Beginner Rod/reel Combo On $120 Budget

[artrigis91@gmail.com]

Hey there everyone, I havent really gone fishing since I was a kid about 13 years ago and have been thinking lately about getting into it.

 

I've done some research and for a beginner it looks like a spinner rod / reel is the best choice for me? I'll be going up to a little lake with bass.

 

Looking to spend around $100 - $120 on a rod / reel combo.

 

Ive searched around a bit on this forum and it looks like a lot of people reccomend the Pfleuger presidential http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OU1DGG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3H5G187FPGD5U&coliid=I3ICCYZ1Z6NPUV&psc=1

 

So is that a good choice, and I have no idea what model specifically of the presidential would be the best fit for me 6930x, 6935x, etc?

 

As for rod Ive searched around and from what I've read it's generally a good idea to place the bigger investment in the rod.. What is a good rod in that price range that might pair well?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

Edit: Im looking to just have one decent rod / reel combo for now so something that can work in a lot of situations.

[new2BC4bass]

Welcome to the forum.  Excellent choice with the President.  I'd go with the 6930.  If you'd like to spend a little less on the reel, and more on the rod, I would go with the 30 size Trion.  I'm not familiar with most of the house brand rods.  I've got a Berkley Lightning spinning rod that is in the neighborhood of 35-40 years old.  It still sees use.  Academy Sports sells the Ethos.  I've read some pretty good things about these rods.  My understanding is they have a Rod Riot Sale once in awhile where you can save a fair amount of money.  I never seem to catch the sale.

 

I understand the Berkley E-Motion is a very good rod for the money.  I know of at least one guy that fishes some expensive rods that was impressed by the E-Motion when he bought one for his son.

 

There are a few threads on some of the lesser priced rods such as the Tourney Special sold by BPS.  Cabela's has the Pro Guide, Shimano Sellus and quite a few others in your budget.  Besides the Lightning, the only other low cost rod in my lineup is the older black Tec Spec sold at Dick's Sporting Goods.  Not a bad rod for the money.

 

I'd look at a Medium Fast unless you will be fishing in heavy cover.  You can do quite a lot with such a rod.

[d-camarena]

Cabelas tourney trail/pfleuger president for $100 at cabelas. Its a nice setup

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! You'll learn opinions of what rod/reel is

best will be as varied as the number of insects on the planet.

 

You're best bet is to find out what is popular, then get your

hands on them in a "testing" session at a Bass Pro, Cabelas,

Gander Mountain, etc.

 

That's the only way you'll find something that you like. Get

YOUR hands on the rod/reel combo. What I like may be too

heavy for your taste. Or too light, or you might not like the 

way my fav reel feels in your hands.

 

Bottom line is that you need to make the decision based on 

your experience, be that on the water, or in a store.

 

I went with Shimano reels after this very type of testing. I tried

various reels out on rods at my local Bass Pro, and even went

in settled on a President reel. What I found out was that I liked

how Shimano reels felt in my hands better than the President.

 

The President gets excellent reviews, don't get me wrong. Just

weren't right for me. May or may not be what you like, either.

 

And I also found that the smaller reels were perfect for my liking

as well. I didn't/don't like bigger/heavier reels.

[artrigis91@gmail.com]

Hey all thanks for all the advice. 

 

So then im looking for something decent that will last for years. So some of the house brands are good then?

 

Ive read around in this site and some people recommend the abu garcia veritas 2. I found a site that has them for $55 which seems like a deal.

 

What kind of power or action would I want for bass fishing? And does pole length or the fact that it can disconnect into 2 pieces matter at all?

 

I would think 2 pieces may make for a less sturdy pole that may break easier?

 

Thats a good idea about trying them out in a store first, Ill try that out before I buy. 

 

I still dont understand the different models for the president though, how each is different.

[Dan_the_fisher]

There's a shimano Sahara on eBay for $65 and a Abu veritas on eBay as well in 6'6" m for $70 both free shipping, you can look around and find the veritas cheaper. Which I think would be a great starter setup, since I started off with a symetre and a 6'6" m rod years ago

[kschultz76]

The President is a great value and great choice. I'd suggest you try and find a 4th of July sale to maximize your budget. If you can do that try and get the President on sale, and if you can find a sale on one a St Croix Triumph in a 6'6" Med Fast. It would be a great starter rod for you and serve you well for awhile. Also keep an eye out in the flea market here for good deals.

Edit while I prefer 1 piece you can still fish effectively with a 2 piece, and the Triumph comes in a 2 piece. They also make a Triumph 4 piece travel rod but it is more $$.

[The Great Blue Heron]

This is easy. Get a new Shimano Citica from fleabay and mount it on the Shakespeare Durango rod from Wally World!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Citica-200i-CI200i-Right-Handed-Reel-Extremely-Fast-Shipping-/201378383471?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ee316466f

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shakespeare-Durango-5-Spinning-Rod/16794747

Yes, I know, it's not a spinning setup. So.

[ItsTig]

Welcome! 

 

I think the Pflueger President 6930 and a 6'6" or 6'8" Medium Shimano Sellus would be a good setup for your budget. As mentioned, it does come down to personal preference, so going to a store and trying some of the display models is nice. You might find/feel something you do or don't like about a particular reel with a hands on experience. 

 

The different reel models indicate the size of the reel. A 6930 size has a line capacity of 145 yards of 6lb line or 130 yards of 8lb line. A larger model like the 6935 has a different capacity, 6/230, 8/185 and weighs 1.6 ounces more than the smaller 6930. 

 

​A two piece pole is definitely not as strong as a 1 piece. I had a 2 piece Sellus actually and snapped it at the joint setting the hook on what I believe was a good log. :] Luckily it was not very old and I was able to return it to Dick's and replace it. I ended up spending abit more money and getting a 1 piece St. Croix. However, I liked the Sellus while I had it, and wouldn't hesitate to get a 1 piece one in the future.

 

Whatever you get, you will catch fish, you don't need anything crazy. Have fun, and good luck!

[edfitzvb]

As has been said, a one piece rod has better structural strength, but that is problematic if you have to transport it in a small sedan. I have both types, one and two piece, so that i can transport it in the trunk of my car if necessary You're the only one who can answer that question. I have not (yet) have a rod fail at the joint. 

[Jtrout]

I got a president on a 7ft bps tourney special for around 100-110 it is really durable and has lasted a few years so far!

[artrigis91@gmail.com]

Alright, well I want something that will last me for years. So Im thinking Ill go for a single rod, which should fit. Ill take a look at the house brands like BPS and the st croix. Thanks all.

 

So, would a M or MH better suit me?

[kschultz76]

In a St Croix spinning stick to the Med power fast action, will be versatile and handle a wide variety of presentations.

[thomas15]

Welcome back to bass fishing artrigis91. I was in your exact same position about a year ago. Thankfully I had 2 spinning rigs and a baitcaster from about 15 years ago. As of today  in addition to the above mentioned sets, I've added another spinning outfit and 4 bait casters. Plus a lot of tackle and other goodies. I think I have made up for the lost 15 years in tackle purchases but that's another topic.

 

The Pfleuger outfit is in my opinion a good buy. I have the Trion ML 6' for finess and for the money it is nice. While I think that if you are going to use your gear often then it pays to get good stuff and the $60.00  I paid is I think as low as you can go if your going to fish often. Don't forget to pick up good line, if you are using top waters then mono will work, if going deep you may consider floro. You can get good deals on plastics at walmart and even some good terminal tackle deals.

 

One other thing there is a mountain of good information on this website that is free. The forums are good but don't forget to check out the articles and videos.

[HuntnFishPfeif]

Lews Laser MG Speed Spool combo! Comes on a really nice pole, 7ft MH Fast action the reel itself is extremely light weight 6.4:1 gear ratio, 8bb. You can get it anywhere from $99 to $120 depending on where you go!