Newbie Needs Help Getting Started

[FunkyColdMedina]

In Massachusetts and interested in going fishing with my 6 year old son.  Struggling to find the right reel and rod for me.  Too much information, and each equipment has its people who love it or hate. 

 

I fished a bit growing up.  Used both spinning and baitcaster.  Preferred the bait caster when it didn't result in a birds nest. 

 

Whats a good starting reel and rod? I'm willing to spend up to 125-150 for both.  Looking for one I can used in salt and fresh water. 

[NiX]

There is a thread "best of" bassresource.com and it has a tackle and gear section.

 

I think this will help you pick your rod out 

 

 

I could pick out what I would get but I don't know about using it for both salt and freshwater as I fish only freshwater for bass.

 

I would probably get a decent rod and go cheaper on the reel.

Then again, I was also told to spend the same amount on my reel as I would on my reel. This has resulted in me having a $200+ setup though. lol

 

[FunkyColdMedina]

Thanks for the advice.

 

I starting looking at $35 reels, and slowly moving up to 100. I sense this will be an expensive sport. I'm telling my wife spending time with my son is priceless. Ha ha 

[QuestionablePlay]

You can get as technical as you want, I just added a Lews Mach 1 baitcast combo to my arsenal, as a semi-expensive setup and I love it. If I were you getting back into fishing, I would just go to an outdoors store and pick out something that feels good, if your new habit takes off, then pull out the pocket book haha

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

For you, I'd start with a spinning setup, unless you are

preferring bait casting. I'll stick to spinning since it is 

easier to get up and running with.

 

If you have a Bass Pro, head on in and look at several 

of the combos - or on their web site. I'm a Shimano reel

guy, so I would lean that way, but there are reels down 

in the $50 range like the Pflueger President which has

quite the following.

 

Rods, I'd look at Bass Pro carbonlite, St. Croix Premier,

Mojo, etc., Abu, and so on. Find a reel you're interested

in and ask to put it on different rods to get a feel for 

the balance in your hand. Try different lengths.

 

I'd regard a 6'6" as a general all-around length, but for

me, 6' is my fav. But today's market gears toward long

rods...but that doesn't mean they're the best  

[FunkyColdMedina]

Thanks Darren much appreciated.  Any thoughts on the Penn Fierce II FRCll4000LL, Live Liner? Is it just a gimmick or worth it?

[NiX]

A buddy I go fishing with uses s $20 shimano 2000 or something from walmart. He catches tons of fish on it and loves the reel.

 

Nice and cheap for a starter setup. Just pair it up with a rod of choice. I think buying a inexpensive combo is best for starters.

 

I am going to be upgrading my spinning setup sometime next year. I've been eye balling the dobyns fury line up for the rod. I haven't decided on a real yet but interested in trying out the presidents reel.

[FunkyColdMedina]

Presidents is getting excellent reviews everywhere I've read.  Any thoughts on those bait feeders/live lines?