“Cheap” ML Spinning Rod (and Reel) Suggestions

[Drawdown]

2 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

If you’re looking at the bps carbonlite you should ask what kind of deal for purchasing the matching rod, they have the med light in 6’-6” and 6-9”. Although I don’t have either I have the casting combo and again I’m happy with the rod and reel. I know they had the rods with the matching color scheme during the spring classic sale at a price I can’t remember but it’s worth a shot to see what they may have leftover and how much they want for the combo. I know the gold accented combo is $150.00-$160.00 but it’s worth asking imho.

The spring classic is when I bought my Carbonlite MH baitcasting combo, so I didn’t give the spinner combos a close look. But if I remember right, that blue-accent “limited edition” set (in the baitcast combo, anyway) only came in one rod configuration. A 7’ MH/F I think.

[Drawdown]

Officially past the point of overthinking this. But from this I’m getting the sense that the principle for a finesse fishing rig is:

 

”Stout line, bendy rod”

 

Stout line - ergo, fluoro or braid-to-fluoro

 

Bendy rod - medium light or medium, max

 

If I’m way off here, I’d appreciate correction.

 

 

With the caveat that a sale might put higher-end stuff in my range: I’m getting the impression ~$60 can get one a decent reel (Pflueger President, Carbonlite 2.0/Daiwa Exceler, Daiwa Regal, etc.)

 

Rod-wise, right now I’ve been fascinated by the rave reviews for the Berkley Lightning Rod. Primary reservations are, 1) I’m unsure if the moderate-fast action is a liability or a boon, and 2) for whatever reason, I like the idea of a 7’+ rod, or at least close to it. I’m sure a 6’6” rod is probably not at a disadvantage. Might even be better just something I need to get over, generally, even if I go with a different rod.

[thunderblack]

OP, the best budget spinner I've owned is the 7'-1 ML F Daiwa Tatula (cork handle). For $150 or less on sale its dynamite. The 7-6 is also really good. 

[Drawdown]

Drawing closer to decision time.

 

For the reel I can’t seem to talk myself out of the Carbonlite on sale. Just not sure whether to go 2000 or 3000, for the following reason:

 

Really liking the look of the Fishing13 Defy rod and its reviews are decent, but I’m seeing numerous complaints about the first guide being too small. I assume this’ll primarily cause trouble if I run braid-FC leader, but maybe not if I do a nicer FC-only.

 

But then reel size seems to be an issue—on the one hand the 3000’s larger capacity is desirable if doing straight FC. But, I would *think* the wider 3000 reel creates more friction with that first guide than the 2000.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

7 hours ago, Drawdown said:

Drawing closer to decision time.

 

For the reel I can’t seem to talk myself out of the Carbonlite on sale. Just not sure whether to go 2000 or 3000, for the following reason:

 

Really liking the look of the Fishing13 Defy rod and its reviews are decent, but I’m seeing numerous complaints about the first guide being too small. I assume this’ll primarily cause trouble if I run braid-FC leader, but maybe not if I do a nicer FC-only.

 

But then reel size seems to be an issue—on the one hand the 3000’s larger capacity is desirable if doing straight FC. But, I would *think* the wider 3000 reel creates more friction with that first guide than the 2000.

Going braid to FC or Mono will give the illusion of added power to the rod when compared to straight FC or mono because of the lack of stretch.  Really helps with hooksets.  Not to mention the increased sensitivity.  If you can get good at trying an Alberto and trimming the tag as short as possible you wont have issues with guides.

The Daiwa LT reels beat just about everyone with reels under 100$.  The Regal 2500 is the 1 I would shoot for.  Its light and smooth.  The 3000s would work as well but they are slightly heavier and more importantly the longer handles make working super light baits a little tougher IMO.

As far as bang for the buck rod wise you can an Ark Tharp from TW on sale for 80$.  Ark gives you the just about the best blank for the money.  They have a catalyzer with a 36t blank for 50$ but only a M power is available from TW.  The tharp has a 40t blank which is a steal for the price.  I'm not crazy about the exposed locking thread on spinning rods because I hold a rod with all fingers above the reel stem.  If that's not an issue for you I would seriously recommend the Tharp ML.  If you do go with the Ark make sure the eyes are lined up and there aren't any obvious issues with the rod.  Sometimes Ark has issues with QC.  If the rod has an issue you can exchange it or return it to TW.  Ark does give you a warranty but they take some time to deal with.  

[Drawdown]

Well, friends, I pulled the trigger last night on a 7’ ML Shimano Convergence (one piece) + BPS Carbonlite 2000. Between discounts, etc. I came out with ~$130 in the combo. Could have gone cheaper, but this is what I had the most confidence in after reading threads here and elsewhere.

 

Also picked up a bunch of terminal tackle for drop shots and neko rigging. That was considerably cheaper on MidwayUSA than I could find anywhere else, even with TW’s sale going live at midnight, so I went with Midway for the rod, terminal, and a selection of YUM Kill shots. From BPS I of course got the reel, but also some Watermelon Magic Stick-O’s and 1/4oz STORM shad pre-rigged swim baits.

 

Thanks for all your input! Time to start checking tracking numbers!

[Eric 26]

Sounds like a kickass combo in my humble opinion. Can’t wait to see some photos in the latest catch pics thread??Also post in show off your stuff when you get it.

[Drawdown]

It’s all here!
Love the feel of the rod, and with the light reel it balances better than any spinning setup I’ve fished with, before (see second photo; forum turned it sideways, like my profile pic).

[Friggs]

I would suggest a 6' 6" St Croix Triumph Light $99.

A Daiwa Regal 2000 $59-69. (Prices just went up on Daiwa reels. You might still find some at $59.)

 

The Regal is the best spinning reel in the price range and beyond. I love mine and think it is better than the Daiwa Legalis which is more $$. I have a 7' Triumph ML. Love it. But it is a little heavy for 1/16 oz baits.

[jitterbug127]

My combo is Ark Lancer pro 6'10" ml/xf and diawa legalis lt 2500. I think I've got about $100 bucks in it both new. Great combo for the $. 

[LootyDjibouti]

On 1/22/2023 at 5:47 PM, jitterbug127 said:

My combo is Ark Lancer pro 6'10" ml/xf and diawa legalis lt 2500. I think I've got about $100 bucks in it both new. Great combo for the $. 

I just got that Ark Lancer Pro on sale as well. Something around $60 on TW seemed like a great deal. 

Never used any Daiwa spinning reels, only have used Shimano Saharas. Sounds like you're a fan. Which gear ratio did you go with? Honestly never really thought about gear ratios on spinning much. 

[jitterbug127]

4 hours ago, LootyDjibouti said:

I just got that Ark Lancer Pro on sale as well. Something around $60 on TW seemed like a great deal. 

Never used any Daiwa spinning reels, only have used Shimano Saharas. Sounds like you're a fan. Which gear ratio did you go with? Honestly never really thought about gear ratios on spinning much. 

5.2:1 or something like that. Like you I don’t think much about gear ratio with spinning gear. I’m using Neds on this combo and tubes on my 7’1” medium most of the time. Gear ratio doesn’t matter too much