Getting a new rod and reel combo (suggestions)

[David P]

Hey guys, I can't find an old thread, and have put off getting a new combo. Now with some extra knowledge that I've gained by researching just a bit, I have a few possibilities but open to even more.. I currently have a 6"6 tourny series BPS rod ML (although it doesn't feel like it's a ML feels like a M or MH).  I have a Shimano Sedona reel. So nothing special, just the bare basics so I could fish. Now I'm looking for something a step up and maybe in the opposite direction so I have a rod / reel good for certain things, and another combo good for something else...

 I fish mostly SuperFlukes, frogs,  and wacky rigged senkos.. Although I occasional fish Cranks and Spinner baits.. I figure I can use the current setup for spinnerbaits and cranks and my new combo for plastics..

Is there any rod/reel that sticks out in your mind that's great for Super flukes, Frogs, and all plastic worms (wacky and trigged) ?

I'd love a setup that's great for all that.. I've looked at the Stradic / Extreme BPS combo for $139.99, also the Extreme rod with the Pflueger President reel for $120 (I think tha'ts the price), and I've also been reading good things about the symetre rod..

 I'd like to get a combo for $100, but would go up to $150 if it was REALLY REALLY worth it, and a noticeable difference in the extra.

[Chris at Tech]

The Stradic/Extreme combo is the best bet, if you're looking to stay with spinning.  Although, in my opinion...and I don't proclaim to know everything, I'm not sure a spinning rod will have enough backbone for fishing frogs in the slop.

I recommend the 7'MH Extreme paired with a 2500 Stradic.  One spool with 20lb Suffix braid, and one with 8lb mono/copoly.

If $100 is your final price point, check out the Sahara/Bionic Blade combo.

[David P]

I'm leaning towards the Stradic, do you guys think the Stradic / Extreme 7" MH would be good for ShakeyHead / DropShotting / Super Flukes / Wacky Rigged senkos?

I was also looking at the  Quantum® Kevin VanDam Signature Series Spinning Rod and Reel.  That's $130

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74421_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Pflueger / extreme:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59170_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Stradic Combo (If you say this is the one I should get, plz tell me which Item Number it's so confused   )

Daiwa Setup:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90139_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Last but not least, what is this "Mag Spool Technology" with the wider spools, are those good?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90689_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

That's the Extreme rod pretty much with  a free reel..

[David P]

Anyone else out there have any of the combos I listed up above? I'm looking to order one asap, but really want to hear from people on here about them..

[David P]

Still desperately need advice. Would like to order today  

[30_pound_bass]

What about a baitcasting combo?

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Pflueger President (6735) 60 bucks

Either the BPS extreme or Fenwick Eagle (65 for the BPS the Fenwicks are 60 bucks)

Thats the way I would go

[David P]

Pflueger President (6735) 60 bucks

Either the BPS extreme or Fenwick Eagle (65 for the BPS the Fenwicks are 60 bucks)

Thats the way I would go

They have the President with the Extreme rod Combo for sale for $119.99.

The Stradic + Extreme is $139.99.

Is the President better? The Stradic you save more, but not sure if it's better..

As for baitcaster, I'm not good with baitcasters, and have one decent Shimano setup that I am going to be practicing with to see if I like it more. But for now, I want a spinning combo.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Both Shimano and pflueger make great products. It is just that i have used the Pfluegers a lot and just this year got a Shimano. I just prefer the feel and the drag on the President Just a matter of opinion

[HomersTomaco]

that extra $20 to get the stadic combo is WELL worth it, especially if your going to be fishing in heavy cover with braid and will probably get hung up.  The president is made of graphite.

[David P]

Stradic ST2500FH or ST1000FH considering the fishing I do ?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90837_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

That is also another combo I came across, would that be better considering the techniques I fish? I'm really looking for good sensitivity for light weight jigs, shakey head, and wacky senkos and such..

[Chris at Tech]

I own the Stradic/Extreme 7'MH combo and I use it for flukes, senkos, Fat Ikas, and weightless trickworms, and I like it a lot for those things.

For light shaky heading and drop shotting, like 1/8 oz, I think your current ML rod would be a better bet, but this one will work...and it'll work even better with 1/4 oz shakey heads.  But for senkos and flukes, I think it's a great choice.  It'll also be a decent choice for lighter spinnerbaits (I wouldn't go above 3/8 oz on a spinning reel, personally).

As for the reel size, get the 2500.  One spool with 8 lb mono and the other with 20 lb braid.

I really think this is a very versatile rod combo.  You'll love it

[David P]

I own the Stradic/Extreme 7'MH combo and I use it for flukes, senkos, Fat Ikas, and weightless trickworms, and I like it a lot for those things.

For light shaky heading and drop shotting, like 1/8 oz, I think your current ML rod would be a better bet, but this one will work...and it'll work even better with 1/4 oz shakey heads.  But for senkos and flukes, I think it's a great choice.  It'll also be a decent choice for lighter spinnerbaits (I wouldn't go above 3/8 oz on a spinning reel, personally).

As for the reel size, get the 2500.  One spool with 8 lb mono and the other with 20 lb braid.

I really think this is a very versatile rod combo.  You'll love it

THANK YOU!

The only thing I'm still a bit worried about is the sensitivity of the rod. I have heard a few things about it being too stiff. I really am looking for something that I will be able to feel every little hit, and every little pebble on the ground.. There's the Symetre with a Finesse rod combo that  i just saw for 10 cheaper, but I want the Stradic so I guess I'll have to suck it up..

Thanks again, any other suggestions or comments would be great as I won't be ordering till tomorrow morning.

[RoLo]

Well of course I can't tell you what YOU would like, but if I were in the market for a middle-of-the-road outfit

for pitching super flukes, frogs and W-rigged stick worms, this is what I'd purchase:

ROD

Team Daiwa Light & Tough Spinning Rod TL-601-4FS

6-ft One-piece IM-6 Graphite Medium Heavy 10 to 17-lb Line 1/8 to 1 oz Lure

REEL

Shimano Symetre 2500 Front-Drag

9.5 oz <> Bearings: 4 + 1 BB

Spooled with PowerPro Braid

Roger

[David P]

Well of course I can't tell you what YOU would like, but if I were in the market for a middle-of-the-road outfit

for pitching super flukes, frogs and W-rigged stick worms, this is what I'd purchase:

ROD

Team Daiwa Light & Tough Spinning Rod TL-601-4FS  

6-ft One-piece IM-6 Graphite Medium Heavy 10 to 17-lb Line 1/8 to 1 oz Lure

REEL

Shimano Symetre 750 Front-Drag

6.9 oz <> Bearings: 4 + 1 BB  

Spooled with PowerPro Braid

Roger

I was looking at that rod, and absolutely love it, looks GREAT, only problem is the price. I can't pay over $150 all together.

that rod looks awesome. I wish I had  a decent reel and didn't need one, then I could just get that rod!

[Chris at Tech]

Well the bottom line is that you're not likely to find a good reel and an incredibly sensitive rod at that price point.  In my opinion, that makes the Stradic/Extreme combo that much more attractive.

At $140, you get the Stradic and then are only really paying $20 for the rod.  Use the Extreme until you can afford to upgrade to a better rod (for instance, a St Croix Avid 7'MF ).  The Stradic will be a great reel for a long time, so you won't need to worry about upgrading it.