Help me choose one.

[E-DOG]

So I recently got my first casting combo, now a little birdie is telling me I need another. the rod I'm using is a dobyns fury 703c which feels a bit like a medium even though the rod says MH. (reel doesn't matter). so now I either want another Dobyns fury in the 704c which would be a MH, or get a finesse spinning combo instead of another casting combo. rod for the spinning would be another fury in the 703sf.

my maximum amount spent on either combo will be 230$ .

so with that out of the way I would appreciate it if you guys could give some ideas of spinning and casting reels under or at 120$ to check out. and then tell me which type of rod/reel to buy thanks.

 

 

[WRB]

Shimano Stratic 2500 can be found in your price range.

Tom

[Pro Logcatcher]

I just recently bought a 7 foot Berkley Lightning Rod paired with an Abu Garcia Silver Max. It's a lot cheaper than your price range and it's a good pair up. I would recommend not getting combos because even though they seem like a good price usually you will get either a good reel or a good rod.

[Mjmj]

Keep an eye on eBay. Dawia tatula sv' s can be found for 119.99

Throw in a Dobyns and that puts you right in the ballpark.

 

[CroakHunter]

Daiwa fuego can be had for 65 bucks on eBay. They fish way above their price point. The fuego rods are really nice as well

[BassFisher22]

Love my lews tournament mb paired with my 703c

[E-DOG]

Just now, BassFisher22 said:

Love my lews tournament mb paired with my 703c

That reel is a Lil bit over budget for me, I looked at the reviews and they were mixed saying that the reel wasnt very "durable".

5 hours ago, WRB said:

Shimano Stratic 2500 can be found in your price range.

Tom

Oh, lol by 230$ I meant rod and reel combined.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, E-DOG said:

That reel is a Lil bit over budget for me, I looked at the reviews and they were mixed saying that the reel wasnt very "durable".

Oh, lol by 230$ I meant rod and reel combined.

Shimano 2500 FK, not Ci4, can be found new under $150. 

While I like Dobyns rods, Don Iovino Majorcraft finesse spinning rod @ $119 is a good choice vs Fury 703sh, IMO.

Tom

[craww]

For a spinning reel I recently picked up a Daiwa BG2500 and cant imagine needing any more out of a reel and they can be had for $80 if you shop around. I wondered if these reels were maybe getting a little more talk because people associate them with the OG Black Golds. I can say the buzz is legit. The new LT line up of Daiwas also look to be homeruns.

 

Dont own any current production baitcasters.

[E-DOG]

1 hour ago, craww said:

For a spinning reel I recently picked up a Daiwa BG2500 and cant imagine needing any more out of a reel and they can be had for $80 if you shop around. I wondered if these reels were maybe getting a little more talk because people associate them with the OG Black Golds. I can say the buzz is legit. The new LT line up of Daiwas also look to be homeruns.

 

Dont own any current production baitcasters.

I looked at the 2500 series reel on daiwa''s website and saw it has only 4 lbs of drag! is that enough for finesse fishing and stuff like that?

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@E-DOG   As a rookie finesse fisherman I was overwhelmed with the options in your price range. Finally, in desperation, I took the plunge and got a Daiwa BG 2500 spinning reel and a Lew’s TP 1 ML/F rod. (Probably could have gone with a BG 2000.)  The deciding factors were cost and availability here in the boondocks of western MA. I’m trying not to second-guess myself because for the short time I was able to use this combo, it performed very well.  (I’m sure there will be a bunch of guys who will tell you it’s a lousy choice ... but, dang, it works just fine for me.) Turns out the reel is really solid and seems to sit a little closer to the rod and has a wide-diameter spool which makes feathering my casts easier. The rod casts everything I use it for without a single issue.  Time will tell, but for now I’m not looking back, just forward to working on my finesse technique as soon as the ice disappears.

 

In the end, I suspect you’ll end up like me and just shoot your best shot, but if at all possible, get your hands on the rod at least. Remember that when any of us recommend a piece of equipment, we are basing it on what works for us.  Beware the individual telling you that the WhizBang XQ99 rod or the Furschlugginer Fog 9000 reel is the way to go. It may be perfect for him/her, but you are an individual with specific requirements, techniques, experience and budget. I’ve found lots of outstanding info here, but not always applicable to me. So, when it’s time, look at all the hot, smokey info, maybe find a consensus, then just go for it! I doubt any of the aforementioned recommendations will be the wrong choice. 

[E-DOG]

11 minutes ago, GrumpyOlPhartte said:

@E-DOG   As a rookie finesse fisherman I was overwhelmed with the options in your price range. Finally, in desperation, I took the plunge and got a Daiwa BG 2500 spinning reel and a Lew’s TP 1 ML/F rod. (Probably could have gone with a BG 2000.)  The deciding factors were cost and availability here in the boondocks of western MA. I’m trying not to second-guess myself because for the short time I was able to use this combo, it performed very well.  (I’m sure there will be a bunch of guys who will tell you it’s a lousy choice ... but, dang, it works just fine for me.) Turns out the reel is really solid and seems to sit a little closer to the rod and has a wide-diameter spool which makes feathering my casts easier. The rod casts everything I use it for without a single issue.  Time will tell, but for now I’m not looking back, just forward to working on my finesse technique as soon as the ice disappears.

 

In the end, I suspect you’ll end up like me and just shoot your best shot, but if at all possible, get your hands on the rod at least. Remember that when any of us recommend a piece of equipment, we are basing it on what works for us.  Beware the individual telling you that the WhizBang XQ99 rod or the Furschlugginer Fog 9000 reel is the way to go. It may be perfect for him/her, but you are an individual with specific requirements, techniques, experience and budget. I’ve found lots of outstanding info here, but not always applicable to me. So, when it’s time, look at all the hot, smokey info, maybe find a consensus, then just go for it! I doubt any of the aforementioned recommendations will be the wrong choice. 

I think I have made the decision to go with another casting combo, just a heavier rod for different applications. Then I'll go get a finesse combo later on.

[craww]

24 minutes ago, E-DOG said:

I looked at the 2500 series reel on daiwa''s website and saw it has only 4 lbs of drag! is that enough for finesse fishing and stuff like that?

The 2500 has 13.4 lbs of drag. Now the 2000 has 4+lbs, but can say as I own the previous gen feugo 2000 which is also listed at 4lbs,  after fishing it really hard for a year on some Bull strong river LMB and a striper up to 8lbs it was a non issue. That number seems alarmingly low, but running through the guide train it takes a lot of pressure for that much weight to make it to reel. I get the concern but dont worry.  The reels have amazing drags and handle torque well. The BGs huge main gear and rock solid frame are popular with guys that fish saltwater critters. Theres no flex in the frame or rotor like alot of spinners.

 

Edit 10 4- Tight lines

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@E-DOG  Don’t misunderstand - wasn’t trying to sell ya on anything; I went through the same machinations buying my baitcasting rigs. I can relate my reasons fo my choices, but don’t feel I know enough to make a recommendation. Sometimes ya get advice, but sometimes some really sharp guys on here know their gear, but overlook the fact they don’t know much about us, the ones seeking advice and information. Glad ya worked it out! Hope ya kill ‘em with the new setup!

[roadwarrior]