What kind of rod and reel do You use? What would You really like to use if You could afford it? I am not going to spend a pile on 1 rod and reel but would like to know some good set ups for casting. Thanks.CF
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What kind of rod and reel do You use? What would You really like to use if You could afford it? I am not going to spend a pile on 1 rod and reel but would like to know some good set ups for casting. Thanks.CF
CF,I have many rods and reels ,but son had brought me a in expensive one like I use from walmart,it's a cheerywood 5 and 1/2 foot,light, It was 23 dollars ,but thursday we went to Dick's in raleigh and I saw that same rod with reel for 39 dollars and went to pay for it and she ring it up for 29 dollars so I went back inand brought me 2 more , they are light and I love them ,do have one a little better but not worth the different in price
WalMart has another inexpensive rod that I like, it is a Shakespeare Micro Graphite and comes 3 lengths, 5'6", 6', and 7'. Costs $17 to$19. I have a couple of 5'6" that I used for docks shooting and fishing under low hanging trees and several 7' for other casting. It's softer than the Cherrywood, dnly drawback to me is it is made in China, but, I like the rod despite this.
Thanks for the reply's so far guys. I have 2 cherrywoods and like them. Especially the 7 footer for casting distance. I may spend up to a 100 bill on an outfit just to give everyone an idea of range. What are some upper end reels or does it make that much difference?
Can I but in for a question about rod lengths . What length has the best control and distance?
Shimano Clarus 6' Light action rods & Shimano Symetre reels. Bought them at Ray's Bait & Tackle, Eden NC. Fishdoc & wvspec told me about Ray's.:ThumbsUp
I will second the Shakespeare Micro Graphite and if you use the 10# Berkley Nanofil you will be amazed. This line is $20 for 150yds and worth every penny. I take the finger flipper thing off the reel it hangs up alot. I think the regular price was $24 but they put it on sale every spring for $20. I bought 4 and have not wore out the first one yet.
If you want an upgrade reel try the Plunger Presidential. $49 at wally world. I use this set up for Speckled trout also and it does great.
CF, went to petersburg today and at dicks they also had the cherrywood 6 and 1/2 with 5 ball bearning reels for same price, just to me they are a little too heavy and a little stiffer but if you are looking for a longer rod ,can't beat that price
I too use the Shakespeare Micro Graphite 7' for casting with a Abu Garcia Cardinal reel. Together costs about $58. I also like a Lews 5.5' combo I bought from Greentop that I use quite a bit especially dock shooting.
Don G is right on. The clarus rod with the symetre reel by shimano is reel hard to beat. The Clarus series rods have a lifetime warranty. If anything happens to it just take it back and get a free replacement! Awsome set up. I do prefer the 6' ultra light over the light. Just suits my needs better for an all around rod.
I use a 6.5' rod and started a similar thread some time ago when fishdoc convinced me to go with the reel the size of a Pflueger President and Daiwa Exceler 2000HA. (for increased casting distance) I like both but have already had to replace the bail spring in the Pflueger and it's not even two years old.
the 6' UL Clarus, rated for 2-6 lb line is my favorite for both castin an shootin docks. I've been usin the Shimano Stradic CI4 reel in the 2500 size this yr an am very impressed with it. You'll have less coil in ya line with the mid sized reels than with the smaller ones. I have several of the Shimano Stellas an they are not worth the extra expense IMHO. I've also used the Symetre reel an have had very good service from it. Ray's Bait an Tackle in Eden sells all Shimano tackle bout $20 cheaper than any where else I've found.
The Shimano IX200R is a good inexpensive reel, I like it anyway. I haven't worn one out after using 4 of them for about 5 years.No ball bearings may be a show stopper for some, but, works fine for me. I mostly cast, so the durability has been really good for a reel that costs lesss than $15! This reel and the Shaklespeare Micro Graphit rod result in a very reliable combo for LT $35.
Cabelas Classic 6' Ul with a Pfluger President Believe its a 2000 equivelent
I had a St. Croix 6' Primere Ultra-light coupled with a Shimano Sahara that I really liked. I broke the tip of the rod and contacted St. Croix about a warranty replacement. The tech I spoke with recommended upgrading to an Avid series. While it was a little more money (and comes with a lifetime warranty), the extra money spent in 2 chunks wasn't so bad! I was surprised at the difference in the two riods and am glad I spent the extra money. The rod casts like a dream and is extremely sensitive. As I mainly fish out of a kayak I think a 6'6" or 7' rod might be a little more convenient, but I would buy this one again if I broke it. BTW, St. Croix customer service was superb.
Ed, its hard to go against Fishdoc recommendations, but you would have to splurg on the reel price. Picking out the rod is the hard part to me. Depends if you like a whippy/limber tip or a bit more back bone. Some companies UL is the same as anothers Light. Got to get it in your hand. For $100 total, you might want to check out the Ugly Stik Light series. They have a 6' 6" Ultra light and a 6' 2" Light. Cork handles and a tough rod blank. A bit heavier than some but should last for a working man. That leaves $50-60 for a reel. For that maybe the Pfleuger President in the size you like. It if lasts 2 years for Tap as much as he fishes and casts, it should last double or triple for the rest of us before it needs anything.
Fishdoc, does your Clarus have cork or foam handle?
The finest rig I have ever had and ever will have is my St Croix 6½' ultra light with a Shimano Stella 2500 on it. I can't believe the reel has gone up about $200 since I got mine.
Part of the reason for that steep price increase, probably a large part, is the Fed's policy called "quantitative easing." Simply put, that means flooding the world with newly "printed" dollars. Here is a very good explanation of the cause and effect relationship between the Fed's easy money policy and the rising cost of all imported products, including reels produced in Japan. Wherever the article uses the words "oil" or "gas", substitute "Shimano."Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill
600-$700 is rediculus for a crappie reel. Fishing in freshwater for a fish that rarely makes it over 3 lbs
To each his own... Just saying.
Ed check out cabelas classic ive got a 6 and a 5'6 they have cork handles on a IM6 sensitive as any other ul ive ever picked up. $25
I love my St Croix 6.5' ultra light. The best ultra light rod Ive ever owned. Mine is paired up with a Pfleuger President which is quite nice as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill