Classic Build Challenge: $300 to Convince Me on Spinning

[Corey T]

Alright everyone. I have been pretty adamant that I will avoid spinning at all costs. The more I learn the more that I realize I probably just wasn’t using the right equipment. I’m going to give it one last go. 
 

Classic sales are creeping up and I have a few odds and ends to trade. I also have a budget of $300. I need something versatile as I fish out of the back of the boat and only carry 5 rods total. This will be for open water and likely won’t be fishing deeper than 20 feet. I would really like to learn to drop shot and will likely throw a ned. 
 

I have no brand loyalties but I do trust Daiwa and Shimano. I’ve had bad experiences with Lews but try not to have bias. I’m speculating that investing in a better reel (Tatula LT or Stradic?) and then getting a discontinued rod on sale might be the way to go. Share some wisdom!

[Mumbly]

The Shimano Stradic FL is tough to beat.

[Bluebasser86]

I really like the Tatula LT (I'm a backreeler, so the Stratic is a no-go for me), but you don't even have to go that high up to get a good reel. IMO rod>reel when it comes to spinning gear. As long as a spinning reel is smooth and lays the line on the spool correctly, you're good to go. The rod though, needs to be the right balance of sensitive to feel lighter baits generally fished on spinning gear, load properly to cast light baits, but powerful enough to still set a hook and move a big fish without breaking a lighter line.

 

Get something in a 2000-2500 size and a ML/F or XF for the baits you're wanting to fish and you'll be golden.

[JediAmoeba]

I have a Tatula LT 3000D and a Tatula Elite ML 7'.  Its a pretty sweet combo and falls right around 300 dollars if you shop on Amazon.

 

I also have a Daiwa Revros LT and really like that reel on an AIRD rod and its great as well and much cheaper.

[Fishes in trees]

Please understand that if you're going to try to Ned rig & drop shot wit the same rig, you might get disappointed.  2 different techniques that kinda need different rod actions to work best.  My advice would be to decide which spinning application you want to try and get a rig best suited for THAT.   This will shorten the learning curve considerably.  Then as additional disposable income accrues, get a rig for a different spinning technique.

 

While there is some overlap between various spinning techniques, there isn't a lot of overlap between drop shooting & Ned rigging. IMO

[Corey T]

11 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said:

Please understand that if you're going to try to Ned rig & drop shot wit the same rig, you might get disappointed.  2 different techniques that kinda need different rod actions to work best.  My advice would be to decide which spinning application you want to try and get a rig best suited for THAT.   This will shorten the learning curve considerably.  Then as additional disposable income accrues, get a rig for a different spinning technique.

 

While there is some overlap between various spinning techniques, there isn't a lot of overlap between drop shooting & Ned rigging. IMO

 

I've been rolling around that idea as well. I think I am going to have to dedicate to one. I'm leaning drop shot. I'm still struggling with the "why" of differences in rods. Wouldn't you want an extra fast taper either way with the hooks that are used?

[WSOzzie]

If you’re a Shimano guy, the Zodias line is very sensitive. I would go with the 7’3” md light. Your casting distance will improve w/out giving up the sensitivity. I believe that you could throw guppy heads w/small keitech this spring and transition to a ‘cast and drag shot’ into summer. The Nasci (2500) is a solid reel. Nothing fancy, but for just under $100, you can sink the majority of budget into the rod and be a happy spinner. Just my 2 pennies.

[Shimano_1]

I have never spent over 75 bucks on a spinning reel and have never worn one out. I currently have a daiwa legalis, less mach speed spool and a pflueger president and like them all. U sound like u have a pretty good idea what u want and sounds like shimano or daiwa would suite u well. Any of their reels in the north of 75 dollar range should suite you just fine. I used to hate it too but I actually kinda enjoy fishing then these days. Like the sound of the drag with a fish on and just a change up from the traditional casting gear

[LCG]

Check out the BPS carbonlites. I have a 6'8" M-Xf rod that I really like. Ned, neko, drop shot, and light texas rigs. Paired it with a Stradic FL. Great combo right in your range. Previous had it paired with a Pflueger President XT, which was a good real that gave me no issues, but I can honestly say the stradic is at least twice the reel. Smooth and perfect line lay. 

[Bluebasser86]

11 hours ago, Midwest Big Bass said:

 

I've been rolling around that idea as well. I think I am going to have to dedicate to one. I'm leaning drop shot. I'm still struggling with the "why" of differences in rods. Wouldn't you want an extra fast taper either way with the hooks that are used?

You can use exactly the same rod for both. In fact, my Ned rig rod is a technique specific drop shot rod, a 6' 10" ML/XF.

[Hammer 4]

6'10 t 7' ML/F...would be suggestion. As for a reel, size 2500 or 3000, depending on the manufacture. The ML in most makes will have a lure weight of 1/8 to 3/8 oz. A med will bump up to 3/4oz in some cases.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Are you asking for rod reel suggestions or for supporting arguments on the advantages of spinning tackle in certain applications?