New England Rod/Reel for fishing Lily Pads

[RetiredNavy02]

Other then when I was stationed down south, I never utilized a Baitcast Rod and Reel much up here in the Northeast.  Over the past year I've started fishing from a boat with my father-in-law and noticed a lot of good fishing areas are chocked with lily pads.  I'm looking to toss some frogs or salad spoons into the Lily Pads so am looking for an decent rod/reel/line recommendation. 

My main go to rod and reel is my spinning rod with Yozuri Ultra Soft line (8lb).  So at the present I don't want to invest if an expensive baitcast combo, just something decent enough to get by with occasional use.  I have to add, that I've always been a trout fisherman so Bass fishing is relatively new to me.  My father-in-law competes occasionally in the local tournaments.  He hasn't mastered baitcast fishing so he's using Spiderwire on his spinning tackle (which I guess is another option).

Also appreciate any recommends on what works best.  I picked up a couple of SPRO Bronzed Eyed Frogs over at Hartford Cabelas.  Still need to expand my arsenal.

All inputs appreciated; thanks!

Regards,

Tom in Connecticut

[J Francho]

Why not just get a heavy spinning rig for the heavy cover, if you're used to spinning? Any decent 3000 series spinner spooled up with 30-40# braid, and 7' pike rod should work fine for froggin'.

Of course, don't let me discourage you from branching out...check the flea market for good conditioned used reels and a 7' heavy power casting rod. It need not be a top dollar, super sensitive stick. You'll be able to see when they bite.

[fishizzle]

Dicks and Cabelas will usually have half price rods this time of year.  Last years models.  If you do get a baitcaster a 6:1 ratio is a good all around reel.  I prefer Shimanos.

Where do you usually fish?

[Tin]

I go with a 7-7'6" Heavy rod with 50-65 pound braid and whatever casting reel you find comfortable.

Where in Eastern CT do you fish? I like right on the border and fish Amos, Pachaug, Glasgo,and Beach a lot.

[RetiredNavy02]

I'm in Griswold. We mostly fish Pachaug, Beach, and Hopeville Pond.   Occasionally we also give the Quinebaug a try.

Most of my catches have been on Senkos (wacky rigged) and Berkely BladeDancer minnows (my Cabelas bargain lurer which ended up being my most productive).

[RI_Bass_Guy]

Just one thing to remember about baitcasters...the more you spend on one..the better the reel..a good quality 160 dollar range baitcast cast reel when set correctly will not backlash unless you are throwing into a really wind. Now a cheaper baitcaster will backlash occasionally regardless of the setting..I'm sorry I meant professional overrun..not backlash..

I like a 7' to 7'6" medium heavy rod with 65 lb power pro braid..5/0 gamakatsu superline hook and currently I am using a Johnny Morris signature series backcaster that they just dropped the prices to 119.00...I have 5 I bought last year..great reel..now a great price too. If you are wondering why only amedium heavy rod..it is becasue of the braid..I had lost alot of fish in the past with a heavy action from hooks tearing out when the fish makes a sudden run in the pads..

[LunkerLust]

I started with an inexpensive combo, but I already broke two $50 reels trying to pull 4 lb plus bass out of the weeds. I now have a Revo reel with an All Star rod, and the combo works great. The combo cost about $200, but I don't know how I could have spent less to get something that works.

As mentioned above, I also use a heavy spinning combo, as a backup. This combo cost about $150.

   Good luck, Sonny

[RetiredNavy02]

Thanks for everyones input.  Going to have to take a road trip to Cabelas and utilize some of my Cabelas' points

[Fishing Rhino]

Here's something for you to try in the lily pad beds.

Start fishing them before the pads reach the surface, or when the first few begin to show.

Take some markers, and set them around the edges of the beds.  Use whatever baits you prefer, but last spring, I really got into some nice bass using the Rage Tail Space Monkey or Craw.  Rigged 'em weedless.

In five feet of water, where most of the pads are found in my favorite pond, I'd make a cast, then allow about ten seconds before starting the retrieve.

More than half the bass I caught in the beds at this stage were on when I started the retrieve.

I recommend braid because it will saw through the stems if a really good fish runs around in them.

[RetiredNavy02]

Well guys, almost bought a Shaw Grigsby reel from Dicks but then saw a Abu Garcia Revo S reel handing in our local Walmart store for $80.  Hesitated on the Revo for a day or two and then went back to get it and ended up paying $74 at the Lisbon Walmart store.  Picked up some #40lb Power Pro, now just need to find a decent rod to go with it. 

Will try Fish Connection in Preston and see what they have price wise compared to Dicks and Cabelas.

[Shane J]

Great reel at a great price you got, and the line should be fine. As for the rod, I'd go with a 7' MH trigger rod, and it can be used for frogs, spinnerbaits, even Carolina rigging if you put on a weight and leader. I think you'll be happy with what you got, though.