Good to be on the site..I'm new to crappie fishing so some basic questions. I'm planning to use 4 lb and/or 6lb mono with a medium light fast action rod. Any problems with using a Team Lou Custom Pro 2000 spinning reel?
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Good to be on the site..I'm new to crappie fishing so some basic questions. I'm planning to use 4 lb and/or 6lb mono with a medium light fast action rod. Any problems with using a Team Lou Custom Pro 2000 spinning reel?
I stumbled across an Okuma RTX 25. It’s a nice reel, and super light weight. I liked it so well that now I have 4 or 5 of them in size 25 and 30. They run a little smaller than most, by the size number. The bad part is that they are discontinued, but still lots of them on EBay.
How long is the rod ?
Does the reel balance the rod ? (If you're considering using the outfit to cast with)
What method are you intending to use with this outfit ?
(*what I mean by "balance the rod" is ... if you can stick your finger out and place the rod/reel on that finger at the very front end of the handle & it will balance there. If the rod drops quickly towards the handle end or tip end, it's not balanced. But, if it slowly tilts towards the handle end, that's OK. You just don't want the rod to tilt fast towards the tip end, as that would result in excess pressure on your wrist & forearm with any sustained time of use. If it's "slowly" tilting towards the tip end, then you might get away with using it ... but any rapid drop towards the tip end is a red flag that the reel isn't heavy enough to counter balance the length of the rod.)
I haven't bought the rod yet but considering St Croix Premier 6'6" Spin, med lite, fast. So I don't know if they balance but agree this its important to check out somehow. I'll be fishing from shoreline and boat at Fox River Chain of Lakes and Clinton Lake in Illinois. I expect to be doing vertical jig, casting, drifting with small plastic baits, and using slip and fixed bobbers. Any rod/reel combination I finally decide on would be exclusively for crappie fishing so Id consider a different combination if it gets the job done, especially if it saves $.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
I'm not familiar with the Team Lou spinning reel you asked about, but would add the Pflueger President 25 or 30 models as ones to consider. We have several of them on our poles and really like them. Have had wipers hit hard and give the drag a good test and handle things just fine. Seems to be a good reel for the money. Best wishes and have fun on the water!
I also like my new President 25 models, so smooth and quality. I have them on my 10 ft BnM Russ Bailey Signature Series 10 ft rods.Quote:
Originally Posted by Proud_Dad
:ThumbsUp:fishUSA FLAG
X3 on the presidents for a quality spinning reel for the money.
I also have some LEWS Mr Crappie speed shooter spinning reels Model WMSS100 that are also nice and priced around $30.00.
x4 on the President 25 smooth and dependable.
I wish I could add to the above suggestions, but I can’t. I have a 20 size Pflueger President and have been very pleased with the reel. Good value. Balance is critical. Make sure that is right.
Bob
There is no problem using the reel you mentioned. However, if you are open to suggestions I think I just purchased the combo you described as wanting for less than $90. I love the combo I put together so far and both the rod and reel together are less expensive than the St. Croix rod you mentioned. You could use the savings to invest in jigs...you will need them:biggrin. I have landed crappie, white bass, and spotted bass in the short time I have had it and it is performing very nicely spooled with 4lb test.
I would recommend the Quantum QX36 rod in 6 ft. medium light/fast action (or go with the 6'6" length you mentioned). I paired the rod with a Diawa Regal LT 2000D reel that is currently on sale at Bass Pro and Sportsman's Warehouse.
This is just a suggestion to help you on your way to crappie fishing success. Your preferences and/or results may differ from mine. Good luck on your purchase.
If people spent the time learning to catch fish as they spend trying to find just the right rod and reel, they would catch more crappie. I've got a Penn 109 on a 5' ocean boat rod that I bet if need be I could catch fish on Simply get a rod and reel you like. Get one you end up not lking because someone else said it's great and who's fault is that?
Good point Don. Luckily I've been able to have some fun on the water recently, which is my main goal. For crappies I'm using Pflueger President 25 with a Bass Pro Shop Crappie Maxx ultra light 7 ft rod. I'm using the Lew's 2000 reel and St. Croix medium light rod for other things, mainly finesse bass.
It also depends on how much sport you want, I use 1000's or 2000's.
I went back to the cheapest reel of all the Shimano IX with no regrets. It has a trigger and a rear drag, and so you can cast with one hand. I have use this kind of reel my whole life until recently to try a "Conventional* " reel but found it to be a PITA to keep having to open the bail with my other hand.Quote:
Originally Posted by marku
Shimano IX Series Spinning Reel | SCHEELS.com
That's a new one on me PITA to open the bail with your left hand? Maybe you can put the reel handle on the left side and open the bail with your right hand? If you want a spinning reel, to cast it your gonna have to open the bail!Quote:
Originally Posted by Techno2000
I'm a die hard Shimano guy - I have them from the early 80's up to now and all of them are still kicking strong, never a problem. 1000 0r 2000 series for crappie although I've landed some big fish on my 1000 models.
No, on the Shimano IX it has the (Quick fire system ) your hand never touches the bail wire, I have been using them for 30 years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Fischer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8RChCsSS7A
It kinda depends on your spending habits. I'm what some would call a thrifty person and I buy shimano IX 1000 or 2000 spinning reels and spool them with 4 lb trilene XL line. They are as cheap as $10 and if they only last a couple years....spend another $10! I use a couple st croix ultra light power rods and love them until they go SNAP. Then I get mad, swear not to use expensive rods again and buy a good old Berkley cherrywood for $22. ( st croix is really good about replacing broken rods. Even if you are to blame they will give a great deal on a replacement of equal or lesser value) I fish open water slabs about 400 hours a summer so I wear reels out fast. GO CHEAP!!
You sound like me!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigslabslayer
If you have the money to spare buy the St Croix. You won't regret it. Pair it with that Lews reel you mentioned. It doesn't cost anymore to go first class. You just cant stay as long!
Bought 2 of these to bream /red ear fish with . I found these at Academy and have been quite impressed . Attachment 392356