"Bargain" rods 'n reels

[jdw174]

I never thought I'd see the day when rods/reels were up into the $200+ range. Being the cheap SOB that I am , I just wonder if there are any rods/reels out there that you consider real bargains? I'm not in the market at present, but am vaguely curious. Let's consider something a bargain if it's UNDER $100.

My picks would be the Berkley Series One rods $59-$69 retail, and the old reliable Ambassadeur 4600C4 reels at $79.  At just a few bucks more, I would add in the Team Daiwa LT or "S" rods.

[phisher_d]

BPS extreme and bionic blade rods.

[flechero]

My picks would be the Berkley Series One rods $59-$69 retail, and the old reliable Ambassadeur 4600C4 reels at $79. At just a few bucks more, I would add in the Team Daiwa LT or "S" rods.

I'll agree with your list, and would add All Star rods, I think they are a great rod at their respective price points. Also I'd add a few other reels... the C3 and C5 are under $100 so are the new Revo S models. (so far, well worth the $99 I paid for it)

[MALTESE FALCON]

YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG PURCHASING THE ABU GARCIA ROUND REELS. AND FLECHERO FORGOT ONE MORE REEL THAT'S A REAL BARGAIN. THE D5 IS NICE BECAUSE IT IS A ROUND REEL WITH A LOW PROFILE FEEL AND HOLDS ALOT OF LINE. IT ALSO HAS SMART MAG BRAKE SYSTEM FOR CAST CONTROL. AT $89.95 IT'S A REAL BRAGAIN.

I'VE USED MINE FOR TWO SEASONS AND IT'S PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY.

I REALLY LIKE MY ABU GARCIA RECORD BUT IT'S A LITTLE MORE THAN $100.00.

I ALSO AGREE THAT THE BPS RODS ARE A GOOD BUY. PLUS THEY GO ON SALE QUITE OFTEN.

[Daniel My Brother]

You can save big bucks if you buy the combos at BPS. Pick a Pflueger President spinning reel and match it with your choice of BPS Extreme rods for $100. Individually they are a good value, as a combo it's a steal. I like the BPS extreme baitcasters and Abu round reels as well.

I won't argue with anyone who gets more enjoyment out of high end rods and reels, but you don't have to look hard for great gear under $100.

[foul hooked]

Value rod - Shimano Compre.

Under $90.

Lite, sensitive, well made.

Lifetime warranty.

[ww2farmer]

I'll agree on the BPS Extreme and Bionic blade rods, I'll also add in the BPS cranking stick.........i never buy them full price, when they are on sale they are a steal. They are just about the only rods I fish with any more. I have a few fenwick rods that I like, but they just seem to sit home collecting dust now.

[MyKeyBe]

If you want a bargain you have to be patient and look for sales and/or items on clearance.

I have 3 combo's I use.

#1 and most expensive: $60.00 Abu Garcia Torno baitcaster mated to a $40.00 Fenwick Venture 6'0 medium action.

#2: $60.00 Shimano Curado BU-200 baitcaster mated to another Fenwick that I paid $20.00 for.

#3: $22.00 Abu Garcia Cardinal 103 spining reel hung on a $13.00 (full retail price) Shakespeare Excursion 6'6" medium action 2 piece rod. This is my camping/night fishing, if it gets mangled who cares, set up. I'll tell you what though, for $13.00 this rod has really impressed me. If you are on a tight budget, give one a try. You'll swear you should of paid $40.00 for it! ;D

All of my rods and reels where bought new. You just have to be patient and look for the middle to end of winter deals.

[justfishin]

If you are talking a decent setup for around a $100.00 its hard to beat BPS combos.

The Ambassadeur C3/Bionic Blade XPS combo is about 130.00 and if you wait until spring it will be cheaper. I have Curados and such but I still love my 5501's. I have a half a dozen of them. They are work horses and if taken care of will last a lifetime.

For a spinning combo for around a hundred I would recommend BPS combo:

Shimano Sahara/Bionic Blade 99.00  

Pflueger President/Extreme XPS combo 109.00

These setups will work fine but, if I were you I would step up a little for another small amount of money you could purchase a C/3 5500 and add a All Star rod that will be better for you.

Also for a spinning reel ( I am a Stradic guy ) you could buy a Shimano Sedona and add a All Star rod of your choice to it. you may spend 50.00 or more dollars doing this but, I think you would be happier with these items.

Also, keep in mind that it is winter and the fishing flea markets ore coming up. We have one in Frederick Maryland in Feb. I have seen some great deals on rods and reels at this market. I am sure if you look there is one near you. Its also a good excuse to get out of the house and stop and have coffee and dinner with some friends.

[castaway]

I also think the Berkley series one rods are a great rod at a bargin price, except I don't own one.My friend has a couple of them, waiting for him to want something different. ;D The Abu Garcia Revo S is also another great buy.Another one is the Browning silaflex  glass rods. They are $29.99, extremely good product for that kind of money.Ivan

[earthworm77]

My thoughts on this, save another $19.00 and get a BPS Extreme/Shimano Stradic combo. It is ok to be cheap buyt you should skimp om quality equipment. This gear won't fail you when you need it most.

[TournyFish001]

Bass Pro Rick Clunn Sig series rods are on sale right now on Basspro.com for $59.00.  I have the 703C that I use for crankbaits- its either in my hand or on the boat deck with my Loomis'.

[fish-fighting-illini]

I'd say for spinning the Pflueger president at $59 and the medalist @ $79 warrant merit. As well as the Shimano Symetre from what I've read. Just bought a Gander mountain guide series reel and IM7 rod  for $39 jury is still out on it but have heard several people say for the money that some Guide series are decent.

The Berkley lighning rods won't win any awards but I've had good luck and you can find them for $20

[RoLo]

You'd be very hard put to beat the price of a Shimano Symetre

in my opinion, it's the best value in the Shimano House.  

Roger

[Long Mike]

To Daniel-My-Brother. After reading your recommendation for the BPS Extreme/Plueger President Combo I spent almost four hours on-line, including E-bay, trying to come up with something better in my price range. To make a long story short, late this afternoon I drove over to BPS and bought that Combo. $99.94 plus tax - I consider that a "reel" bargin.

BUT, though I couldn't sse him, the Bait Monkey was standing on my shoulder, and he doesn't care if I've been naughty or nice, or whether or not I've just spent a large chunk of my hard-earned cash.  He forced me to buy other things. I hate him. It cost me almost $200 to get out of that store.

Mike

[Fatman1267MM]

Some reels no one ever talks about that are a good value are some of the Pinnacle reels.  I have two Vision LP Metal reels.  Paid $69.00 for one and $79.00 for the other and both are great reels.  Also the Daiwa Procasters are a great value.

As far a rods go, I don't think you can go wrong with the All-Star rods.  Second choice would be the Pinnacle Matrix series rods. Both are available under $100.00.

[Daniel My Brother]

To make a long story short, late this afternoon I drove over to BPS and bought that Combo. $99.94 plus tax - I consider that a "reel" bargin.

Mike,

Congrats on the new combo, I hope you like yours as much as I like mine!

Some reels no one ever talks about that are a good value are some of the Pinnacle reels

Fatman,

I picked up a Pinnacle Extant HS Metal reel on closeout from Wally World early in the spring. This is the only Pinnacle I've ever owned, but I've really enjoyed it. Very smooth reel, though I have no idea where to send it for maintenance. Like you said, you don't hear much about Pinnacle.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Congrats on your new combo I have one spinning out fit and the reel is a Pflueger President and it is a great reel!!!!!!!!

OHoh wait til the posse seees this