Christmas Shopping (rod and reel) 2025
Boomstick reply :
I'm going to get my youngest son a baitcaster for Christmas. He is 12. Ever since I taught him how to use one on my oldest son's pole on a day he couldn't join us, he's always asking him to trade rods.
The catch is that I'm not entirely sure what to get him. Crankbaits are probably his favorite lures to fish, but he liked fishing spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and texas rigged soft plastics as well. I was thinking a Berkley Lightning Shock MH/F might be the way to go here, and they have a little slower action than most fasts. For a reel I could get him an Abu Garcia Black Max, but I might be able to get a good deal on a Shimano Caenan as well. Alternatively, I could get him a Lews Mach II combo, which may not be much more.
I'm open to suggestions though.
EDIT: My budget is $100-150 ideally.
kschultz76 reply :
What’s your budget?
Dtrombly reply :
Total budget? I've heard good things about the Lightning Shock though I haven't fished one. I do own a Bass Pro Bionic Blade 7' MH/F ($79.99) and I fish all of my moving baits on it, it has a soft tip which I find perfect for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. I had it paired with a Silvermax at one point and it was a sweet little reaction combo that only ran me $140.
Boomstick reply :
I'm looking to spend between $100-150, although that isn't necessarily a hard limit if I got a good deal too.
bueshy reply :
I think your idea of the Shock and Caenean would be a great beginner combo.
OnthePotomac reply :
This may be something to consider at Cabelas:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-TOURNAMENT-ZX-LASER-MG-CASTING-COMBO/2218040.uts?slotId=6
Boomstick reply :
Thanks guys. I took Friday off to go do some Christmas shopping, may be able to hit up Albany's Dicks (which is a much larger and better stocked store than ours), Cabela's or possibly Bass Pro.
On 12/4/2017 at 2:32 AM, bueshy said:I think your idea of the Shock and Caenean would be a great beginner combo.
I gather a lot of people use the Shocks successfully as an everything rod. They definitely feel more like a moderate fast to me, and some are faster than others
kschultz76 reply :
For the reel, especially for a beginner, I’d try and work your budget to get a Tatula CT. I think the braking system makes learning easier and it’s a reel that punches well above its weight. They can be found very affordably many places.
Then look for a good deal on a versatile rod. A Dobyns Colt plus a Tatula CT should put you right around 150.
BaitFinesse reply :
Lightning Rod 2017 and a Kastking Spartacus or Spartacus Plus would be a great beginner combo.
The reel has a centrifugal brake which works better with whip casts and beginner casters. A lot of the linear magnetic reels can be difficult to dial in and need lob casts to cast smoothly. The 2017 Lightning Rod has some of the features from the Shock along with some carbon wrap on the blank.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/4/2017 at 5:40 AM, kschultz76 said:For the reel, especially for a beginner, I’d try and work your budget to get a Tatula CT. I think the braking system makes learning easier and it’s a reel that punches well above its weight. They can be found very affordably many places.
Then look for a good deal on a versatile rod. A Dobyns Colt plus a Tatula CT should put you right around 150.
I was considering the Shimano for that reason because they also have good braking systems, although I'm not entirely sure about the Caenan vs more expensive models. I use a SV myself and it is great braking reel.
new2BC4bass reply :
ww2farmer is a big fan of the Shock rods. Haven't personally used one, but he is someone whose opinion I would trust. My understanding is they have a slower action because they were designed for braid. I do have an old Lightning spinning rod and a newer Lightning casting rod. The spinning rod has caught more fish than all my new rods combined. The casting rod is a 6' MH and is dedicated to shorter range spinnerbaits. A 1/2 oz. with a Colorado blade has the whole rod and reel vibrating.
I've read good things about the Tournament ZX rods, but have zero experience with them.
Last time I looked, Dick's Sporting Goods still had some 7' MH Escalade rods left. These are $100 rods on sale for $50. I bought one to give to my sister-in-law. Am giving her and my brother their first baitcast outfits. Naturally I had to try it out. Went and bought one for myself. Light rod. IM8 48 ton Hi-strain Modulus. Rated 1/4-1 1/2 oz. Only used a 3/8 oz. (I think although it could have been 5/16 oz.) spinnerbait on it. Handled that weight fine.
kschultz76 reply :
On 12/4/2017 at 6:15 AM, Boomstick said:I was considering the Shimano for that reason because they also have good braking systems, although I'm not entirely sure about the Caenan vs more expensive models. I use a SV myself and it is great braking reel.
Caenan is a graphite or plastic frame. Can’t compete with the Tatula CT in my opinion. I’m generally a Shimano guy but at certain price points you can’t beat what Daiwa has in the Tatula. The Tatula CT can easily be found for 90-100, sometimes less.
new2BC4bass reply :
I would also look at the Fuego CT. They can be found for less than $70 on ebay. TT gave it a best value award. Has an aluminum frame. Probably what I will be giving my sister-in-law. My brother will have to make do with a used reel...an original Fuego.
Got to give a new reel as a Christmas present, but there are some excellent buys in the used reel market. I picked up a Patriarch XT (older blue model) for $65 in very good condition. This was a $250 reel and has a dual braking system. Excellent reels.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/4/2017 at 6:36 AM, kschultz76 said:Caenan is a graphite or plastic frame. Can’t compete with the Tatula CT in my opinion. I’m generally a Shimano guy but at certain price points you can’t beat what Daiwa has in the Tatula. The Tatula CT can easily be found for 90-100, sometimes less.
To be fair, isn't the Caenan also a line down? I was considering the Caenan because I should be able to get one for no more than $60, although I managed to find a Curado for $70.
kschultz76 reply :
On 12/4/2017 at 11:49 AM, Boomstick said:To be fair, isn't the Caenan also a line down? I was considering the Caenan because I should be able to get one for no more than $60, although I managed to find a Curado for $70.
No doubt the Caenan will work if it fits your budget. Previous versions of it have not been reviewed well and I’m not a fan of plane graphite framed casting reels. For about the same price the Fuego CT I think will be a better reel overall and I personally think, despite having a lot of Shimanos with infinity Svs and a couple with Vbs, that the magforce-z will be easier for a beginner to control. The Fuego looks to go for about 70 on eBay.
bholtzinger14 reply :
www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/199696-tatula-ct-ct-type-r-sv-tws-
Scarborough817 reply :
i have a caius which is even below the caenan and i was really surprised by it. i like that it is very simple i have had no issues with it and it has a small frame which should be good for a younger user.
DaveT63 reply :
You did you could go a little higher on your budget, so i would suggest the Tatula SV TW and the Shock rod. The Tat SV's are on eBay for $125 shipped, and ffo tackle has Shock rod for $22 plus about $12 shipping. However, they might not have the model you want. They are pretty easy to find elsewhere though.
Choporoz reply :
I haven't used any Berkely Rods, but if you are going that direction, you can pair one with a Pflueger President Reel, shipped, for a total that is well within your budget.
http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ffo-rods-casting/berkley-lightning-rod-shock-casting/FFOM1365019.html
http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ffo-reels-casting/pflueger-president/FFOM3000205.html
I should have read all the replies...DaveT63 beat me to it
Mumbly reply :
I have a few of the Lightning Shock rods and I really like them. They are all pretty much mod-fast. Great for the money.
Another option that might be worth checking is the Fenwick Silverhawk II at Cabela's. They have been on sale for a couple weeks now for 50% off @ $49.99. Not sure what they have left but another option for you.
wisconsin heat reply :
As far as the budget/starter baitcasting reels go, I've tried a few brands. I have owned 3 black max's(~30-35 on the bay), 2 Shimano Caius (older orange model, 55-60 depending on model), and 3 Daiwa Laguna reels (~45-60).
Of all of those reels, I would buy the Laguna again first. The Caius would cast maybe just a hair better than the Laguna, but the Laguna feels much better. One of my Caius's side plate cracked for no apparent reason. The Laguna is also offered in a 7:1 ratio, the others are not. And I love the 90mm handle on the laguna. Of all, I would not buy another Black Max. It is a fine beginner reel, and I still have one on a rod, however the other companies just offer a better product at around the same price point. Both the Caius and Laguna are much better reels than the black max, which seems to break down quickly. If you don't want to spend much My #1 recommendation for reel is a Laguna. which can sometimes be found for around 40 bucks.
Although, as others have said, If you can get a new fuego for 70 or a caenan for around 70, I'd go for it. I'd just stay away from the black max, and other cheap cheap reels.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/5/2017 at 1:28 PM, wisconsin heat said:As far as the budget/starter baitcasting reels go, I've tried a few brands. I have owned 3 black max's(~30-35 on the bay), 2 Shimano Caius (older orange model, 55-60 depending on model), and 3 Daiwa Laguna reels (~45-60).
Of all of those reels, I would buy the Laguna again first. The Caius would cast maybe just a hair better than the Laguna, but the Laguna feels much better. One of my Caius's side plate cracked for no apparent reason. The Laguna is also offered in a 7:1 ratio, the others are not. And I love the 90mm handle on the laguna. Of all, I would not buy another Black Max. It is a fine beginner reel, and I still have one on a rod, however the other companies just offer a better product at around the same price point. Both the Caius and Laguna are much better reels than the black max, which seems to break down quickly. If you don't want to spend much My #1 recommendation for reel is a Laguna. which can sometimes be found for around 40 bucks.
Although, as others have said, If you can get a new fuego for 70 or a caenan for around 70, I'd go for it. I'd just stay away from the black max, and other cheap cheap reels.
My other kid has a black max. My biggest complaint is the braking is rather poor but I guess it's good to learn with if you aren't sure if they'll end up using it or whatnot. At the very least, it taught him how to adjust the braking. He'll get a better rod and reel for bass for his birthday, but can still use the gx2/black max for catfishing (and maybe crankbaits too because it has a fair amount of bend).
I took Friday off to do some Christmas shopping. Depending on where the girlfriend wants to go, I may end up at Cabelas or maybe a Bass Pro shops. I can get a Caenan for $60 at Dick's with a coupon as well, but the $100 Curado on ebay is tempting too.
Boomstick reply :
Cabelas has a deal on the Abu Garcia Revo SX for $80 right now, seems like the best buy I can find at the moment.
Boomstick reply :
So it turns out the Revo SX that Cabelas had was a gen 3, which I gather is notorious for lots of reliability issues. I ended up getting a Pflueger Supreme XT for under $100, which I've never personally used but have only heard good things about.
Still need a rod.
Bass fishing is best reply :
On 12/5/2017 at 1:08 PM, Mumbly said:I have a few of the Lightning Shock rods and I really like them. They are all pretty much mod-fast. Great for the money.
Another option that might be worth checking is the Fenwick Silverhawk II at Cabela's. They have been on sale for a couple weeks now for 50% off @ $49.99. Not sure what they have left but another option for you.
I have a 7 ft MH shock for throwing topwater only. It's a fine rod but I'd agree the Fenwick is worth a look. The Cabelas brand Fish Eagle rod is also on sale for $48.99 and is worth a look in this price range. I own two 663 Fish Eagle II's from previous generations and they are fine rods for the price. I still do most of my weightless senko and soft plastic fishing with these rods.
thinkingredneck reply :
Good choice on the Pfluger.
I loved my Lightening Shock rod until I broke it.
Boomstick reply :
So I was at the Field & Stream in Latham NY today and ended up getting a St. Croix Mojo Bass spinnerbait rod. I know it's more than I was hoping to spend, but it also fits the bill perfectly. It definitely has a slower tip but also has some solid backbone to it. I think the tip is actually a little slower than my Tatula glass cranking rod, so it should be fine with crankbaits as well. It's also a little shorter, which I think he'll appreciate.
They also had a Fenwick M/F HMG that would have done nicely too although the tip was a bit stuff for a M/F, but decided on the Mojo Bass spinnerbait rod because I figure he'll likely want thicker line until he gets better at casting and it will almost certainly be a better cranking rod.
new2BC4bass reply :
Congrats. The new model or a left over old model? I didn't care for the looks of the original Mojo, but after reading all the good reports on the new model, I wanted one to try regardless of looks. I honestly can't remember if the new model looks different, but it is growing on me. I don't mind the color at all. Problem is I got it just as the weather was getting cold. Looks like it will be a few months before it gets put to good use. This old guy has gotten so he can't stand the cold anymore.
You won't regret spending a little more than you had planned.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/9/2017 at 10:05 AM, new2BC4bass said:Congrats. The new model or a left over old model?
Oh I'm not really sure but I think it's the new model. It's the same look as the Mojo Bass rods I've seen this past summer for sure, if not 2016 too. I have always liked the Mojo Bass line, but this particular model was as good as I'm going to get for spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and crankbaits. Another Tatula glass cranking rod like mine would have also did nicely, but in this case he might like the Mojo Bass better because it is a little shorter and lighter too -- plus I always like checking out new stuff too.
I don't get to fish in the winter either, not only because I'm not fond of the cold but because the same kid plays travel hockey. By the time that's done, it's almost spring fishing season anyway.
kschultz76 reply :
On 12/9/2017 at 10:22 AM, Boomstick said:Oh I'm not really sure but I think it's the new model. It's the same look as the Mojo Bass rods I've seen this past summer for sure, if not 2016 too. I have always liked the Mojo Bass line, but this particular model was as good as I'm going to get for spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and crankbaits. Another Tatula glass cranking rod like mine would have also did nicely, but in this case he might like the Mojo Bass better because it is a little shorter and lighter too -- plus I always like checking out new stuff too.
I don't get to fish in the winter either, not only because I'm not fond of the cold but because the same kid plays travel hockey. By the time that's done, it's almost spring fishing season anyway.
Check the label for what graphite it is, if it says SC III it’s the new version.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/9/2017 at 11:17 AM, kschultz76 said:Check the label for what graphite it is, if it says SC III it’s the new version.
Yeah it says SC III. Wasn't that update a few years back though?
DINK WHISPERER reply :
OG Tatula rod and kastking reel right at budget and awesome setup. That's what my 8 yr old uses.
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