Suggestions dor a new fishing rod/reel

[JACKHAMMER]

I am looking to spend around $60 on a rod/reel combo. Any one have any suggestions? What should I look for when I go to the store?

Thanks in advance.

 

[vi edit]

What type of fishing will you be doing? And what specifically will you be fishing for?

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I will be fishing in the local lakes, and some smaller rivers near chicago. Basically, Crapie(sp?), smaller size bass, catfish etc.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Bump^ Anyone know of a placed online to look for good pricing?

 

[JACKHAMMER]

What the hell is the difference between casting and spinning reels?

 

[vi edit]

excellent site for reel info

 

[KthxBye]

Spinning is the standard open faced reel parallel to the rod. You have to hold and release the line when casting, so it takes a little practice.

Baitcasting means a rod with a real that is mounted perpendicular to the rod, they are hard to cast and are generally used for large fish.

Spincasting means a spinning rod with a closed face and button release. They are the kind you usually see kids using. Simple to cast, but really annoying to maintain. Very few experienced fishermen use them.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Thanks for the info.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I had no idea about all the different levels of fishing equipment. Well, I think I will take a long drive to gander mountain to see what is on sale. Thansk guys.

 

[vi edit]

Big thing to keep in mind, IMHO is to not get too big of a pole for the type of fish you will be fishing poor. Get too heavy of a pole and you'll have trouble telling if you are getting hits or not. But, on the flip side, get too small of a pole and you'll bend it in half trying to haul a biggie in

Obviously a 10 pound channel cat is going to require a much heavier pole than a 1/2 pound pan fish. It's really just a compromise of what you'll be using it for most.

 

[DrPizza]

In your priceline, get a shakespeare ugly stick pro.... medium action may be best (if you're going to catch catfish)... But, you may find that the little fish actually hit harder than the big fish... it just depends on the species. Generally, most people fish for crappie with a bobber of some sort.... So, detecting a strike would be pointless (on the pole)... If fishing for bass, it depends on what you're using- if you're using a realllllllly slow moving lure (rubber nightcrawlers), then you really need a sensitive pole to detect the strike, ugly stick is pretty good for this. But, if you're using spinning lures, jigs, etc., you'd have to be an idiot not to detect the strike.

IMHO Go for the ugly stick, or the ugly stick pro. If you are getting just one pole, medium action.

 

[Winchester]

Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER
What the hell is the difference between casting and spinning reels?

Spinning is the kind where you have to flip the bar open to cast and then flip it back to reel, casting you just press the button on the bottom and let er rip.

 

[Winchester]

I grew up on a 2+ acre lake for 13 years and fished every day and then moved to West Texas, hah no lakes worth ranting over, and have just recently started fishing again. I still had all my old stuff from when I would go fishing once a year or so, but just go to Walmart and ask the fellas there, they have a pretty good selection and good prices, lures will be your big cost.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

DrPizza, thanks for the reply - I will check out the ugly stick!

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER
I had no idea about all the different levels of fishing equipment. Well, I think I will take a long drive to gander mountain to see what is on sale. Thansk guys.

yeah, thats a good place... you can buy a entry level combo there for about 40 bucks... you will also need some tackle... i recommend a couple of different sized spinner baits with white skirts, and a top water, maybe a few other lures that are designed to run shallow.

Look for a spinning reel/rod combo that is suited for 8 lb line... 8 lb will let you land anything pretty much unless you catch a tire or battery.

Don't forget to buy your fishing license