After 15 years....I'm starting to fish again

[ericw55anddogrufie]

Hello and thanks for your time. It's been many years since fishing when I lived in Cape Coral, FL. I'm now in central Pennsylvania and started fishing with my 10 year old great nephew (yes I went fishing with his father long ago). I am so glad to be outside and enjoying creation. We have caught many stocked trout and the little guy has seen Bald Eagles catching fish in  R.B. Winter state park and Blue Heron on the Susquehanna River and Little Shamokin Creek.

 

It's getting warmer and now I want he and I to get into Bass, Walleye and Crappie fishing. I was given a rod for a birthday gift this week. It is a St. Croix 6'9" medium light extra fast rod. It appears to be a very nice, well made rod and I like how it feels. Now I need to get a reel for it. I know it is great to receive advice and recommendations but it's also important to feel the rod/reel balance in my hands before I make a purchase. This is why I am wary of buying a reel online and not being able to physically hold it. 

 

Regardless I would appreciate advice on reel type and whether I should go with braid, mono, etc. Thanks for your time and have fun!

[Jmurphy87]

I just recently bought another shimano vanford 2500, I put that on my 6”11 poison adrena and it balances nicely. I run braid on my spinning reels, if the water is clear enough where I fish I will put a leader on. For reels I would recommend shimano or daiwa for any price point they make good reels. I like braid myself. I am sure that you will get better advice from some of our more knowledgeable members here but I thought I would try to help, have a good night.

[islandbass]

First, welcome and glad you’re back into fishing. I am going to guess you are wanting advice of a spinning reel given that your rod is a medium light. Any reel in the 2500-3000 size should be adequate from any reputable company like Shimano or Daiwa.  The sky is the limit on how much you’re willing to spend, but generally $100 gets you a heck of a lot of performance for the price. 
 

There is always a risk buying things online but it would usually be related to an inconvenience as many vendors would want to make things right. 
 

Personally I prefer mono for its simplicity and price. The weight for me depends on what I’m targeting and the cover but generally:

drop shot - 6#
senkos and other lighter plastics - 8#
small cranks - 10#
 

So as you can see, that 3 reels and 2 more rods for you, lol. Just kidding. One set up is fine for now. 

[ericw55anddogrufie]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate it!

 

I will be using Senko and Ned rigs with the rod. I also plan to just use minnows such as fatheads with an adjustable/slip bobber rig using bobber stops.

 

It's odd how we use artificial lures and tackle to imitate natural live bait such as minnows. I remember fishing Penns Creek many years ago....I would just toss a worm out and catch Crappie and Rock Bass. While doing so, I'd overturn small rocks to look for crayfish and hellgrammites. Once I would find one, I would attach it to the hook in place of the nightcrawler. In no time I would have a bass.

 

Thanks again for your time and information.

[BrianMDTX]

I have a St. Croix Bass-X ML/XF rod. It’s paired with a Daiwa Revros LT2000 reel. It’s my main rig for Senko wacky rigs. 

[Deephaven]

My 9/11 year olds got rods for Christmas.  At this point in time, the entry point for a reel IMO is the Daiwa Fuego.  Spending more doesn't net you a ton, but spending less gives up a bunch.  There are other options and compromises, but it is what I felt made the most sense.  I am not brand loyal and only owned 2 Daiwa's before these, but we have been enjoying them so far.  Liked them enough I bought another for my ML rod.

[roadwarrior]

ST1000HGFL

 

Recently purchased this reel and it's a winner!

 

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-STRADIC_FL.html

 

I have mine spooled up with #10 Smackdown (Stealth Grey) and #6 Tatsu leader.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm aware that a larger spool diameter may offer longer casts and better line management, but I don't see the need of a reel that holds 8/240 mono.  It means I have to put a fair amount of larger line backing on the reel.  The Daiwa Exceler LT 1000 holds 6/160 so more than enough if you go to 8# which is the heaviest I use on spinning reels.  It weighs 6.4 oz.   The Daiwa BG2000 weighs 8.5 oz. and holds 6/135, 8/110 mono.  I bought the BG1500 for my Ned Rig rod because of using a light braid.  The BG feels like it is built like a little tank.

 

I am also aware that braid offers less line twist than mono.  I have braid on several spinning reels, but must admit that I still prefer a mono or co-polymer having grown up using Trilene XL.  I say use whatever line you like the best.  Line twist can be removed.  And don't think using braid will eliminate line twist because it won't.  Certain lures benefit greatly from some kind of swivel/barrel connection to help in controlling line twist.

 

Also I want to say to the forum.  I quit fishing for 23 years after moving to this area.  As you can imagine, a lot changed during the interim.  Wishing you the best of times fishing with your great nephew. 

 

[ericw55anddogrufie]

You all have been nice and informative, I appreciate it!

 

I still have not purchased a reel for this  St Croix 6'10" Avid rod. I did purchase my great nephew a new reel today. Shimano Sienna 500. It's a nice step up from the Zebco rod/reel combo that his parent purchased. 

 

And I get it. He is ten years old and it is his first year to fish. To invest $100 plus dollars in a setup for a child that has no patience or interest is.........yeah. We're having a great time. We have caught over 100 PA stocked trout in the past five weeks. He caught a 19" rainbow on 4lb test and done well during the retrieval. 

 

Now we are going to Walker Lake for Crappie. I will be setting up with minnows (Rosey Reds or Fatheads) with a slip bobber. I figure he is young, so let the live bait do the work. Actually, I am getting older so I am going with the same set up initially. 

 

Unfortunately he is taking the short route regarding school work and not putting forth the effort he should in order to spend more time fishing with me. So his parents have told me he can't go fishing until Friday with me...booooo.

 

Thanks again everyoneand.

 

new2bc4bass....how has fishing been in the Lehigh River? I'm over in Northumberland County.

[WRB]

You can buy everything but time and it waits for no man.

You are a good grandpa?

Tom

[ericw55anddogrufie]

I'm an uncle sir! Not a grandpa hahaha

[WRB]

37 minutes ago, ericw55anddogrufie said:

I'm an uncle sir! Not a grandpa hahaha

Your a good uncle?

[ericw55anddogrufie]

Yes sir, he is a great life long friend and family member. I never had a brother but ....I do now and it's awesome.

[ericw55anddogrufie]

Today I purchased a Shimano Vanford 2500HGF 6.0:1 Spinning Reel | VF2500HGF

yes i copied and pasted the information. Thanks to you for your help and recommendations.

 

Keep fishing and enjoy life.