Beginning Spinning Setup and Line

[sllymz]

I'm looking into getting a spinning setup pretty soon, ideally leaning more towards the budget friendly side. So far I've determined that a Daiwa Revros LT 2000-2500 and a Dobyns Fury Spinning Rod 7' Medium 703 is the move. I don't have too much specific techniques in mind here other than the standard do it all spinning setup; ie. soft plastics, jigs, drop-shots, lighter lures, et cetera. I'm not too familiar with spinning gear so if there's any suggestions or changes I should make I'd greatly appreciate any input. 

 

Another question I really wanted to ask, without making two topics if I could help it, was what line should I use? I've fallen in love with fluoro recently after being on braid for pretty much ever. Although I don't know if fluoro is the right move here or not, so I'm wondering what line I should put on or if there’s a universal bread and butter for spinning gear?

[casts_by_fly]

given the deal on the Revros LT at TW right now ($39!) I think you'll be hard pressed to top that for the money.  I don't know the Fury, but you're talking about the $100-$125 price range.  I do know the Falcon rods and the Lowrider series is right in there and a good set of rods.

 

As for power and action, for a do it all like you desribe, I'd be looking at a medium power, fast action or thereabouts.  Something with an 1/8-1/2 lure range.  That's a light enough tip to throw a 3" unweighted soft plastic or a small 1/8 oz, 3" grub but still enough power to handle a 5" senko on a wacky rig or a split shot rig.

 

Line is personal choice.  Lots of people fish braid to leader for spinning rods (I'm one), but straight mono has been used this way for 50+ years to good effect.  For a do it all rod, 10-15lb braid to a leader of your choosing (6-12 lb test) is what I'd do.

[Bankc]

That sounds like a good setup to me.  I think you'll be happy with it.  

 

As for the line, it's personal preference.  If you like fluorocarbon, then you can certainly use it with a spinning reel.  Lots of people do.  But, for me personally, I wouldn't want fluorocarbon on a spinning reel, and especially not one without an excellent line management system.  I have a Daiwa Regal LT, that's more or less identical to the Revros LT, and I had problems with line twists and wind knots with it while using fluorocarbon.  I switched to braid with a fluorocarbon leader, and those problems have largely gone away.  I'm not saying the line management on the Regal (or Revros) is bad, because it works fine with mono and braid.  But it's not a $500+ reel, so there are bound to be some compromises.  

 

Now, I will say that I didn't use high end fluorocarbon line.  Perhaps if I had used better line, I wouldn't have had those issues.  So, if you do choose to try fluorocarbon on that reel, I'd get some good fluoro, like Seaguar InvizX, Tatsu, or similar.  Maybe use a mono backing to save some money in the long run if price is a concern.  

[garroyo130]

Combo sounds good. Braid to leader unless youre using ultralight line (4lb test or high end fluoro with 4lb ish diameter). 

[sllymz]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

given the deal on the Revros LT at TW right now ($39!) I think you'll be hard pressed to top that for the money.  I don't know the Fury, but you're talking about the $100-$125 price range.  I do know the Falcon rods and the Lowrider series is right in there and a good set of rods.

 

As for power and action, for a do it all like you desribe, I'd be looking at a medium power, fast action or thereabouts.  Something with an 1/8-1/2 lure range.  That's a light enough tip to throw a 3" unweighted soft plastic or a small 1/8 oz, 3" grub but still enough power to handle a 5" senko on a wacky rig or a split shot rig.

 

Line is personal choice.  Lots of people fish braid to leader for spinning rods (I'm one), but straight mono has been used this way for 50+ years to good effect.  For a do it all rod, 10-15lb braid to a leader of your choosing (6-12 lb test) is what I'd do.

Thank you! I'm pretty confident in the setup so far looking at everything, and like you said I am trying to aim for medium fast 7' if I can. Maybe a little shorter if I decide against it considering I'm in a kayak fishing cypress esque areas. I think im leaning towards braid or mono for the line aswell. Mono for the new experience since I've never liked it that much and braid since I just am comfortable with it.

1 hour ago, Bankc said:

That sounds like a good setup to me.  I think you'll be happy with it.  

 

As for the line, it's personal preference.  If you like fluorocarbon, then you can certainly use it with a spinning reel.  Lots of people do.  But, for me personally, I wouldn't want fluorocarbon on a spinning reel, and especially not one without an excellent line management system.  I have a Daiwa Regal LT, that's more or less identical to the Revros LT, and I had problems with line twists and wind knots with it while using fluorocarbon.  I switched to braid with a fluorocarbon leader, and those problems have largely gone away.  I'm not saying the line management on the Regal (or Revros) is bad, because it works fine with mono and braid.  But it's not a $500+ reel, so there are bound to be some compromises.  

 

Now, I will say that I didn't use high end fluorocarbon line.  Perhaps if I had used better line, I wouldn't have had those issues.  So, if you do choose to try fluorocarbon on that reel, I'd get some good fluoro, like Seaguar InvizX, Tatsu, or similar.  Maybe use a mono backing to save some money in the long run if price is a concern.  

Yea the more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards leaving fluoro on my casting setups and using braid/mono for this one. Just seems easier to manage in the long run, but I guess I'll see when I get there

 

5 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Combo sounds good. Braid to leader unless youre using ultralight line (4lb test or high end fluoro with 4lb ish diameter). 

I'll have to look into using leaders, seems like that's a pretty common topic here. Never tried it but if it's as popular as it seems I'll have to give it a shot. To add on to that I don't plan on using light line if I can help it. Can't risk anything with me, I've caught more catfish on accident than I have bass on purpose this year lmao.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If you can spend the money, get the best outfit you can.  Right now the 7'1 M F 13 Omen Black would be my recommendation, with a 2500 Revros or 3000 Exceler.  Omen Black uses one of the best quality blanks you can get at that price point and the ergonomics are great.  As far as utility goes the 7'1 M F is like a power finesse rod. 

As I said about the reels, Revros is great, but that Exceler is well worth the extra 25$.  An ounce doesn't sound like alot, but I assure you it makes a big difference.  The lighter the outfit is the better sensitivity you have and its just easier to fish with.  The threaded handle of the Exceler transmits power to the main gear far better then a hex pin and has a smoother feel. 

Line wise I would suggest braid to leader over FC.  FC can be a nightmare for beginner and advanced anglers alike.  Constant line twists and memory could really be discouraging.  With FC you ant a reel that has a high quality line roller to mitigate twisting, which you dont really get at a lower price point.    You need to learn how to tie a connection knot, but thats really easy, a double uni is as simple as it gets and works fine.  The extra sensitivity, casting distance and cheaper cost of braid makes it an easy choice in my mind.  Like anything else, you do have to manage it and make sure you dont reel in too much slack line, that will cause wind knots.  Starting off a stiffer braid would be best.  I would suggest 8lb-10lb suffix 932 or power pro.  If 8 or 10lb seems light, keep in mind the breaking stregth is considerably higher about 12lb on the 8 and 15 on the 10.  You will need to use backing or tape under the braid so it dosesnt slip on the spool.  If youre unsure on how to do it, I suggest going to a tackle store and having them do it for you.  That ensures you have the right amount of backing and that the braid is nice and tight on the spool.         

[FrnkNsteen]

Another option,.... With the new Fuego MQ LT coming out, many places have the old Fuego LT discounted. I had seen them as cheap as $55 - $59 around the holidays, but am not seeing that currently. However I did see them for $79.99 at Scheels.

 

Don't want to keep pushing up your spend, but if you were considering the Regal at $59 or the Excelor at $79, the Fuego for $79 is the way to go.

 

If not,... All the lower priced Daiwas have been pretty good so I honestly think you'd be happy with the Revros or the Regal.

[sllymz]

8 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

If you can spend the money, get the best outfit you can.  Right now the 7'1 M F 13 Omen Black would be my recommendation, with a 2500 Revros or 3000 Exceler.  Omen Black uses one of the best quality blanks you can get at that price point and the ergonomics are great.  As far as utility goes the 7'1 M F is like a power finesse rod. 

As I said about the reels, Revros is great, but that Exceler is well worth the extra 25$.  An ounce doesn't sound like alot, but I assure you it makes a big difference.  The lighter the outfit is the better sensitivity you have and its just easier to fish with.  The threaded handle of the Exceler transmits power to the main gear far better then a hex pin and has a smoother feel. 

Line wise I would suggest braid to leader over FC.  FC can be a nightmare for beginner and advanced anglers alike.  Constant line twists and memory could really be discouraging.  With FC you ant a reel that has a high quality line roller to mitigate twisting, which you dont really get at a lower price point.    You need to learn how to tie a connection knot, but thats really easy, a double uni is as simple as it gets and works fine.  The extra sensitivity, casting distance and cheaper cost of braid makes it an easy choice in my mind.  Like anything else, you do have to manage it and make sure you dont reel in too much slack line, that will cause wind knots.  Starting off a stiffer braid would be best.  I would suggest 8lb-10lb suffix 932 or power pro.  If 8 or 10lb seems light, keep in mind the breaking stregth is considerably higher about 12lb on the 8 and 15 on the 10.  You will need to use backing or tape under the braid so it dosesnt slip on the spool.  If youre unsure on how to do it, I suggest going to a tackle store and having them do it for you.  That ensures you have the right amount of backing and that the braid is nice and tight on the spool.         

Wow thanks, really appreciate everything! I'm for sure gonna have to check out the Omen, looks great. I originally started out looking at a St. Croix bass X rod, but these forums and a lot of other research kinda changed my mind and I looked elsewhere. But the rod you suggested looks solid to me, definitely checking it out and comparing. Continuing the line topic, I'm for sure using braid now that I've gathered input. On top of that it seems that's what everyone suggests, even outside of here. Again I really appreciate the input and thanks again!

 

2 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Another option,.... With the new Fuego MQ LT coming out, many places have the old Fuego LT discounted. I had seen them as cheap as $55 - $59 around the holidays, but am not seeing that currently. However I did see them for $79.99 at Scheels.

 

Don't want to keep pushing up your spend, but if you were considering the Regal at $59 or the Excelor at $79, the Fuego for $79 is the way to go.

 

If not,... All the lower priced Daiwas have been pretty good so I honestly think you'd be happy with the Revros or the Regal.

I think I've decided I'm gonna go with the Revros for now unless I all of a sudden jump up and think twice. Although I'm for sure gonna check those out for other options. I've never heard of the Fuego reels but I'm definitely gonna look into it here after this. I wanna say my real concern in the setup was the rod since I know less about the specifics of them in general. Thank you for the options for sure though!

[Bankc]

Daiwa (and Shimano) doesn't make a bad reel.  So I think you'd be satisfied with any of them so long as your expectations aren't too high.  Still, the Fuego is a definite step up to the next level.  And it might last longer and save you money in the long run, but it won't catch you more fish.  But who knows?  You might wear out the Revros around the same time you decide you're ready to spend $900 on a Daiwa Exist, or decide you don't like spinning reels after all and go BFS, or give up fishing and take up hang gliding.  

 

As for the leader, that's something a lot of people like to do with spinning reels.  Braid doesn't seem to mind getting twisted as much and doesn't have much of a memory.  Plus it tends to last longer.  The downside is braid is much more visible and noisy in the water than either mono or fluoro.  And sometimes it can be too limp and get tangled up in your hooks on the cast.  So the braid + leader is kind of the best of all worlds.  You get all the advantages of braid on the reel, and all of the advantages of fluoro or mono at the lure, at the same time.  The downside is the leader knot to connect the two.  They can be a bit difficult to tie and add a weak point of possible failure.  That and you don't get to take advantage of the stretch that mono can give you or the slack line sensitivity of fluoro because most of your line is braid.  Everything's a compromise.  

[sllymz]

4 minutes ago, Bankc said:

Daiwa (and Shimano) doesn't make a bad reel.  So I think you'd be satisfied with any of them so long as your expectations aren't too high.  Still, the Fuego is a definite step up to the next level.  And it might last longer and save you money in the long run, but it won't catch you more fish.  But who knows?  You might wear out the Revros around the same time you decide you're ready to spend $900 on a Daiwa Exist, or decide you don't like spinning reels after all and go BFS, or give up fishing and take up hang gliding.  

 

As for the leader, that's something a lot of people like to do with spinning reels.  Braid doesn't seem to mind getting twisted as much and doesn't have much of a memory.  Plus it tends to last longer.  The downside is braid is much more visible and noisy in the water than either mono or fluoro.  And sometimes it can be too limp and get tangled up in your hooks on the cast.  So the braid + leader is kind of the best of all worlds.  You get all the advantages of braid on the reel, and all of the advantages of fluoro or mono at the lure, at the same time.  The downside is the leader knot to connect the two.  They can be a bit difficult to tie and add a weak point of possible failure.  That and you don't get to take advantage of the stretch that mono can give you or the slack line sensitivity of fluoro because most of your line is braid.  Everything's a compromise.  

lmao good point. Hang gliding sounds awesome. But like you said who knows, maybe the step up is worth it for sure. I'm totally gonna check out the Fuego rest assured, as well as the Omen. I think it'll boil down to when I'm able to get the setup and what things are looking like then. Prices might change and so might opinions who knows at this point. With all that being said I'm for sure set on the braid but the leader seems iffy, appealing, but iffy. Considering I know absolutely nothing about using them other than the types of knots used. Thank you for educating me more on the lines and tips with them.

[PaulVE64]

I'm assuming alot but I'd suggest going with a mlfast spinning setup of it's the only one I get. I'd want something faster than a Fury too.

[sllymz]

5 minutes ago, PaulVE64 said:

I'm assuming alot but I'd suggest going with a mlfast spinning setup of it's the only one I get. I'd want something faster than a Fury too.

Yea I've heard a lot about the Fury series being stiffer, and that their "Fast" rods are heavier than you'd think. Right now I'm in a throw up between the Omen and the Fury, but I might lean more to the Omen at this rate in all honesty.

[PaulVE64]

Oh, and I've got an older revros. That's a great price.

[fin]

I bought a 7’MHF Aird-X last year, but sent it back after a week because it felt like a broomstick for some of the light baits I was throwing on it. I swapped it for a 7’MF, and was happy with that, but I got a deal on a 6’6” MHF a couple months ago and I love it. I haven’t picked up the 7’MF since. It’s amazing to me how that six inches of length makes such a huge difference on a MH. I hated the 7’, but loved the 6-6. It was the perfect compromise of hook setting power and casting distance. The shorter length makes the rod easier to deal with too, easier to pass through a door way an put in the car, for example, maybe better in a kayak too.

 

One thing to consider is the guides if you’re going with braid/mono. The Aird-X has microguides and the tags have to be cut extremely close and the knot has to be really small. I think the Dobyns has larger guides, so if that’s what you go with, it’s not such an issue. The Aird-X is less than half the price of the Dobyns though.

 

I bought a Revros about a year ago and have been happy with it. I had a Daiwa Legalis before that, so the Revros was a step down price wise, but I can’t feel/see a difference. I’m thinking about getting another one while they’re on sale.

 

I use 10#/10# braid/mono and have for years.

[sllymz]

16 minutes ago, fin said:

I bought a 7’MHF Aird-X last year, but sent it back after a week because it felt like a broomstick for some of the light baits I was throwing on it. I swapped it for a 7’MF, and was happy with that, but I got a deal on a 6’6” MHF a couple months ago and I love it. I haven’t picked up the 7’MF since. It’s amazing to me how that six inches of length makes such a huge difference on a MH. I hated the 7’, but loved the 6-6. It was the perfect compromise of hook setting power and casting distance. The shorter length makes the rod easier to deal with too, easier to pass through a door way an put in the car, for example, maybe better in a kayak too.

 

One thing to consider is the guides if you’re going with braid/mono. The Aird-X has microguides and the tags have to be cut extremely close and the knot has to be really small. I think the Dobyns has larger guides, so if that’s what you go with, it’s not such an issue. The Aird-X is less than half the price of the Dobyns though.

 

I bought a Revros about a year ago and have been happy with it. I had a Daiwa Legalis before that, so the Revros was a step down price wise, but I can’t feel/see a difference. I’m thinking about getting another one while they’re on sale.

 

I use 10#/10# braid/mono and have for years.

Oh man this was so convenient. You just answered a lot of my questions not gonna lie. I was just about to start looking into rod length because personally I can't really get around 6' 10+ rods. I was really wanting to get a 6' 6" - 6' 10" rod but I didn't know if it would affect performance or I'd be losing out on some crazy specific techniques or something. I also am in a kayak + a truck so having "shorter" rods is a huge thing for me. Plus I typically enjoy casting and retrieving shorter ones anyways. 

 

The reel debate has thrown me for a loop, although I think the Fuego is amazing I am still leaning to the Revros in the back of my mind.

[fin]

Tackle Warehouse was great about swapping mine out, so if you're not happy with whatever you choose, don't hesitate to swap.

[sllymz]

13 minutes ago, fin said:

Tackle Warehouse was great about swapping mine out, so if you're not happy with whatever you choose, don't hesitate to swap.

I've never actually ordered from tackle warehouse but I've been on it a hell of a lot, so I'll keep it in mind. Thanks a lot, you definitely helped clear some confusion for me here!

[msgf91]

I just got a 2000 size revros during the summer on sale for 35. It's an amazing reel at this price and I have it paired with a 13 fishing panfish rod I got on clearance for 35.  the new 23 Legalis if you don't mind ordering on digitaka. I watched the I_fish review and it's going to be the next best budget finesse spinning reel. Screw in handle and 10 whole grams off the rotor. 

 

I think you will like the revros but just throwing out another suggestion 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

6 hours ago, sllymz said:

Wow thanks, really appreciate everything! I'm for sure gonna have to check out the Omen, looks great. I originally started out looking at a St. Croix bass X rod, but these forums and a lot of other research kinda changed my mind and I looked elsewhere. But the rod you suggested looks solid to me, definitely checking it out and comparing. Continuing the line topic, I'm for sure using braid now that I've gathered input. On top of that it seems that's what everyone suggests, even outside of here. Again I really appreciate the input and thanks again!

Sorry.  I thought you were looking to buy an outfit now.  Omen Blacks are being discontinued as the new Meta has taken their place and same story with Exceler/Fuego.  TW has them on sale now for a good deal which is why I only suggested them.  The sale lasts through the 9th and after that its unlikely you will be able to get any kind of discounts on those products as they wont be around anymore.   SC Bass X would be a good alternative to the Omen black.  If I were you I would definitely take advantage of the opportunity to get an Exceler, @ 60$ nothing comes close.  Really its a Fuego, minus magseal and a bearing supported spool, both of which aren't don't make any difference in performance.  To get a reel of equal value you're going to pay double the price.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Not to beat a dead horse but Medium power is subjective. Lately l lean toward blanks labeled as ML. The important thing is that it will cast and present the baits you plant to throw, where you plan to throw them. Bait weight, then cover. 

[WRB]

Every spinning reel will twist line regardless of the price, it’s the mechanics of the reel. Spinning reels have a fixed spool with a rotator and bail the wraps the line onto the spool. Every bail rotation is 1 line wrap onto the fixed spool and 1 line twist. 

Spinning reels come down to drive train strength, weight, spool length and drag breakaway force and smoothness, you pay more money for each feature.

The smaller diameter of the spool the more memory the line retains using mono, copolymer and FC. Braid being multiple braided strands of fiber ( yarn) doesn’t retain memory but goes twist.

Spinning reel spool diameter is larger then baitcasting reel therefore higher IPT (inches of line per handle turn).

Inexpensive reels use heavier and lower quality parts, you pay for both.

Braid to leader = 2 knots but reduces line twist.

Tom

PS, Smooth Drags makes High quality Drags for a few dollars for nearly every reel, very important component in spinning reels.

Tom

 

[JackstrawIII]

I’d go with a slightly larger reel, up to the 3000 size, with an all purpose 7’ medium rod personally. 
 

Also, I highly recommend 15lb Suffix 832 line with a short (4 foot or so) leader (either mono, fluoro, or hybrid). 
 

That’s a great all around setup for a spinning rod. 
 

 

[WRB]

The combo you are looking at is good and the reel is on sale, the 2500 reel.

Line is on sale Seaguar TactX 15 lb braid with 8 lb FC leader.

Suggest using mono that you may already have filling the spool about 1/2, followed by braid to within 1/8”-1/16” from the spool under the lip. Put the braid in fairly tight.

Tom

 

[PhishLI]

On 1/5/2024 at 12:53 PM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Right now the 7'1 M F 13 Omen Black would be my recommendation

X2

On 1/5/2024 at 10:50 AM, sllymz said:

So far I've determined that a Daiwa Revros LT 2000-2500 and a Dobyns Fury Spinning Rod 7' Medium 703 is the move.

Go at least up to the 2500, but get a 3000 if you can. It’s the right move. Either the Omen Black 3 6’7” MF at $80 or the 7’1” MF at $85 are steals. Very good deals. Gotta pull the trigger before the 9th at 3pm though. 20% off comes off in your cart.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-13FISHRODS.html?from=basres

[VTFan]

I echo what others have said that it's personal preference as to line.  I started using a spinning outfit last year and used bright yellow Power Pro braid with a fluro leader with success...after learning the FG knot. I did this so I could see the main line. Then I saw a video...can't remember who it was...but they were using the bright yellow braid and no leader and used a sharpie to darken the last 6 feet or so of braid. I did this and so far it seems to work pretty well. Haven't had any issues with wind knots and cast a mile if needed.