Please help a newbie

[mjp2231]

Hi y'all. I've only just started fishing, and I'm looking to buy my first spinning setup. I live in South East Louisiana and primarily fish from land. Every once in a while, I get out on a boat with a friend. I don't know ANYTHING about this at all lol. I know that I like casting FAR. I usually use a bobber (don't laugh) because I'm just learning ??‍♀️ I've only caught a few fish so far. I'd like something that lets me cast pretty far, doesn't have an issue with the brackish water we have here, can handle the big alligator gar that I seem to fight and catch most often, has a smooth feel, doesn't break the bank since this is my first setup, etc. Can y'all help a girl out, please? I'm enthralled with the idea of catching a monster, and lost something that felt HUGE to a gator once ?

[Finessegenics]

What’s your budget? You say you use bobbers but are you using bobbers with live bait? Are you targeting gar specifically or just anything that swims?Do you plan on throwing lures eventually at some point? Do you know what kind of lures or baits you’d want to throw?
 

Answering these will let someone chime in with a more specific recommendation. I know it can be intimidating to understand all the power/action of rods as a beginner but getting it right the first time will save you money and headache. 

[Fishes in trees]

I'm pretty certain that in Slidell, LA there is a fishing tackle store.   I'd say go there and ask your questions in person and see what they say.  You might say " Those people just want to sell me stuff."  and that is true, however responsible sales people in tackle shops realize that if they give bad or stupid advice, or talk down to their customers, that they won't become regular customers - and THAT is what they want.   Especially if they just work there and aren't an owner, they don't want to get the rep of "burning" a customer, and most of the tackle sales people that I know go out of their way to avoid that label.  Using that logic I've found that I can more or less trust what tackle shop sales people tell you.   Be mindful that many fishing tackle decisions come down to opinions and sales people can have a different opinion than you do.   Especially your questions about basic gear - they can show you the differing levels of quality and then you can do more research with a basic knowledge of what you're asking about

[new2BC4bass]

to the forum.  Be sure to click on the 'MENU'  icon in the upper left corner.  Lots of good articles on fishing and tackle.

 

Also add "give a price range" to Finessegenics above post.  If you are going to be fishing live bait, then you need a rod that loads pretty easily.  Otherwise it is very easy to loose your bait on the cast.

 

All else being equal a longer rod will cast further.  Only problem with that is fishing from shore you don't always have the room for a 7'6" rod.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! Some good advice already. Read up on the articles

here and check the local tackle store for advice, too. A non-gator

monster is in your future  .

[Fishnski48]

Congratulations on joining the forum, you'll get some great advice here!!

Some great advice given on this thread already.  I second going to the tackle shop to feel the merchandise and go with a budget in mind.  If that experience raises more questions in your mind that's a good thing.

Then come on back to the forum and tell us what you found out, what questions you have.  Type of bait and budget will play a big role in what is suggested.

[new2BC4bass]

If you have the cash (over $500)...and you can find one...look at the Steez AGS 7'6" MML.  Also called the 'Unicorn'.  Very nice video out on the rod.  According to the poster it takes the place of 2 NRX rods.

 

Sorry.      Just bustin' your chops.  There are a ton of good rod possibilities, but not knowing your budget and what type (and weight) lures...or live bait...you will be using makes it a crap shoot for anyone to make a suggestion.  Way too many variables.

 

Darren is one of the guys that could make a good suggestion with more information.  He mainly uses spinning gear.  Since I got back into fishing almost 12 years ago I have gone to almost 100% casting gear.  I do have more spinning gear than I did when that was all I used, but it just sits in the basement hardly ever being used.

[BigAngus752]

8 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I'm pretty certain that in Slidell, LA there is a fishing tackle store.   I'd say go there and ask your questions in person and see what they say.  You might say " Those people just want to sell me stuff."  and that is true, however responsible sales people in tackle shops realize that if they give bad or stupid advice, or talk down to their customers, that they won't become regular customers - and THAT is what they want.   Especially if they just work there and aren't an owner, they don't want to get the rep of "burning" a customer, and most of the tackle sales people that I know go out of their way to avoid that label.  Using that logic I've found that I can more or less trust what tackle shop sales people tell you.   Be mindful that many fishing tackle decisions come down to opinions and sales people can have a different opinion than you do.   Especially your questions about basic gear - they can show you the differing levels of quality and then you can do more research with a basic knowledge of what you're asking about

 

It's also much easier to judge the quality of the information you are getting (and their intentions) when speaking face to face with someone.  

[mjp2231]

17 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

What’s your budget? You say you use bobbers but are you using bobbers with live bait? Are you targeting gar specifically or just anything that swims?Do you plan on throwing lures eventually at some point? Do you know what kind of lures or baits you’d want to throw?
 

Answering these will let someone chime in with a more specific recommendation. I know it can be intimidating to understand all the power/action of rods as a beginner but getting it right the first time will save you money and headache. 

Oh wow. I didn't even think about all of that. We use shrimp tails, and sometimes live worms. I'm trying to catch anything really. We catch and release. I don't have any clue about baits or lures ??‍♀️ I do know that the pole I was borrowing was super tall. At least 7 feet. It was a Walmart pole but I'm not sure about the reel. He said that I cast it like it had been my pole for years. We were the only 2 who cast it that far. Everyone else struggled with it. He put me on a smaller pole, and I almost threw the whole thing in the lake. ??‍♀️

15 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

to the forum.  Be sure to click on the 'MENU'  icon in the upper left corner.  Lots of good articles on fishing and tackle.

 

Also add "give a price range" to Finessegenics above post.  If you are going to be fishing live bait, then you need a rod that loads pretty easily.  Otherwise it is very easy to loose your bait on the cast.

 

All else being equal a longer rod will cast further.  Only problem with that is fishing from shore you don't always have the room for a 7'6" rod.

Sorry. I meant to add that I'd really like to stay under 150 since I don't know what I'm doing just yet. Cheaper is even better lol. 

[Finessegenics]

7 hours ago, mjp2231 said:

Oh wow. I didn't even think about all of that. We use shrimp tails, and sometimes live worms. I'm trying to catch anything really. We catch and release. I don't have any clue about baits or lures ??‍♀️ I do know that the pole I was borrowing was super tall. At least 7 feet. It was a Walmart pole but I'm not sure about the reel. He said that I cast it like it had been my pole for years. We were the only 2 who cast it that far. Everyone else struggled with it. He put me on a smaller pole, and I almost threw the whole thing in the lake. ??‍♀️

Sorry. I meant to add that I'd really like to stay under 150 since I don't know what I'm doing just yet. Cheaper is even better lol. 

Well then, I’d take the advice of your buddies who took you out. If you liked whatever setup they gave you, ask about it and see if you can go buy yourself the same setup. Ask them what size reel, power and action  of the rod and line strength you were using. You’ll surely be able to replicate it with 150$. If you have the means to transport it and enough space to cast it on the bank, I’d go even longer than a 7’0 rod. When fishing with bait, I prefer a longer rod just for the distance. If you’re not going to be working lures, I believe you have nothing to lose going longer. 

[new2BC4bass]

Daiwa makes several models below that price.  I've never handled one, but several on here have mentioned the  Aird X ($55) fishes above its price point.  For $25 more the Procyon is a very nice rod.  The 7'2" ML-EF is rated for 1/8-1/2 oz.  I have several of the original Tatula casting rods.  Excellent rods, but normal price for any over 7' is $10 above your budget.

 

I have several Falcon rods, but no BuCoos.  Some on here consider them one of the best in their price range.  Falcons fish a bit light.  Meaning a Medium power would  fish like a ML plus.  They have nice tips.  A Moderate Fast would work well with live bait.

 

The Fenwick Eagle is another decent option.  Towards your high limit is a Phenix Feather.  Very light rods that also fish light.  Buy one power up from what you think you need.

 

Only house rod I am familiar with is Cabela's Prodigy.  Have a couple casting rods and think they are worth the money.  Especially since I buy on sale.  Sportsman's Academy H2O Xpress Ethos rods get good reviews.

 

You could get 20 more replies, and get 20 more options. 

[mjp2231]

7 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

Well then, I’d take the advice of your buddies who took you out. If you liked whatever setup they gave you, ask about it and see if you can go buy yourself the same setup. Ask them what size reel, power and action  of the rod and line strength you were using. You’ll surely be able to replicate it with 150$. If you have the means to transport it and enough space to cast it on the bank, I’d go even longer than a 7’0 rod. When fishing with bait, I prefer a longer rod just for the distance. If you’re not going to be working lures, I believe you have nothing to lose going longer. 

Well, I wish I that I could get an answer, from him, but due to he and my friend recently splitting up, it appears that he isn't answering my calls or messages now??‍♀️

2 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Daiwa makes several models below that price.  I've never handled one, but several on here have mentioned the  Aird X ($55) fishes above its price point.  For $25 more the Procyon is a very nice rod.  The 7'2" ML-EF is rated for 1/8-1/2 oz.  I have several of the original Tatula casting rods.  Excellent rods, but normal price for any over 7' is $10 above your budget.

 

I have several Falcon rods, but no BuCoos.  Some on here consider them one of the best in their price range.  Falcons fish a bit light.  Meaning a Medium power would  fish like a ML plus.  They have nice tips.  A Moderate Fast would work well with live bait.

 

The Fenwick Eagle is another decent option.  Towards your high limit is a Phenix Feather.  Very light rods that also fish light.  Buy one power up from what you think you need.

 

Only house rod I am familiar with is Cabela's Prodigy.  Have a couple casting rods and think they are worth the money.  Especially since I buy on sale.  Sportsman's Academy H2O Xpress Ethos rods get good reviews.

 

You could get 20 more replies, and get 20 more options. 

Thank you! I will look into those. It's so overwhelming lol