Beginner Gear 2025
Fishy4004 reply :
So, I recently joined my HS fishing club. I haven't had much experience fishing (do cane poles count?). The club dierctor/coach was kind enough to offer to lend me some of his gear so I can practice. I'm willing to try fishing, so if I like it, I might buy my own gear! So I kinda would like to know some good beginner gear, just in case I do get into it.
LCG reply :
What's your budget?
Any ideas what techniques you are interested in?
What type of water and cover do you fish?
In general a Berkley lightning rod gets good reviews for cheap price. If you get into the $100 range the quality options really open up. Pflueger and Daiwa make good budget reels.
Used deals can get you a huge upgrade for a very modest price. Something to consider.
Fishy4004 reply :
On 9/8/2018 at 7:58 AM, LCG said:What's your budget?
Any ideas what techniques you are interested in?
What type of water and cover do you fish?
In general a Berkley lightning rod gets good reviews for cheap price. If you get into the $100 range the quality options really open up. Pflueger and Daiwa make good budget reels.
Used deals can get you a huge upgrade for a very modest price. Something to consider.
My budget? Under 200 seems pretty fair to me, just something that has room for mistakes I guess.
Not to sure about technique, just the basic casting and stuff.
The type of water I will be fishing in are local lakes. (If you can tell I have 1% experience of fishing)
Log Catcher reply :
Hello and welcome to the forum. You will learn as you go what kind of setups you need for different types of baits. There is plenty of help and information on here to check out.
LCG reply :
We all started somewhere 
I began fishing at 33 and in 6 years I have learned a lot. This forum and YouTube can teach you a lot, maybe too much as it can get overwhelming.
For $200 I would recommend you decide if you want a spinning set up or baitcasting set up. From there a standard recommend rod would be something between 6'6"-7'6 rod, medium-medium heavy, fast action. For reels I would recommend something budget friendly and proven. Pflueger and Daiwa are my recommendations.
My vote for a set up would be a St Croix Bass X or mojo bass (more sensitive), medium power fast action spinning Rod in a length that feels right to you (6'8-7'1") and a pflueger president size 30 reel.
There are many good brands out there. Best to get a feel at a local store and see what feels best to you. My experience has taught me that it is far cheaper to buy quality gear rather than buy cheap stuff and inevitably end up upgrading. $200 will get you into a good combo that should last a long time.
Angry John reply :
First setup fenwick hmg 7' m or MH spinning rod 25 series pfluger president and some 8 lb yozuri hybrid.
haggard reply :
Be careful to not go so cheap that you get a setup that puts you off fishing (due to the gear not actual fishing). You may not need to spend as much as $200, but if you can, you'll have a great starter setup which will also serve you well as you advance.
For general purpose, fresh water bass fishing I'd get a 6'6" to 7'0" rod, medium power, fast action (M/F). A spinning style rod/reel will be more forgiving in terms of mistakes, but nothing wrong with starting on a baitcaster style either.
My first combo was $40 rod paired with a $30 reel because I wasn't sure I'd like this whole fishing thing (I was so wrong). I hardly ever use that combo and when I do it's just not very exciting, which is a polite way of saying I really don't like it. Within a week of getting it, I bought another combo, this time deliberately deciding to spend up to $100 on a reel and $100 on a rod so I knew I'd get something decent without going way overboard. It worked out well; the combo did great for learning and still using and loving it today. I happened to get a St. Croix PC66MF2 rod and a Shimano Caenan 151 (150 for righty version) reel, but don't get hung up on the manufacturers/brands; that just happens to be what I have. For line, 10 or 12 lb. mono test should work, just try to stay within the line ratings of your rod.
As long as you stay within the major brands, I'd focus more on price point ($100 rod, $100 reel) than manufacturer's name. Among all the major manufacturers out there, I'd bet $100 would buy you a rod or reel that is more than good enough for stating out, while at the same time you won't outgrow it any time soon.
Check out youtube videos to get a feel for which (spinner or baitcaster) suits you, then start shopping.
J.Vincent reply :
A 6ft6 or 6ft10 Medium power Fast action Spinning Rod paired with a Size 25 or 30 Spinning reel, would be a good place to start for a beginner. In the beginning try not to get too caught up with brands and analysis of which is better than another. There are a lot of good options out there. The Lews Mach series combos at Dicks Sporting Goods are pretty nice at the $100 price point, and the Abu Garcia Pro Max combo for $69.99 at Cabelas and Dicks Sports would also be another good option for a beginner. I would also consider how much tackle you would want and factor in another $100 for basic tackle and line.
Fishy4004 reply :
I did some more research, I feel like a combo would be the best start as rather than looking for a Rod and Reel separately, I can get them both.
A friend of mine recommended:
http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-combos-spinning-combos/abu-garcia-pro-max-spinning-combo/1405193.html#start=3
or this one:
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/shakespeare-ugly-stik-gx2-spinning-combo-15sksuglystk7clsscom/15sksuglystk7clsscom
LCG reply :
Trust me on this one...the ugly stick will catch fish, no doubt. I owned the exact combo you linked to and I sold it 6 months later.
Compare the ugly stick to any quality rod and you will feel the difference. The ugly stick is a slow parabolic action which is good for crankbaits. Not good for plastics, jigs, and many other techniques. It's also heavier and inferior to other rods mentioned so far.
Stick with what others are saying. St Croix, Fenwick, Lew's, Dobyns, BPS Carbonite, etc for the rod.
Spend your money wisely and buy quality.
jlb6 reply :
Hey Fishy4004.
On 9/8/2018 at 8:16 AM, LCG said:St Croix Bass X or mojo bass (more sensitive), medium power fast action spinning Rod in a length that feels right to you (6'8-7'1") and a pflueger president size 30 reel.
This!
After many years of nightly reading/creeping on this site I finally created an account just to see if you happen to be one of the young anglers I met today and showed you this site to go get lost in while we start our season and you dive in to the world of bass fishing.
It's a big world and chances are slim but either way I'd encourage you to come here often and continue to pick the minds of some great anglers and people who love to share their passion of being on the water. Look through the old threads as many of your questions will be there for you already with different perspectives but generally a consensus, or common themes, on most things like you just received on your question re new setups.
One thing that wasn't mentioned was that I always suggest a two piece rod for our young student anglers because they'll end up in lockers, trunks and carpools with little room. You do make sacrifices with a two piece rod but for where you are at the convenience will more than make up for it.
That being said I might as well provide my own thanks and props to everyone as I've always really appreciated this forum.
Fishy4004 reply :
On 9/8/2018 at 11:03 AM, jlb6 said:Hey Fishy4004.
This!
After many years of nightly reading/creeping on this site I finally created an account just to see if you happen to be one of the young anglers I met today and showed you this site to go get lost in while we start our season and you dive in to the world of bass fishing.
It's a big world and chances are slim but either way I'd encourage you to come here often and continue to pick the minds of some great anglers and people who love to share their passion of being on the water. Look through the old threads as many of your questions will be there for you already with different perspectives but generally a consensus, or common themes, on most things like you just received on your question re new setups.
One thing that wasn't mentioned was that I always suggest a two piece rod for our young student anglers because they'll end up in lockers, trunks and carpools with little room. You do make sacrifices with a two piece rod but for where you are at the convenience will more than make up for it.
That being said I might as well provide my own thanks and props to everyone as I've always really appreciated this forum.
Wait a minute...
Does your last name start with a B?
Topwaterdude reply :
If I was buying my first setup with a $200 budget, I would highly recommend a Dobyns fury 7ft med action spinning rod with Daiwa bg spinning reel.
Fishy4004 reply :
Everyone, I might have found a good one:
http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/pflueger-combos-spinning-combos/pflueger-president-spinning-combo/1447419.html#msclkid=69e0779713a41d91eaca2c02c16cc15e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D%20%5BPflueger%5D%20%5BNon-Brand%5D%20Combos%20-%20Spinning%20Combos%20-%20(Broad)&utm_term=%2Bspinning%20%2Bcombo&utm_content=Combos%20-%20Spinning&adlclid=ADL-356dba64-6b49-4f9c-8424-fec2875ec0d5&kwid=76690997664499x1227055045525586x279271371&start=1
The rod length is 7', Medium Action, and has a lot of positive reviews
fishnkamp reply :
I will give you my best advice. Combos are okay but not good in most cases.
Lets give you two setups that can work for you.
First is a Berkley Lightning Shock rod. It is a good rod and a great rod for the price. This rod is available from Dicks Sporting Goods and other locations. It will run you $50. I would recommend a 7 foot medium baitcasting model. Pair that with a Daiwa Fuego reel which can be found online for about $60. Add some 12 to 14 pound line, like Berkley Big Game and you will have a rig to catch some fish with.
My next suggestion is to look at Dicks and find a house brand of rods called a Quantum Escalade. These are pretty good rods and normally sell for $100, but they are always on sale for $49. I fish with the 6'6 medium model. Match that up with a size 25 or 30 Pflueger President reel and you will have two decent setups to use for quite a while. Spool that with some 10 to 14 pound braid or 10 pound mono, like Stren or Trilene to begin with.
My wife and I fish with many rods, some costing up to $350 each, but we both do fish with several Berkley Lightning Shocks and I fish with 1 of the Escalades.
We use the Berkleys for both bass and big stripers. I even caught a few catfish weighing close to 20 pounds with them.
There is nicer gear available and most cost more money, but those will allow you to catch fish and will not need to be replaced in the near future.
Fishy4004 reply :
Well, my idea wasn't for a combo, but is there anywhere i can go to get one built? (Like get the rod and reel toghether as well as string it?
Fishy4004 reply :
On 9/10/2018 at 1:53 PM, fishnkamp said:I will give you my best advice. Combos are okay but not good in most cases.
Lets give you two setups that can work for you.
First is a Berkley Lightning Shock rod. It is a good rod and a great rod for the price. This rod is available from Dicks Sporting Goods and other locations. It will run you $50. I would recommend a 7 foot medium baitcasting model. Pair that with a Daiwa Fuego reel which can be found online for about $60. Add some 12 to 14 pound line, like Berkley Big Game and you will have a rig to catch some fish with.
My next suggestion is to look at Dicks and find a house brand of rods called a Quantum Escalade. These are pretty good rods and normally sell for $100, but they are always on sale for $49. I fish with the 6'6 medium model. Match that up with a size 25 or 30 Pflueger President reel and you will have two decent setups to use for quite a while. Spool that with some 10 to 14 pound braid or 10 pound mono, like Stren or Trilene to begin with.
My wife and I fish with many rods, some costing up to $350 each, but we both do fish with several Berkley Lightning Shocks and I fish with 1 of the Escalades.
We use the Berkleys for both bass and big stripers. I even caught a few catfish weighing close to 20 pounds with them.
There is nicer gear available and most cost more money, but those will allow you to catch fish and will not need to be replaced in the near future.
55
If the first option is a bait casting rod, why is the reel a spinning one?
So here is the current amazon cart:
https://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Lightning-Rod-Shock-Casting/dp/B003X9Y8C6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536615507&sr=8-1&keywords=berkley+lightning+rod+shock
https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-FGLT3000DC-Fuego-Spinning-Reel/dp/B0774YLXJQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536615661&sr=8-3&keywords=diawa+fuego+reel
OR
same rod
but the reel is
PFlueger 30b
https://www.amazon.com/Pflueger-PRESSP30X-President-Spinning-Fishing/dp/B074WHR6MS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1536615747&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Pflueger%2Bpresident%2Breel&th=1
oh and some of this
https://www.amazon.com/Stren-SHIQS10-15-Impact-Monofilament-Fishing/dp/B00NWD4NMI/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1536616139&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=stren+fishing+line&psc=1
thedilettantedad reply :
Berkley make spinning and casting versions of the lightning shock rods. I think he is recommending getting a bait caster set up, and a spinning rod set up. Seems like a spinning rod is great for lighter tackle and finesse fishing.
Good luck.
Fishy4004 reply :
On 9/11/2018 at 7:22 AM, thedilettantedad said:Berkley make spinning and casting versions of the lightning shock rods. I think he is recommending getting a bait caster set up, and a spinning rod set up. Seems like a spinning rod is great for lighter tackle and finesse fishing.
Good luck.
The original idea was spinning rod, but I'll look into it
Fishy4004 reply :
So new idea:
The plan is to get a Ugly Stik Elite and a Pflueger president 30 spinning rod. Basic enough right? I'm not trying to go full "River Monsters" (TV show) here.
The line I am adding will probably be a Berkley Trilien XT mono line
The presidential 30 holds 240 yards (i believe) of line, and 4 pounds or something
Boomstick reply :
I will second buying a 6'6" medium heavy Berkley Lightning Shock casting rod and a 6'6" medium light Berkley Lightning Shock. Then add a Pflueger President spinning reel (I would go with the PRESSP30X model which is size 30) and a Pflueger President Casting reel. This way you can fish a drop shot and ned rig on the spinning reel and a whole slew of larger baits on the casting reel.
Trust me, I thought I was going to prefer a spinning reel, but once I learned the casting reel, I never looked back for those heavier baits and larger hooks.
Stephen B reply :
Daiwa Exceler LT or Fuego LT 2500 spinning reel with a 7'1 Medium FateChrome rod
fishnkamp reply :
My initial suggestion was a Berkley Lightning Shock rod in a 7 foot medium baitcasting model and this Daiwa baitcasting reel. I did make a mistake, as I left part of the model name off. I meant the Daiwa Fuego CT, which is a baitcaster. Sorry for the confusion.
Look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Fuego-Baitcast-Fishing-Reels/dp/B074XHRQ1N
My second suggestion was for a Quantum Escalade spinning rod and a Pflueger President in a Pressp30x or 25 depending on your preference. Look here:
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/quantum-escalade-spinning-rods-15qutuscld66mspnnrod/15qutuscld66mspnnrod?camp=CSE:DSG_pg1052478231_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNjcBRA3EiwAIIOvq0ovNUem_gfuDpvBl_HdICMETFaXV2KMhU5INrWOVESZrMPyW-kq-xoC1h8QAvD_BwE
Often these are available in the DSG stores.
The online specs are lighter than what my rod can handle as mine was listed a little for 1/8 to 5/8 lures and it can handle that easily. I believe the online spec is just a misprint.
This would provide you with a nice medium heavy baitcasting combo to fish heavier baits and a good spinning setup that can handle lighter more finesse baits. Keep in mind if you opened up my rod box you would see I carry at least a dozen baitcasters and 3 spinning outfits, but I have been addicted to this hobby for over 40 years.
Fishy4004 reply :
On 9/11/2018 at 11:06 AM, fishnkamp said:My initial suggestion was a Berkley Lightning Shock rod in a 7 foot medium baitcasting model and this Daiwa baitcasting reel. I did make a mistake, as I left part of the model name off. I meant the Daiwa Fuego CT, which is a baitcaster. Sorry for the confusion.
Look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Fuego-Baitcast-Fishing-Reels/dp/B074XHRQ1N
My second suggestion was for a Quantum Escalade spinning rod and a Pflueger President in a Pressp30x or 25 depending on your preference. Look here:
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/quantum-escalade-spinning-rods-15qutuscld66mspnnrod/15qutuscld66mspnnrod?camp=CSE:DSG_pg1052478231_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNjcBRA3EiwAIIOvq0ovNUem_gfuDpvBl_HdICMETFaXV2KMhU5INrWOVESZrMPyW-kq-xoC1h8QAvD_BwE
Often these are available in the DSG stores.
The online specs are lighter than what my rod can handle as mine was listed a little for 1/8 to 5/8 lures and it can handle that easily. I believe the online spec is just a misprint.
This would provide you with a nice medium heavy baitcasting combo to fish heavier baits and a good spinning setup that can handle lighter more finesse baits. Keep in mind if you opened up my rod box you would see I carry at least a dozen baitcasters and 3 spinning outfits, but I have been addicted to this hobby for over 40 years.
So you want me to go for the baitcaster instead. Does the baitcaster give me a larger variety of species to fish?
Fishy4004 reply :
So I'm shooting for the Berkley lighting shock, and what gear ratio am I looking for on the Daiwa Fuego CT?
*edit*:
I couldn't find a Daiwa Fuego at Dick's, but I did find this one that caught my attention.
https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/abu-garcia-pro-max-low-profile-baitcasting-reel-15abguprmxlpxxxxxree/15abguprmxlpxxxxxree
fishnkamp reply :
You said you were looking at a budget of around $200. I was suggesting getting two outfits for that money.
The spinning gear would allow you to fish lightweight baits such as light minnow baits like Rapalas, small crankbaits or topwaters like Pop R. It would also fish lightly weighted plastic baits like 5 inch ribbed worms, tubes and grubs as well as Senco style worms that may be either fished weightless or lightly weighted. You will hear plenty about fishing plastics rigged texas style, wacky style or weightless. These are all standard finesse baits.
The Quantum Escalade spinning rod plus a Pflueger spinning reel would cost about $110 combined.
There is a trick to purchasing things at Dicks too. You go in the store and purchase something cheap, lets say a pack of gum, a couple of jigs or a package of hooks. The receipt will have a website to do a survey on the store's customer service. Answer a few questions and they let you print a $10 off coupon. That is what I do everytime I want to purchase anything from Dicks that costs over $10. Theoretically, you could go in the store and by some hooks and weights. Go home and fill out the online survey. Go back and purchase the rod using the $10 off coupon. Take that receipt and do it again. Then go back and save $10 off the reel. My store is close enough, I just add each trip to a day i am running errands.
Anyway, the Lightning Shock rod and the Daiwa Fuego are good pieces and would run you about $100 to $110 also. That setup would handle your more traditional crankbaits that run down to 10 or 15 foot deep, baits like Rattle Traps and Red Eye Shads, heavier texas rigged worms and jigs with a plastic trailer. Think of these combos as part of a mechanics tool set. A mechanic will have sockets, wrenches, hammers etc. Each does its own job. If I was going to buy just one to start than I would start with a 7 foot medium to medium heavy spinning combo. As for the gear ratio I would go with a 6.3-1 or 7.3 -1. Both are very useful
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