New Guy Looking For Help..

[CK_32]

Just got into fishing and need some help picking my new Rod/Reel combo for casual weekend fishing... (Pretty set on the reel, the rod is where I'm stuck)

As of right now I'm looking at a Shimano Convergence 7'2" Graphite Med/Heavy with a 1000 spinner. Lookin about $160 OTD at my local shop.

My only fear is, I've seen a lot of talk of these rods snapping at the tip. At first I thought ok that's cause its Graphite, I know its said to be brittle if not fished right. But then I looked and my current Daiwa SK-12H I got from my grandfather is graphite as well and bends and handles like a MF. I thought it was fiber glass this whole time because I've lifted fish and done what all these videos say not to do on graphite rods...

I'm looking to replace my Daiwa rod.reel because it's old and the guides epoxy is chipping and the tip guide just started coming loose. I am a noob and this is the first time I've really ever gotten into fishing. I've always been handed a cheapo rod/reel and said have at it and just drink beers more than catch fish. But recently I caught the fishing bug.

My goals for this rod are to again replace the aging Daiwa rod I have, and be a good spinner for both rock/shore fishing, and during spring/winter time be my main lake rod/reel.

About $150 is what I'm looking to spend for the rod/reel. My local shop got me hooked on the Convergence Rod and 1000 reel. But I don't like seeing reports of these breaking. Will this rod snap on me?? If so why do these snap on people??

I watched a video and it made it sound like all graphite are brittle, and fiber glass rods bend, I thought my rod was a fiber glass but saw all my rods and families rods are graphite. Are these convergence's good to go? Or Garbage??

Appreciate all your time/help. I'm as lost as ever on what to believe, go by or trust. I asked on another forum with little to no help on what to get or if this rod is trustable to last. Just people telling me what they use or their biased brands and tell me "oh spend xxx more and get this" (which I get but that doesn't help me). $150 is my max, and I don't need anything high tech just enough to last me and hopefully give my kids a decent rod.

[BobP]

Yes, fiberglass will generally take more abuse than graphite but I own more than 20 graphite rods and I've never broken one while fishing.  The only rod I own that broke during fishing was a fiberglass custom rod, actually.  Graphite is lighter and more sensitive which makes it much better for fishing worms, jigs, and other 'touchy-feely' bait presentations.  Fiberglass is popular for moving baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits but many guys prefer graphite for those presentations too.  You can break any rod by abusing it.  If you buy a rod and it breaks on the first few outings, it probably had a manufacturing defect.  If it breaks after that, 99% of the time it's something you did to abuse the rod blank.

 

I wouldn't be concerned if Joe Blow says he bought a Convergent rod and it broke the first time out, so all Convergent rods must be crap.  That just isn't so.  Shimano sells decent rods and I own and like several of their higher end offerings, though I've never used a Convergent.

[Preytorien]

^^

Agreed, Bob hit the nail on the head. Especially the last part. Most rods, including Shimanos I own, are good quality. Sure with any rod, regardless of brand, you'll get some out of the thousands made, here and there that will break, but in most cases (and I say MOST, not all) the rod breaks because it was used improperly. Graphite is the most common of rod materials for a reason. It's light, it's sensitive, it's strong, all the qualities a guy would need in a rod to do in darn near every presentation he would ever need. It's the jack of all trades workhorse material of rods all over the world. But, I can see your concern, I'm a review reader m'self, I knew I wanted a Crucial, but heard a few blasting reviews, and finally just had to remember that bad reviews happen to every single product, and the fact the internet can so quickly transmit a negative review makes choosing a rod based on quality an even toughter decision. Long story short, I got the Crucial, I love it, I've had it a year, no breaks.....huh....who'da thought?

 

As far as Shimano....

 

I've got 4 of their rods, a Sellus, Clarus, Compre, and Crucial....

 

All are excellent rods. The Sellus, Clarus, and Compre are all spinning rods, and do a fine job, they're sensitive and have hauled out some nice fish with nary a complaint. I had to re-tip the Clarus since my wife shut the trunk on it without realizing it. I put a new Fuji tip on it and now you'd be hard pressed to know it was ever broken off. Shimano has a good warranty system (i've used it for cycling parts, never yet for fishing), and make it pretty much hassle free to get a replacement if it were to break due to faulty craftmanship. It think you'd probably be pretty pleased with the Convergent.

 

Good luck, and welcome to the forums!

[new2BC4bass]

Welcome to the forum.  Always nice to see another person get into fishing.  Since you know what reel you want, you should have a good idea how much it will cost.  How much money will you have left for the rod?  What kind of lure weights do you plan on using?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Graphite isn't brittle per say, the rods just aren't designed to be tip flexed much beyond 90* to the butt. You actually lose mechanical advantage over the fish that way anyhow. Avoid damaging the fibers, high-sticking and swinging fish and a graphite rod will last as long as you want it. 

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome BR ~

 

I agree with the comments you're received here already.

 

Though I can not speak as to the advice you received else where, ,you'll soon find that the BR crowd is routinely honest & plenty helpful.

 

Good Luck on your tackle selections and future fishing ventures.

 

A-Jay

[timsford]

Welcome to BR. You have recieved some good suggestions already. The only other advice i could think of is to take care of the rod. Dont hit it on stuff and dont try to lift fish with it and it will last. Most rods break because of abuse, not because the rod was faulty. Also you may want to think about going with a larger reel. A 1000 size reel is a good size for smaller fish like panfish and trout and finesse tactics for bass, but it wouldnt be my first choice for an all around reel. Id reccomend at least a 2000 or even better a 2500 size for an all around spinning reel. You will have less line problems with a larger spool, more capacity if you want to put on a little heavier line and go after bigger fish, and more power with resistance lures like cranks and spinnerbaits.

[kikstand454]

I agree with all the advice above and I will also vouch for the convergence ( sort of) I have three convergence rods that I have had for many years. One was passed down to me. They are great sticks. I use one as my redfish rod and it has never even hinted at letting me down- even in the saltwater- in a kayak!

That being said. ....all of mine are over 5years old or much older. ...so i can't SPECIFICALLY speak about the one you're looking at in the store.

I will say that price seems a bit steep. Again. ..I haven't bought one or even looked at a new one in a while- but when I bought my last convergence- it was $89. It is typically under the clarus price wise.

[Darren.]

Welcome! I'll let the other guys speak, very good advice here, as always.

[CK_32]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and see about a medium vs a med death rod. Assist with less stress on the tip if I screw up and high pull. I hope it holds up. I'm just so thrown off to realize these $30/40 combo set ups have run and felt so great. I thought these were $100 rigs.

But the shimano did feel amazing and again I'm only scared because I'm still a new wild fisher. I don't know the dos and don't I just yank and crank. My pole has been holding up no problem but it's a big aged or else id keep her running.

[new2BC4bass]

A 1000 size spinning reel is often considered on the small size for an all-around bass reel.  I guess it depends on several factors whether or not it is right for you...such as (but not limited to) size of fish, type of line and pound test used.

 

I have become a fan of Fenwick rods.  I'd look at the HMX series or even the Eagle GT.  For another $10 or so, the new HMG rods are suppose to be very nice...light, sensitive and well built.  Mine are older models.  Catch a break on the reel price, and you might even be able to step up to the Smallmouth series....great rods for the money.

[primetime]

Welcome to the site and I agree with all the above posts. I have never broken a graphite rod fishing, only during transport and when spooling line at home as the ceiling fans love to take off the tips.

 

I have used some of the lower end Shimano Rods and really liked them and alll the rods mentioned will hold up for sure. I have seen all kinds of people break rods, and most of the time it is user error, or the rod breaks in a manner like has happened to me when you are not careful loading them in a truck and tying them down etc. The good think about buying brands like Shimano, Fenwick, and Bass Pro etc. is the warranty, so if you somehow get a defective rod, they will replace it for you.

 

It's also cool that you are buying from a local tackle shop, I try to support the smaller guys as much as possible since the internet has made life tough for tackle shops, and you can read all you want about a lake, but nothing is better than a tip from a local shop.....

[Topwaterspook]

I have several Convergence rods that I bought from Shimano reps. The only one I ever broke was one I was trying to dislodge a snagged crankbait with. I still use them on occasion. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[CK_32]

Went to the shop today and the guy was more than helpful to get me going.

He personally ordered a 2 piece convergence and a Clarus 2 price both in 7' med and med heavy so I can feel the 2 and pick which ever one I wanted. He said it's no big deal when I told him he doesn't have to do that but he said no biggy they are good rods and he'll sell them sooner or later.

Awesome guy but I think a convergence 2 piece is what I'm getting and he also told me run a 4000. And he reason guys snap these is because the tip up fish which would snap any rod.

[Preytorien]

Went to the shop today and the guy was more than helpful to get me going.

He personally ordered a 2 piece convergence and a Clarus 2 price both in 7' med and med heavy so I can feel the 2 and pick which ever one I wanted. He said it's no big deal when I told him he doesn't have to do that but he said no biggy they are good rods and he'll sell them sooner or later.

Awesome guy but I think a convergence 2 piece is what I'm getting and he also told me run a 4000. And he reason guys snap these is because the tip up fish which would snap any rod.

I have a Sellus and Clarus both, the Convergence being the in-between offering from Shimano. I love both of my rods, so I'm betting you'll like the Conv.

 

I agree that anything smaller than a 1000 might not be the best all-around choice, although plenty of guys on here use them faithfully, and I'm certain they outfish me any day. 4000 might be more than what you want, especially since the reel size and weight start getting up there above a 2500, which is by the way what I'd recommend.

 

That's the kind of shop I'd continue to give business to. That's a great proprieter in my opinion.