Newbie looking for guidance on rods/reels/line

[Big_Moose]

I've always been more into hunting than fishing. And where I go to school the fishing action is huge from what I've experienced. Since I am trying to be more serious about fishing, I am looking to purchase 2-4 rods and reels, which for someone new may be excessive. Primarily looking for one or two overall spinning rods and reels that would work for a broad range of fish. Primarily up here we have small and large mouth bass, walleye, northern pike, white fish, crappie, salmon, occasionally perch, and trout. Also a lot of catfish at home in IL. Also looking for a quality fly rod as a friend said he would teach me, and maybe one or two ice rods. I've done research into the concepts of action, power, and line type. 

 

I don't know much about what kind of rod brands and reels are reputable and all. So any recommendations or guidance from you more experienced guys and gals would be incredibly appreciated. 

[roadwarrior]

For specific recommendations we need pricing points or look through these threads:

 

[fishnkamp]

If you are just getting started here is my advice. Do not go cheap and UPGRADE later. I am not saying spend $500 on a combo either. Today there is so much good equipment available in the modest price ranges.

I suggest a good 6'9 to 7 foot medium spinning rod.  Look at a Powell Inferno 6103 CEF  This is a 6' 10 inch medium action spinning rods that runs $99.  Dobyns offers a Fury rod series for $109,  Look at the  FR663 SF  and a FR 703SF.

 

Another good choice is a Abu Garcia Veritas 2 rod in a 6'6" medium or a 7' medium.

 

If you want to save a bit more money the Berkely Lightning rod Shock series in again in a 6'6" or 7 foot medium.

 

There are lots of other choices but these are nice options. Match any of these rods up with a Pflueger President in model 6930 or 6935.  For general use I like to use Berkley Fireline in 14 pound test * 6 pound mono in diameter) and toi that I tie on a 4 foot leader made up of 8 pound mono. Stren is a good choice in mono. P LIne CXX in 8 pound would work good too.

 

I would get this combo first. Fish it a bit. Then I would consider my next rod carefully.  It could be a heavier spinning rod but more than likely you will want to step up to a 7 foot mh 1/4 to 3/4 baitcasting combo.  Kews makes a Mach 1 Speed spool combo for $130 and a Mach II Speed Spool combo for a little more.

 

If you send me a pm I can go over some tackle to start with.

 

[new2BC4bass]

I mentioned this in another thread...I stopped at Dick's on the way home tonight and they had some Escalade rods in stock.  These are $100 rods on sale for $50.  I've never fished one, but they feel very nice in the store.  Light, IM8, 48 ton blanks.  There are only 2 spinning rod models...both Mediums.  The 6'6" is rated for 6-12 lb. and 1/8-3/4 oz. while the 7' is rated for 8-14 lb. and 1/4-3/4 oz.  I considered picking up the 7' MH casting rod, but need another rod like I need another hole in my head.  So I bought more plastics and line instead.....even though I need neither.   

[The Bassman]

7 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I mentioned this in another thread...I stopped at Dick's on the way home tonight and they had some Escalade rods in stock.  These are $100 rods on sale for $50.  I've never fished one, but they feel very nice in the store.  Light, IM8, 48 ton blanks.  There are only 2 spinning rod models...both Mediums.  The 6'6" is rated for 6-12 lb. and 1/8-3/4 oz. while the 7' is rated for 8-14 lb. and 1/4-3/4 oz.  I considered picking up the 7' MH casting rod, but need another rod like I need another hole in my head.  So I bought more plastics and line instead.....even though I need neither.   

 

We're all very sick people here.  I'm wearing my name tag.  Are you?

[Darren.]

I lost my tag, so my wife sewed one on the back of all

my shirts... LOL, not really, she doesn't sew.

 

But anyhow, OP, welcome aboard!

 

Please do list your budget for both combos. And realize

you also need line, etc., figured in. Unless that separate

which, if true, kudos. You're on the right path to be

possessed by the Bait Monkey.

 

There are some great combos you can buy at Dicks', 

Bass Pro, Cabelas, and other shops. And often, at 

least at Bass Pro, they have mix/match combos.

 

More info needed to give you better feedback.

[jimf]

I like the advice fishnkamp gave - don't go cheap.   Cry once.  You are better off buying one solid combo and then building form that than go for 2-4 cheapos right now.   I also second the recommendation of the Pflueger President spinning reel for a "cheapo" that isn't cheap.  

 

Fly fishing ... you have to make an investment in the rod, go cheap on the reel.   St. Croix Imperial will run you about $250, that is a very serviceable rod.  and that's really at the point where I think fly rods become serviceable.   The reel holds line, if you need to save money go cheap there.   You don't need a drag even.   I have a couple of very high end fly rods (RL Winston) that I pair with a relatively cheap reel with no drag.  With fly fishing, spend on the rod, and remember that all the reel really needs to do is hold the line.   For a general purpose rod I would recommend a 5 weight which is kind of in the middle - a little too much for panfish but serviceable, a little too light for bass but serviceable, and maybe perfect for trout.  

[Big_Moose]

My price max would probably be about $125 total between each rod and reel.