looking for new rod/reel advice

[KlubbaT]

Hello to everyone. New to the forum. Haven't done any fishing in years but am ready to get back in to it. I need to buy a new reel and rod though. Have read through many pages of this forum to help me make up my mind on what will suit me best. Would like to thank everyone for all their input in their posts.

I mainly fish for large mouth bass (90%). The other 10% would be mainly trout. I fish off shore with live bait (shiners) 80% of the time and use different lures the other 20% (spinnerbaits, rubber worms, spoons etc.). I like spinning set ups and was looking to spend under $200 for a rod and reel.

After reading through many posts I think I have made up my mind. Would like to know what you guys think about this setup.

Pflueger President Spinning Reel 6735x ($59.95)

St. Croix Premier Spinning Graphite Rod PS66MF2 (100.00)

Trilene Sensation 8#

Any input before I go ahead with purchase will be appreciated. Thanks.

[fishstick]

I am sort of a newbie here myself, but I will give you my input (take it or leave it).

It sounds like you have done your homework. I do not see anything wrong with the setup. I primarily use shimano reels with g loomis rods. I have never used Pfluger reels or St. Croix rods, but many people here have with lots of success. Its like anything else, if you buy quality equipment and take care of it, you will not have any problems. I say go ahead and buy it and enjoy.

[Jeff H]

Absolutely!  The MOST important thing is to get what YOU want.  I have a Prez and several different Premier rods.  No problems with them at all.  If possible don't buy over the net, get it in your hands and check it out.

[Jake P]

Absolutely!  The MOST important thing is to get what YOU want.  I have a Prez and several different Premier rods.  No problems with them at all.  If possible don't buy over the net, get it in your hands and check it out.

I agree, before you buy it handle it a little bit and make sure it feels comfortable to you. I am not saying this personally but i have heard more than a few of our members talk about problems with the guide inserts. Im not trying to tell you not to buy the rod im just letting you know. The good thing is if something like that does happen, St Croix Premiers have 5 year warranties i believe.

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unless you have transportation issues , I would not buy a two piece rod. Other then that ,what you decided on will do fine.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

8-)

[Popeye]

Welcome to the BR Forums - the BEST bass fishing site on the Net, IMO.

For $200 you could get a Pfluegher SUPREME spinning reel and a Diawa Light & Tough rod and the line of your choice. The President and your St. Croix is another fine combo too, IMO. I have the Supreme, President, and Trion Pfluegher reels and the Supreme is just what it's name implies. However, the President doesn't lag behind it much at all in smoothness and castability.

[KlubbaT]

Thanks all for the input.  The rod is what I'm having the hardest time making my mind up over. Compared to the cheaper rods I've used in the past, everything in the $100 price range felt light and good in my hands.  I am leaning towards the St. Croix  Premier because it is a 2 piece rod.  Transportation issues would be the reason.  I did read about the problem with guide inserts but heard their customer service was top notch.  If anyone knows of a better 2 pc 6'6" mf for $120 or less, please let me know.  May you all be blessed with many fish :!

[KlubbaT]

Thank you for the welcomes.  This looks like it is a great bass forum.

[islandbass]

Thanks all for the input. The rod is what I'm having the hardest time making my mind up over. Compared to the cheaper rods I've used in the past, everything in the $100 price range felt light and good in my hands. I am leaning towards the St. Croix Premier because it is a 2 piece rod. Transportation issues would be the reason. I did read about the problem with guide inserts but heard their customer service was top notch. If anyone knows of a better 2 pc 6'6" mf for $120 or less, please let me know. May you all be blessed with many fish :!

Take a look at Shimano's Compre line. I have a 2-piece MH 6'6" rod and it is two piece out of necessity. It is a great all around rod rated for 8-17 # line and 3/16-7/8 I think. There are also two piece medium rods in this line up.  And to your liking, they are only $89.  I was lucky to gind mine for $54 but even at $89, they are well worth the price. The guides are quality for sure and they are back by shimano's lifetime warranty.

They are also very sensitive rods too.  Just another option for you.

[KlubbaT]

Thanks Island.  I will check that rod out.  I am also now thinking about getting the Supreme instead of President reel.  Been seeing them on ebay selling for about $80  Worth the extra $???

[islandbass]

If you're going to spend $80 on a reel, I can't say anything about the Pfluegers, but that is right up the alley for a symetre 2500. This is what I use with my compre. Solid combo for sure. Good luck on your final decision.

[rfrazier]

Personally I would buy a rod off the flea market section here. I have had nothing but great experiences buying used rods on this forum and another. You can get much better rods buying them used, and I have yet to get a rod that wasn't as advertised. The pflueger president is a great reel, I would also recommend the shimano symetre for a little more. Have not fished the supreme yet.

[BirdNestBen]

I have the 6740 President and love it... and it holds up to 10 lb. test... might be better to go with this for bass fishing....

[FD.]

I have several pfluger spinning reels and have had good service out of all of them.

Welcome to the forum!

[KlubbaT]

Update:  Started looking on ebay to find a good deal on a rod and reel.  I am now an owner of a Fenwick HMG GS66M-2 rod.  Got it new for $76.85 w/shipping and handling ;D.  So now I'm trying to get a Pflueger Supreme new for around $80.  So please, nobody bid on Pfleuger Supreme 8035MGs this week !