Time for a power fisherman to buy a spinning combo, HELP!

[pauldconyers]

I have always been a power fisherman with bait casters and the like. This year I am forcing myself to branch out to new stuff and one of those ways will be buying a spinning setup. I have resisted the fairy wand but it's just time and I am clueless as to what to look for. As for the baits I envision throwing I do not see myself doing super light, finesse stuff but wacky worms,vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such.

 

As to price I know you can really spend a ton in the spinning world when it comes to the most sensitive gear and I do not want to go down that rabbit hole. In the BC world in my experience you really see a difference in reels when you hit the $100 mark and for rods its $150-175. What would you say the price equivalent is for spinning rods and reels to see a real noticeable jump in performance? Just trying to get a rough idea at what price point I would be looking at for a rod and then also a reel.

 

As for what I am looking for most of my BC rods are 7' to 7'3" until you get to the larger cranking stuff obviously. So this being the opposite end of things I assumed I would want to get something in the 6'6" to 6'9" range but now I hear a lot of guys saying 7' to 7'3" is the way to go with a spinning rod. As for the reel I honestly do not know what I am looking for here be it the reel size, features, etc.

 

I am not looking for a technique specific spinning rod/reel here, I am looking for a spinning setup that will handle all spinning applications here. But an idea of what I would be looking at price wise for both would be great, the thought process for what size/power rod and reel specs and such would be much appreciated. Also obviously any specific recommendations would be great too. Thanks

 

 

[Dens228]

I'm in the same boat, forcing myself to bring a spinning rod for finesse.  
Since I'm not convinced I'll use it much I'm starting out with a $100 combo I bought at Cabela's a couple years ago. 

[pauldconyers]

6 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

I'm in the same boat, forcing myself to bring a spinning rod for finesse.  
Since I'm not convinced I'll use it much I'm starting out with a $100 combo I bought at Cabela's a couple years ago. 

Yeah, I am of a different mindset here. I am looking at this as a tool, a tool I need to add to my fishing arsenal. If I spend more (but no where near top end) be it because I feel obligated to use it because I spent real money on it or because it is light and feels good and I like the sensitivity I will be more apt to use it and stick with it.

[MN Fisher]

16 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

As for the baits I envision throwing I do not see myself doing super light, finesse stuff but wacky worms,vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such.

From someone who is comfortable with spinners in a wide variety of situations...here's my 2-cents

 

2500-3000 size reel, Medium/Fast rod in 6'6" to 7' length.

 

Don't want to spend too much? Pflueger Trion-30 on a Diawa Aird-X M/F Spinning rod - just under $100 retail. Before the re-org of my rigs this winter - that's what I used for wacky, light crank/jerks, heavier (1/4 oz and up) drop-shots and light T-Rigs.

[jbsoonerfan]

I have not used spinning gear much at all for bass fishing in the past. My light weight fishing has been done with a baitcaster. Like you, I decided that I was going to force myself to learn to use spinning tackle this year. I just ordered a Shimano Stradic ci4 and a Shimano Zodias 6'8" ML and plan to use 20lb Sufix 832 with 8 lb Seaguar Invisx leader. Since I bought a boat I figure it's time to learn to fish a spinning set up in deeper water and learn a more vertical presentation.

[Fishingmickey]

Paul,

     Not dropping a bundle but not going cheap either these rods and reels I listed IMHO are solid gear, The 60-150$ Shimano's in the 2500-3000 size, Diawa BG and Fuego LT's same size. A lot of peeps like the Diawa spinning reels because of the heavier bail. Plflueger President model in that same size 25-30 is highly regarded lower end reel. I'd suspect the Plflueger Patriarch is very nice too.  I think those all are pretty darn good spinning reels for the price and going up in price on all three brands are nicer reels but I think the increase in price doesn't match a increase in performance (cut loose the hounds and paint me as a nasayer).  Regarding rods, St Croix, Doybns, Shimano, G. loomis etc all make really nice spinning rods. I have used and still use the St Croix Mojo bass series and Doybns Sierra series. You can put together some very nice set-ups for under three hundred. Happy hunting for a spinning rig. They do serve a purpose with the lighter baits and techniques that the bait caster can't fill as nicely.

Fishingmickey

 

[MN Fisher]

If we're going 'middle range' - Pflueger Supreme on a Dobyns Fury or Sierra...about 200-250 total.

[Tizi]

I have 2 spinning combos I use for all my finesse fishing:

 

1. Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium/Fast spinning rod, paired with Daiwa Fuego LT 3000 - $145 total

2. Carbon-Lite 2.0 6'6" Medium Light/Fast spinning rod, paired with Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 - $155 total

[Derek1]

The carbonlite spinning rods are great. The medium fast and a shimano nasci 2500 size can do allot for $220. I believe it’s 1/8 to 1/2. Great setup

[swhit140]

My spinning setup is Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 w/Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Shakey Head. $145.00 setup with rod & reel. This is my only spinning setup. You may be able to find some store brand rods for good prices also.

[pauldconyers]

I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.

Pflueger Supreme XT - $150

 - I've owned Pflueger spinners for 40+ years and they've always come through for me.

Dobyns Sierra - either the 693SF (6'9") or the 703SF (7'0") - $160 or $170

[pauldconyers]

I know he may just be trying to sell rods but Seth Feider has been going on and on about how much he loves his Tutula TAEL731MXS and what a great multipurpose spinning rod it is. Anyone have any experience with these or this lone of rods?

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Since you don't fish with them much or at all, I suggest go to local store and handle some rods and reels and get a feel for what you would be comfortable with. 

 

Or take a buddy fishing that has some and use his/her's, it's a completely different world throwing a 1/8 shaky head or Ned setup then KVD powerfishing your local lake. Just saying.

 

Dont invest $300+ into a combo you might try once or twice and never pick up again. 

[Chris Carey]

Shimano ultegra is $150 and is excellent. A lot of good recommendations above for rods. I’ll add the shimano expride. I have a couple casting expride and I love them. It’s not a cheap rod by any means but I think it provides great performance at its price. 

[Spankey]

I would have to agree with nitty gritty. If you have buddies with some quality spinning gear do a swap and try their stuff out. Maybe get to a good shop with a good rod selection and you can get a good feel for a nice fast or x-fast rod. 6'8" - 7' med. or med. lite sounds great.

 

I'm sort of partial to St. Croix Spinning Rods for soft plastics, like Abu Garcia Spinning Rods for small crankbaits. Reels majority are Shimano Symmetrys and Nascis. I fish some Daiwa stuff also. But your choices are endless and can only suggest you go touch a bunch of stuff. You'll know what is right or feel right.

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.

https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/team-lews-custom-pro-speed-spin-spinning-reel

 

 

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-patriot-spinning-rod

 

 

$99 for the reel and $199 for the rod. You won't be sorry.

[Chris at Tech]

St Croix Avid rod paired with 2500 or 3000 sized Shimano series that’s in your price range.  I’d recommend Sahara series and up.

[jbrew73]

I’m sure I’m the odd man out but I find spinning gear more challenging in the line management dept than light bait casting rigs.   I have tried multiple times to use spinning gear and always go back to casting.   The line twist issues and the fact that I cast cast more accurately with a bait caster are to compelling for me to change.   I guess if I were fishing for panfish I might go spinning but I’d probably just use a zebco 11 and be happier.

[new2BC4bass]

9 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

From someone who is comfortable with spinners in a wide variety of situations...here's my 2-cents

 

2500-3000 size reel, Medium/Fast rod in 6'6" to 7' length.

 

Don't want to spend too much? Pflueger Trion-30 on a Diawa Aird-X M/F Spinning rod - just under $100 retail. Before the re-org of my rigs this winter - that's what I used for wacky, light crank/jerks, heavier (1/4 oz and up) drop-shots and light T-Rigs.

Good advice.  Last year my only casting reel with braid that I took to Florida was for my dedicated frog rod.  Oops.  Luckily I had sent some rods down earlier.  One was a spinning rod and the reel I took for it had braid.  The rod was 7' MF Jig & Worm rod so it became my rod for throwing 10" weightless ribbontails into the lily pads.

 

Worked great.  A MF spinning rod is very versatile tool.

2 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/team-lews-custom-pro-speed-spin-spinning-reel

 

 

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-patriot-spinning-rod

 

 

$99 for the reel and $199 for the rod. You won't be sorry.

Unfortunately the 2000 and 3000 size reels are sold out.

 

OP, I almost never use a spinning rod anymore so I am not up on new spinning reels.  However, I am going to try and use my spinning rods more this year.  I really like the BG 1500 I got for my Ned Rig rod.  The BG2000 weights the same and holds a little more line.  For lighter (and pricier) look at the Procyon LT and Tatula LT.  I admit to liking Daiwa. 

 

Many rod choices at $150.  My only experience with Tatula rods are the casting models, but I feel they are exceptional values.  7' MF.  Just received 2 iRods (casting).  Nice looking and light.  Spinning 7'1" MHF. 

[The Bassman]

9 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I have not used spinning gear much at all for bass fishing in the past. My light weight fishing has been done with a baitcaster. Like you, I decided that I was going to force myself to learn to use spinning tackle this year. I just ordered a Shimano Stradic ci4 and a Shimano Zodias 6'8" ML and plan to use 20lb Sufix 832 with 8 lb Seaguar Invisx leader. Since I bought a boat I figure it's time to learn to fish a spinning set up in deeper water and learn a more vertical presentation.

You're gonna love that combo. I've got three with the last gen CI4's.  FWIW I use a lot of 832 and the stuff runs stronger than other braids. Drop down to 15 at the most and you'll get a lot better casting distance.

[walleyecrazy]

5 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.

For $150 for a reel I'd keep an eye on the Daiwa Tatula LT in the 3000 size. You can regularly find them for that price, and they are phenomenal reels. As for rods in that $150 range I'd look at the Daiwa Tatula, Dobyns Sierra, or Phenix Feather rods. Probably something like a 7' medium power with a fast action would be a great all around rod to start off with. 

[jbsoonerfan]

1 hour ago, The Bassman said:

You're gonna love that combo. I've got three with the last gen CI4's.  FWIW I use a lot of 832 and the stuff runs stronger than other braids. Drop down to 15 at the most and you'll get a lot better casting distance.

Advice taken....Line ordered

[Fishes in trees]

Shop around - close outs happen with spinning gear.   This past year alone, I got a couple of All Star spinning rods at Academy for more than half off from list.   I spent $25 on one of their H2O rods, that is my new favorite rod to throw light cranks.  Shopping around for close outs over the years, I've acquired a set of 6'6" spinning rods & reels in various actions, that only see use once per year - when I go to do the Fishing for Freedom Event that the Leavenworth Bass Club puts on.  

 

Wait until the Berkley trailer comes in to Rogers this spring - they generally have some decent to great deals on Fenwick HMG rods and Pflueger reels.  3 years ago I got 3 5'9" Fenwick HMG spinning rods Med/Extra fast.  Those rods are great for throwing flukes, wacky rigs, lightly weighted & tail weighted stick baits and such.  They could throw light cranks as well, but I like my light crank rods to have a little bend in the tip caused by the retrieve and these Fenwick don't do that.  A 6'6" Medium/ ML / moderate tip works better for throwing light cranks, IMO.  Also, when the Berkley trailer comes to town, the Lew's reps will be there with some deals of their own.

 

If you're going to get into throwing Ned rigs, I recommend getting a dedicated Ned Rig.  Mine is a 10 year old or older, I'm not sure) 5'4" Fenwick HMG Medium/Extra fast tip.   I bought it on close out at a tackle shop near Kentucky Lake, where the clerk referred to it as a "kinda short hair jig rod".   I know lots of guys use much longer rods for throwing the Ned, but this works for me, paired with a 1000 size Pflueger President and 6 or 8 lb braid or 6 to 12 lb Nanofil.

 

I've probably got a dozen other spinning rigs, all for specific purposes, Finesse drop shot, lighter shakey heads, fluke style baits, in-line spinners & other white bass baits, crappie jigs, trout drift rigs and more I don't remember right now.

 

Point is, I didn't pay full retail for any of these, just shop around and be alert for close outs and bargains that suit your style of fishing will happen.  Don't get in a hurry and think that you've got to get all these technique specific rigs at once.

[Bass Rutten]

22 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.

If I had a $300 budget for rod and reel I'd spend no less than $200 of it on the rod, the reel is just for line management and is not nearly as important for overall performance as the rod is. You can pick up a daiwa fuego for around $75 off ebay, or a daiwa exceler (a fuego minus magseal) for $50 off ebay, spend the rest on the rod.