500 to spend on new rod/reel

[FIJI]

I've been reading the boards from sometime (great stuff btw), but just finally registered. Anyway, I have about 500 to spend on a new rod/reel. I mostly catch smallies, but would like a versatile rod that I can use for larger fish as well. Lately I've mostly been using fat ikas, but I want to be able to use various types of lures/bait.  As far as the reel goes...i'm looking for spinning that is dependible! Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Bass Hammer]

Welcome to the boards

You will not have any problems finding something for $500.

[mdntridr]

d**n man for that kinda bread I'd get 3 BPS Pro Qualifier combos and then head down to Walmart and blow the remainder on plastics and a few Rapala DTs

[FIJI]

Thanks Bass Hammer

[Lucky Craft Man]

If I had $500 to spend, it wouldn't be on a spinning set-up, but if I were to sepnd it on a spinning set-up, I guess I would get a G Loomis IMX SJR843S ($245.00) and a Shimano Sustain 2500FD ($199.99).  That would leave you with close to $30 (after taxes) to spend on some line and soft plastics.

[FishTank]

G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale).  the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.

[Raul]

Excellent picks gentlemen ( LC and FT ) !, even though for what you are describing you want the set up for I prefer FT 's set-up, for stuff where you want the most sensitivity you can get I 'd better have a GLX on my side.

[Alpster]

G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale).  the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.

This the way I would go also. I might want an SJR843 GLX (7 footer) but I like longer rods for plastics and deep water.

Ronnie

[FIJI]

Thanks for the replies guys! Lucky craft, I'm not opposed to getting a baitcaster...it's just that I've never used one. I've always used spinning reels since I was about 3 years old. I'm curious to know why you wouldn't recommend a spinning setup, though. I'm always looking to gain more knowledge so please share your opinion!

Also, I have a shimano symetre 2500 so maybe I should just stick with that and use the money to try a baitcaster?  Suggestions?

[Alpster]

Hey Fiji,

The Shimano Sustain LC suggested is a spinning reel and a great one. I have the JDM version (Twin Power) and it's an awesome reel. Hope this helps.

Ronnie

[32251]

I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel.   I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket,  not me. Whatever floats your boat.

[Bass Hammer]

I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!?

Fish one and you'll see.

[FIJI]

I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket, not me. Whatever floats your boat.

well i don't splurge on many things in life at all.  to some people spending 500 isn't that much, to others it's too much.  but my philosophy is that you can't put a price on doing something that you love doing, something that gives you hours of pleasure, hours of stress relief (even if the fish aren't biting that day!)  sure i could get a cheaper rod and reel that will catch fish, but that's like telling someone who owns a ferrari that they could have bought a honda civic and traveled from point A to point B just the same.

[FIJI]

still waiting on a roadwarrior reply!!

[grimlin]

I once told myself i wouldn't spend an insane amount of money on fishing gear....that was before those 5 baitcasters,3 rods and countless lures and plastics i have now....jesus i was only fooling myself.

But you know what,i enjoy it and love what i have and still be able to enjoy fishing..that's all that matters.  

If someone has some money they want to spend on something they really want,i say go for it.

[Bass Hammer]

There is another thought that I don't think has been mentioned.

All of my gear is high end. Some of it is old.

All of it still works as good today as when I bought it.

[roadwarrior]

G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale). the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.

This the way I would go also. I might want an SJR843 GLX (7 footer) but I like longer rods for plastics and deep water.

Ronnie

I'm on board with Fish Tank, Raul and Alpster, but rather than saving some money on the reels being phased out, I would go with one of the new models Shimano is introducing. I suspect the reels are SIGNIFICANT upgrades.

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302053095&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1188648471037

[flechero]

I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket, not me. Whatever floats your boat.

If a $31 combo fits your needs, awesome, I'm glad for you...

I've caught bass on a cane pole. There is really nothing but sarcastic comparisons to make here. I am almost at a loss for words thinking if this is serious or a joke. I guess I'll assume it's serious...

To some people a fishing rod & reel is just that- a fishing rod & reel and anything that works is enough.

to some they are toys

to some they are tools

to some they are instruments

to some they are fine art

to some they are heirlooms.

each of those lines is a different price point.

I have a Mossberg 500A shotgun that I paid $170 for- it is a tool

I also have a Browning O/U that I paid over $1200 for- it is an heirloom that I will pass down some day.

The 500A kills dove, quail, pheasant and clays just as dead- does that mean the Browning was big giant waste of money? I would say no... but I'm thinking you might say yes.

It's a matter of perspective. (and maybe disposable income) Let's not judge each other.

[boatlesswonder]

I would keep the symetre and get a SJR843 GLX, and spend the rest on tackle.

[Guest avid]

If I had $500 to spend, it wouldn't be on a spinning set-up, but if I were to sepnd it on a spinning set-up, I guess I would get a G Loomis IMX SJR843S ($245.00) and a Shimano Sustain 2500FD ($199.99).  That would leave you with close to $30 (after taxes) to spend on some line and soft plastics.

the more I think about it.  And I spent about 20 minutes looking around IT"S FUN!!!!

but I think LC's set up is ideal.  If you want a reel a more recently designed reel. than the daiwa sol is very worthy.

But The IMX is a fabulous rod.  If you were a highly experieced fisherman looking for a sepicalized rod, I would be first in line saying get the Glx.  But I think that most will agree for a "general all purpose kind of rod" the IMX is more quality than most people would require.   The extra $100 for the GLX is alot of investment for a small return on weight an sensativity.   The sustain is a beautiful reel, but I too shy away from products that are being phased out due to impending upgrade.   so that's where the daiwa sol comes in.  Has been around less than 2 years, excellent reviews and won't be seeing an upgrade for a number of years yet.

but the IMX/sustain combo would be an outstanding choice.  

Man, can I have your problem ????????

[ABC123]

I've been reading the boards from sometime (great stuff btw), but just finally registered. Anyway, I have about 500 to spend on a new rod/reel. I mostly catch smallies, but would like a versatile rod that I can use for larger fish as well. Lately I've mostly been using fat ikas, but I want to be able to use various types of lures/bait. As far as the reel goes...i'm looking for spinning that is dependible! Thanks in advance for any advice!

Pflueger Supreme reel (89.99), Loomis GLX 783 rod (301.50), Stren original blue mono 8lb(7.00), 3 bags of senko's, (18.00),  package of worm hooks (3.00), 6pack of Killians Irish red (7.00), Ice (2.00), cooler (12.00), a few plugs/cranks to throw too (24.00), plus cost to have it all shipped to you (30.00).

Cost of buying fishing equipment....$494.49.

A day spent fishing....priceless.

Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off. Wal mart will sell you a reel with graphite parts for $15. The pflueger is aluminum and magnesium (the same material they made Lawn boy mower decks out of). PLUS, you can't get any more up to date than a reel that came out in March of this year.

[FIJI]

well it sounds like the glx is the way to go.  thanks for all the responses everyone!

[roadwarrior]

Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off.

I was trying to track with you until you got here. What's up with this comment?

[Jeff H]

;D  be careful RW, he might be fishing

My guess is he likes his Pfluegers??

[ABC123]

Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off.

I was trying to track with you until you got here. What's up with this comment?

I was, in a way, "phishing", looking for someone to defend the Shimano line, not just recommend them. I own, have owned, most all of the "big brands", including a few Shimano's. I even owned a new Stradic this spring...for a week. It took me that long to get back to the store and return it. Yeah Shimano has lot's of bells and gadgets on thier reels, but I just don't see the substance inside of them. Charging $200+ for a Sustain reel with a graphite side plate and rotor, IMO, is questionable.