Need help deciding on new rod and reel!

[BrokenReels]

Heya! First post here, and I figured this was the place to go to get some good advice (Much needed and appreciated, at that).

I usually fish topwater (Chug bug, torpedo, pop-r) and crankbaits (The 0-1ft kind. Baby 1-minus, etc). 'Round here, nothin but a crick, which averages about 3 ft depth, maybe. Still, that's the place to fish, and the only place to fish. No problems there

I recently (year ago?) "graduated" from my standard Ugly Stik/junk reel and got a Quantum tenacity spinning combo. I know, cheap! I chucked the reel out the window and got a much lighter Okuma Stratus SGT-20, and it worked great. I'm just looking for something a step up.

We have a Dick's sporting goods around here, and it has some pretty nice Shimano reels that I've heard nothing bad about. I was looking at the sahara 2500fd, i think it was 80$. Is the difference in reels that are like 30$ to 80 really worth it?

As far as rods go, since I'm a topwater guy, I was looking at the St. Croix Mojo Bass rods, specifically MBC68MXF. Anyone have any experience with those? They're a bit expensive, but I like something with quality.

also, any word on the Allstar Select rods at Dick's? They're marked down to 35$ and look to be a bit higher quality than the rest of the stuff there. Also looks like they're more of an "all-around" rod.

Thanks for any advice in advance!

-Mike

Ack! Excuse me, I forgot to mention, I'm already "set" on a baitcast reel, which that St. Croix rod is made for. Sorry for any confusion.

[northern basser]

As far as shimano reels go you get what you pay for up to a stradic.  They do keep getting better,  but the "bang for your buck" gets less.

  If you don't mind Ebay,  you can pick up a much better rod than the mojo for the $.  If $100 is your ballpark price range I would look at the Kistler magnesium line on ebay.  They are normally $169 +,  but you can pick one up for $100 or less.  I think they are so cheap because Kistler has now come out with the micro-mag. that has micro guides.  Thats my opinion.

[BrokenReels]

Thanks. They look like really fine quality rods, and from all the reviews, I haven't seen anything negative about them.

I wonder if they offer any warranty for the ones you get off Ebay? 

[Raul]

A Shimano Sahara + a Shimano Clarus ( 6 '6" - 7" MF ) rod would make a very nice 150 dollars combo.

[BrokenReels]

Sounds like a pretty sound pairing for only 150. Maybe I can afford some decent line then, I usually use Spyderwire EZ just because I've never had it tangle or knot on me once (I'm on about my 7/8th spool of it). And it's cheap.

Perhaps I could even afford one of those Lucky Craft lures....

[Jake P]

As far as Shimano reels go IMO you cant beat em. Even the mid priced spinning reels are great. I have a Spirex, Sedona, Sahara and Symetre and love them all except the Spirex. It was really heavy and felt akward and bulky. Was never very smooth either.

The Sedona is my favorite because its 60$ which is very affordable and a great reliable reel. Never had any problems with it, it is my go to spinning reel. Of course for 20$ more you can grab the Sahara which is an outsanding reel and for 20$ more than the Sahara you can get the Symetre which is my favorite when price is not concerned. I had a 2500fj and to put it easily, if i could fish one spinning reel for the rest of my life it would be the Symetre.

As far as rods go, the Compre at 100$ is my first choice. The Crucial for 50$ more is, like the symetre, my rod of choice when price is not concerned. Great sensitivity and a good strong backbone. Plus Shimano has a lifetime warranty which makes it even sweeter.

I am not boosting Shimano only, even though it may look that way, just a fan! For 50 you can get the Allstar classic rods at academy for 50$ which is a good deal, they are nice inexpensive rods. I have heard great things about the Shimano Clarus for 70$, i just havent picked one up yet. Good luck and hope this helped!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The best value I've found in a spinning reel is the Pfleuger President that can be found on sale $70 +/- and comes witha spare spool. 

[BrokenReels]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm going to head over to Dick's now and get the Sahara, I'll have to get the rod later, the wallet's not THAT full at the moment.

[Nebraska Bassin]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm going to head over to Dick's now and get the Sahara, I'll have to get the rod later, the wallet's not THAT full at the moment.

I think you'll be happy with that Sahara.  For the most part, you can't go wrong with Shimano.  I've been happy with my Symetre so far.

[curls00]

Wait a sec, do you want a spinning rod and reel, or a baitcast rod and reel? Your last sentence of the post indicates you want baitcasting, but all suggestions, and your existing equipment, have been spinning.

If spinning, the Compre line is great. 6'6" MH Fast taper is a great all-around rod, IMO, and is really sensitive and avail. for about $100. Lifetime warranty, too.

[Senkoman12]

Sounds like a pretty sound pairing for only 150. Maybe I can afford some decent line then, I usually use Spyderwire EZ just because I've never had it tangle or knot on me once (I'm on about my 7/8th spool of it). And it's cheap.

Perhaps I could even afford one of those Lucky Craft lures....

you don't need lucky crap lures to catch fish, in fact i out fished a guy who was using lucky cratfs while i was using bandit and strike king, btw i used that EZ braid and thought it was horrible but hey whatever works well for you is good

[BrokenReels]

Wait a sec, do you want a spinning rod and reel, or a baitcast rod and reel? Your last sentence of the post indicates you want baitcasting, but all suggestions, and your existing equipment, have been spinning.

If spinning, the Compre line is great. 6'6" MH Fast taper is a great all-around rod, IMO, and is really sensitive and avail. for about $100. Lifetime warranty, too.

'

Yeah sorry that was confusing, I'm quite the terrible poster as far as the "easy to understand" rating goes.

I was open to suggestions for either (rod), and on a spinning reel. I already have the 'cast reel I want, but I was looking at the Mojo Bass rods for that, just wanted an opinion

Not really one to use just one type, like spinning or baitcast. They all have their purposes, one without the other isn't as versatile.

Back to the Sahara then. I got it and went fishing. Good so far, right? Well I had the most TERRIBLE day of fishing ever! But not for things you might think of at first...

First thing, I was casting into trees and branches left and right! I was so used to a lower quality reel, and the Sahara casts so much farther than my previous reel, I just kept hitting everything. Lost a Rapala, but that's it.

I only had 1 fish, after 4 hours. Hours! That's a terrible count, and that's with 2 extra hours backtracking. Thing is, I had at least 15 (lost count) bites... but they threw them all, haha. What an exciting trip, but almost zero fish. The one I got was about.... 7 inches! Rock bass, of all things. I was so excited to have one hooked and set, I reeled so hard it went in a complete straight line right to me! Felt sorry for it, but it was right on the lip, no damage done. It was a smaller size Chug Bug, for reference.

Absolutely no twist I could see from all the casts. No knots, birdnests, anything! Not even a hint of a problem. Completely silent, smooth, and the most quality I've ever seen from a reel. I think Shimano has another fan.

As far as grease and oil goes, I heard good things about the Quantum Hot Sauce stuff. Anything I should know about it?

EDIT: Oh, and to the guy above me, it was mono EZ. 

[Senkoman12]

EDIT: Oh, and to the guy above me, it was mono EZ.

o, i didn't know they made an EZ mono but don't ever buy the braid, its crap

[BrokenReels]

EDIT: Oh, and to the guy above me, it was mono EZ.

o, i didn't know they made an EZ mono but don't ever buy the braid, its crap

I've never even used braid  ;D

Don't really see a need to, given the conditions around here.

[BASSclary]

About the Mojo Bass, for its price, i've heard it is a good pole, but there are always people who will say a pole is crap unless its a Kistler or Loomis. Im not one of those  ;D However alot of peopole say the sensitivity difference between the St.Croix Avid and Mojo is night and day, so if your budget allows it, go with the avid 

[BrokenReels]

Yeah since I joined here (today!), all I've seen is posts about how great the Avid's are lol. Might have to eat some ramen noodles for a few weeks, but I'll try to afford one.

[BASSclary]

Yeah since I joined here (today!), all I've seen is posts about how great the Avid's are lol. Might have to eat some ramen noodles for a few weeks, but I'll try to afford one.

Welcome to the boards!!! ;D

Yeah ive been reading the same, and ive been eating ramen noodles and laying tile floor so i can get one hopefully on the 12th!( My 15th Birthday!! ;D 8-))

[northern basser]

Thanks. They look like really fine quality rods, and from all the reviews, I haven't seen anything negative about them.

I wonder if they offer any warranty for the ones you get off Ebay?

If you buy a new one you should be able to register it on kistler's website for the warranty.  If you get a used one you would still qualify for the limited warranty which gives you up to 50% off a new model if you break yours.

[Redsyn]

EDIT: Oh, and to the guy above me, it was mono EZ.

o, i didn't know they made an EZ mono but don't ever buy the braid, its crap

I've never even used braid ;D

Don't really see a need to, given the conditions around here.

When you get some extra cash after you get the rod. You should do yourself a favor and get some braid line on your spinning reel. I use 20lb power pro braid and a short flouro leader 3-5'  and it really helps in the sensitivity and hooksetting dept. Also it saves you money in the long run. the braid last for years. All you have to do it change out the leader.

I agree w/ the other person about getting a shimano rod in that price range w/ no hassle over the counter warranty. All my rods have lifetime warranty even though I didn't break any yet.

I like shimano spinning reels. My first reel that I bought was a shimano 2000 size spinning reel when I was vacationing in asia. It was a $40 usd range spinning reel which I still have to this day. Never changed out the drags yet and it is still as good as the day I bought it. It has been fished in saltwater and theres no corrosion on it.

I use it on my g loomis dropshot rod and I dont see a need to upgrade. I would rather spend the money on casting reel or rods.

[Stasher1]

When you get some extra cash after you get the rod. You should do yourself a favor and get some braid line on your spinning reel. I use 20lb power pro braid and a short flouro leader 3-5' and it really helps in the sensitivity and hooksetting dept. Also it saves you money in the long run. the braid last for years. All you have to do it change out the leader.

I agree w/ the other person about getting a shimano rod in that price range w/ no hassle over the counter warranty. All my rods have lifetime warranty even though I didn't break any yet.

I like shimano spinning reels. My first reel that I bought was a shimano 2000 size spinning reel when I was vacationing in asia. It was a $40 usd range spinning reel which I still have to this day. Never changed out the drags yet and it is still as good as the day I bought it. It has been fished in saltwater and theres no corrosion on it.

I use it on my g loomis dropshot rod and I dont see a need to upgrade. I would rather spend the money on casting reel or rods.

According to the manager of my local BPS, they only have a 1 yr. over the counter warranty. After that, you have to ship it back to Shimano. He claims this is in response to a request by Shimano earlier this year to help "protect their interests".

I brought in a two year old Crucial with void in the cork that was starting to cave in, and they didn't want to replace it. : I no longer own any Shimano rods.

[BrokenReels]

EDIT: Oh, and to the guy above me, it was mono EZ.

o, i didn't know they made an EZ mono but don't ever buy the braid, its crap

I've never even used braid ;D

Don't really see a need to, given the conditions around here.

When you get some extra cash after you get the rod. You should do yourself a favor and get some braid line on your spinning reel. I use 20lb power pro braid and a short flouro leader 3-5' and it really helps in the sensitivity and hooksetting dept. Also it saves you money in the long run. the braid last for years. All you have to do it change out the leader. 

Speaking of braid, I went to gander mtn then to walmart yesterday and noticed the price difference in the power pro, so i got some 30 pound. Hope that isn't overkill. I also got some Spider Stealth Camo (I know, sounds like a novelty), but it actually worked the entire time, for about 3 hours, on the same lure/knot. Very impressed so far. I'm thinking about grabbing an extra spool anyways so I can put that powerpro to use. First time using braid, and there is a TON of difference in the amount of stretch vs mono, I didn't even realise how much there was before.