$100 range rod and reel combo or separate

[shenandoahriverman]

Hello name is Rob and I'm new to the forum.

I am semi new to fishing (used to fish a lot when i was younger) but I got away from it for some time and now I'm back.

I have been using my father in-laws fishing rod pretty sure its a walmart job.  So its time to get me my own fishing rod.  I have been reading numerous posts on rods and reels and looked at many combos and separates online and in magazines.

I don't have a lot to spend but I would like to get a decent rod that will allow me to continue to enjoy fishing.  My price ragne for both rod and reel is around 100-150max I know its not much but its all I'm working with atm.  I read somewhere online (can't remember where now) that a good gear ratio for a bass fishing reel is 6.2:1 and that you want as many bearing as you can afford so thats kinda what I was looking for (that is of course if that is right).  As for the rods I read that something in the 6" to 7" range was a good size also to have Fast action and M-MH power.  For the line I read to use fluorocarbon.

Now having all that out I guess I should say what type of lures I was planning on using.  I have been using a 4inch senko and some top water lures.  Not sure the weight of the senkos or the top water lures (which I know is a big deal with the rod you choose.)

Ok now that thats out on paper I have been eyeing some different combos in a Cabela's mag. trying to stick to the things I read and stay in my price range but I want to be certain I'm making the right decision cause money don't come easy and I want to try to be as good as I can be with what I got.  Plan on spinning only for the time being.  1st combo is a spinning Spirex FG 2500FG - GR is 6.2:1 6 bearings with a Cabela's Tourney Trail (was looking at the 6'6", Fast, M, 1/4-5/8oz 1 piece rod) price is 89.98.  2nd combo Incyte 30F GR is 5.2:1, 10+1 bearings and the same rod as above price 89.98. 3rd is online at Cabela's same rod as above but the reel is a Sedona 2500 forgot all the info but I think it is 6.2:1 and 3 or 4 bearings price is relatively the same as the other 2.  So which would be better for what I am using.  Or better yet what would be you best choice for price range and what I am going for.

Sorry for the long post just wanted to get everything out there

Thank you,

Rob

[KYntucky Warmouth]

If you have a Bass Pro near or want to order form the site or mag, I would suggest this

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59170_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Its a great starter setup at $130

I would suggest a 6'6''-7' M or MH

[Raul]

I read somewhere online (can't remember where now) that a good gear ratio for a bass fishing reel is 6.2:1

Not really, guys are too focused on the gear ratio when they should focus more on the IPT ( Inches per turn ) which is a much more accurate way of knowing how fast and how much line the reel picks, also, spinning reel have normally a low gear ratio however they are equally and even faster than baitcasters with a higher gear ratio.

and that you want as many bearing

Not realley either, one good bearing in the right place is better than 10 bad bearings all over the reel

As for the rods I read that something in the 6" to 7" range was a good size

True if the surroundings allow you to fish with a longer rod more leverage power and more distance to you.

also to have Fast action and M-MH power

True to a certain point, those two are the ones who allow you to fish in most cover situations with the most baits.

For the line I read to use fluorocarbon

Not true, you choose your line depending upon personal preferences and conditions, it 's not a "rule", lots of guys swear for fluoro, lots of guys swear at fluoro, you have to try to find what you like best.

For that kind of money I would choose a Shimano Sahara 2500 or a Daiwa Exceler 2500 as a reel and a Shimano Clarus rod something like a CSS66MH. ( if you get them from *** you will get free shipping ).

[Chris at Tech]

If you have a Bass Pro near or want to order form the site or mag, I would suggest this

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59170_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Its a great starter setup at $130

I would suggest a 6'6''-7' M or MH

I agree...for this price range, I think the BPS combos are a very good option.

[roadwarrior]

...I think the BPS combos are a very good option.

I agree, but NEVER pay retail! BPS and Cabela's

rotate their "on sale" combos, but they are always

on sale sometime during the year.

Focus on the reel and whatever rod they match with

it as a combination. In your price range, I recommend

a Shimano Symetre spinning reel or if you decide to go

with a baitcasting rig, the Shimano Citica.

8-)

[FishDontLikeMe1301600221]

x4 on bps combo..but wait for a sale...should be some coming up for labor day

[Incheon Basser]

This is my vote ... great combo and only 150

If you have never fished a perfectly matched spinning rod and reel set-up, then you have to get your hands on a Shimano Sahara FD Reel and Bass Pro Shops Extreme XPS Rod Spinning Combo. This smooth, reliable combo delivers the total package, quality components, great handling and the right blend of power and sensitivity at an unbeatable price.

By building in the advanced Propulsion Line Management System, Shimano has upped the performance level of the Sahara FD Reels. This 5-part system greatly reduces friction and line slap, ensuring you enjoy greater casting distance, fewer backlashes, less line twist and smoother retrieves. Meanwhile, the Sahara retains all the great features that have made it such a solid performer: exclusive S Concept technology, lightweight graphite sideplate and rotor, cold forged aluminum spool, Fluidrive®- II, Floating Shaft, Dyna-Balance® system, Super Stopper II instant anti-reverse, Slow Oscillation, powerful machined aluminum handle, and a maintenance port for quick lube touch ups. Equipped with 3 shielded S A-RB® stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing.

The high-performing Bass Pro Shops Extreme XPS Rods are built on lightweight, beautifully turned 60 million modulus Powerwall graphite blanks for serious sensitivity and reinforced with a 3K Carbon Cloth wrap through the entire butt section for an extra dose of fish-fighting power. Plus, every Extreme XPS rod is fitted with quality aluminum oxide guides and our own contoured premium cork handles.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10203888_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

[Hemi6677]

I recently upgraded my baitcasting arsenal this year. There is one tackle shop in my town with inflated prices on most things so I went to Wal-Mart.

I now have two Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasters paired up with Abu Garcia Colonon rods and love them. Each setup ran me right at $100.00 if I remember correctly.

I also bought an Abu Garcia Cardinal spinning reel with an Abu Garica Colonon rod and that thing will cast a stinking country mile!!

99% of my time is pond fishing so these fit the bill for me perfectly. Now if I had a boat and was doing serious fishing like many on here I would probably spring for some higher end stuff.

[catchbig0bass]

I recently upgraded my baitcasting arsenal this year. There is one tackle shop in my town with inflated prices on most things so I went to Wal-Mart.

I now have two Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasters paired up with Abu Garcia Colonon rods and love them. Each setup ran me right at $100.00 if I remember correctly.

I also bought an Abu Garcia Cardinal spinning reel with an Abu Garica Colonon rod and that thing will cast a stinking country mile!!

99% of my time is pond fishing so these fit the bill for me perfectly. Now if I had a boat and was doing serious fishing like many on here I would probably spring for some higher end stuff.

What Cardinal reel did you buy. the 35$ one at wally world?

[Stasher1]

For the money, the Abu Conolon Premier is a decent rod. I spent several hours fishing with the ones I bought for my boys, and came away rather impressed. They're pretty light, have a decent backbone, and sensitivity is comparable to rods 2x their price. I'm not a big fan of the guides Abu used on them, but for the price ($27) I'm willing to give them a chance.

 

[Slip Gun]

X2 on the Citica

I know this is a $25 more then your upper end but this is what I got for my first setup and I am 100% in love with it. I spent weeks researching here and this seems to be a very nice setup that should last me a VERY long time.

If you watch the flea market on the forum you can get this setup with another rod for probably 150 without a huge sweat if you have the patience.

-Oh and this is a bait caster setup not sure if that's what your looking for but they are really awesome when you get used to them.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102965_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

good luck

[acmaul13]

x2 8-) 8-)I have both and luv em!!

...I think the BPS combos are a very good option.

I agree, but NEVER pay retail! BPS and Cabela's

rotate their "on sale" combos, but they are always

on sale sometime during the year.

Focus on the reel and whatever rod they match with

it as a combination. In your price range, I recommend

a Shimano Symetre spinning reel or if you decide to go

with a baitcasting rig, the Shimano Citica.

8-)

[endless]

i happy with the gander mountain tournament combo for 79.99! mine is a spinning reel with a one piece 6'6 rod. no problems with it yet. i use flouro, mono and braid. so far i like mono over flouro but i only used two brands of flouro. seagar carbon pro and spider wire. my mono now is suffix elite. the braid i use is bps excel braid.

i like the mono suffix alot dont really care for the flouro seagar carbon pro and the flouro spider wire i didnt like my reel so hard to say bout it. i always wanted to try gamma post to be guaranteed or money back (says it on the box) but i dont know. you just have to find what you like and stick with it for line. i have no problem with excel braid as well. i have it lined on two poles. my pro qualifier 30# and my big big saltwater pole 50#