Durable rod and reel

[ErikmonBillsfon]

Hey gang you guys have taught me a lot and many new techniques. I've been fishing for a dozen years and now I go minimum 10 hours a week in CT. Currently I have hundreds of dollars in tackle, constantly buying soft plastics and new lures you guys post on this site. I've never owned a good pole, ever. I pick up my buddies pole and it's night and day compared to my 5-6 uglystick/walmart specials. I TRUST you guys and gals more than a sales person.

Long story short I'm getting my taxes and I want/need to upgrade as its kinda embarrassing what I'm currently working with. My setups now are 2 with 30lb suffix 826 braid on them for swimbaits like keitechs and frogs. And then two ligher poles with yo-zuri 6# hybrid on for finesse, dropshoting, and light lures. My ideal would be one MH baitcaster and one all purpose spinning set up $200-250 each. Durability is a factor as I beat on my gear all year long. And I have no brand loyalty so I'm lookin for any opinions at all. 

Again I'd rather get an A+ rating in durability and B+ in performance than a great technical rod that is weak and fragile.

Thanks again for any help. 

I throw, keitechs, hollow bodies, jerkbait, spinner, frogs, and soft plastics. Not so many cranks.

 

[0119]

Go to ffo tackle's site and check out the factory reconditioned Ambassadeur 4600C4.  Full warranty and at $88 its almost 50% off. You won't be able to tell it from new.  Use the savings to get a better rod like a E6 Loomis or St. Croix Avid.  The Ambassadeur is super easy to maintain yourself, tough as a tank and will last long enough that your kids will end up with it. 4 b.b.'s and smooth too.

[Bluebasser86]

St. Croix Mojos have been the rod that's taken the most beating and kept coming back for more for me. Of course you can always consider an Ugly Stick if you really want something tough. The newer rods like the Ugly Stick Lite are pretty decent. The Lightening Rod Shocks are supposed to be very durable and good rods. 

[RangerDanger]

I second the St. Croix Mojo for durability.  There are so many good baitcast reels out there and everyone has their favorite, I'd hit up the flea market on here for a reel.

[new2BC4bass]

FFO is a good place to look, but you have to keep checking back as stock varies.  Right now they have 3 Smallmouth casting rods which were bargains at full price.  The HMG is pretty good as well.

A 365 day a year fisherman on here uses spinning only and has a few Pflueger and Shimano reels.  He has mentioned the Pfluegers have never needed sending in for repair while each Shimano has been sent in for work.  Mine (both Shimano and Pflueger) don't see enough use to have a problem. 

The Tatula b/c at about $95-$100 on fleabay is a great reel at that price.  Many think very highly of the Lew's Tournament MB.  Just ordered one myself.  Shimano b/c reels have a reputation for being solid workhorses.

Find one of the older Tatula rods (not the XT) for about $100 and you will be very pleased with your purchase.

 

EDIT:  Look for a bargain used rod on for sale forums and the Flea Market on this site.

[Fishes in trees]

If you are hard on your stuff, better rods come with better warranties.   I'm a big fan of Fenwick AETOS rods, also the Fenwick HMG series.

Quality rods, available in a wide variety of actions and a lifetime warranty.

[Ggmogollon]

Pinnacles last for decades, or go with a shimano, and for rod, definitely st croix LTB or Avid X, you can't beat the warranty. 

[ErikmonBillsfon]

Thanks 0119 I honestly might do that when I get home.

7 hours ago, 0119 said:

Go to ffo tackle's site and check out the factory reconditioned Ambassadeur 4600C4.  Full warranty and at $88 its almost 50% off. You won't be able to tell it from new.  Use the savings to get a better rod like a E6 Loomis or St. Croix Avid.  The Ambassadeur is super easy to maintain yourself, tough as a tank and will last long enough that your kids will end up with it. 4 b.b.'s and smooth too.

 

[PennBass]

+1 for St. Croix.

Not sure how they would hold up to abuse, but if you do manage to break one of their rods, their warranty service is unbeatable. For your price point, I'd suggest the either the new 2016 model Mojo or the Avid. Both are great performance-wise, too. 

For a casting reel, I know that Lew's reels are great, especially for the price point. 

For a spinning reel, highly suggest anything Pflueger (great company with great reputation). 

Hope this helps!

[ErikmonBillsfon]

Couldn't find the ambassador on ffo. Right now I picked up a lew's spinning red carbon. Looking at diawa tatula or abu garcia revo o the bigbay and probably will go with a mojo and then a heavy fenwick rod. Thanks for all the help!!!

[Wbeadlescomb]

H20 express ethos rods. Best bang for your buck in the fishing game. They only cost 59.99. They are like a sore goober you can't beat it

[0119]

On 4/28/2016 at 6:51 AM, ErikmonBillsfon said:

Couldn't find the ambassador on ffo. 

C4's are listed, 2 in stock $88

C3's are listed, 5 in stock $80

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

High modulus rods are not "weak and fragile" as some would have you believe. They are just less tolerant of abuse and mishandling. Pick the Rod that looks and feels the best to you. 

[Oklahoma Mike]

On April 27, 2016 at 6:09 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

St. Croix Mojos have been the rod that's taken the most beating and kept coming back for more for me. Of course you can always consider an Ugly Stick if you really want something tough. The newer rods like the Ugly Stick Lite are pretty decent. The Lightening Rod Shocks are supposed to be very durable and good rods. 

+1 on the Lightning Rod Shock. I still have a Lighting Rod that I bought when I was 15. Has a Pfleuger Triton on it that I bought when I was 17. I'm 45 now. I'd call that durability. 

OP, I didn't see you specify whether you're looking for a spinning or baitcasting rig. There are plenty of quality offerings for both in your budget.