nralover Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 Guys, I am starting to become comfortable throwing my baitcaster, and I'd like to get a rod and reel just for crankbaits. Here is the problem- I just got laid off and fancy equipment just isn't as appealing as feeding the children. I'd love to have a Loomis rod and a Cronarch, but it is out of the question. I am on a strict budget, and I need opinions on a viable rod and reel for general duty cranking that won't break the bank. I only have 150.00 or so to spend, and I need to buy from the local shop as there isn't a BPS nearby. Can you fellas point me to a good lefty reel and a rod suitable for this technique? thanks in advance, NRA Quote
Super User skunked_again Posted February 5, 2009 Super User Posted February 5, 2009 IMO: save your money, use the gear you have, make sure you have cash to buy your fishing license. the fish will be there next year. Quote
nralover Posted February 5, 2009 Author Posted February 5, 2009 Well, it isn't a question of cash, as it would be store credit that I already have. I just don't want to deplete the bank account for the equipment. I could maybe add a few bucks to it, but 200.00 would be an absolute ceiling for me.... Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 5, 2009 Super User Posted February 5, 2009 Be patient and keep an eye on our Flea Market. There are always some good deals and occasionally, a great deal! 8-) Quote
Super User retiredbosn Posted February 5, 2009 Super User Posted February 5, 2009 So you already have credit at the store correct? So this isn't coming out of your pocket at all? I have a BPS cranking stick and David fritts reel that I use, actually two, and would be willing to let one go. Is the store you shop at a BPS affiliate? If not for 200 bucks you could get a Clarus rod, m/m and still have 140 bucks or so for the reel of your choice, maybe an Accurist CX, which is a decent reel and will serve your purposes. I think I make bassin on a budget a science, I have an Accurist PT that I paid 65 for new, a Garcia EXT that I got 80 new, both of those reels retail for twice what I paid. My rods, I got my Quantum Tour PT rod for 50 bucks, crankin sticks for 47, so in short I don't think I've paid more than 50% of retail for any of my rods reels, all purchased new. Being confined to using the store at which you have credit may prove more of a challenge but I bet you can get a deal. BTW don't be afraid to ask for a discount, many times you will be suprised. My wife (an accountant) once asked for a discount from Wal-Mart for something she wanted, and the manager gave it. Good Luck Quote
Super User Marty Posted February 6, 2009 Super User Posted February 6, 2009 IMO: save your money, use the gear you have, make sure you have cash to buy your fishing license. the fish will be there next year. I agree. Right after getting laid off doesn't seem to be the best time to look for a technique-specific outfit. Especially so if you already own a few rods and reels. So you already have credit at the store correct? So this isn't coming out of your pocket at all? I understand where you're coming from, but I disagree. That store credit is part of his total financial assets and every dollar that's used on one thing is a dollar less to use on something else, just as if we were talking about his bank account. Quote
Super User retiredbosn Posted February 6, 2009 Super User Posted February 6, 2009 So you already have credit at the store correct? So this isn't coming out of your pocket at all? I understand where you're coming from, but I disagree. That store credit is part of his total financial assets and every dollar that's used on one thing is a dollar less to use on something else, just as if we were talking about his bank account. I took to mean he has store credit from returning items, or gift cards and such. If that is the case that money can not be accessed and is as good as spent. Unless the store is a Department store and not a sporting goods store, might as well get something he will use instead of letting it just sit there. If it is store credit as in like a credit account that will need to be paid off then that is a whole other issue. Quote
Saladmander Posted February 6, 2009 Posted February 6, 2009 So you already have credit at the store correct? So this isn't coming out of your pocket at all? I understand where you're coming from, but I disagree. That store credit is part of his total financial assets and every dollar that's used on one thing is a dollar less to use on something else, just as if we were talking about his bank account. I took to mean he has store credit from returning items, or gift cards and such. If that is the case that money can not be accessed and is as good as spent. Unless the store is a Department store and not a sporting goods store, might as well get something he will use instead of letting it just sit there. If it is store credit as in like a credit account that will need to be paid off then that is a whole other issue. I agree that getting a technique specific rod right now may not be necessary considering your situation. I think what Skunked is saying is that the store credit is like having money in the bank. Yeah, you can't buy food with it, but it will keep you going for some time as far as replacing lost baits, new baits you'd like to try, sunglasses that go in the drink, broken tackle boxes, etc... Enjoy your hobby/habit without feeling guilty about spending money you shouldn't be spending for as long as that money will last ya. Then, when your luck goes the other way, get yourself the cranking setup you'd like to get. I've thought about this a little lately because the possibility of having the rug pulled out from under you is quite a bit higher these days. But, anyway, that's my take on it. If you really want to get that setup, I'll leave it to the tackle experts that want to chime in. Although, it be tough to recommend brand specific stuff without knowing what the store carries for lines. But, as far as the gear, a moderate-mod/fast rod with a slower retrieve speed reel if that's what you're asking. Best of luck. Quote
nralover Posted February 6, 2009 Author Posted February 6, 2009 To clarify- it is store credit from a return to the sporting goods store. So it is "money already spent". I don't have a credit card and I don't want one.... Quote
Super User skunked_again Posted February 6, 2009 Super User Posted February 6, 2009 To clarify- it is store credit from a return to the sporting goods store. So it is "money already spent". I don't have a credit card and I don't want one.... what is the stores selection of rods and reels? IMO on cranking the rod isnt as importain as the reel since the reel will be tested non stop. Quote
SoCalRob Posted February 6, 2009 Posted February 6, 2009 I'm not sure what rods your store stocks...but I would look for a Shimano 7 ft Medium rod...they make a moderate action rod that is good for crankbaits. If you need something more versatile, I would go with the Clarus 7 ft Medium Fast action rod. Either of these rods will set you back about $80. From there, I'd go with an Abu Garcia Revo S for about $100. That would be a great cranking setup on a budget. Robert Quote
nralover Posted February 6, 2009 Author Posted February 6, 2009 As far as rods go- they carry Falcon, Fenwick, Loomis, St Croix, Berkley, Shakepeare, etc. In reels they have Shimano, Abu, Daiwa, Quantum,Pflueger, and Pinnacle. Someone told me that an Ugly Stik Lite makes a decent budget cranking rod. Wally World has them for like 30.00... Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted February 7, 2009 Super User Posted February 7, 2009 Just my opinion, but after 30 years of using 1/2 doz. Ambassadeur reels, I'm convinced it's one of the best value purchases out there. And they won't break the bank. Pair up a 5500-C with a BPS rod, within your budget constraints and you'll have an outfit which cannot be outfished by anyone. Quote
Super User KYntucky Warmouth Posted February 7, 2009 Super User Posted February 7, 2009 My cranking setup is a pretty low budget setup with a BPS Cranking Stick ($39 on sale) and last years Quantum Energy ($89 on eBay) Quote
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