eli_nov Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 My son has the fishing bug and enjoys fishing anywhere he can here in San Diego. Most recently, he has started fishing around the San Diego Mission Bay - shore fishing, using his regular 6' pole and cheap Shakespeare reel with 10 lb test. He's caught a couple bass, maybe 18 inches or so. He is saving for a Kayak, but he's never fished from one. He wants an "ocean" rod/reel for his birthday and I'm a bit overwhelmed by the selection and my sad, sad lack of knowledge. Looking to keep this budget conscious (is it possible to stay around a hundred bucks for a pole and reel??) My dad suggest a 7-8' pole and a Mitchell 300 reel. Specifics: 11 year old, 5'3" and a big kid. Main use: shore fishing around the Mission Bay area of San Diego Type of fish: really anything that he can hook Other uses: kayak ocean fishing, pier fishing Your input would be truly appreciated!! Quote
Super User tomustang Posted October 15, 2015 Super User Posted October 15, 2015 Moat important is price, what's the budget? Typical cheaper combos are the Ugly Stik combos. Quote
JigMe Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 PENN makes some budget friendly salt water gears. You can probably visit a local basspro shop and pick up a decent setup for around $150. If he is going to use it mostly for salt water fishing, than you might need that's at least 8'. But I have never used salt water gears for Bass fishing, I guess it could work... Quote
eli_nov Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 tomustang - I was hoping to keep it around $100 for both, but if that means getting something crummy, then I'd rather know that up front. And I admit, I'm confused at to whether he needs a reel that is specific to salt water, or just a slightly bigger reel than one for lake fishing. I went to one local place that gave me somewhat conflicting information. I love to support local shops, but I also want to know if it's a decent deal and the right option by checking around a little. Bass seems to be what is "catchable" along with small Bonito (at least that's what I think they are). Quote
JigMe Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 $100 for two set up might be pushing it a little. C heck out our flea market. Our members always got something nice to sell if you don't mind used gears. Quote
eli_nov Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 Okay, so if $150 is more realistic, some specific ideas would be awesome. Even if it's just the reel. Thanks! Quote
Super User tomustang Posted October 15, 2015 Super User Posted October 15, 2015 Your dad is right in the ballpark with the 7-8' rod with a 300 size reel. With 20lb braid it's a great multipurpose setup. If I had to buy over again in the $100 budget range I'd look into a Calico Jack ($60) rod and a Pfluger President ($60) in a 30/35 size 1 Quote
PennBass Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 The Pfleuger President can't be beat for the price range, but I'm not sure how it would hold up against saltwater. You might need to rinse it off after every outing for it to keep performing properly. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted October 15, 2015 Super User Posted October 15, 2015 My first spinning reel (at age 6) was a Mitchell 300 that I used into my early 20s. No saltwater though. Wish I still had it. I'm sure it isn't necessary to mention how corrosive saltwater can be, so a thorough rinse in fresh water after every outing is probably necessary. I don't fish saltwater, so there are tons of guys on here that can offer better advice. I've been told that the Ugly Stick is the number one selling saltwater rod in Florida. I'd much rather have something else. I picked up a 7' ML Hurricane Redbone while there a couple years ago. These are saltwater rods. I use it strictly for Largemouth bass. There are 7'6" models in both Medium and MH. Around $100 (maybe more for this long), but I got mine for $75 at a mom and pop store. Tom suggested the Calico Jack. I have no experience with them, but hopefully SirSnookalot will see this thread and make a suggestion. He fishes salt and fresh water about 365 days a year. I bought the Redbone at his suggestion. Very nice rod for the money. He also uses (or has used) Calico Jack rods, and had praise for them. Quote
fisherrw Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 PENN makes some budget friendly salt water gears. You can probably visit a local basspro shop and pick up a decent setup for around $150. If he is going to use it mostly for salt water fishing, than you might need that's at least 8'. But I have never used salt water gears for Bass fishing, I guess it could work... x2 Quote
eli_nov Posted October 15, 2015 Author Posted October 15, 2015 I found a place that carries Pflueger (both sizes mentioned above) and the Calico Jack rods. They also carry Penn, so I will look at those for comparison. My dad is actually sending my son a Mitchell 300 for freshwater fishing - one of his favorites, too. Good tip about rinsing the reel. I appreciate all the advice - truly helpful :-) Quote
Super User tomustang Posted October 15, 2015 Super User Posted October 15, 2015 It's usually a standard to fish in saltwater and run it rough clean freshwater after every use. Ardent Reel Guard in a spray bottle is a cheap investment too, though I cant guarantee if it really works but I can say I don't have any rust on my reels. Quote
Fisher-O-men Posted October 15, 2015 Posted October 15, 2015 Those small Bonito are probably Mackeral, or you could be right. Sounds like you were looking at Marine West. Walmart actually has some good choices as well as Turners. The Turners in El Cajon has some very helpful folks. Ask for Arden. Tell him "fisheromen" sent you. Quote
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