Getting Back Into Fishing After 14 Years. Need A Good All Around Rod And Reel To Start - $160 (Live In Southern Ontario, Will Catch Bass/pike Mainly)

[PigsnJigs]

Hey everyone, I found this website through bassresource's youtube. They have taught me more in the past seven days, then I learned in my first 15 years fishing. I stopped fishing when I got into high-school, and have missed it since. I live in Toronto, and the big city got me away from a past time I enjoyed.

 

I am looking to get back into it. I have learned all about Rod power, action, various lines, reels and the differences between everything. What I am stumped on right now is what to pick up first, for a good all around Rod/Reel to get started. I know one Rod/Reel is not perfect for everything, and eventually I plan to get a good assortment. For now, however, with the investment of tackle/baits/backpacks/sunglasses/nets and so forth, I can only afford one combo.

 

I will be fishing mainly for Bass, but liviing in Southern Ontario, there is no doubt I will hook into some smaller pike, carp, catfish and so forth. I won't be targeting large pike, and doubt I will go North enough this season to really be concerned with just how big they will become.

 

I am looking for a good all around Rod/Reel in the $160 range that will be able to handle this. I basically don't know if I should be going for a MH or M Rod.

 

I prefeer a spinning reel, and do plan on getting a Baitcaster closer to fall, but want to get back into fishing using what I am familier with first. If you think a Baitcaster is the way to go for an all around combo though, I will go for it and just learn/practice until I get it down.

 

I was thinking of getting a Sedona, or Sahara, but I am open to any suggestions. As with the Rod, I am stumped, there are so many, and as I said, I am not sure what power is the best for an all around piece of equipment.

 

I plan to put braided line, with a Flurocarbon leader.

 

Thanks for any help you guys can provide!.

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to BR ~

 

There are quite a few decent choices available for a spinning outfit at that price point.  Below is a couple of options that could suit your immediate needs.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

 

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning-Combos%7C/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/Shimanoreg-Sedona174-FDCabelas-Tourney-Trail174-Spinning-Combo/740300.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fspinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2B4294346734%2FNe-4294346734%2FNo-48%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNP%26recordsPerPage%3D48&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104762880%3Bcat105791580

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Spinning-Combos%7C/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/105791580/Pfluegerreg-PresidentregCabelas-Tourney-Trailreg-Split-Grip-Spinning-Combo/1325675.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fspinning-combos%2F_%2FN-1102843%2B4294346734%2FNe-4294346734%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105791580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104762880%3Bcat105791580

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On your budget I recommend a St Croix Mojo MBS70MF (7' Med/Fast) and a Pflueger President spinning reel. These are good quality tools that you won't "outgrow" as your skill and taste in tackle evolve. 

[Capt.Bob]

I would pair up a St. Croix Premier 6'6" or 7' MHF since Northern Pike can be a handful at the size you run into when targeting them in your area of the world, The same rod in MF if not chasing pike.  The Premier is still made in Park Falls Wisconsin for me this is important when buying a St. Croix Rod, I want mine built where they were from day one.

 

For a reel Shimano Symetre 4000 since Northern Pike are in with the targeted species you will go after, if not for that the 2500 would be plenty. Either one will stand the test of time, plus in the case you ever want to upgrade to the top end equipment, both the Shimano Symetre and St Croix Premier hold their resale value better than others, but then I handed mine down to grandkids, they are better equipped now than most adults, still smooth as silk!!  

[Mike2841]

On your budget I recommend a St Croix Mojo MBS70MF (7' Med/Fast) and a Pflueger President spinning reel. These are good quality tools that you won't "outgrow" as your skill and taste in tackle evolve.

X2

The abu garcia veritas 7' m spinning is also very versatile

[Tywithay]

My recommendation would be a Sahara 2500, with a 7' med *** *** rod. It is just slightly above your budget, but there should be some good memorial day sales to take advantage of. I think you could get it cheaper if you look around. I think that's easily the best rod in the price range and the Sahara's are very good reels for the money as well.

[new2BC4bass]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Take a look at the Fenwick HMX 7' MF 1/8-3/4 oz. or 6' 10" MHF 1/4-1 oz. depending on lure weights and cover you will be fishing.  Add a President 6935 reel.  The Fenwick HMG is about another $10-$20 more.  I've become a fan of Fenwick rods.  It looks like they are closing out the Smallmouth series.  These are great rods for the money....worth more than the asking price.

 

For a couple $$ more you could pair that President with a 7' MH 1/8-3/4 oz. Quantum Tour Edition PT from ohya.

 

If Fenwick is closing out the Smallmouth series, and they go on sale for $100 or less, take a good look at the 6' 9" MXF 1/8-3/4 oz.  Looks like I need to get mine before they are all gone. 

[greentrout]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Berkley Lighting Rods. Save your money and get several of 'em and

then get the Mitchell 300 spinning reel.

 

You're good to go.

[PigsnJigs]

I really appreciate all the help and information guys. I will be going to Bass Pro shops next week. Any other suggestions are welcome.