$150 for Finesse Rig...what to do???

[Bass_Fanatic]

I got $150 to spend on a finesse rig.  I need a rod and reel that I plan on throwing shakey heads and drop-shots on.  I have never owned a spinning reel, so Im clueless as to what is junk and what is good.  I want my rod to be asap (as sensitive as possible) and my reel to do the job.

Suggestions???

[Fat-G]

For the reel, I would suggest a Shimano Sahara 3000, you could find one new for ~$60.

Rod- Shimano Compre 7' M, Falcon Bucoo 7' M, etc. Most of the ~$100 rods on the market now are really good.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Bass Pro Extreme combo

I have the 6'10" ML rod and it is sweet for split shot, light shakey and drop shot.

[Bass_Fanatic]

O.k. so I figured all $100 rods would be good such as the Vendettas, Buccos, and Mojos, but what action do I need for shakeyheads and dropshots L,ML,M,MH??  I dont even know where to start.  I will look into both these reels, but what am I looking for in a spinning reel?  What sets one apart from the other?

[WanaBe_Like_IKE]

For dropshots and Shakey heads I would get a medium. For rod and reel get anything Shimano and if you wanna go less on the rod and more on the reel the Vendettas are super sensitive and only $80 but you can find them cheaper used. I own 2 my bro owns 2 and my dad owns like 8 But any rod in that price range will perform about the same, Its pretty much personal preferance ( like name or color)

Hope this helped

[Fat-G]

O.k. so I figured all $100 rods would be good such as the Vendettas, Buccos, and Mojos, but what action do I need for shakeyheads and dropshots L,ML,M,MH?? I dont even know where to start. I will look into both these reels, but what am I looking for in a spinning reel? What sets one apart from the other?

Actually there are better rods in that range than the ones you stated (I know I said Bucoo too). I've heard mixed reviews about Mojos and Bucoos. I know that the Shimano Compres are really good rods, as are the Lamiglas Excel series.

As for the action, I like a 7' MF rod for shakey heads. I never fish drop shots.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Thanks all...I was thinking a 7' MF rod too and I forgot all about the Lamaglas Excel!  I held one once and loved it.  O.K. so Im pretty set on that rod now, but what about reel! I got $50 left. Is that enough to purchase a decent spinning reel?  I was looking at the Pflueger President, is it worht anything?  Also, any other suggestions for $50 reel?

[Bass_Fanatic]

Also just found a Quantum Code for 68.88 at TW.  ANy thoughts?

[grimlin]

Daiwa exceler 2500

[packman]

Shimano sadona?

[SJB1226]

Daiwa exceler 2500

you can find them right around 50 dollars and this is really preforms well..... I dont have one but I have a few buddies that fish them and love them! they all talk about how well they work and last... I really believe this is the reel you should go with! its even got a metal gear box and that really makes a big difference in Spinning reels.

[WanaBe_Like_IKE]

Ok I would buy something Shimano but $50 really isnt alot to buy anything quality. For that range stuff isnt built well that is another reason I would go with a trusted brand like Shimano cause Shakesphear make the cheap Pfleuger reels and Zebco makes the cheap quantum reels

[Stasher1]

Ok I would buy something Shimano but $50 really isnt alot to buy anything quality. For that range stuff isnt built well that is another reason I would go with a trusted brand like Shimano cause Shakesphear make the cheap Pfleuger reels and Zebco makes the cheap quantum reels

There are still bunches of NIB discontinued Shimano reels out there waiting to be snatched up at ridiculously low prices. The Symetre 2500FI is a great discontinued reel in the OP's price range, and can still be found NIB if you look around a bit.

The Pflueger President retails for about $60 and has earned itself a loyal following. They're not sexy, but they'll get the job done and last a good while.

Bass Pro Extreme combo

I have the 6'10" ML rod and it is sweet for split shot, light shakey and drop shot.

That's not a bad option either. The outfit in my avatar is a 6'8" ML BPS Extreme "Woo Daves" dropshot model and a Shimano Sahara 2500FB.  I think I paid about $60 for the rod on sale and about $45 for the reel.

The rod was actually really nice for the money. Fairly light, sensitive, and MUCH stronger than I had anticipated. It had a nice soft tip for casting light lures, but plenty of backbone to haul decent-sized fish out of the weeds. I sold mine quite a while ago and have been kicking myself ever since. It had the absolute best tip for floating worms and Trick Worms of all the rods I've owned.   

[lightsout]

Get the pflueger president... Very smooth and durable. I have several that are going on 5 years of use. One 6740 has handled many stripers and never quit.

I like to use the 6735 for what your doing (The bigger spool handles line a bit better). Some may like the 6730, handle both and see for yourself.

[Simp]

Flea Market, Flea Market and Flea Market!!! Seriously our flea market is great. On the subject of the rods you picket out. I was in the market for a fathers day gift for my dad and he needed a shaky head rod. Our local sporting good store had both the Vendetta and Mojo on sale. I held both the "7ft M" mojo and Vendetta. It was clear pretty darn quick the mojo was balanced fairly well and the vendetta tip heavy. I've read this isn't the case on the casting rods but it is on the 7ft m spin models. So I got him the Mojo and he seems happy. Another thing to look at is the Mojo would also allow you to trade up to one of there higher end rods at a later time if you want. Check out their website for details.

[shootermcbob]

Cabelas currently has their XML series 6"9 dropshot rod on sale for 69.00...normally retails at 139.00. They also have their tournament ZX spinning reel on sale for 50.00 as well as the Diawa Exceler.

Even better, if you purchase the Cabelas xml rod w/ their tournament zx spinning, the whole combo is 99.00 bucks. That leaves you 50.00 dollars to feed the bait monkey. I have this rod and love it.

Plenty strong, nice soft tip, can cast light baits a mile and no problems hauling in 2-3 lb fish. I wish I could tell you that it hauls in 4-5 lbs, but that would, unfortunately, be telling fisherman tales ;D ;D

Also, the tournament zx spinning reel is made by Diawa, and is on par with the Exceler. I also have one of these reels and find it to be strong, smooth, and reliable.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Thanks shootermcbob, I am looking at that as we speak.  That is a great deal!  And $50 left to spend on tackle...woohooo!!

My last question: What sets apart a "cheap" spinning reel and an "expensive" spinning reel?  I know they are made of better quality material, but what about ball bearings, drag, ect.?  Also why would one cast farther than the next, dont they just free spool and sling a bait? Like I said Im a noob when it comes to spinning tackle... ;D