Spinning Rod for Plastics

[Jschen]

I'm starting to get back into fishing and am looking for a good starting rod for a spinning setup to do finesse fishing (ned rig, plastics, light spinners, drop shotting).  On accident I bought a Berkley Lightning Baitcasting MH rod for my spincaster so I'm looking to replace that. I have a couple of the medium action Ugly Sticks but I'm not a huge fan of these rods.  I have a Shimano Spirex 2500 and a Okuma Avenger 30 spinner reels.  I typically fish from the banks.  I guess I'm looking for a fast to extra fast action rod.  Any recommendations?  I'd like to stay <$100 and cheaper would be better at the moment.

Also I'd like to get a baitcasting reel so that Berkley Lightning doesn't go to waste.  I'd probably use it for everything other than the finesse spinner set-up.  What reel would you guys recommend for someone who hasn't used a baitcaster?

[d-camarena]

Are you gonna return the berkley? I bought the wrong rod once, i just cut of the trigger and used it that way. Worked great but some people advice against doing that

[Jschen]

I'm planning on keeping the Berkley and trying to learn how to use a baitcaster to throw some of the heavier stuff.

[new2BC4bass]

On 8/19/2016 at 6:41 PM, Jschen said:

I'm planning on keeping the Berkley and trying to learn how to use a baitcaster to throw some of the heavier stuff.

Good idea.    

Check out the Pflueger Supreme XT or the Trion.  Both use a 6-pin centrifugal braking system which is often recommended for learning to cast with a baitcast reel.  I have the older Trion model that I keep on a 6' 10" HF.  It is a casting machine on this rod. 

If you want to spend a bit more on the casting reel, I can highly recommend the Daiwa Tatula at about $95 and the Lew's Tournament MB at about $110...both on ebay.  The Lew's has dual braking which I like, but admit at least half my reels are magnetic braking only.

EDIT:  RH or LH reels?  Keep an eye on the Flea Market here and For Sale forums on other sites.  A couple excellent deals on our Flea Market have already sold.  Another site has some LH Tatula Type R's in 10/10 condition for $100.  That is a sweet deal.

[fishwizzard]

If you hunt around used lower-end StCroix rods can be found for $50-70 pretty often.  They go fast so you have to be quick on the mouse.

I own a Okuma Citrix travel rod that I like and they sell a normal version for about $100 that I have heard good things about.  I have also been eyeing some of the Lew's spinning rods as I am a big believe in Microwave guides and they are one of the few places that offers stock rods with them.  

[Jschen]

I'm kind of curious why some rod manufacturer's only list power and nothing about action.  My Ugly sticks are medium power but nothing about the action, the thing I dislike about those rods are the flimsy tips make me feel like there is no control.  The Berkely's are the same they list the power but don't talk about the action.  Looks like I just have to make a trip to BP at some point and look around but gets pretty overwhelming when I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for.

new2BC4bass - I retrieve with my RH.  Thsoe Pflueger reels seem to be reasonably priced for someone new to baitcasting. I grew up on spin reels and all I remember as a kid was my dad's first baitcaster and he would nest that thing all the time and never saw the benefits of that type of reel.

 

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, Jschen said:

I'm kind of curious why some rod manufacturer's only list power and nothing about action.  My Ugly sticks are medium power but nothing about the action, the thing I dislike about those rods are the flimsy tips make me feel like there is no control.  The Berkely's are the same they list the power but don't talk about the action.  Looks like I just have to make a trip to BP at some point and look around but gets pretty overwhelming when I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for.

new2BC4bass - I retrieve with my RH.  Thsoe Pflueger reels seem to be reasonably priced for someone new to baitcasting. I grew up on spin reels and all I remember as a kid was my dad's first baitcaster and he would nest that thing all the time and never saw the benefits of that type of reel.

 

No idea how old you are, but if you are as old as I am, then your father was using a reel with no brakes or brakes inferior to today's reels.  You should have no trouble learning to use a baitcast reel.  After getting use to them, you may put most of your spinning gear away. 

I can see why Ugly Sticks with the glass tip have no action specified.  Action is probably going to be the same no matter what power rod you pick up.  Can't say for sure as I've never handled one.  Couldn't afford one back in the day when I wanted one, and now wouldn't own one.  The Ugly Stick may be the most popular rod for saltwater use in Florida, but I'd rather have a Hurricane Redbone any day and twice on Sundays.

[Jaw1]

Best $100 dollar reel imo would be a lews and it would be easy to learn with. The spinning rod for $100 or less would be a shimano clarus or one of the newer lews rods. I've got both and like both. I have the ned rig specific lews rod and like it a lot 

[fishnkamp]

Lets start with a recommendation for a good baitcaster.  Go Here   https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00DFSN6BY/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new     order the reel from Sportsman outfitters. I have ordered reels from them twice with no problems. They offer the reel for  $67 plus free shipping. Go buy a spool of 14 pound Stren Clear Blue. Tie a tight arbor knot on, fill it 1/2 full of the mono, tie a uni to uni knot to whatever braid or fluoro or copoly line you want. That rig will work great for you.  

Now on to your spinning rod.  I  never suggest buying starter equipment then upgrading. So look at a Pflueger President reel. It will run you $60.  Get a model 6930 or 6935 Look here.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12302859

Next look at this rod    http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=33262206&ppp=96&cp=4406646.70516396.4413993.4414792&categoryId=70520236

It is a 6'6" Medium spinning rod. It normally retails for $99 and now it is on sale for $39.  I own one  Escalade 7 foot MH baitcaster and it is a great rod.  That would make it  just about a $100 combo.

If you order some line and maybe a few lures you could take advantage of their online "Today Special" order over $125 and you get both an instant $25 off and free shipping.  Not a bad deal.

[fvogel67]

St Croix has Triumph rods for 60$ plus free shipping.

[Dye99]

Its all about personal preference. Which makes it hard to try out different rod makers since most shops only carry a few different brands so internet ordering is often the case.

For me, I really like G loomis for my shakey head(  6'10" Mag-Med SHR822S ) drop shot ( 6'10" Med DSR822S ) and weightless finesse stuff ( Med Lt 801S JWR) 

Great backbone, and real sensitive..

But St Croix and Dobbyns are great choices as well as a plethora of others. The trick is to find what works best for you.

[Wildbillb]

I like the st. Croix premiers and triumphs.

[You_Only_Live_Once_Fishing]

7' medium fast/xf