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500 to spend on new rod/reel 2024


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

I've been reading the boards from sometime (great stuff btw), but just finally registered. Anyway, I have about 500 to spend on a new rod/reel. I mostly catch smallies, but would like a versatile rod that I can use for larger fish as well. Lately I've mostly been using fat ikas, but I want to be able to use various types of lures/bait.  As far as the reel goes...i'm looking for spinning that is dependible! Thanks in advance for any advice!


fishing user avatarBass Hammer reply : 

Welcome to the boards ;)

You will not have any problems finding something for $500. :)


fishing user avatarmdntridr reply : 

d**n man for that kinda bread I'd get 3 BPS Pro Qualifier combos and then head down to Walmart and blow the remainder on plastics and a few Rapala DTs


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

Thanks Bass Hammer ;)


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 

If I had $500 to spend, it wouldn't be on a spinning set-up, but if I were to sepnd it on a spinning set-up, I guess I would get a G Loomis IMX SJR843S ($245.00) and a Shimano Sustain 2500FD ($199.99).  That would leave you with close to $30 (after taxes) to spend on some line and soft plastics.


fishing user avatarFishTank reply : 

G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale).  the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.


fishing user avatarRaul reply : 

Excellent picks gentlemen ( LC and FT ) !, even though for what you are describing you want the set up for I prefer FT 's set-up, for stuff where you want the most sensitivity you can get I 'd better have a GLX on my side.


fishing user avatarAlpster reply : 
  Quote
G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale).  the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.

This the way I would go also. I might want an SJR843 GLX (7 footer) but I like longer rods for plastics and deep water.

Ronnie


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

Thanks for the replies guys! Lucky craft, I'm not opposed to getting a baitcaster...it's just that I've never used one. I've always used spinning reels since I was about 3 years old. I'm curious to know why you wouldn't recommend a spinning setup, though. I'm always looking to gain more knowledge so please share your opinion!

Also, I have a shimano symetre 2500 so maybe I should just stick with that and use the money to try a baitcaster?  Suggestions?


fishing user avatarAlpster reply : 

Hey Fiji,

The Shimano Sustain LC suggested is a spinning reel and a great one. I have the JDM version (Twin Power) and it's an awesome reel. Hope this helps.

Ronnie


fishing user avatar32251 reply : 

I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel.   I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket,  not me. Whatever floats your boat.


fishing user avatarBass Hammer reply : 
  Quote
I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!?

Fish one and you'll see. ;)


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 
  Quote
I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket, not me. Whatever floats your boat.

well i don't splurge on many things in life at all.  to some people spending 500 isn't that much, to others it's too much.  but my philosophy is that you can't put a price on doing something that you love doing, something that gives you hours of pleasure, hours of stress relief (even if the fish aren't biting that day!)  sure i could get a cheaper rod and reel that will catch fish, but that's like telling someone who owns a ferrari that they could have bought a honda civic and traveled from point A to point B just the same.


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

still waiting on a roadwarrior reply!!


fishing user avatargrimlin reply : 

I once told myself i wouldn't spend an insane amount of money on fishing gear....that was before those 5 baitcasters,3 rods and countless lures and plastics i have now....jesus i was only fooling myself.

But you know what,i enjoy it and love what i have and still be able to enjoy fishing..that's all that matters.  

If someone has some money they want to spend on something they really want,i say go for it.


fishing user avatarBass Hammer reply : 

There is another thought that I don't think has been mentioned.

All of my gear is high end. Some of it is old.

All of it still works as good today as when I bought it.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
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  Quote
G. Loomis SJR783 GLX ($340) and a Shimano Stradic MgFa 2500 (~$140 on sale). the one LuckyCraft mentioned would also be a great setup.

This the way I would go also. I might want an SJR843 GLX (7 footer) but I like longer rods for plastics and deep water.

Ronnie

I'm on board with Fish Tank, Raul and Alpster, but rather than saving some money on the reels being phased out, I would go with one of the new models Shimano is introducing. I suspect the reels are SIGNIFICANT upgrades.

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302053095&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1188648471037


fishing user avatarflechero reply : 
  Quote
I spent $19 at Walmart for an "indestructable" Rhino rod and $12 for a Shakespeare reel. I have been catching bass using them.

What in the heck would you need to spend $500 on a rod and a reel for!?!?!?!? Glad you got it burning a hole in your pocket, not me. Whatever floats your boat.

If a $31 combo fits your needs, awesome, I'm glad for you...

I've caught bass on a cane pole. There is really nothing but sarcastic comparisons to make here. I am almost at a loss for words thinking if this is serious or a joke. I guess I'll assume it's serious...

To some people a fishing rod & reel is just that- a fishing rod & reel and anything that works is enough.

to some they are toys

to some they are tools

to some they are instruments

to some they are fine art

to some they are heirlooms.

each of those lines is a different price point.

I have a Mossberg 500A shotgun that I paid $170 for- it is a tool

I also have a Browning O/U that I paid over $1200 for- it is an heirloom that I will pass down some day.

The 500A kills dove, quail, pheasant and clays just as dead- does that mean the Browning was big giant waste of money? I would say no... but I'm thinking you might say yes.

It's a matter of perspective. (and maybe disposable income) Let's not judge each other.


fishing user avatarboatlesswonder reply : 

I would keep the symetre and get a SJR843 GLX, and spend the rest on tackle.


fishing user avatarguest reply : 
  Quote
If I had $500 to spend, it wouldn't be on a spinning set-up, but if I were to sepnd it on a spinning set-up, I guess I would get a G Loomis IMX SJR843S ($245.00) and a Shimano Sustain 2500FD ($199.99).  That would leave you with close to $30 (after taxes) to spend on some line and soft plastics.

the more I think about it.  And I spent about 20 minutes looking around IT"S FUN!!!!

but I think LC's set up is ideal.  If you want a reel a more recently designed reel. than the daiwa sol is very worthy.

But The IMX is a fabulous rod.  If you were a highly experieced fisherman looking for a sepicalized rod, I would be first in line saying get the Glx.  But I think that most will agree for a "general all purpose kind of rod" the IMX is more quality than most people would require.   The extra $100 for the GLX is alot of investment for a small return on weight an sensativity.   The sustain is a beautiful reel, but I too shy away from products that are being phased out due to impending upgrade.   so that's where the daiwa sol comes in.  Has been around less than 2 years, excellent reviews and won't be seeing an upgrade for a number of years yet.

but the IMX/sustain combo would be an outstanding choice.  

Man, can I have your problem ????????


fishing user avatarABC123 reply : 
  Quote
I've been reading the boards from sometime (great stuff btw), but just finally registered. Anyway, I have about 500 to spend on a new rod/reel. I mostly catch smallies, but would like a versatile rod that I can use for larger fish as well. Lately I've mostly been using fat ikas, but I want to be able to use various types of lures/bait. As far as the reel goes...i'm looking for spinning that is dependible! Thanks in advance for any advice!

Pflueger Supreme reel (89.99), Loomis GLX 783 rod (301.50), Stren original blue mono 8lb(7.00), 3 bags of senko's, (18.00),  package of worm hooks (3.00), 6pack of Killians Irish red (7.00), Ice (2.00), cooler (12.00), a few plugs/cranks to throw too (24.00), plus cost to have it all shipped to you (30.00).

Cost of buying fishing equipment....$494.49.

A day spent fishing....priceless.

Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off. Wal mart will sell you a reel with graphite parts for $15. The pflueger is aluminum and magnesium (the same material they made Lawn boy mower decks out of). PLUS, you can't get any more up to date than a reel that came out in March of this year.


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

well it sounds like the glx is the way to go.  thanks for all the responses everyone!


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  Quote
Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off.

I was trying to track with you until you got here. What's up with this comment?


fishing user avatarJeff H reply : 

;D  be careful RW, he might be fishing ;)

My guess is he likes his Pfluegers?? :)


fishing user avatarABC123 reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
Don't fall for those over priced graphite Shimano's. $200 for a reel with graphite components is a HUGE rip off.

I was trying to track with you until you got here. What's up with this comment?

I was, in a way, "phishing", looking for someone to defend the Shimano line, not just recommend them. I own, have owned, most all of the "big brands", including a few Shimano's. I even owned a new Stradic this spring...for a week. It took me that long to get back to the store and return it. Yeah Shimano has lot's of bells and gadgets on thier reels, but I just don't see the substance inside of them. Charging $200+ for a Sustain reel with a graphite side plate and rotor, IMO, is questionable.


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 

Based on the recommendations I just ordered the G. Loomis SJR783 GLX from reedsports.com. I actually got out of paying for it with my own money (my mom got it for me as a bday present!). With a rod this nice I really feel like I should pair it with a worthy reel. I see that the older stellas are on sale now. How do the older stellas compare to newest reels (stradic, sustain, or even the new stella). The newest stellas are a bit out of my price range though. Are the sustains that much of an upgrade over the stradics? Would buying one of the older stellas be the best choice based on my price range or would you guys recommend one of the new models that just came out? Lastly, what are your thoughts on the 3000 series/size shimano reels? Thanks everyone!


fishing user avatarRaul reply : 

The difference between a 2000/2500 size model and a 3000 size model is a bigger spool, the reel body is the same.


fishing user avatarAlpster reply : 
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How do the older stellas compare to newest reels (stradic, sustain, or even the new stella).  Would buying one of the older stellas be the best choice based on my price range or would you guys recommend one of the new models that just came out?  

I have a Stella 1000FG that's 2 years old. If there is a sweeter spinning reel in the world, I want to see it! I dare you to fish with one. LOL It's like heroin, you will be hooked (pardon the pun).

Ronnie


fishing user avatarDavid P reply : 

Good to see you got a GLX rod, sounds like a good choice. Next rod and reel, get a Baitcaster and give them a shot, I loved spinning until I made the switch and BCs are just more fun.

AS for reels. I don't know much about the Stella, but I have a Stradic and absolutely love it. They're smooth as hell, and just plain awesome.


fishing user avatarFIJI reply : 
  Quote

Good to see you got a GLX rod, sounds like a good choice. Next rod and reel, get a Baitcaster and give them a shot, I loved spinning until I made the switch and BCs are just more fun.

AS for reels. I don't know much about the Stella, but I have a Stradic and absolutely love it. They're smooth as hell, and just plain awesome.

Well I just said screw it and ordered a Stella 2500fd.  I figure the rod and reel I got will provide me with years and years of use and enjoyment.  In a way I look at it as an investment - something I can "grow" into, if you will, as I continue to learn about this art we all enjoy so much.

Good suggestion about the baitcaster.  That will definitely be my next purchase.  Like I said before, I grew up using spinning reels but I definitely want to try a baitcaster.   Don't be surprised if I start a "recommend me a baitcaster rod/reel" thread in the spring!  ;)


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Hmm...

I would say you have just purchased on of the sweetest rigs on the planet!

Congratulations!

8-)




4370

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