|
Post by jcraig on Mar 20, 2006 10:06:13 GMT -6
hey guys, I was just wondering what you guys have used and what has worked well for you in the past. Looking at buying 3 new baitcasting combos this year. What do you think is the best combo of rod and reel for the money.
Thanks, jcraig
|
|
|
Post by Lip Ripper on Mar 20, 2006 11:54:13 GMT -6
For baitcasters, I have about 11 Shimano Curado 6:2:1 gear ratio. I have the same philosophy as local/national pro Jim Moynagh does regarding rod/reel set-ups. I prefer to have all my rods and reels feel exactly the same. Check out this article he wrote: www.sportsmansguide.com/article/article_read.asp?aid=139749&sid=76&htl=%2Fcolumn%2Fcolumn_feature.asp%3Fsid%3D76For rods, I prefer the St. Croix Avid series. You should definetly get a 7' MH, 6'6 MH, and a 6'6 M or 7' M crankbait rod if you had to only pick 3. They have a lifetime guarentee on this rod. Best buy for the dollar. Just my 2 cents.
|
|
|
Post by j0eb0nelli on Jan 30, 2007 12:06:29 GMT -6
Daiwa ss1300 spinning, quantum 500 or 600 series baitcast. As far as rods I have a selection between gloomis, st croix, cabelas but the Allstar (US Made ones) are my favorites.
|
|
|
Post by bp7135 (bob) on Feb 19, 2007 23:08:31 GMT -6
Best rod and reel for the money...look at buying off the clearance rack on Bass Pro Shop, they will move the 2006 combos this way. I am partial to Shimano, however, the Abu Garcia REVO is gettting a ton of press. The real answer is how much are you willing to spend. If you said $100 per rig, I would go to BPS brand, 300 per rig, select your reel and rod making a combo. Fenwick is a great rod, St Croix is a great rod for the money...gloomis (my own opinion) if you are paying full price they are not worth the difference. I have heard several say they are not like they used to be...however, I am too cheap to verify that. I do own several Fenwick Techna's and St Croix Lengends, and Avids...I am very happy with these rods. Reeds had a sale on Fenwick buy 3 get one free, that works out pretty well.
If you are new to fishing, check with some on the board that make it their living to know the products. Brian or Jim, any thoughts on a good starting package?
bob
|
|
|
Post by fishinghype on Feb 20, 2007 10:09:46 GMT -6
When it comes to fishing tackle especially rods and reels, I am going to be a little bias here because Shimano is my rod and reel sponosor but here is my two cents, you get what you pay for...to a point! Take Loomis for example they make a great rod, but can you really justify paying $300+ for a top self stick, and there (Loomis) lower end rods can be beat by any other brands upper end stick for half the price. When it comes to anything decide how much you are going to use it, twice a month, every weekend and what are you using it for pleasure and club type fishing or are you going to use it as a serious tournament stick. This will help decide alot on how much you need or want to spend. The other thing is, and very critical, WARRANTY!!! Lots of companies now have a lifetime warranty on there rods. The catch is you genereally need to ship them yourself and send them $50 for replacement. There are others that will let you switch them out over the counter and that is where the Shimano rods really shine. They have three series of rods from $70 - $140 that are all over the counter lifetime warranty rods. Now is a $70 Shimano as good as a $125 Falcon, St. Croix probably not. All companies make a varity of rods based on price points(what someone is willing to pay for something). That is why each company has a range of rods from $30 - $200. Look for quality components, how many guides the rod has, the more the better flow the line will have following the arch in the rod. The same thing holds true for reels. Each company has price point reels, so you have to compare apples to apples. Though reels can be a little trickier because of the bearing ordeal. Not all bearing are created equal. So you can be looking at a reel that say it has 10 ball bearing for $100 and one that has 5 for $100, 9 out of 10 times that 10 bearing reel has crap bearing and will last a couple of years. Personally again a little bias but Shimano and Diawa are by far the best to reel companies around. Shimano has always been a gear company with it's bicycle division. I would start by looking for a metal body reel and not graphite obviously aluminum is going to hold it's tolerances better and not give under stress. Second is bearing count anything under 4 ball bearings, baitcaster or spinning is not going to stay smooth or last. Now you don't need anything much more than 6 for a quality reel. Most now days have 8-10 each helps keep the reel tight which helps keep it smooth but do you need bearing in your paddles on the reel handle? But as with everything I don't care what it cost if it doesn't fit you don't buy it!!! Hopeful this didn't totally confuse you just some tips before spending your money.
Tight Lines, B
|
|
|
Post by J Kretz on Mar 4, 2007 13:34:08 GMT -6
THESE RODS HAVE THEIR SIGNIFICANCE!!!!!
My theory on this is for jigging and the types of fishing that require more feeling the spendy rods (st croix and Loomis) are the only option. These rods have unbelievable sensitivity which eases my mind from fatigue of being the lure all day. An angler can truly fish better with these rods when fishing particular techniques.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEND THE EXTRA DOLLARS ON THESE RODS IF YOU FISH TECHNIQUES THAT REQUIRE SENSITIVITY MORE OFTEN THAN THE ONES THAT DON'T.
For example: If you are an angler that jigs 75% of the time or just uses that technique and try to find fish that way first just because you are better that way and excel from feeling confident or simply just like to fish that way then these rods are Well worth the investment.
If you are an angler that Cranks or Spinnerbaits 75% of the time then I would say the that maybe the importance of the sensitivity doesn't pertain to so much. But it still wouldn't hurt to have a few of them for finding fish in that other 25% of the time.
Long story short, The St Croix and Loomis rods are important for the jig and jig-worm or Feeler Fisherman, if you will. And not so important for the cranker or spinnerbaiter.
However, I actually prefer St. Croix Avids over any rod anytime and compared to their competitors in pricing (Loomis) they are the better investment for the money.
Jer Kretzman
|
|