new rod/reel

[joecarrr]

I have a rod/reel that I got about 5 years ago. It was really nice. It's a graphite bass pro rod about 5 foot long and a bass pro baitcast reel. I paid around 150 for it back then. Well I took a long break from fishing and the reel got rusty. I took it apart, polished and greased everything. I still can't cast more than 60-70 feet with it. Also the spool blows up in a huge tangle once in a while. Part of it is the rod. It seams too light at the tip for long casts. More of a flippin into bass beds type rod.

So I'm looking to get a new setup and want some advice. I know the rod is gonna need to be longer/stiffer. I'm thinkin that I wanna get a spinning reel. I like the idea of having spare spools with different line on them. I don't wanna spend a alot but I wanna get something that won't just frustrate me every time I go fishing. Any thoughts on what features to look out for?

[Final Cast]

For spinning reels I've always liked Shimanos the best. You can get a Sodana for around 50 dollars. Don't get anything larger then the 1500 of 2500. It's a great real. For the rod I like a Medium action 6'6" length. Check out Gander Mountains IM6 of IM7 graphite rods for around $60-70. I also like Berkley lightning rods for around $35. BPS has a Bionic Blade rod that is a little more expensive that is real nice also. You can get them cheaper during there Spring Classic sale. Depending on what you want to spend, any one of these options will treat you right.

[slowpoke]

I like the Gander Mountains IM6 of IM7 graphite rods also. For the money you can't beat the Berkley lightning rods. Try all the discount stores now. They have a lot of fishing stuff on sell. Also 6'6" rods. I like medium heavy. I like a fast tip most of the time. I don't like a limber rod. It's to hard to get the barb into the fish on the hook set. I know, if you are using supper lines, that's a different situation. I don't set the hook to hard when I am using super lines with a stiff rod. To each there own. Tight lines.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

You will get a longer cast from a 7 ft rather than a 5ft. Plus if the lure was light, a heavier lure would also go further.

[Flash]

I know that alot of purists don't care for these...but I have replaced all my rods for Ugly Stik Lites.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?CMID=&langId=-1&hvarSearchString=38-133-817-00&pageView=image&catalogId=10001&partNumber=16669&storeId=10151&deptId=000000000&categoryId=000000000&cmCat=BEFREE&currentPage=0&jumpToPage=1&subdeptId=000000000&ddkey=SearchResults

I have spinning and casting rods from 5'6" to 6'6" all running Shimano reels wrapped with both mono and braid. The Ugly Stik Lite is a great rod for my money - blank through construction, cork handles, etc. I also use an UltraLite for panfish and a 7' Med spooled w/ 50# powerpro for tangling with the toothy critters.

I mostly drift cast and I find with 3-5 rods with different setups, I can switch quickly from a floating rapala to a jointed to a timberdoodle to a spoon or spinner or wacky rigged worm, without spending time going in and out of my tackle box. Drift through an area, motor back to the beginning and drift through again. Do that a few times and then motor to the next spot while trolling out the back.

My philosophy is you can't catch fish if your lure is not in the water. Ugly Stik Lites help me with more lure time in the water because they are priced for my budget and perform for me.

Flash :coolgleam

[Flash]

Any thoughts on what features to look out for?

My research has led me to the following:

1. At least 1 eyelet for every foot of length. The more eyelets the better (thus my preference for US Lites - as many as 9 on a 6'6" rod).
2. Cork Handles - better transfer of line bites.
3. Blank through construction - rod blank goes completely through the handle.
4. Should balance with reel attached near the front of the handle just forward (towards the tip) of the reel. I use the one finger test.

These are my criteria. At $39.95 The Ugly Stik Lite meets them all.

Flash :coolgleam

[no I am not a rep for them - just a very satisfied customer]

[Final Cast]

I know that alot of purists don't care for these...but I have replaced all my rods for Ugly Stik Lites.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?CMID=&langId=-1&hvarSearchString=38-133-817-00&pageView=image&catalogId=10001&partNumber=16669&storeId=10151&deptId=000000000&categoryId=000000000&cmCat=BEFREE&currentPage=0&jumpToPage=1&subdeptId=000000000&ddkey=SearchResults



I love my Ugly Stik Lites. When I'm chucking hardware like cranks or spinnerbaits it's a great rod and contrary to what many think they are very sensitive. The only problem is they weigh 1000lbs. Most people don't like the extra weight. I only use them when matched up with a shimano reel because they are very light compared to other reels. So if you don't mind the extra weight and have good shoulders and wrists, then you may want to try these out. Like I said I realy do like mine. You can also cast a country mile with them and they are pretty indestructible. A good all around rod for the money.

[jigworm]

I agree they are good rods, tough as hell, but they are just too heavy for a full days casting. I have two I rarely use anymore. Lighter graphite rods are a little more forgiving.

[msunolimit]

somebody needs to forward this thread to mike (waterfoul), riiiiiight mikey??? hahaha.

apparently i'm not allowed in his boat with an ugly stik...maybe i should take back that st croix i just bought and go back to the ugly stik's eh mikey?

all jabbing aside though, the st croix avid (model AS69MLXF 6'9" ml) i picked up at bass pro shops (in indiana) 2 or 3 weeks back is hands down my favorite rod.

the reel i have on the rod is a quantum catalyst pti, model CT20PTIA

don't know what kind of budget you're working with, but the rod ran about $160 and the reel $120 or so...after i bought them i asked myself why lol, but after hooking into the first fish the question was answered...

whatever you decide to purchase, i would advise you to actually go to the store and test the equipment...make sure the rod feels 'right' in your hands and that the reel handles like you want it to...i've bought a few rods/reels in the past online without doing any homework, and they're in the dump somewhere lol...

[Final Cast]

don't know what kind of budget you're working with, but the rod ran about $160 and the reel $120 or so...after i bought them i asked myself why

$280 for a spinning set-up.:yikes: That's alot of money. I don't think I own a combo that's more then $120. It does sound like a nice combo though and I guess if you got the cash then you got the cash.
Joe carrr. If you want a real nice set up for around $120 team up a 6'6" IM6 or IM7 Gander Mnt Medium to MH action rod, the IM7 is stiffer, with a 2500 series Shimano Sedona. Spool it up with 8lbs Gamma copolymer ( I think it's still buy 2 spools get one free) line and I think you will be very happy. IMO it's probably the best set-up you can get for the money.

[bassdisaster]

Hay Joe forget the uglysticks, they are about as unsensitive as a lead pipe! Rather look for light rods made of graphite, most in the 44+ modulus rating are sensitive and reliable, i Like the Older Quantum Tour Editions, HMX54's they are light, have sweet handles and sensitive tips, retailing for $50 or so. If you realy want a nice rod try out a high dollar rod Powell, Loomis or Kistler you wont believe what you feel when dragging dropshotting or texas rigging, i have but 1 and its a Powell Max series rod, i can not explain how big of a difference there is in the upper end rods! If im on the water and no powell i may as well go home! NOT lol anyway have fun, buying equipment is half of the fun!

[duckman#1]

I love my Shamano Citica D infact just bought a second one. I just got a couple of BPS crankin stiks for the citicas and really like them. It didn't hurt that they are on sale for over half off right now too :D

[waterfoul]

Currently have 2 curado D's... picking up a 3rd one this week from a member here. Also have a nice new Citica... now this is a great reel!! And for $49 out of the box clearance at Walmart the deal just couldn't be ignored!!

[waterfoul]

Hay Joe forget the uglysticks, they are about as unsensitive as a lead pipe! Rather look for light rods made of graphite, most in the 44+ modulus rating are sensitive and reliable, i Like the Older Quantum Tour Editions, HMX54's they are light, have sweet handles and sensitive tips, retailing for $50 or so. If you realy want a nice rod try out a high dollar rod Powell, Loomis or Kistler you wont believe what you feel when dragging dropshotting or texas rigging, i have but 1 and its a Powell Max series rod, i can not explain how big of a difference there is in the upper end rods! If im on the water and no powell i may as well go home! NOT lol anyway have fun, buying equipment is half of the fun!

I just picked up a St. Croix Premier ML extra fast tip drop shot rod... I can't believe how sensitive this rod is with 8 lb Gamma Florocarbon on it. You can feel a fish fart in the general direction of your bait.

But for spinning rods for throwing baits and such, the Gander IM7, IM8, and new Pro series are great rods for the money.


As quoted by my Padawan Learner (AKA MSUNolimit):


somebody needs to forward this thread to mike (waterfoul), riiiiiight mikey??? hahaha.

apparently i'm not allowed in his boat with an ugly stik...maybe i should take back that st croix i just bought and go back to the ugly stik's eh mikey? all jabbing aside though, the st croix avid (model AS69MLXF 6'9" ml) i picked up at bass pro shops (in indiana) 2 or 3 weeks back is hands down my favorite rod.


Man do I love saying "I told you so!"

[msunolimit]

$280 for a spinning set-up.:yikes: That's alot of money. I don't think I own a combo that's more then $120. It does sound like a nice combo though and I guess if you got the cash then you got the cash.
Joe carrr. If you want a real nice set up for around $120 team up a 6'6" IM6 or IM7 Gander Mnt Medium to MH action rod, the IM7 is stiffer, with a 2500 series Shimano Sedona. Spool it up with 8lbs Gamma copolymer ( I think it's still buy 2 spools get one free) line and I think you will be very happy. IMO it's probably the best set-up you can get for the money.


heh Final Cast, i hear ya, but considering that some loomis spinning rods will run you well over that (for just the rod) it's one heck of a combo for what i paid.

can you catch fish on a junk rod/reel? most definitely. you really do pay for what you get though in regards to fishing equipment and most other things.. (granted sales and what not, and gander rods are the exceptions as gander rods are great for the money (i own one of their $30 cheapies that actually works well)).

i think you'd be hard pressed, however, to use something like an ugly stik after using a rod like a st croix, kistler, etc...the sensitivity on the higher end rods is just unbelievable...you feel EVERYTHING. let us know what you end up choosing and how it works out for you.

take care all

[msunolimit]

[quote=msunolimit;1719071]heh Final Cast, i hear ya, but considering that some loomis spinning rods will run you well over that (for just the rod) it's one heck of a combo for what i paid.

can you catch fish on a junk rod/reel? most definitely. you really do pay for what you get though in regards to fishing equipment and most other things.. (granted sales and what not, and gander rods are the exceptions as gander rods are great for the money (i own one of their $30 cheapies that actually works well)).

i think you'd be hard pressed, however, to use something like an ugly stik after using a rod like a st croix, kistler, etc...the sensitivity on the higher end rods is just unbelievable...you feel EVERYTHING. let us know what you end up choosing and how it works out for you.

and yes mikey, you were right :lol:, but a rod 4-5x the price of a stik better be catching more fish lol. that, or i need a new sport!

take care all

[sfw1960]

I agree they are good rods, tough as hell, but they are just too heavy for a full days casting. I have two I rarely use anymore. Lighter graphite rods are a little more forgiving.

IM7/8 rules uglY stiX dr00lz.....

I have one B/C setup that probably weighs between 12 and 15 ounces... spooled with 30# power pro - I can damn near pick up your neighbor's horse!!

:lol:

Currently have 2 curado D's... picking up a 3rd one this week from a member here. Also have a nice new Citica... now this is a great reel!! And for $49 out of the box clearance at Walmart the deal just couldn't be ignored!!

:16suspectWho hooks ya up wit da sKrEEmiN' deals Mikey??:16suspect

LOL!

:evilsmile
If I would have known it was such a schWEET! reel , I woulda ganKeD onto the two in the boxes and left the display model for you!!
:lol: :lol:

I can reel in a 6LB channel cat like he's my b!tc|-| yet still have no trouble detecting a 7" rock bass swingin' @ my spinnerbait!

Also the Gander rods in the $50-70 range are pretty hard to beat.
:fish2:

[Final Cast]

heh Final Cast, i hear ya, but considering that some loomis spinning rods will run you well over that (for just the rod) it's one heck of a combo for what i paid.

can you catch fish on a junk rod/reel? most definitely. you really do pay for what you get though in regards to fishing equipment and most other things.. (granted sales and what not, and gander rods are the exceptions as gander rods are great for the money (i own one of their $30 cheapies that actually works well)).

i think you'd be hard pressed, however, to use something like an ugly stik after using a rod like a st croix, kistler, etc...the sensitivity on the higher end rods is just unbelievable...you feel EVERYTHING. let us know what you end up choosing and how it works out for you.

take care all

I agree with you 100%. I wasn’t trying to compare an ugly stik with a higher end rod. I was just commenting on what another member posted. Trust me, if the funds were there I would love to purchase a St Croix or Lommis, but for now Gander and BPS rods for me. Enjoy your set-up and fish the heck out of it. BTW what is the warranty on that rod of yours?

[waterfoul]

If you want a really light, sensitive, good backbone rod... I just picked up a Gander Ultimate Titanium 7' MH fast action. They are now priced at $99, down from $119 last week. I held this rod and a St. Croix Avid of the same power etc... put a citica on each of them and honestly liked the feel and weight of the Gander rod better. It's about 25-30% lighter than the Croix, $70 cheaper, and comes with a lifetime, no questions asked, no shipping involved warrantee. With the Curado I'm buying from thousandcasts strung up with 30 lb Power Pro on this rod, there won't be a fish within casting distance I won't be able to feel breathing on the bottom!

Oh, and lest I forget,

As posted above by our own SFW1960:

Who hooks ya up wit da sKrEEmiN' deals Mikey??

That would be YOU Roberto!!! You da deal findin man!!

[Flash]

..I'm looking to get a new setup...I don't wanna spend a alot... Any thoughts on what features to look out for?


[quote=Flash]My research has led me to the following:

1. At least 1 eyelet for every foot of length. The more eyelets the better.
2. Cork Handles - better transfer of line bites.
3. Blank through construction - rod blank goes completely through the handle.
4. Should balance with reel attached near the front of the handle just forward (towards the tip) of the reel. I use the one finger test.[quote]


I am fully aware that more expensive high end rods have advantages. My point is simply that one does not need to spend $200 to have a rod/reel that will perform. One with more than one eyelet for every foot of length, ergonomic cork handles, blankthrough construction, and will balance just forward of the reel seat. I concede that Ugly Stiks are looked down on by those who carefully consider many other factors when choosing their rods. I accept that my stable of rods is not prestigious and may not transmit every tick of underwater foilage. At $39.95 I can afford to have 6 of them and I enjoy my fishing tremendously.

If I do meet any of you on the water, I hope you will not think less of me, based on my rod choice. I can assure you that I do not think more of you, based on yours. Please share your angling knowledge with folks like me as I am always looking to learn. Someday I may even have a stable of highend rods with $300 reels. I'll need more insurance though...;)

Flash :coolgleam

[waterfoul]

So, Joecar..... got all the information you need??? LOL!!! Good luck rod hunting... it's fun!!

[sfw1960]

I'm glad you like those FLUBBERY Ugly lites (or regular) but I think I have about 15-16 rods and NONE of them were over $99 , AAMOF most were $60 or less... I do indeed look for clearance & closeout stuff.... that "light" rod I spoke of earlier was a 6.5' Berkley BioniX IM7 41MiLModulus stick I got on clearance for $30.
:evilsmile
I was considerin' askin' Mikey if he wanted to peddle his Kistler to me.....as he prefers slightly more limber rods than I....
:evilsmile

I recently acquired a few GM 50/10 cards - so I just may be gettin' anudder stEEk there!!
I got a BerkleY Cherrywood that REAAAALLLLLLLY SuX for one baitcaster BTW....
WuwuZeYeTHanKiN'?????
:dizzy: :dizzy:
My Citica is wastin' away on that rod.....
:lol:

RAS
:p

[jim sasser]

well guys i did the rod buying backwards,i started out with croixs and love them,but recently bought agander mountain,mi-8 guide series[$60]med-heavy,put a nice bait caster on her ,and its as good as any of the croixs i have but wouldt go better just becaues its made in china...

[waterfoul]

:dizzy:[quote=sfw1960;
:evilsmile
I was considerin' askin' Mikey if he wanted to peddle his Kistler to me.....as he prefers slightly more limber rods than I....
:evilsmile


:lol:

RAS
:p[/quote]

What would I whack those slimers over the head with in the spring if I peddled my Kistler to you????? Huh? Answer me that playa!!! :dizzy:

[msunolimit]

I agree with you 100%. I wasn’t trying to compare an ugly stik with a higher end rod. I was just commenting on what another member posted. Trust me, if the funds were there I would love to purchase a St Croix or Lommis, but for now Gander and BPS rods for me. Enjoy your set-up and fish the heck out of it. BTW what is the warranty on that rod of yours?

The warranty for the Avid series is lifetime. And yea, I didn't really have the funds either lol, but I said "what the heck, I deserve a nice new toy" lol.

Another rod that I 'liked' a lot was my Cabela's XML 4piece travel casting rod, which actually BROKE about 2 months into me fishing with it. I haven't gotten around to sending it in yet, but I found it quite odd that a $150 rod just snaps (about 8" from the tip) when i was merely trying to change my lure (by pulling the line to myself with somewhat loose drag)...done it a million times with all of my rods and never had it happen before...

I only write about the XML because i'm wondering if anybody else on here has any cabela's xml/xmlti series rods, and what their thoughts are...i mean i loved how it fished (cabela's prodigy baitcaster/xml rod) but am wondering if when i send the rod back i should exchange it for something else (as cabela's said could be done)...

Also, does anybody have a 'euro-style' rod with the split grip? How do those fish? I think that may be what I replace the XML with, but I've never even held one of them...

[sfw1960]

:dizzy:

What would I whack those slimers over the head with in the spring if I peddled my Kistler to you????? Huh? Answer me that playa!!! :dizzy:

AH HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:yikes::yikes:
So you DO have a place in your arsenal for a stick like club , @ss cracker for a meat stEEk.....
:lol: :lol:
Gotta love that for makin' sLiMeRs be your b!tc|-|...LOL

MSUno , I have a few Cabela's rods & they've been good - and wondered how the XML series were- but unless their rods are on a really good sale - I don't think I'd buy anymore of them..... The Euro-rods just don't interest me... I'd probably opt for a regular one or two pc. XML and if it doesn't feel good , peddle it and get a higher end GM rod. They really are nice , sans the shorter WTTY on the cheaper ones..... but I guess as long as you don't have any mishaps - they should last a while.
:fish2:

[joecarrr]

Well, I made it up to gander mountain last night. Being that yesterday we just found out my wife is pregnant and we need to get a bigger house, my fishing rod/reel budget hit the floor. So I looked at about 20 different reels and a few rods. I ended up going with a 30 dollar shakespeare inspinity combo. The rod feels really good and looks pretty sturdy. The reel is smooth and spins really free. Going out to drown some worms on saturday morning. I will report on how well/bad the $30 cheapy does.

Thanks for all the tips.