Upgrading spin gear set up

[MBB Nate]

So the time has come to pass down my spinning rig to my son and upgrade myself.

 

I'm passing down my Pflueger president and a 7ft ML/XF Daiwa Laguna to my 4 yr old.  Last weekend we went out and he outfished me on it throwing texas rigs!

 

It's been a while since I've looked at good old egg beater reels and want to get myself something nice.  I mostly use it for ned rigs, dropshots and little jerkbaits.  I throw everything else on casting gear.

 

Rod/reel budget is $350ish and I don't mind going used if anyone has anything they want to part with.

 

What would you guys suggest?  I'm a big Daiwa fan, and am unfamiliar with any of Shimanos offerings other than the Stradic.

[fvogel67]

Tackle Warehouse has Abu Villians for 150.00,And you could pick up a Stradic FK on sale or buy the FL.That would be in your range.

[MN Fisher]

Personally - I'd stick with the Pflueger/Diawa rig...a Supreme XT-30 will run about $150. Add a ML/F Diawa Tatula Elite rod for $180 and you've got a great finesse/light lure setup for about $330

[Algb42]

Do you personally own the Daiwa Taula Elite 7' ML? I just bought one this week and wow, it's a great rod. I personally feel like I don't hear or read about them as much as I should.

[Darren.]

Unless you are curious and tempted to try something other than

a Daiwa, I'd stick to the brand you know. I am a Shimano guy but

do like a lot of the LT model Daiwa reels out today. I'd be strongly

tempted to buy one if I were in the market today. Hard to go wrong

with Daiwa or Shimano.

[NHBull]

Alpha DSR if your primarily dropshotting

[new2BC4bass]

$150 is a decent price for this rod.  http://tackletour.com/reviewabuvillain2spin.html

 

I have been mostly going with casting reels since I got back into fishing.  I dd pick up a BG1000 and the older model Procyon 2000.  Personally think the BG is a great looking reel and seems to be built like a little tank.  They are a bit heavy.  The Procyon is still in its box.  I'd be tempted to go with one of the Diawa LT reels...Procyon, Ballistic or Tatula if the weight of the BG was more than I wanted.  The Stradic Ci14+ is highly thought of by guys on here.  No experience with one myself.  It would cut back on the rod allowance.  Take a look at the Stradic FK.  I have one of the older model Stradics.  Nice reel.  I really like the looks of the Pflueger Supreme XT.

 

Lots of nice rods out there.  Might want to take a look at ALX, Major Craft, Shimano, Kistler, Phenix, Daiwa (Elite)  or St. Croix for a significant upgrade on the rod.

[newyorktoiowa57]

Maybe a stradic FK/FL paired with a zodias or expride.  If you shop around you can get a good deal on the expride, and the combo would only be slightly above your budget. 

[Mikeltee]

Man those tatula elite ags are some sweet setups. I have the casting finesse and it's amazing. I can only imagine their spinning ags in ML or L would be even better for the money. I think I paid $250 but you could get a good spinning reel for $100. There are a lot of options in this price range and as long as you spend most of your budget on a rod, you cant go wrong. I just got an Alpha Angler wrench for dropshot, shaky, ned, neko, etc after doing a ton of research. It was rather inexpensive compared to other rods in its sensitivity class. I got out the door for $180 during the 4th sale. Its paired with a ci4+.

[FishTank]

It may be a few bucks over your budget but you can get a Shimano Stradic 2500 for $150 (on sale) and a St. Croix Avid 7' M Fast for $210 (regular price).  It would make for a great combo.

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, Algb42 said:

Do you personally own the Daiwa Taula Elite 7' ML? I just bought one this week and wow, it's a great rod. I personally feel like I don't hear or read about them as much as I should.

Out of my personal budget...my Finesse rig is the Avocet RZ-2000 on an 6'6" ML/F Avocet rod.