Freshwater And Saltwater?

[Sp032o]

Hey everyone. I'm thinking about getting an ugly stik gx2 6'6" MH rod and a Penn Fierce 5000 spinning reel. I am going to the shore this weekend so I want to be able to use it in freshwater for flounder and small sea bass, but I also want to use it for bass in freshwater lakes. Would this rod and reel be good for both freshwater and saltwater? I appreciate all comments and opinions, they are really helpful. Thanks.

[0119]

5000 is too big. I don't use but a 3000 for reds, snook and tampon under 30#. It would wear you out.

[MCS]

I use a 35 and a 40 they are good....Gotta watch out for those typos 0019 lol

[masterbass]

IMO, the penn is nice, but I'd rather have the pflueger president 3000 size or get the penn in 3000 size.  I'm also not a fan of the ugly stick for bass.  It would be fine for saltwater live bait, but not my preference for artificials and bassin.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I use a 35 and a 40 they are good....Gotta watch out for those typos 0019 lol

Reminds me of all the stripper anglers I come across online, lol. I guess catching a stripper is better than catching a tampon, however. 

 

Apparently the OP has a freshwater spot for flounder and sea bass too, while we're at it. 

 

To the OP... that gear should be fine for both as long as you rinse it well after using in saltwater and keep them clean and lubed. I'd try to find a more sensitive rod, used if cost is an issue. If it were me I'd probably get something more like a 7'3"-7'6" MF with a 1000 sized reel for this type of fishing. More versatile and will give you a tremendous advantage in casting distance if paired with a lighter line like 15-20lb braid. Just my 2¢. Most will probably think that my reel selection is too small, but that's what I like.

[LMB KING]

4000 size reel with 7 foot rod and 20 pound braid. Most versatile.

[0119]

I use a 35 and a 40 they are good....Gotta watch out for those typos 0019 lol

Haaaaa. Dumb smart phone. Always thinks it knows what I want to write.

[Mr. BattleArmor]

If you really can only have 1 combo i'd say go for Ugly Stik inshore lite, which is a much more sensitive rod than the gx2, then get the Penn in 3000 size. 

 

Either way i'd still recommend just two different set ups. i don't really believe in targeting a small fish when the same fish has the ability to be big. as in i've caught huge fish on lures you'd think would target smaller fish. I caught my biggest bass on a 5" worm, and my biggest red on a 4" doa, you just never know. but if it had to be one combo, it'd be the one i listed. 

[SirSnookalot]

5000 is too big. I don't use but a 3000 for reds, snook and tampon under 30#. It would wear you out.

 

4000 size reel with 7 foot rod and 20 pound braid. Most versatile.

Either one is my choice.  As things would have one of the jettie guys the other day was using an old 2 piece probably ugly stick (probably a med) with a Penn fierce 4000.  Hooks into some thing big, well 30 minutes later he still has the fish on the line.  The fish turns the corner of the jettie and heads into the inlet, that's about an 8 knot current, sadly he got cut off on the rocks.  Knowing how fish fight and take out drag I do think he had 25-30# jack on the line.

President is a nice reel, for bass and I wouldn't use it for anything else.  A 1000 size reel is too small and not enough line capacity.

There isn't a thing wrong with an ugly stick, we see more of them with a Penn on it's back than anything.  You just don't need a sensitive rod in salt, you aren't dragging baits on the bottom and the fish hit hard enough to recognize any strike.

[pbizzle]

I guess catching a stripper is better tampon, however.

I love to catch strippers. They fight back really hard for there size. I always try to avoid tampons though…

[SirSnookalot]

4000 size reel with 7 foot rod and 20 pound braid. Most versatile.

Caught tampon on that set up today, the slang term here is poon for a tarpon.

[primetime]

Tarpon are a different animal than a big Striper but overall, I use a 4000 spinning reel with 30lb braid, 6lb dia, and I also use a round baitcaster with 65lb braid and that is for when big fish are in the area and I need stopping power to avoid getting spooled or wrapped around cover. If windy, 20lb yo-zuri hybrid is over 30lb breaking strengh, good around abrasions, and can handle most.

 

Trilene big game is also a great line and good for all purpose line, but if just having fun, I go with 15-20lb braid and maybe heavy leader.

[SirSnookalot]

Comparing 1 fish to another is purely subjective, but I wouldn't attempt to try and catch a juvie 30 or 40# tarpon on 1000 reel.  That reel holds 95 yards of 10# braid and 65 of 20#, if in fact you really can put that much on it.  With 7# of max drag that probably won't phase that fish, chances of landing might be pretty slim.  From a boat it's possible if you can run it down, I still give the fish the edge.