Rod/Reel Help
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2,776 Posts
I would suggest you look at the Ugly Stick light models. They are extremely versitile, don't break easily, and can be used for a wide range of fishing. I personally like the Shimano reels, but most of the top names are pretty good. Because the Ugly sticks are so break resistant, they can be used from everything from small trout in the streams and ponds to snappers and small blues and porgeys in the salt.
When my son was about 11 he had one he used for light stuff with 6 pound test. One day he cast it to a breaking fish in Smithtown Bay and it turned out to be a good size false albacore. He had an amazing fight and the reel was down to the last two turns several times, but he did finally get it to the boat. That rod really impressed me.
When my son was about 11 he had one he used for light stuff with 6 pound test. One day he cast it to a breaking fish in Smithtown Bay and it turned out to be a good size false albacore. He had an amazing fight and the reel was down to the last two turns several times, but he did finally get it to the boat. That rod really impressed me.
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516 Posts
Ugly's the way to go
I also use ugly sticks for the same all around fishing Striper77 mentioned. I use them on everything from stream trout to rerservoir trout, bass, crappies, snappers, flounder, even salmon. Almost indestructable and sensitive enough to work light jigs. The reels I pair them w/ are quantums and shimanos. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done w/ good results. Tight lines.
I also use ugly sticks for the same all around fishing Striper77 mentioned. I use them on everything from stream trout to rerservoir trout, bass, crappies, snappers, flounder, even salmon. Almost indestructable and sensitive enough to work light jigs. The reels I pair them w/ are quantums and shimanos. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done w/ good results. Tight lines.
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2,127 Posts
Shimano Reel
I have the 1,000 Shimano. The quickfire cast lever is awesome. One hand casting is a breeze. Great for smaller saltwater and big freshwater fish. Not pike but smallmouth, largemouth, pickerel.
I have the 1,000 Shimano. The quickfire cast lever is awesome. One hand casting is a breeze. Great for smaller saltwater and big freshwater fish. Not pike but smallmouth, largemouth, pickerel.
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1,754 Posts
Bass Pro....
I agree with Bass Pro Shops. I have been buying my tackle from them for years. In your price range you can buy decent set up. I love my uglys too.The only thing i found with the uglys is that they have a slower taper then alot of all graphite rods do.But they are indestructable.....
I agree with Bass Pro Shops. I have been buying my tackle from them for years. In your price range you can buy decent set up. I love my uglys too.The only thing i found with the uglys is that they have a slower taper then alot of all graphite rods do.But they are indestructable.....
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1,038 Posts
Fresh Water rod and Reel
I have about a dozen ugly stiks, you cant kill them and the price is right. Okuma also makes a nice one piece stick. Also on Ebay you can find some nice fenwicks at a good price. Reels check out some of the TICA reels, the six ball bearing and up reel smooth, don't know about durability yet. only have them for 2 seasons, but i fish the lakes 2 or 3 times a week, my kids are and 10 Ugly stiks for sure with them
Good Luck and happy New Year
I have about a dozen ugly stiks, you cant kill them and the price is right. Okuma also makes a nice one piece stick. Also on Ebay you can find some nice fenwicks at a good price. Reels check out some of the TICA reels, the six ball bearing and up reel smooth, don't know about durability yet. only have them for 2 seasons, but i fish the lakes 2 or 3 times a week, my kids are and 10 Ugly stiks for sure with them
Good Luck and happy New Year
Which Shimano ?
When I search the Shimano inventory there are so many choices that i'm not sure what to select- Sahara, Stradic, etc. 1000, 2000 series? I'd like to be able to use it for trout, bass, possibly even off the pier for saltwater snappers and fluke.
Please be honest is this asking too much-should I be more narrow in my search . If so what would be best for my freshwater application.
When I search the Shimano inventory there are so many choices that i'm not sure what to select- Sahara, Stradic, etc. 1000, 2000 series? I'd like to be able to use it for trout, bass, possibly even off the pier for saltwater snappers and fluke.
Please be honest is this asking too much-should I be more narrow in my search . If so what would be best for my freshwater application.
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2,776 Posts
The different models are a bit confusing, but mainly they are just different price /value catagories. One might have more bearings than another, or some other features, but they are the same size in each series, that is a 2000 series is the same size in each "model" but has some more deatures. The 1000 models of the Shimano and others are fine for trout, but if you want something you can use for more purposes, the 2000 models are a nice compromise, just get an extra spool ( some come with it) and you can spool it with 4 or 6 for trout, then just switch the spool to 8 or 10 for some of the larger fish. I have landed a lot of schoolie bass and small blues on a 2000 with 8 or 10 lb test, and also use it in the ponds for largemouth bass. Fin Nor also makes some very nice and reasonably priced reels, but all of the name brands are pretty good stuff.
rod/reel help
if you were to narrow your search i would suggest finding what species you want go after the most.
a bass rod on the heavier end will work fine for the snapper, fluke or even schoolie stripers especially if you are throwing bait with weight. i would recommend a 6'6" - 7'MH (1 peice rod if you have room in the car) rod. the ugly stick should do. i prefer a graphite rod. IM6 or IM7. on the reel end something that has instant anti-reverse, at least couple of ballbearings and holds 100+ yards of 10lb test line should do fine. i agree with striper77 about the fin-nor over shimano, but there are plenty of good reels out there.
for trout and pan fish you want to go lighter. it will be hard to cast lighter line and lures with a heavier setup. trout are very line shy. a 5'6" to 6' rod light or ultra-light with a reel that holds 100+/- yards of 6lb test should be fine. trout and panfish do much less damage when to your equipment when setting the hook and fighting than bass or light saltwater fishing will do, so the reel doesn't have to be very expensive.
overall you will probably be able to find a nice setup for either for less than the $150. save it for the tackle.
good luck and enjoy!
if you were to narrow your search i would suggest finding what species you want go after the most.
a bass rod on the heavier end will work fine for the snapper, fluke or even schoolie stripers especially if you are throwing bait with weight. i would recommend a 6'6" - 7'MH (1 peice rod if you have room in the car) rod. the ugly stick should do. i prefer a graphite rod. IM6 or IM7. on the reel end something that has instant anti-reverse, at least couple of ballbearings and holds 100+ yards of 10lb test line should do fine. i agree with striper77 about the fin-nor over shimano, but there are plenty of good reels out there.
for trout and pan fish you want to go lighter. it will be hard to cast lighter line and lures with a heavier setup. trout are very line shy. a 5'6" to 6' rod light or ultra-light with a reel that holds 100+/- yards of 6lb test should be fine. trout and panfish do much less damage when to your equipment when setting the hook and fighting than bass or light saltwater fishing will do, so the reel doesn't have to be very expensive.
overall you will probably be able to find a nice setup for either for less than the $150. save it for the tackle.
good luck and enjoy!
Rod/Reel combos for you and your kid
Go to a real fishing shop (not reel). Look for a local dealer with a good reputation...If you don't know how to find one, stop any guy driving around this month (January) with a rod on his roof rack. He will definitely know where to send you. Tell the shop owner (probably the only sales person in the store this month) what kind of fishing you have in mind. He will know what to sell you (unlike the department store guy who probably just got transferred from ladies underwear). Spend as much as you can afford without feeling so guilty that you won't be able to look your wife straight in the eyes and tell her you got both setups at a 2-for-1 sale at K-Mart for $29.95 You and your kid will never regret the deception. In July, buy a third setup for your wife (OK to spend $29.95 on this one).
Go to a real fishing shop (not reel). Look for a local dealer with a good reputation...If you don't know how to find one, stop any guy driving around this month (January) with a rod on his roof rack. He will definitely know where to send you. Tell the shop owner (probably the only sales person in the store this month) what kind of fishing you have in mind. He will know what to sell you (unlike the department store guy who probably just got transferred from ladies underwear). Spend as much as you can afford without feeling so guilty that you won't be able to look your wife straight in the eyes and tell her you got both setups at a 2-for-1 sale at K-Mart for $29.95 You and your kid will never regret the deception. In July, buy a third setup for your wife (OK to spend $29.95 on this one).
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