IN SEARCH OF VALUE AND NOT NAMES

[Guest muddy]

Hey Fellas ; How about a thread of stuff YOU HAVE ACTUALLY FISHED WITH, sucessfully and with satifaction for the fellas who don't want to , or can't spend a lot of money on Rods and reels

Let's say : Combos at or less than 120 bucks

Reels less than 75 bucks

Rods less than 75 buucks

Please lets not start a Branding war, or opinions that this can be done. Just a list of gear, that fits this criteria and people have used sucessfuly!

My entries

Combos: BPS Extreme Baitcasters

and The Pflueger Trion and President spinning Combos

Rods; Fenwick Eagle GT,Cabelas Gold Lable spinning rods and when on sale Cabelas Fish Eagle II, Pflueger High Modulus rods, and the Rapala Sportsman series of rods

Reels: Cabelas Tournament ZX, Right now on Sale the Bass Pro Pro Qualifiers and David Fritts Cranking Reels for BC

Spinning; Pflueger President and Trions

[grimlin]

My bps extreme combo got me pass all my troubles of learning to use a baitcaster.I got a cabela's spinning reel i use quite often along with a BC from cabela's ZX HS 7:0:1 version.

Also very happy with the abu garcia C3 round reel which i picked up for $35.

[islandbass]

That's a great idea, Muddy, but I didn't realize that people gave recommendations on the gear they have used.  ;D

I'll just state gear for that price point.

For reels, I can only list spinning reels. None of my bc reels was cheaper than the $75 price point.

I did buy a Pflueger Trion (casting) for $79.00  - Decent reel whose castibility is just about on par with the Curado BSF. It only starts to suffer one needs to fine tune the reel to cast lures that weigh less than 1/4 oz as where a Curado BSF seems to me to have a greater margin of tolerance.  With said, the Trion has landed all of my Chum salmon, who are brutish fighters.  If it can handle big chum salmon, it will make short work of any bass.

Shimano Symetre - also for $79.  Get the reel and be done with it. The reel is sweet from the first crank. However, my biggest rave about it is that starting at this class in the Shimano line up, you can actually add line to the spool directly as you would a baitcaster. That alone is worth the price.

Rapala Spinning Sx6i (Size 20) $55 MSRP - I got mine for only $35 and I know they can now be had on Ebay for about that price. This is one of my favorite reels and it it the reel I drop shot with.  Smooth drag and great performance that one doesn't see in a reel this inexpensive. Tackle Tour reviewed this exact reel.  For bass fishing finesse techniques, this is the ticket, and take it from someone who loves Shimano gear.

Abu Garcia Cardinal 101a $30 - This is a small reel, but I use it for ultralight fishing. The reel weighs a smokin' 6.95 oz.  and being that spinning reels are inherently heavy, that is quite impressive. With it and my ul rod, I have easily subdued bass just under 4 lbs on 6# line. Hmmm lb and # having the same meaning.  :

Rods:

Shimano Clarus (casting) $59 - The entire line up covers just about every facet of a bass fishing application. For that price, the angler gets a decent rod with superb components whose guides will not falter with braid.  Sensitivity is sufficient even for soft plastics and I have the 2 piece medium action rod.

Lamiglas Competitor Rod (casting) CC664 $64 - Unfortunately for you folks out there, many of you don't know or are not aware of the great rods that Lamiglas makes even in their low end (they aren't really low end) rods.  The model I have, the CC664 has these specs:

length: 6'6"

line - 8-20 lb

lure weight - 3/8 - 1 oz

Action - Medium

Let me ask you... What rod out there from anyone else has such a wide range of line and lure specs? Not many. Maybe a Daiwa or two. This rod makes for an excellent all arounder.  It is still one of my favorite rods. It easily handles single hook and treble hook lures and has a backbone under which a 6.5 bass has no chance of making its way back under the dock nor head toward the wooden pilings. Heck, my rod wasn't even at 45 deg.  Now that is power. Despite its weight range, it does not have a problem casting 1/4 oz lures.

Daiwa Strike Force (casting) $12.99 - Well this is actually my daughter's rod, but I fiddled with it and was taken by surprise by this medium action rod.  It is very good for crankbaits and topwaters with trebles.  It is either 5'6 or 6' but it casts almost as far as my 6'6" rods. And yes, my little girl knows how to handle a baitcast reel.

Berkley Cherrywood Rod (spinning) $17 - I have the 7' two piece version and the first time out with it, I caught a bass.  This is a good, decent rod, especially for its price.  With regard to sensitivity, it is sufficient to drop shot with. Now how is that for a sub $20 rod! Awesome if you ask me.

Rapala Sportsman Classic (spinning) $15 -  I got it on sale and sadly it was the first time I was ever disappointed with a Rapala product.  Its sensitivity stinks to high water. I can hardly feel the vibration of a crankbait with it.  On the bright side, it has a fair backbone. I have drop shotted with it successfully.  However, to maximize sensitivity, use some braid. The adage, "You get what you pay for," is confirmed in this rod.  I won't get rid of it. It is the perfect rod for the visiting, clumsy family relative you want to outfish.

There are two rods I have that are more expensive than $75 but I was lucky to score them for less:

Shimano Crucial MH610 $59 - Don't need to say much. To say it isn't a fair fight is an understatement. To get a $129 rod for $59 still blows my mind.  It was a demo model, but I have the lifetime warranty with it as with my other Shimano rods.

Shimano Compre 6'6" MH 2 piece - $54.95 for an $89 rod? I was on it like the green hornet.

So there are great values out there. You just have to find them.

-ib

[cart7t]

Revo S.

Daiwa Advantage 150P

Both of these can be found like new on ebay for good prices. On average, $65 - 80 for a slightly used Revo S and $50 - 65 for a Daiwa Advantage slightly used. Good value.

The BPS pro qualifiers that have been out the past 2-3 years. Model PQ 10. 7 bearing. Really nice, smooth reel that lasts. $35 - 65 depending on condition.

As already stated. The Extremes. Great reels for the money. Catch them on sale new for $60.

Slightly older Rick Clunn RCX-1000 reels. 8 bearing. nice. Used and in good condition for $38 - 50.

Shimano Cruxis. This one is a real sleeper. You can get these for around $70-75 on ebay in like new condition. Nice reel.

Pflueger Presidents. Check the forums and Ebay. I've regularly seen these reels go for around $75 - 80 in very good condition. I don't care for the overall profile of the reel, too tall for me but if it weren't for my messed up hands I would probably be using Presidents right now.

Old Curado's. Still going strong. On average $75 - 100 depending on condition.

Garcia 4000 or 5000 series reels. You can get into one of these in nearly new condition for around $35-40.

Rods.

Lightning rods are still a great option.

Bionic Blades. Watch for the sales.

Extreme rods. Another great one. Watch for sales.

The SC Avids if you can find the sales.

AS American Classics. Same as the old classics, different color. You can pick them up on Ebay for around $40 - 50 each new.

Shimano Clarus. These are always popping up on the forums. Nice rods. $45-55.

Fenwick HMG's. Another that pop up. Good rod. $50 on average used.

Team All Stars, sometimes go for around $50-70 on the forums.

BPS crankin sticks. Great rod.  Wait for sales.

[ABC123]

BPS Bionics Plus baitcasting reel. It's a good reel for $50, but don't think your getting a reel that compares to the big boy's.

Berkley Lightning rods. Best sub $100 (MSRP) rods on the market IMO.

Zebco platinum series spincast reels. If properly maintained and kept lubed, they are very nice reels.

Pflueger President spinning reels. Pretty good reel.

[.dsaavedra.]

ive got a Daiwa Procaster 6+1 (casting reel) and its pretty good. not the best of things, but its not bad for the price. a prime example of you get what you pay for.

berkley lightnin rods (casting or spinning) are good for under 100. my dad and i work jigs and plastics on oursno prob. ugly stik...not so much.

okuma stratus ST-30(spinning reel) i got it for 40 bucks at dicks. it was my first and only bass sized spinning reel. its not bad at all. pretty darn smooth. dont remember how many bearings. this isnt a well known reel...i googled it and came up with nothing. its' never given me any trouble, except for the time i dropped it on cement adn it landed on the bail, so it wouldnt open right and the handle hit the bail. i bent it back in shape and now the reel works just as good as before the fall.

AbuGarcia Cardinal 500 on berkley lightning rod (spinning combo) this is what my dad got for about 60 dollars at dicks. seperate they are great products and just as great when combined! good value for the price. never let him down....except when he casts, the two piece for frequently seperates, sending the top half flying into the water...maybe its just a bad rod, or maybe all of them are like that.

pflueger trion GX combo (UL spinning) got the rod and reel for 40 or 50 at dicks. hasnt let me down yet. the same thing happened to the reel that happened to my other spinnign reel. bent it back and its just as good now.

[Guest muddy]

Good Stuff Keep it comin fellas. A lot of people ask for equipment like this, many are told they need to go higher, this is a good reference from members who have actually used this stuff sucessfully! 8-)

[dodgeguy]

bps rick clunn reel on sale now at bps.i have 2 i love.imho the magnetic/centrifugal hybrid brake is the best out there.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90572_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90575_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

[luckyinkentucky]

I will list my favorites in order per the criteria given.

1)  BPS Pro Qualifier spinning combo with 6'6" Medium to Medium Heavy rod  and Pro Qualifier PQ4000B reel .... $120

I love this outfit, and it's what I started seriously fishing on for a spinning combo.  You can't beat the Pro Qualifier rods, in my book, for the money, and the reels can handle anything you throw at them.  Of course the 'Mag Spool' technology helps with line twist, and the combo is a steal at $120 for the rod alone.  You get the reel for *FREE* with the combo.  Durable, diverse, and they last for years with care and maintenance.

I mainly use this outfit for spinnerbaits and buzz baits.  

2)  BPS Extreme Baitcaster w/ High Speed retrieve on a 6'6"MH Extreme rod.  ..... $99 on sale

This reel is extremely versatile, and you really get a lot of 'Bang for the Buck'.  Casts are long, and retrieves are fast and smooth.  The gears really showed me a lot of how they were made when I was fighting Stripers back in August.  I pulled in several big fish, and the reel cut through them like butter.  No problems at all with reeling.  The rod is rated at 'Good' simply for durability and weight.  They aren't the most sensitive rods in the bunch, but for the combo price you can't beat them.

3)   Abu Garcia Spinning reel on a 7" BPS Graphite Series spinning rod .... $50

Since I'm mostly big on Baitcasters I don't want to have to spend too much on a spinning combo that I will use for 1/4 lures or less.  The Abu Garcia Cardinal 104 is only around $30 at most Wal-Mart locations, and the rods for $20 at BPS are a good 'Entry Level' buy, or for someone who doesn't want High Dollar spinning combos.   The rod has been put through some abuse with getting light plastics pulled out of brush piles, and accidentally getting stepped on a time or two in the boat .... Oops.    I could bend the rod in almost a complete question mark, and it would still hold true while still being able to feel the bites fairly well.  The reel is very smooth, and has been put through several rain storms without any problems with the retrieve.  Most other spinning combos I have owned, including the BPS Pro Qualifiers, all had some squealing in the spool after a few heavy rains, but not the Abu Garcia Cardinal.  

There is a summary of the rods I've used most recently.  I've tried to put something in there for every price range, and even though I have quite a few more setups these were my 'Go to' setups for the price indicated  this past summer.  Hope I helped.  

[.ghoti.]

Good idea, Muddy!! I'm all about a bargain.

My entries;

Shimano Symetre; at 80 bucks, the best value in the Shimano family. But better yet, for ten bucks more, the Quantum Catalyst PT spinning reel, is the best value in that family.

BPS Rick Clunn 7' medium Worm/Dropshot model casting rod. On sale for twenty bucks off several times every year. I got one, when it was on sale, to try dropshotting, and discovered that drop shot fishing is just about as much fun as washing the car. And the tip of this rod is just too soft to be very good for worming, in my opinion. But, it's my favorite crankbait rod. Got it matched up with a Daiwa Millionaire, that I got on sale for 70 bucks. That's 130 for the combo; a little over the target, but I can, and do, through everything from a #5 Shad Rap up to a DD22 with this combo.

BPS Pro Finesse baitcast rod, 6'9" ML. Picked up one last year on sale for 80 bucks. Very nice rod for the money. I'd say it's worth the 100 dollar normal price, so when it's on sale it's a great value.

I could list some others, but they're already mentioned.

Cheers,

GK

[luckyinkentucky]

Sorry ... didn't read the criteria.     Marked off the Johnny Morris Elite combo, and added the Pro Qualifier.  

[Daniel My Brother]

Most of my gear is relatively low budget, here are the 2 that I like the most:

1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel-$70 : I can't say enough good things about this reel.

2. All Star Classic Rod - $39 : I'd be happy with a lineup of nothing but these.

Excellent thread. I hope everyone contributes something.

[tyrius.]

I just bought a Citica/Extreme combo from BPS for $140.  Just a bit higher than your combo criteria, but a $120 reel and a $100 rod for $140 is a good deal in my book.  Haven't fished it yet, but just holding it I can tell it will be better than what I have because anything is better than nothing!   8-)

I also bought the BPS Crankin Stick when it was on sale for $30.  That one replaced an ugly stick and it is VASTLY superior to that!  You can definately feel the cbaits coming through the water with this rod.

[RoLo]

SPINNING ROD

BPS BIONIC BLADE BNC60MS <> Medium Power <> IM-8 (45mil modulus) $55 (on sale)

Length: 6-ft (1-Pce) <> Line Wgt: 4 to 12 lb <> Lure Wgt: 1/8 to 1/2 oz

SPINNING REEL

SHIMANO SYMETRE FRONT-DRAG SY2500FI $79.99 (don't know if it goes on sale)

Line: 6 to 10 lb <> Wgt: 9.5 oz <> Max Drag: 15 lb <> Bearings: 4-BB / 1-RB <> Retrieve/Rotation: 31

Muddy, this spinning outfit is the closest thing to stealing that I know

Roger

[Guest muddy]

Thanks Rolo Everyone is staying cloise good enough for me

[michbass]

Great post Muddy.. A lot of great replies also.

As far as spinning symetre, Very smooth and a reel that will last forever. At the right times at BPS can be combo'd with a Extreme Rod for 130.

Also like my old Clarus rod for the money.

Never tried a caster in this range though, looking forward to reading more though.

[FishTank]

Spinning Reels: Shimano Sahara or a Flooger President  

Casting Reels: Don't know on this one.  I have found some good deals (Shimano Curado BSF $40 new and a Shimano Calcutta 251 $35 new) but everything I have tried at that price range has had some issues (some of it user error and the rest was a quality problem).  

Rods: BPS Extreme, Bionic Blade, or the Falcon original series

Sometimes it is better to wait for a sale.  You don't always have to pay top dollar for your equipment if you keep your eyes open.

[TrickyVT1887]

Probably my most successful value combo is a Shimano Curado B5 5:1 gear ratio on a Guide Series Advantage Crankbait rod. Wears you out after using it because of the rods weight but caught tons of fish on it. I also have a B5 Curado on a cheap 6ft Shakespeare rod for my spinnerbait rod I LOVE IT it catches tons of fish and the rod was given to me so its my cheapest baitcast combo. Spinning is a Symetre paired with a GL2 Loomis, a little more expensive but better priced than a stradic on a GLX  :-/.

[Red]

for me my abu garcia 5501 C3's($75) have been great...and the berkley bionix($50) rods are very good for the money too, as well as the cherrywoods($20)

[Long Mike]

OH, HOW I WANTED A TRION BAIT CASTER, but couldn't put together a combo within my budget.  I'm an avid Pflueger fan and would put their Trion and President spinning reels on the top ledge for quality.  I am also a big fan of the BPS Extreme spinning rods.

Well, BPS put together an Extreme Bait Casting Reel /Extreme Rod combo for sale at about $100.  Today I went out and bought it.  I have been a spinning reel guy for more years than I want to admit, but today i bought my first bait caster.  I did a lot of research on the BPS Extreme reel and it got high marks right up there with the Trion.  I have yet to throw the first lure into the water.  Are there any anti-backlash mantras that I could chant tomorrow?

[Tpayneful]

These two reels work well for me:

BPS Rick Clunn Baitcast reel cost $59.99 right after Christmas on sale.

BPS Extreme Baitcast reel cost $47.99 right after Christmas on sale.  

Both reels perform almost identically.  The only two differences are the color and the spool size.  The spool diameter is smaller on the Rick Clunn which holds more line, which doesn't make a difference at all.  So I only like the Rick Clunn better because I like the blue reel better than a green colored reel!

I hope Santa believes that I have been a good boy this year and will bring me a Johnny Morris reel on a Pro Qualifier Rod

[Guest muddy]

Yea Mike: IT Goes Like This

*&!@$!3890!@^34!_#$!34!()$!_)!-   (*$@(*$(*4@!(_$@)_!=0

Hey Make sure you read BAITCASTING 101 on reelmech's site, how to set up a baitcasting reel: IT"S ESSENTIAL AND HELPED ME OUT GREATLY!!!!!!!

[Jimzee]

I have 5 Fenwick Venture rods that I use when floating for smallmouth.  They weigh 3 oz. and are tough as hell.  I get them for $30.00 off eBay.  I think these rods are a GREAT value.  Specs for the ones I use are 6'6" M Spinning.  They have an extra fast tip much like the Avid blank.

I also have 5 Shimano Spirex to go on these rods.  I had to pay retail for all these, $59.99.   These reels are very tough as well and have lasted longer than I figured.  I use the 2500 size.  The only bad thing, they are a little on the heavy side and don't have infinite anti-reverse, but they take a beating on the river.

[aggiebassin]

shimano sedona spinning reel.  ~$50

have had mine for about 4 years now and it is still going strong.  

very smooth and has a good drag

[Olebiker]

I have 2 Daiwa Procaster 6+1 reels that I love.

Shimano Carbomax rods have been referred to by some on BR as "cheap" rods, but I think they are the best thing out there for $50-60.