Stuck between 2 reels

[Soildtrunks]

I’m fairly new to bass fishing. I’m debating between to different spinning reels, and two separate rods. And was just looking for everyone’s opinions on what would be a good investment to start out for under $200. 

 

Reels...

 

Shimano Sahara 4000 for $90

vs.

Penn Battle 2 4000 for $60

 

Rods...

 

Shimano SLX for $100

Ugly Stik GX2 for $40

 

might note, my buddy is telling me to get a Berkley. The reviews I read the Berkeley’s are not quite as good

 

thanks in in advance for the input!

[dodgeguy]

I would go Shimano on both. You should check out a Lews combo .Ugly stick is like fishing with a rubber band.

[JustJames]

First off, I don’t fish a lot of spinning reel, but 4000 size? How heavy is those thing? I have 2500 size symetre, and can hold plenty of line (more than enough) and it’s pretty darn heavy.

Wow Sahara now sell for 90 bucks, I have Sahara 750 FB from when, 10 years ago? and still fish until this day.

If you haven’t set foot yet, I recommend try to play with new daiwa LT series in store compare to those, it is smooth and light weight.

 

[FishTank]

I bought a Sarah years ago and it was an awesome reel.  It would definitely be my pick.

 

I have never been a fan of the Ugly Sticks>  So I guess the SLX.  

[tholmes]

Another vote for the Shimano in both cases. A 4000 size reel might be overkill for bass fishing. I'm with JustJames, a 2500 Sahara would be enough. 

I'd also recommend looking at a Pflueger President spinning reel.

 

Tom

[haggard]

My first rod (3 years ago) was the Ugly Stik GX2 because it was described as a workhorse and it was cheap and at that time I was just testing the fishing waters, not sure if I'd really get into it (oh boy was I wrong) so didn't want to spend much.

 

To this day, never caught a fish on the GX2, rarely use it, don't love it. It's not very sensitive. Just feels heavy. That said, it's a solid tough rod and it has found its purpose as a salt water setup. For $40 it's a great rod for applications where sensitivity isn't needed: say topwater fresh water, or saltwater applications. I have no experience with the Shimano SLX but for freshwater bass fishing I'd say put a cap of $100 on a rod and $100 on a reel, even if you're just starting out, and you'll have a setup that's great for beginners and decent for experienced, and still not going over the top. It may seem like a little too much $ at first but if you get hooked you don't have to replace it right away and buy something else.

 

As for the reels, 4000 sounds like overkill. I bought a Sienna 2500 to pair with the GX2 when I got that rod and it's plenty big and decent quality for a great price. Cheaper than the Sahara, so I assume the Saraha is only better. I've heard good reports on the Sahara. 

 

I think you'd do well with the SLX and Sahara 2500.

 

[Hower08]

Do not buy a 4000 sized reel. You will be worn out in no time. 2500  is all that's needed. I bought a daiwa Fuego spinning reel in 3000 size because it's so close in size to the 2500 I figured what the hell. Well I can tell you having that much line is overkill. Been fishing 50+ feet of water on Erie and it's still more line than I'll ever need

 

[jakkbauer]

shimano

[Hower08]

Casting reels 100% Shimano. The cheaper sub $150 shimano spinning reels junk

[Deleted account]

11 hours ago, Hower08 said:

Do not buy a 4000 sized reel. You will be worn out in no time. 2500  is all that's needed. I bought a daiwa Fuego spinning reel in 3000 size because it's so close in size to the 2500 I figured what the hell. Well I can tell you having that much line is overkill. Been fishing 50+ feet of water on Erie and it's still more line than I'll ever need

 

X2. 2500 is the way to go for LMB. I use my 4000s for inshore salt water mostly.

[Shimano_1]

I agree on the 2500 size and I'd go shimano on both 

[Soildtrunks]

Just to follow up...

 

I found a Daiwa BG 2500 at a local bait shop. So I went with that and the Shimano SLX spinning rod. Can’t wait to get to try them out. 

 

Thanks for the advice!

[BroIncarnate]

I've never tried the SLX but I've used my 7ft Medium GX2 spinning rod since I've been fishing (5 years now) - I have my Dobyns Fury now and the upgrade is insane but that GX2 has put me on some great fish!  I've caught countless catfish on it, many large-mouth bass, sharks, speckled trout, flounder, spanish mackerel--  that  rod with a Penn Battle 2 (size 3000) paired with it, landed my 1st huge jack crevale (which was an insane fight for that setup) - It also will withstand a beating in the car etc.  For $35 or w/e it costs, it was worth it to me!  I can say that once you invest in your first semi-high end rod, you won't go back, haha!

[Randy Price]

Shimano all the way.

[Yumeya]

Shimano for both..

[Mikeltee]

Spend the most on your rod. FYI my first ned rig rod was a $50 ugly stick medium light and it was super sensitive. Once you get over Medium cost factors in to balance, weight, and most importantly for non moving baits is sensitivity. You cant go wrong with any reel. A $20 reel will work. It might be noisy and only last a couple seasons but it will work

[new2BC4bass]

On 6/30/2019 at 11:45 PM, Soildtrunks said:

Just to follow up...

 

I found a Daiwa BG 2500 at a local bait shop. So I went with that and the Shimano SLX spinning rod. Can’t wait to get to try them out. 

 

Thanks for the advice!

Great!  Personally I feel the BG is an excellent reel.  A bit heavier than some, but built like a tank.  I have no doubt you will enjoy the combo.  Post back later with your thoughts on the combo.

[Fishes in trees]

I'm guessing that is a pretty decent price for the Penn spinning reel.  4000 size is big.  If all you are ever going to do is bass fish - don't buy it.  Me, I very occasionally fish for other species and I'm usually on the lookout for gear to upgrade my multi-species arsenal.  That 4000 size reel would make a decent to great cat fishing reel. You could put 20 lb mono on it and with a weight of around an ounce or so it would cast an acceptable distance.  Or you could put 50 or 60 lb braid and with the right rod cast extreme distances.

I don't know about your finances, but me, I'd probably buy that reel just on general principles and then be on the lookout for a decent close out catfish rod - something 7 to 9 feet with enough of a tip to make circle hook fishing easy.

 

Cabelas used to market a line of multi-species rods in their "predator" series.   The one that I have is 10 1/2 feet long and has a medium/medium heavy action.

[OnthePotomac]

I just picked up a Sahara 3000HG (same reel as a 2500 with a larger spool), 6.2:1 at Cabelas for I believe $68.  I wanted that speed and the new Sahara has just added it to their line.  Now, if I can just get it away from my daughter when we fish together LOL.

[islandbass]

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

I just picked up a Sahara 3000HG (same reel as a 2500 with a larger spool), 6.2:1 at Cabelas for I believe $68.  I wanted that speed and the new Sahara has just added it to their line.  Now, if I can just get it away from my daughter when we fish together LOL.

I’m surprised she hasn’t told you to get your own, lol. J/K. Does it have the anti reverse?

[OnthePotomac]

No, as with other models now, the anti reverse has disappeared.

[Stephen B]

On 7/27/2019 at 2:11 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Great!  Personally I feel the BG is an excellent reel.  A bit heavier than some, but built like a tank.  I have no doubt you will enjoy the combo.  Post back later with your thoughts on the combo.

?

[Tizi]

Fuego LT can’t be beat in my opinion for under $100.  Great reel can be had for $75.

 

it has anti-reverse.