Big Decisions

[MuffinMan]

Lately ive been trying to make a decision on a new setup, I want to do all my fishing with mainly one rod and reel, I am good with a baitcaster and spinning reel. I want to use at least 14lb mono and I want a short rod (no more than 6'6". I only want to spend about $110 on this setup. I want something that will last me a while and will serve as an all purpose setup for me because I fish from banks and docks as well as the occasional wading. Please help give me some good suggestions, all these rods and reels out there have me all confused.

[Packard]

Since you said you can't buy online in a previous thread, your going to have a heck of a time trying to meet those standards for $110. But like I said earlier, try to find a citica on sale and a closeout compre.

[SirSnookalot]

If it were me I'd go with spinning gear and braided line, 15# would be good to handle anything. You can easily do this in your price range, b/c equipment is a bit more expensive. Getting into a debate on one brand over another gets to be a popularity contest, many very decent reels for $60 and rods for $50.

[MuffinMan]

Thanks, im between a Pfleuger President or a Penn Fierce right now, and for rods Im thinking going Berkely

[SirSnookalot]

The president would the better freshwater reel over the Penn Fierce

[Grey Wolf]

I second that President over the Penn.

[ChiCityBasser]

Try the Cabelas Prodigy rod as well which is on sale for $60 and normally $100.

[Marty]

Lately ive been trying to make a decision on a new setup, I want to do all my fishing with mainly one rod and reel, I am good with a baitcaster and spinning reel. I want to use at least 14lb mono and I want a short rod (no more than 6'6". I only want to spend about $110 on this setup. I want something that will last me a while and will serve as an all purpose setup for me because I fish from banks and docks as well as the occasional wading. Please help give me some good suggestions, all these rods and reels out there have me all confused.

I use 15# braid on spinning gear (6'6" rods) and it's excellent all-purpose equipment, which I'd recommend like others have. However, if you're absolutely serious about using "at least 14lb mono", then you need baitcasting and your line won't be as versatile as you'd like it to be. With the braid you'll at least have the thin diameter working for you when you'd otherwise want lighter line.

[MuffinMan]

the problem is that it is the rod is very flexible even though it is a 2 piece and is strong, i just question its performance with crankbaits...? and it is a relatively cheap combo(quantum ignition)

[ChiCityBasser]

the problem is that it is the rod is very flexible even though it is a 2 piece and is strong, i just question its performance with crankbaits...? and it is a relatively cheap combo(quantum ignition)

It will work with braid as I have a Daiwa rod that was part of a cheap setup that I used for a couple of years as a crankbait rod with 30# braid. The rod is a backup rod in case my current crankbait rod breaks. Daiwa doesn't even make the rod anymore but the total combo was around $30.

[North Ga Hillbilly]

Id spend ever dime you can on a rod, go with a used rod and send them a check since you said you cant order offline. get a cheap reel, id suggest spinning for the money you want to spend, and then upgrade later. My favorite setup is a 30 dollar mitchell reel on a $200 Kistler rod.

NGaHB

[ChiCityBasser]

My current crankbait setup is a cabelas prodigy 7' M/F spinning rod $60 and a quantum catalyst pti-b20 and it could serve for a couple of other techniques but its my crankbait setup. The reel is equipped with 30# braid and was nib for $60 as well. The cabelas sale is in store as well as they are clearing out some rods now.

[Stasher1]

I keep a 6'6" Triumph (MF 2 piece) and a Trion GX-7 (4730GX) in the back of my car/truck at all times along with a small box of misc. tackle. It's not flashy or high-end, but it does the job. I use 20-30# braid to minimize the possibility of break-offs due to heat damage, and it increases the sensitivity of the outfit as well.

You can pick up a St Croix Triumph and a Pflueger Trion GX-7 at Dick's for right at $110. If you use one of their coupons you'll save enough to cover the cost of your line.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4026555

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11363956 (This is one of the smaller Trions. The 4730 and 4735 are about $10 more)

8/31 ETA: I like my "beater" Trion so much, I bought another 4730 last night for $30 at my local Walmart. Spooled it with 6# Sufix Siege and put it on my 6'9" ML Carbonlite for weightless Trick Worms, floating worms, small cranks, grubs, and bobber fishing. It boiled down to the Cardinal 102/104, Okuma Avenger 30a, or the Trion and the Trion won...again. Not only was it cheaper, it offered something that the other reels in its price range didn't - an aluminum spare spool.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

get a 102 cardinal spinning reel for 40 bucks match it to a berkly med 6'6" shock and 13 for some 6 lb power pro and go have fun!!!OOps the rod will be 50 bucks so you will have enough left to grab a moon pie and RC and git r done

[northern basser]

Of the options mentioned already, I'd go with the pflueger president on a cabelas prodigy rod. Both are a good "bang for your buck" items.