Rod & Reel

[msujohn]

My 14 year old son has really started to enjoy fishing.   He basically fishes in ponds (bass, bluegill, etc.) His current set up is the following:  6'6" Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 rod (medium/fast), Pflueger President 6935 reel (spinning), with 10 pound mono line.  He typically uses chatter bait.   I want out yesterday first time I fished in many many years.   I'd like to buy another Rod and Reel that I can use fishing with him, but also something that my son can use if wants something different.   Gander Mountain has a 20% off sale and I'd like to find something there that would work.   My target price range is roughly $175 to get the rod and reel.

 

Here is what I was looking at getting ; Fenwick HMG with another Pflueger President reel?  But I would like something that I can use fishing with my son, but also flexible enough if my son starts fishing in Lake Michigan.   

 

-  Should I get a 7' rod? 

-  Should I get a medium/light, medium, or medium/heavy

-  How about line, should i consider doing spider braided instead of just mono?   What pound should I get?

-  Should I stick with a 6935 reel or doing something different?

 

I'm open to any and all suggestions.   

 

 

[NorthE97]

I would look for something 7' MH/F. With the 6'6" M/F he can already throw a variety of lures that are lightweight. The MH would allow him to throw heavier lures, 3/8 and 1/2oz. I currently use a Fenwick HMG 7' MH/F casting rod. It is a very nice rod for the money. I would assume the spinning rod would be the same in terms of value. I don't know if you'd want to try a baitcaster setup or not but you can't go wrong with that rod. On the other hand, my spinning setup consists of the pflueger president 6930. Can't go wrong with that reel either. 

 

Line choice is personal preference but I use braid on my spinning reels. I started with mono, switched to braid, then tried to switch back to mono and couldn't stand it. Lb test depends on which rod and reel setup you choose. 

 

I'm sure others will be along to give more insight. 

 

Good luck!

[msujohn]

7 minutes ago, Livin' Like Mac said:

I would look for something 7' MH/F. With the 6'6" M/F he can already throw a variety of lures that are lightweight. The MH would allow him to throw heavier lures, 3/8 and 1/2oz. I currently use a Fenwick HMG 7' MH/F casting rod. It is a very nice rod for the money. I would assume the spinning rod would be the same in terms of value. I don't know if you'd want to try a baitcaster setup or not but you can't go wrong with that rod. On the other hand, my spinning setup consists of the pflueger president 6930. Can't go wrong with that reel either. 

 

Line choice is personal preference but I use braid on my spinning reels. I started with mono, switched to braid, then tried to switch back to mono and couldn't stand it. Lb test depends on which rod and reel setup you choose. 

 

I'm sure others will be along to give more insight. 

 

Good luck!

 

I think we want to stick to spinning rod/reels at this time.   If I get a MH/F, will that allow me to throw some lighter lures as well?   If I wanted to switch to my current rod/reel to braid, what pound would you recommend?

[NorthE97]

I would still recommend the 7' MH/F. It wouldn't be ideal for throwing lighter lures but I'm sure you could get away with it as long as you're mindful on the cast. I would recommend 10 to 20lb braid for the setup. 

[fluna]

I like the Fenwick HMG and St. Croix Premier rods. I have an Abu Garcia Vendetta thats nice also. I own all Pflueger reels Prsident LE 35, President xt, Supreme and Supreme xt all nice reels.

[Darren.]

6 hours ago, msujohn said:

 

I think we want to stick to spinning rod/reels at this time.   If I get a MH/F, will that allow me to throw some lighter lures as well?   If I wanted to switch to my current rod/reel to braid, what pound would you recommend?

 

Welcome aboard!

 

I'd recommend a M/XF rod if you can find one in your

price range.

 

Rod length is up to you. I prefer shorter rods 6' being

the sweet spot for me, 6'6" being max. I also think you

could get away with a Bass Pro Carbonlite MF. A stout

rod for a manner of weighted lure situations.

 

Reel: Pflueger makes fine spinning reels. I personally 

prefer Shimano, but that's me.

 

Line: I use braid on every setup I have. 10 and 15# 

Power Pro (regular) and Power Pro Super Slick 8, both

in bright yellow. I always tie on a leader...

[new2BC4bass]

If the ponds are open (no trees and brush along the shore), then a 7' rod would be okay.  Otherwise I would stick with a shorter rod.  I like Fenwick rods as a general rule, and the HMG is one of their lines I like.  Your son's current rod is rated 1/8-1/2 oz.  An HMG MF (6' or 6'6") is rated 1/4-3/4 oz.  The 6'6" MHF is rated 3/8-1 oz.  I'd select the model where the weights you plan on using fall somewhere in the middle.  Unless you are fishing heavy cover in which case I would go the MH route and throw a lot of 1/2-3/4 oz. lures.  

 

I gave my brother-in-law a Daiwa RG spinning reel for his birthday.  He is loving it so far and tells me it is very smooth.  You could also look at the Daiwa REVROS.  The President is always highly recommended.  I've read good things about the Pflueger Trion, but have never used one.  I've seen the Okuma RTX recommended, but I'd look elsewhere unless you can find one at a good discount.  Otherwise it won't leave a lot for the rod.  Nothing wrong with a Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock if you want to go for a more expensive reel and a less expensive rod.

 

Too bad Fenwick dropped the Smallmouth line.  Otherwise I would be recommending the 6'9" M-XF.

[fluna]

Check the flea market forum for used spinning gear on here. People sell some good stuff on here all the time. I have stuff for sale.