Need some Help please

[jloher22]

Ok, so I am pretty new to this whole fishing thing, my buddies just got me into it and I like it a bunch. I live on the west coast of Florida and I think I am mostly going to go fishing in lakes around where I live.

With Christmas coming up, I just wanted some suggestions on what I should purchase as far as a rod and reel. If someone would be so kind as to what kind would be the best for my money, it would be really appreciated. My price range would probably be somewhere between $150-250. Thanks a lot.

(Right now I am using a 20$ Walmart Diawa package and I just do not think it is cutting it, the casting sucks on it and it always puts knots in my line). :-/

[Gatorbassman]

Welcome to the site.

I have a question.

Are you looking for a spinning or a baitcasting setup?

[jloher22]

thanks for the welcome. sorry about the confusion....spinning

for a spinning reel i was thinking along the lines of....

Shimano Sahara

Okuma Epixor

Quantum® Incyte

these are all under 100 dollars....any good?

[Popeye]

Check out the Pflueger President and Supreme reels as well! They are awesome and priced within your range. The Trion is also a great reel, IMO:o)

[Gatorbassman]

I would recommend the Okuma. That's all I use these days. You can match that reel up with any higher priced reel and it will hold its own. Make sure you get the Epixor not the Epix. Two totally different reels. Get it in a size 20.

Check on ebay for them. That's where I get mine. If you need a couple of good sellers let me know.

For a good quality rod you should to find a 6'8" to a 7' Medium Heavy spinning rod to start with. This will cover most your basic techniques to start with.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Shimano is introducing a new Stradic (FI), so the current models (FH) are on sale. For around $80 I would STRONGLY recommend the Stradic 2500FH. On the otherhand, if I were buying a reel at your general pricing point, I would step up to the new Stradic 2500FI which incorporates many of the features found in the Stella:

http://www.***.com/descpageRLSSHIMANO-SSTFI.html

[FishTank]

BPS Extreme 6'6'' M or MH and a Shimano Stradic 2500.  Should cover just about anything.

[Raul]

BPS Extreme 6'6'' M or MH and a Shimano Stradic 2500. Should cover just about anything.

Right on the money, you purchase that combo and get the rod almost for free.

[Chad.]

If you check ebay you can get the new daiwa advantage spinner for 120 and if you can you might find a shimano compre for 80$ or there the daiwa tierra and the stradic from shimano which in my opinion are great.

[Redsyn]

Whatever reel you get, make sure its got anti-rust bearings because I'm sure you would also try out some saltwater fishing living near the coast in florida and all.

[Bassn Blvd]

Welcome aboard!

Shimano is introducing a new Stradic (FI), so the current models (FH) are on sale. For around $80 I would STRONGLY recommend the Stradic 2500FH. On the otherhand, if I were buying a reel at your general pricing point, I would step up to the new Stradic 2500FI which incorporates many of the features found in the Stella:

http://www.***.com/descpageRLSSHIMANO-SSTFI.html

I held the new Stradic the other day while looking for an ultralite.  Man is it SWEET.  I have 2 of the last model that I am now considering swaping out for the new ones.  They redesigned the spool to better handle braid.  Supposedly now when you use braid it will criss cross as it goes onto the spool which I was told is better.  I don't know or care because I don't use braid much.  The reel is very nice though.