catfishing. If you are set on using one rod to rule them all, then get an Ugly Stick with a spinning reel. Baitcasters can do everything too, but why spend the money if you are going to try and do everything with it. Baitcasters need heavier line to really shine (at least that is my experience). I would also not use a nice Bass rod to haul in Carp or Catfish on purpose, but that is just me. 

 

First choice would be an ugly stick combo. (durable, cheap, and would be great for moving baits and heavy fishing for cats and carp)

Second Choice would be a H2O Mettle from Academy (29 bucks right now and that is a steal). Pair that with a cheaper rod that you are comfortable with and you are set. 

 

Now if you want to talk exclusive to Bass fishing, then we will get into some better stuff. 

[tbone-111]

Honestly, it will be tough to encompass blue gill fishing with Catfishing. If you are set on using one rod to rule them all, then get an Ugly Stick with a spinning reel. Baitcasters can do everything too, but why spend the money if you are going to try and do everything with it. Baitcasters need heavier line to really shine (at least that is my experience). I would also not use a nice Bass rod to haul in Carp or Catfish on purpose, but that is just me. 

 

First choice would be an ugly stick combo. (durable, cheap, and would be great for moving baits and heavy fishing for cats and carp)

Second Choice would be a H2O Mettle from Academy (29 bucks right now and that is a steal). Pair that with a cheaper rod that you are comfortable with and you are set. 

 

Now if you want to talk exclusive to Bass fishing, then we will get into some better stuff. 

 

Thanks for the recommendation!

[tbone-111]

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

Any other recommendations out there?

[BenBassmaster]

Definitely recommend the Ugly Stik, first rod I ever owned and I still have it to this day. Great multi-species rods.

[motodmast]

ugly stik combo at walmart, look for a 6'6 rod

[tbone1993]

I posed this question over on this thread:  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/125645-getting-a-new-rod-and-reel-need-advice/#entry1378348

 

 

The majority recommended a baitcasting reel and gave me some great recommendations, thank you!  There were some who recommended spinning reels and for some balance, I'm wondering if you guys could help me out once more with specific spinning reel/rods models that would be best given the above requirements?

 

Thanks in advance, this forum is awesome!

I would recommend almost any spinning reel with a 7ft medium moderate rod. It will catch you any fish under the sun. The only issue is that casting very light lures will not work without a bobber for bluegill.  I find that  light or ultralight rods work best for panfish. The best option is to buy a  7ft medium heavy for your bass/carp/cat and then a light action for your bluegill. No need to buy two reels just switch rods. When the times comes buy two reels.  You can do almost anything on that rod IMO. Also I dont like ugly sticks I moved past them a long time ago. Look for a special at your local tackle shop. If it costs me $50 for a fenwick and $39.99 for an ugly stick ill buy the fenwick

[tbone-111]

Thanks all!  I think I've decided on getting a spinning reel as it just seems a better fit for me at this time being newer to fishing and that I think it will be a better all-purpose reel for me.  A couple more questions:

 

1) Universally, everyone is recommending 6'6''-7'' rods.  My rod now is 6'...what does that extra 6'' or 1' give me that I couldn't get with another 6' rod?  Not trying to be facetious here, just genuinely curious and wanting to learn.

2) I found a website that had some good rod and reel recommendations that matched what you guys were telling me:

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-all-around-fishing-rod-and-reel-for-around-100/

 

As for the reel, he recommends the  Penn Fierce 6000.  What does everyone think of that reel for my purposes?  The review is for fresh and saltwater and the 6000 seems like a really heavy duty reel so I'm not sure if that exact model is right for me or not.  It looks big but maybe I just need to see it in person.  He also mentions the  Lew's Speed Spin SS300A and Abu Garcia Cardinal STX.  Didn't know if anyone had recommendations between these 3 reels and the specific model that would be the best fit.

 

Thanks again!

[new2BC4bass]

What size catfish will you be catching?  That Penn 6000 is big, heavy and holds a lot of line.  If I were buying a model from that line, it wouldn't be any bigger than the 4000.  Now if you are going to be catching 100 pound catfish, then maybe the 6000 would be a better choice.  I say "maybe" because the 4000 is listed as holding 275 yards of 20# braid.  Way more than enough for anything I could catch in my area.  I would prefer the 3000 if buying this model.  It also weighs almost a full 9 oz. less.  That 9 oz. is as much as, or more than, the other 2 reels...depending on the size you went with.

 

The STX is quite a bit lighter than the Penn and lighter than the Lews.  I have no experience with the new Cardinals, but had absolutely no problems with their old Mitchell 300s.

 

Never used a Lews, but the spool looks an awful lot like a Pflueger...going by the picture.  I do have a Pflueger, and like it a lot.

[new2BC4bass]

Rod length is personal.  The longer the rod, the further it will cast...all else being equal.  I've come to prefer longer rods.  I haven't a clue as to how much more distance that 6" or 12" would make.  No doubt someone on here has experimented, and maybe give you more concrete figures....should they read this thread.  Start a thread with that question if it is something you really want to know.  You will get more answers.

[tbone-111]

What size catfish will you be catching?  That Penn 6000 is big, heavy and holds a lot of line.  If I were buying a model from that line, it wouldn't be any bigger than the 4000.  Now if you are going to be catching 100 pound catfish, then maybe the 6000 would be a better choice.  I say "maybe" because the 4000 is listed as holding 275 yards of 20# braid.  Way more than enough for anything I could catch in my area.  I would prefer the 3000 if buying this model.  It also weighs almost a full 9 oz. less.  That 9 oz. is as much as, or more than, the other 2 reels...depending on the size you went with.

 

The STX is quite a bit lighter than the Penn and lighter than the Lews.  I have no experience with the new Cardinals, but had absolutely no problems with their old Mitchell 300s.

 

Never used a Lews, but the spool looks an awful lot like a Pflueger...going by the picture.  I do have a Pflueger, and like it a lot.

The fish I catch will be in a wide range of 1-50lbs.  About 95% of those will be between 0-10lbs and a couple times a year I'll go for a larger 20lbs carp/catfish and sometimes I'll catch one.  I've had larger fish on the line as well but pretty rare.

 

So I'm thinking the 4000 should be the size that fits that range the best. Agreed?  Possibly the 3000 but 4000 will be better when I'm fishing for larger species.

 

I can't seem to find the Lew's and Abu Garcia max drag.  The Penn Fierce 4000 can be set to 13lbs.  But I don't know about those other models.  Also, I noticed the Lew's has 9+1 ball bearings while the Penn has 4+1...what difference does that make?

 

Thanks again!