duramax27 Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Hey guys, New to the forum but have been reading great threads with helpful information that past few weeks. Figured I would join and ask for some great advice myself! I am looking to pick up a new spinning reel for average largemouth fishing. I think I have decided on the Pflueger President 6930 over a Shimano based on price and recent quality reviews, and I am looking for an affordable rod. I came across an Ugly Stik 7' MH/F for $40 bucks and a free shirt lol Anyone have any experience or similar combos? I was told the 7' might be too big but I personally don't think so. Would I be better with a 6'6" M/F? I am currently using my old Shimano GR-X1200 my father gave me on a Berkley Graphite 6' but want to use this rod for trout and have a separate bass rod. Thanks! -Steve Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted March 20, 2015 Super User Posted March 20, 2015 Great reel. However, instead of an Ugly Stick, consider looking at a Berkley Lightning Shock Rod. This rod would definitely be lighter and more sensitive. And the price is not bad - somewhere around $40.00 if you shop around (Try Walmarts online!). Stick with the 7' or 7' 6" models. 2 Quote
Cgrinder Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Yeah, I would treat yourself a bit and get a nicer rod (if budget allows). St. Croix's lower end spinning rods are versatile and they perform nicely. I'd be looking at a 7' M power in the Triumph or Premier line. I use ML power myself but it's not my all-rounder. 1 Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted March 20, 2015 Super User Posted March 20, 2015 I agree with the Lightning Rod Shock. I have several of them with Presidents and Trions mounted on them. Great "bang for the buck" combos. I fish with them just as much as I do any other rods in my boat (Abu Vendetta's, Vertias's and Vengeance's) and they are in the same league. Quote
Joedodge Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Lightning rod shock or halo starlite. $39-49 rods great quality and sensitivity. Excellent bang for the buck. Those are what all my reels are mounted on. Can be had at walmarts and online. If Ya no with a berkley lightning rod shock at Walmart when Ya check out the 2 year replacement plan is $3. Quote
duramax27 Posted March 20, 2015 Author Posted March 20, 2015 Thank you all for the help! I've looked into all the suggestions and think I am going to go with a Berkley Lightning Shock at 7' M/MF. They don't have it in a MH but no big deal and is there a substantial difference between Fast and Moderate Fast action? I usually like to hand pick my gear in a store but Basspro set an email out this morning for $20.00 off and free shipping. Very tempting. Quote
Hyrule Bass Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 both my pflueger spinning reels, trion and supreme, are on ugly stiks. they are fine combos despite what some might say. many people here have a preconceived false notion in their heads that ugly stiks are no good and wont catch fish. dont listen. an ugly stik is less likely to break on a hookset or from general wear as well... 1 Quote
duramax27 Posted March 20, 2015 Author Posted March 20, 2015 both my pflueger spinning reels, trion and supreme, are on ugly stiks. they are fine combos despite what some might say. many people here have a preconceived false notion in their heads that ugly stiks are no good and wont catch fish. dont listen. an ugly stik is less likely to break on a hookset or from general wear as well... I was always under this impression but have heard they aren't as sensitive as other rods in that price range. Can you confirm? Would this sensitivity concern be what draws some people away? Quote
duramax27 Posted March 21, 2015 Author Posted March 21, 2015 I agree with the Lightning Rod Shock. I have several of them with Presidents and Trions mounted on them. Great "bang for the buck" combos. I fish with them just as much as I do any other rods in my boat (Abu Vendetta's, Vertias's and Vengeance's) and they are in the same league. This setup I am going for is strictly bass, unless something else decides to bite. I mainly use a lot of plastic and live worms..(texas rig) but also jerkbaits, crankbaits, jigs, spinners and spoons. Basically whatever is working lol! Would a 7' lightning Medium/moderate fast 1/8-3/4 be my best choice? Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 The President is arguably the best bang for the buck out there in a spinning reel. The lightning is a good budget rod as well. If you have extra budget the rod is where to put it. Quote
gunsndrums1 Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 I am in the exact same boat as you. Recently i was gifted a used but well taken care of president over the forum, while i simutanesouly ordered my self a new uglystick gx2 in 6'6 medium. i wanted it in 6 foot but made a happy accident when i ordered a 6'6. i havent been able to fish because the ice hasnt melted yet but i have been doing a lot of backyard casting and it seems to be a great rod. And no matter what brand people use they can all probably tell you that you really cant go wrong with an uglystick. The reel also perfroms great on it too, super smooth, nice drag. Good luck! Quote
duramax27 Posted March 26, 2015 Author Posted March 26, 2015 I am in the exact same boat as you. Recently i was gifted a used but well taken care of president over the forum, while i simutanesouly ordered my self a new uglystick gx2 in 6'6 medium. i wanted it in 6 foot but made a happy accident when i ordered a 6'6. i havent been able to fish because the ice hasnt melted yet but i have been doing a lot of backyard casting and it seems to be a great rod. And no matter what brand people use they can all probably tell you that you really cant go wrong with an uglystick. The reel also perfroms great on it too, super smooth, nice drag. Good luck! I have had several ugly stiks and have always like them. I tend to walk into a lot of things and the added strength they have suites me well lol. Although this time around I decided to give the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock a try to see if indeed it has more sensitivity like many guys on here suggested. I just got it today actually and it is incredibly light. I got it in 7' and I'm excited to give it a go with the new Pflueger. 1 Quote
bass crazy Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Dick's has the the Lightning Rod Shock on sale on line till March 28. It is a buy one get the second for half price. I ordered some. Quote
Sonik Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Cabelas was running a sale that had a President and an IM7 rod combo'd together for like $60 or so. I bought the combo a couple years ago and it's been great. I got a 7' ML with the President and I use it for dropshotting and have got crappie with it as well. Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted March 27, 2015 Super User Posted March 27, 2015 This setup I am going for is strictly bass, unless something else decides to bite. I mainly use a lot of plastic and live worms..(texas rig) but also jerkbaits, crankbaits, jigs, spinners and spoons. Basically whatever is working lol! Would a 7' lightning Medium/moderate fast 1/8-3/4 be my best choice? I don't see why it wouldn't do what you need. But just what exactly is your definition of bass fishing? There are many presentation techniques, most of which require different rod/reel set-ups. You can catch a bass on a branch of a tree, but if you want to be a bit more specific, we could probably answer you question better. A general purpose, all-around bass fishing rod, would be a medium action, on the light end and med-heavy on the upper end. You won't go wrong with either. BTW, Shock rods do have a 7'6" MH action. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.