Spinning Rod and Reel Outfits

[Topwater_Popper]

After about two years of serious fishing, I have decided to upgrade from my Rhino spin-cast system.  I have practiced all last

summer on other peoples' spinning reels, and feel relatively confident on them.  I have tried to use a baitcaster, but I think I will wait

a while on  that.  So, after doing some research on Bass Pro website, I have narrowed down my selection to two combos.  The

first is this web address: www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74870&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults  

This is the second link: www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74128&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I would appreciate suggestions on what to get.  Thanks.

[Raul]

Combo 1.- regular reel, junk rod

Combo 2.- so-so rod, junk reel.

Don 't think it too much, get a Sahara/ Bionic Blade combo, yeah you 're going to spend 3 times more, but that combo is going to last you 20 times more and you 'll be 20 times more satisfied.

[Grey Wolf]

Do your self a favor and don't waste your money on those combo's unless you can't afford more.

Bass Pro Shops has a Shimano Sahara / Bionic Blade XPS combo for 99.98 .

[The_Natural]

I'd drop a hundsky minimum.  The Daiwa Excelor is a value-packed reel for $59.99.  It utilizes the hardbodyz frame and digigear technology found on their more expensive reels.  Pair that with a Shimano Clarus for a pretty decent combo for $120.

[fish-fighting-illini]

If you can invest a little more it would be worth it. I've bought a few reels probably better quality than what you have listed and I regretted it. Some only lasted a month some only 1/2 a fishing season. The Sahara's that people are recommending are maybe ok. If you can afford the Shimano Symetre the guys on this site say it is best value reel for the money. I know less about rods but enough to know that the ones I have listed are probably no worse and prob better than the ones in your post.

Here is the symetre coupled with rods the 2500 size reel is prob a good size depending on what you are fishing for.

www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0030874119342a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=symetre&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=symetre&noImage=0

A minor step down from the Symetre would be the Pflueger President

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0037131120705a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=president&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=president&noImage=0

Here's another President choice

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=59170&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Important note: Money is an issue for all of us. Make sure you save your receipt; especially if you decide to buy cheaper that way if your reel craps out you can take it back. I leanrned that lesson the hard way twice!

[fish-fighting-illini]

After looking again I have heard some decent stuff about Diawa procasters but I think it was in baitcaster's. If you go with one of your 2 choices go with the Diawa the Shakepere stuff is junk in my opinion.

If you want to spend more but it is a stretch you can save the only shipping charges ( plus the extra fee for long rods if A) by picking up what you want at Basspro, Cabela's, Gander Mountain or you local sports or tackle places. I've never seen a great buy at the big boys except when they put on a special sale.

[hi_steel_basser]

Man, I hope you can afford better. The tackle you have listed will do great if you plan on throwing bobbers out there a couple of times a year. At the very least, go to a BPS during their spring fishing classic and spend 60-80 bucks on something there. DONT get an ugly stick for bassin. They are fiberglass, and you won't feel many of the bites you get on worms. Heck, if you wanna get serious about bassin', you'd better meet the bait monkey.

[Topwater_Popper]

I have met the bait monkey many times, but, at the moment, my budget shrinks at the thought of him. ;D  I can't afford anything over $70 or $80, so I have to really search.  How about these?  Also, I don't have a Cabelas near me, only a Bass Pro.

www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=83243&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=90836&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

[Big T]

Get the best outfit you can afford. You will be much happier in the long run. If you can wait and live near a BPS, then go to the Spring Classic Sale. You can find some really good deals. Last year I bought the 2005 model of the Quantum Kinetic reel for $40 and a Bps Extreme rod which normally sells for $99 for $59. If you are not with in driving distance from one then you ight want to look at buying the rod and reel seperatly. I belive you can get the Shimano Sahara, which is great reel for the money, for $59. The Shimano Sedonna which I have heard is a decent reel for $49. Then you could get yourself the BPS Tourney Special rod. I believe those are on sell for eihter $29 or $39 dollars. That is around your $70 to $80 dollar budget and you will have much better outfit. Plus if something go wrong with reel it would be easier to have fixed than an store brand.  I just sent a older Sahara reel that the plastic plate had come off the side, back to Shimano and they fixed it, no questions asked. The only thing it cost was the $5 or $6 dollars to ship to the factory.

Hope this helps'

Big T

[fish-fighting-illini]

Buy the reel below for $59.95 at BPS store to save on shipping. I own one and it is nice.

I would buy the 6735 size if you are fishing for bass the 6730 is a litle small

either wait & save up and watch as Berkley lightning rods are usualy $29 but always go on sale for $19 ( might be 39-29 or 49-29) that would meet your price.

Remember if you buy junk, 6mos from now you will spend another $70 end total $140 vs spending $90- $100 now and have a reel that will probably last for years.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=51666&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

[fish-fighting-illini]

I've got one other option for you. I own 2 Quantum SS3 Snapshot spinning reels with line on them. They are probably a little better quality than a Mitchell 300 reel. I've been upgrading lately and will sell you one of the reels for $15 and as long as you don't live in Canada or something I'll throw in the shipping. In my opinion it would cost you about $40 plus tax to buy the same quality reel. You'll end up with a reel for about $8 (after shipping) that I think you would be happy with.

Then you can spend maybe $50 - $60 on a nicer rod from BPS

If you don't like it or if it doesn't last all year just pm me and I'll send your money back and you keep the reel.

If you want it pm me with your mailing address. If you want to see the reel send me your parents e-mail address and I'll send pictures.  If you want it I'll send you my mailing address for you to send the check.

[hi_steel_basser]

Get the best outfit you can afford. You will be much happier in the long run. If you can wait and live near a BPS, then go to the Spring Classic Sale. You can find some really good deals.  

Hope this helps'

Big T

What he said.