Whats a fun fishing rod and reel to get

[Milos]

I've had 2 rods in my lifetime. 1st was a cheap walmart rod that broke, and plastic reel got damaged. My 2nd one was a plusino telescopic pole with reel. Mistake with that one is its more for sea fishing, as in the rod is pretty stiff resulting in poor feel if something is hitting my bait also no fun reeling in a fish when the pole is doing all the work vs a lighter rod. 

 

 

I have a $60 budget total, I know it's not much but I'm just a student for now.

[dsqui]

It all depends on what kind of fishing u are doing.  Personally my most fun rod to fish with is a 9'6" ml South bend trophy taker it makes everything look huge .  even a 4" gill bends it over.  My second choice would probably be my no 7'2" champ extreme same thing makes everything seem like it's fighting more.

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I guess the best thing I can say is, "Visit a local tackle store/sporting goods store." From my experience, many of these places have folks who can show you some options that fit your budget and may have some good sales. I recommend that you do a little homework first - you want to be able to tell them the species for which you want to fish, the type of fishing (baitcasting/spincasting/spinning) in which you are interested, the type of water you will be fishing (lake, pond, river, etc.), and whether you will be bank fishing, wading, or using some kind of boat/canoe/ kayak. Another possibility is looking at EBay, Craig's List, or the classified ads in your local paper. My personal preference is to buy new since usually there is a warranty for your gear. Also, I'm a big believer in having a rod and reel in my hands to see if it is comfortable before I buy, so I would go to a store before buying online. 

 

As an example, Dick's Sporting Goods in our area has a knowledgeable staff and several budget set-ups that can get you started.  There may be other possibilities in your area. Don't forget you will need line, terminal tackle, and lures so consider those added costs.

 

Just a personal note: There are a bazillion folks on here more experienced than I and they may recommend that you save up to increase your budget. I certainly agree in principle with that; but, and I only speak for myself here, I would much rather be fishing for the next few weeks than saving.  Should you decide NOT to wait you will at least be gaining experience and knowledge to help you in making future gear choices. (I bet I get yelled at for this!) I happen to believe you can't truly enjoy fishing unless you ARE fishing. Listen to what these guys tell you though - they have helped me immensely!

 

Finally, try to select from name brands that offer combos in your price range - Abu Garcia, Shimano, Daiwa, Lew's, Okuma, and others should have something to help you get started. And ANY rod is fun when there's a fish on the other end of the line attached to it.

 

Lot's of blah-blah in this, but I hope it helps. Good luck!

[dsqui]

So for fun ild suggest something in a 6'6"-7'6" or longer depending on if is plausable med or med light 

[MIbassyaker]

I think you want a medium-power 6'6" to 7' spinning combo. I would look for a Pflueger Trion or Pflueger President Combo.  

[TNWhiskeyginger]

+1 for the Pflueger Trion. I've been fishing one for years. Excellent reel, and the rod isn't bad either. Last combo I bought was $60. Look for a sale or coupon. Will get you on the water quick and easy. 

[Pikeman12]

I agree, definitely the Pflueger Trion combo. I still have mine on the boat with me. 

[Bass & Boilermakers]

Ask and you shall receive:

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/pflueger-president-spinning-combo-15pflupflprs2spn2com/15pflupflprs2spn2com

 

go with the 6'6" if you need a two piece, otherwise I'd go with the 7'0"

[Catt]

Lew's® American Hero Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo

 

$80 @ Academy

 

Reel 7.1:1 gear ratio, rod 6' 6", 6' 10" or 7', well worth waiting till ya earn a few more dollars!

[MichaelCopeland]

I agree with @Catt. Although I prefer a spinning rod and reel. I got a Lew's Carbon Speed Stick 6'6" medium/fast spinning rod at Academy for $70. The reel is a 6.2:1 gear ratio and the rod is a one piece. I love it and I can feel almost every bite I get. The subtle ones are still a little harder for me to detect, but I am still learning. Good luck finding the right one for you @Milos.

[Koz]

I loved the Pflueger Trion combo I bought a few years back. That pole broke this year and now I have that reel on another rod. I also upgraded my primary reel to a Pflueger President this summer.

 

One thing that I would suggest is that if you're bank fishing choose a bigger reel (35 or 40 size). Yes, they are heavier and you feel it late in the day, but the ability to cast further comes in handy fishing from the bank.

[kickerfish1]

Fun and combo for $60 isn't going to be anything that will knock your shorts off. I am not sure what pairing in that price range will make your fishing experience any more fun than something else.

 

When I read the title of this thread and before I noticed the budget amount my first suggestion would have been a Shimano DC reel with the 'whine'.

[Milos]

Thanks for the help fellas, I'm stuck deciding between the Pflueger President combo, or the Pflueger Trion combo. Can't seem to find what action these both have, but I hear rods that don't have an action stated will typically be a fast action rod.

 

In terms of action, would a fast action give me better sensitivity/feel? 

[MIbassyaker]

12 minutes ago, Milos said:

Thanks for the help fellas, I'm stuck deciding between the Pflueger President combo, or the Pflueger Trion combo. Can't seem to find what action these both have, but I hear rods that don't have an action stated will typically be a fast action rod.

 

In terms of action, would a fast action give me better sensitivity/feel? 

 

If you have a choice (you probably don't), faster is better. The rod will be mediocre for sensitivity but good enough most of the time and fine for the price. The good thing is, the reels are good enough to last you awhile if you take care of them and you can upgrade the rod with something nicer down the road if you want. I would get the president if you can afford it, as it should be a step up in quality... especially if its on sale like the DSG link posted above!  If not, the Trion is still solid and also good buy at that price.

[new2BC4bass]

29 minutes ago, Milos said:

Thanks for the help fellas, I'm stuck deciding between the Pflueger President combo, or the Pflueger Trion combo. Can't seem to find what action these both have, but I hear rods that don't have an action stated will typically be a fast action rod.

 

In terms of action, would a fast action give me better sensitivity/feel? 

 

Leaving rod material and design out of the equation, a Fast should be more sensitive than a slower action while and ExtraFast should be more sensitive than a Fast.  However, the action of a rod is only a very small part of what makes one rod more sensitive than another.  A Fast action is often suggested for an all-around rod.

[Milos]

On 7/23/2017 at 4:28 AM, Bass & Boilermakers said:

Ask and you shall receive:

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/pflueger-president-spinning-combo-15pflupflprs2spn2com/15pflupflprs2spn2com

 

go with the 6'6" if you need a two piece, otherwise I'd go with the 7'0"

 

Thanks for the recommendation, I went with the 5ft 1pc UL since if you went over 5ft it would automatically choose light or medium power instead. Can't wait to try it out. 

[Outdoor Zack]

On 7/25/2017 at 8:15 PM, Milos said:

 

Thanks for the recommendation, I went with the 5ft 1pc UL since if you went over 5ft it would automatically choose light or medium power instead. Can't wait to try it out. 

 

In my opinion, you made the best possible choice for your situation (other than saving the money).  Not much is more fun than catching lots of panfish and you can use 1/8 oz lures on that rod for bass, crappie, and other "bigger" fish