REEL&ROD COMBO HELP

[Bass_Akwards]

I am a shore fisherman mostly, and need a spinning reel and rod combo that is going to make super far casts, with nice smoothness.

I'll be hitting Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic on Friday, what reel(s) are great for long casts? I was told a Shamano Stradic is nice, but I think I was told they don't make them anymore. True?

I've got about $250 bucks to spend on a new rod and spin casting reel (I know it aint much), what should I get? The reel is most important, the rod is easier for me to figure out what I want by feel.

I fish EVERYTHING. Car. Rig, T-Rig, Cranks, Buzzbaits, Jerks, Swims, Ika's, spinners, Jigs, you name it.

Thanks in advance!

[Guest muddy]

Pflueger President/BPS Extreme Rod Combo

Reel: x6735 size

Rod 6'6" or 7' in Med /fast

or if you do not get a matched combo same reel and either a AllStar :team Allstar IM10 or a Fenwick HMX in same lenghts and action: actually thats what I fish with 8-)

8 to 10 lb test mono'

and you will have a lot left over to spend on other goodies

[Pencil Pusher]

It's the rod, not the reel, especially in spinning tackle, that lets you make long, smooth casts. The Stadic is still being made, a new version came out this year.

[CFFF 1.5]

Not sure if you have gander mountain in your area but, certain guide series reels are made by Pflueger. I got one about a year and a half ago and it has been great. It is the exact same reel as the pflueger presidente but without the wood handle knob, and they go for about $40. Might have a hard time finding them though, they are never in stock at the gander mtn by me. The reel clerk says they sell out of them as soon as they get them in.

[Marty]

If long casts interest you, then as far as the reel goes, get one with a relatively large spool diameter compared to the line you'll be using. All other things being equal, a larger diameter spool will cast farther with a given line than a smaller spool.

[smcentee]

I also cast from the shore most of the time. When I think I need to cast about as far I can see, my spinning combo is a Daiwa Tournament SS reel spooled with braid on a 9' Tica rod, probably around $150. The SS has an elongated spool that tapers. In theory, the spool design lets line flow with less resistance, increasing the casting distance. It's a tough reel; not the smoothest reel, but a tough reel (20-30 lb. carp) I'm sure there are much better reels on the market in the $90 range.

The Tica rod - well, don't look for a lot of sensitivity for $60.

[Bass_Akwards]

Thanks guys, good stuff so far.  SMCENTEE mentioned that he loves the Daiwa Tournament SS reel.  

His discription made the reel sound very good for long casts.  He also implied the reel isn't really smooth.  

Have any of you guys fished this reel? Do you love it?  Are there others like it out there that have an elongated spool, that are even smoother or "better?"

[Mr.Twister]

I would like to add anything that has Diawa in its name. I've been using that brand (along with others) for 38 yrs, and They have always proven themselves on shore and on the water.   8-)

[Stasher1]

I picked up a Shimano Symetre 2500 ($80) and a 6'6" Shimano Crucial rod ($130) right after Xmas and absolutely love it. The pair balances well, the reel is super smooth and the rod has excellent sensitivity and a lifetime warranty.

It would also leave you enough money for a spool or two of decent line.

[RiskKid.]

I would comment that a 7' rod would give you longer casts but may limit you on shore if you are dealing with overhanging trees etc...if you are in the open I would go 7'

[Tokyo Tony]

Stradic FI.  It casts farther than the Pflueger Supreme (I tried them both, same size reel, on the same rod, line, lure, place, etc.).  The new Stradic has a special lip on the spool, although I'm not sure if that's why it casts farther.  Definitely 7' rod, preferably fast or extra fast action.  

The rod's definitely way more important than the reel.