Picked Up (2) Abu Garcia Pro Max 2 Reels, Need Poles For Them.. Suggestions?

[mperrine]

Hi,

I'm new to Bass fishing and have been slowly trying to acquire equipment and tackle as cheaply as I can.

I recently bought (2) new still in the packages Abu Garcia PMAX2 reels for $25 each  at local pawn shop.

What are your guys thoughts on the reels?

And

I also now need to purchase some rods for them. I was hoping the forum could recommend a couple of moderately priced pole choices?

 

Thanks in advance for any information/advice

 

Matt

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Moderately priced is quite a broad definition. It might help to give a specific price range. For good rods that come in a variety of prices check out Fenwick rods. Read this for which power and action to choose:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

 

Good luck with your fishing!

[new2BC4bass]

No experience with that model of Abu reels, but sounds like you got a good deal.  Congratulations.  I don't know about house brand rods (other than a few Prodigys and one Carbonlite), but if you want to keep it cheap as possible and still have a reasonably good performing rod, I would first look at the Berkley Lightning.  I don't have a Berkley Cherrywood, but it might be an even cheaper alternative.  The H2O rods get good reviews.  DSG carries the F&S Tec Spec for $60  and the Tec Spec Elite for $80.  The Elites were on sale at 44% off at my local DSG.  Possibly a Veritas could still be found for about $40.

 

Should you be willing to spend $100-$130, I'd try to find a Fenwick Smallmouth or look at an *** Black.

 

I'm sure others will have a few other possible suggestions.

[mperrine]

Yah, your right.  Moderately is vague and subjective.

 

Moderate to me is i guess is $50 and under, given the fact that i paid $25/each for my reels and even at high retail prices those reels only sell for about $80/each.

 

So, what id like is just a decent rod that is a good match for the reels that i have as far as quality, size, etc....

 

 

Thanks

[OntarioFishingGuy]

50 and under:

Berkley Lightning rod

Berkley Cherrywood

Ugly Stik Lite

 

Or look for a more expensive rod either used or on sale, like previously mentioned, a Veritas.

[Catch and Grease]

X2 for berkley cherry woods, 20-25$

[paleus]

+1 on the Berkley Lighting Rod.

Also check out Abu Vendetta and Veritas. May still be able to find a good deal on a gen 1 Veritas.

[GANGGREEN]

I was stumbling around WalMart today waiting for my wife and son to finish shopping and I found myself in the fishing aisle.  They rarely have much of interest but I saw a Pro Max like that hanging in a display.  I picked it up and messed with it as much as I could but given that it's in packaging, doesn't have line, etc. etc., you can't really say whether it's a decent reel or not.  The odd thing was that there was no price on it and I was curious what the price point is.  Anyone?  Any idea if it's a halfway decent reel?

[mperrine]

Hi GANGGREEN,

 

At my local Wal-Mart the reel by itself sells for $79.99 and you can get the combo with a 6'6" rod for $99.99.

 

I havent got the chance to use my reels yet, so I cant speak of the quality.

[Fisher-O-men]

Starting last year WalMart started selling decent rods.  They have some pretty nice Abu Garcia rods for under $50.  Also Academy Sports have the H2O rods for $59.  I have two and would buy again.