need help - haven't had a new rod in almost 30 yrs.

[hooked@2]

Need some impartial rod and reel advice. I have fished a Berkley Lightning Rod, 5'6", Medium action since the early 80's. It's paired with a Shimano Bantam Magnumlite baitcaster. I love this combo! I'm looking to add a new setup but I'm on a VERY limited budget. Looking at WalMart and found a 6'6" Berkley Cherrywood graphite. Anyone have any experience with this rod? If I go that way I'm going to pair it with either a Pinnacle or an ABU Black Max. I've also looked at Gander Mountain. They have a store brand combo for $60 (on sale). Was told that Pinnacle makes the reel. Any thoughts on that one too? Thanks for helping a guy who started fishing at 2yo, but has a job that didn't allow time for fishing for the last 5 years. I'm looking forward to this season when I'll FINALLY have the time to get my kids out and hopefully get them hooked too.

[swilly78]

I would recomend an Ugly Stick, they're inexpensive, tough, and will last forever.  They are not however, known for their sensitivity.

[Travis O]

Cherrywood rods are not a terrible rod for the price but I think you can do better.  What would you like to spend on a combo?  House brand combos are usually a good value and they have price points to fit any budget.  I have no experience with gander mountain so i cant help you there but somebody should know about it.

[hooked@2]

I have to spend under $100.  That's why I'm looking at Wally-World.  My Dad and I have threatened for 30 years (since I was 10) to fish a tourney.  We are finally getting our chance in April.  I'm wanting another rod for crankbaits, spinners, topwaters.  I'll keep my LR for worming.  We will be stopping at the BPS Mothership in Springfield on our way to the lake so that's a possibility too.

[rubba bubba]

Basspro will have their Spring Fling shortly, usually with some very good combo pricing deals (last couple of years have been somewhat disappointing imo).

[swilly78]

Ok, forget the ugly stick, I thought you wanted to spend less than 100.  Check out some of the browning combos, or a Pflueger reel, bps rod combo.  Thay will find something decent in your price range.

[flipnpitch]

If you are going to BPS, get the Tourney Special combo. It's $79.95 and a great combo for the money.

[rubba bubba]

Ok, forget the ugly stick,

Don't apologize for the Ugly Stick - they make excellent cranking rods because of the blend. Very under appreciated for that.

However in the OP's case, I assume he's looking for an all around setup, so you're right - forget the Ugly Stick.

[Fishes in trees]

If you haven't had a new rod & reel in 10 years, you owe yourself several.  Wait until you get to BPS in Springfield.  Bring your Mastercard and your Visa and your checkbook and have money in your pocket.  Knock yourself out.  Bait monkey rules!!!

[NBR]

Take it from a guy who also dropped out for several years you will be thrilled with almost anything you pick up. Although Ii have two crankbait rods I like graphite for most applications including cranking but I do use mono on my crankbail rigs.

When I got back in Daiwa had just introduced their Magforce reels they were much better than what I had before and the quality of rods and reels has improved geometrically siince.

[Travis O]

You should be able to pick up a bps extreme combo for $100 during the classic sale.  Great rods and reels, and a steel for $100.

[jb7725]

i also vote for bps extreme combo

[LAO162]

BPS & Cabelas Spring sales will probably have some great deals on "house" packages.  Or, after spending some time on Bassresource, you could get adventuresome and try the flea market here or that auction site.

Pushing your budget, but at *** there are a couple All Star Platinum Rods for $69 shipped.  They are quite a bargin.  There are occassionally 10% coupon codes available for TW.

I was out of fishing for quite a while and I'm now amazed at the quality of the gear :)

[Paul Roberts]

Take it from a guy who also dropped out for several years you will be thrilled with almost anything you pick up. ...

Ditto. It's a new world. And you don't have to spend much. You can match or better that combo you love for your price range with ease. The sales from the big houses are a great way to go. Look at the clearance, bargain basement, stuff on-line. If you can go there, ask about clearance stuff; You may be surprised what you walk away with. If not, there's good stuff at reasonable prices at Wally, at Dicks, Gander, ...

[kikstand454]

from just an objective walmart stand point...

a cork handled graphite ugly stick paired with the pinnacle solene is a great rig. this will run you more than a hundred bucks though. the "sensitivity" of the mid level (cork handled walmart) ugly sticks is appalingly underrated. if i can catch sheepshead on it... you can certainly catch a bass on it.  a 6" bass cant bite softer than a 16" sheepie!! i promise.

i have to agree with others. in your situation... you should shoot for an extreme combo at bps. and maybe even better... if you can find it on sale or something... last years pro qualifier combo.

[swilly78]

from just an objective walmart stand point...

a cork handled graphite ugly stick paired with the pinnacle solene is a great rig. this will run you more than a hundred bucks though. the "sensitivity" of the mid level (cork handled walmart) ugly sticks is appalingly underrated. if i can catch sheepshead on it... you can certainly catch a bass on it. a 6" bass cant bite softer than a 16" sheepie!! i promise.

i have to agree with others. in your situation... you should shoot for an extreme combo at bps. and maybe even better... if you can find it on sale or something... last years pro qualifier combo.

Ive never used a cork handled graphite ugly stick before, and to be honest wasn't even aware they made them. I think this thread illustrates the point of Bass Resource, there is an incredible amount of knowledge and experience on this site. Its fantastic that a group of people who are by their very nature competitive, are willing to lend advice to others.

[PFangler]

My experience is when you buy a combo you are paying for the reel and getting a free rod almost. If you are a technique specific guy buy the rod separate however if your looking for a general purpose rig combos typical work.

If you're looking for a baitcaster my understanding is the Abu Max reels have a good rep because of their price value. The Max reel I saw had a flipping switch which doesn't really fit my style. I guess you wouldn't have to use the flipping switch however I have had my eye on the Templar baitcaster at Wal-Mart for a few months just haven't pulled the trigger. That baby spins like a banshee in package and looks like a heck of a deal.

If you're looking for a great value the guys at Bass Pro were pushing me towards a President spinning reel this weekend in NC. Said the sell the snot out of them I think Wal-Mart also carries the President but don't quote me on that. It was around $50-60 bucks. I just bought a Pflueger Arbor not to long ago and can't justify a new spinning reel yet but its fun to look. Based on my experience with the Arbor I will probably try out another Pflueger at a higher price point the next go around.

[kikstand454]

from just an objective walmart stand point...

a cork handled graphite ugly stick paired with the pinnacle solene is a great rig. this will run you more than a hundred bucks though. the "sensitivity" of the mid level (cork handled walmart) ugly sticks is appalingly underrated. if i can catch sheepshead on it... you can certainly catch a bass on it. a 6" bass cant bite softer than a 16" sheepie!! i promise.

i have to agree with others. in your situation... you should shoot for an extreme combo at bps. and maybe even better... if you can find it on sale or something... last years pro qualifier combo.

Ive never used a cork handled graphite ugly stick before, and to be honest wasn't even aware they made them. I think this thread illustrates the point of Bass Resource, there is an incredible amount of knowledge and experience on this site. Its fantastic that a group of people who are by their very nature competitive, are willing to lend advice to others.

thank you ! glad i could help.

alot of people dont really know about ugly sticks except that they are walmart/ shakespear rods and must suck. they only know the older classic eva foam rods that are $30.

truth is they are just fine and last forever. there are even new split grip ugly sticks. (inshore select)

i like the graphite lites and i use them exclusively in saltwater. theyre just tougher and handle the work better. not to mention cheaper than my shimanos. lol.