I Need Help!!!! 2025
collegefisher77 reply :
I am in college, but I want to start back fishing. I have not fished in probably 6 or more years. I need to find a rod and reel to start back fishing. I live in south Alabama and will do a lot of river and pond fishing. I am looking at a Shakespeare Ugly Stick with a Okuma Avenger Bait Feeder Reel. On the reel, what is the difference in the Avenger ABF 65 and ABF 50? Also, I will take any other suggestions, but I don't want to spend more than like $80, because this will be recreational fishing.
Thanks to all who reply.
roadwarrior reply :
Spend some time looking around the site and especially this section.
We have lots of threads running on inexpensive gear.
new2BC4bass reply :
Hot dog! Another new member. Welcome. The 2 reels have the same gear ratio, but the 65 holds a lot more line, retrieves line faster (because it has a larger spool), has more drag & is 10 oz. heavier. May need a crane to carry it around. 
Use the 65 if fishing for blue catfish or marlin. I would suggest using the 30 size instead. Suppose to hold 260 yards of 8 lb. line (my personal choice) and more than enough line for any fish you will catch in your area. If you want stronger line go with a 10 lb. Speaking of mono, which so far I prefer, but some say braid is better, in which case I would be looking at 20 lb.
Nothing wrong with an Ugly Stick. Back 30 years ago I wished I could afford one. Altough I did read a post by one Ugly Stick user who felt they were as sensitive as any $200 rod, I've got my doubts. You aren't going to find many on this site using one unless for something like catfish. I personally would be looking at a Berkley Lightning, (or Lightning Shock if using braid) or even an Amp or Cherrywood. I've no experience with, nor researched, any of the house brands sold by Cabela's, BPS or Academy. Which reminds me, the Ethos from Academy is suppose to be a very good rod for the money. They were having one of their Rod Riots where the rods were being sold for $40.
Remember this is just my personal preference. It is your money, and you have to be satisfied with what you buy. Buy what takes your fancy. You'll most likely be happier.
collegefisher77 reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 9:49 AM, new2BC4bass said:Hot dog! Another new member. Welcome. The 2 reels have the same gear ratio, but the 65 holds a lot more line, retrieves line faster (because it has a larger spool), has more drag & is 10 oz. heavier. May need a crane to carry it around.
Use the 65 if fishing for blue catfish or marlin. I would suggest using the 30 size instead. Suppose to hold 260 yards of 8 lb. line (my personal choice) and more than enough line for any fish you will catch in your area. If you want stronger line go with a 10 lb. Speaking of mono, which so far I prefer, but some say braid is better, in which case I would be looking at 20 lb.
Nothing wrong with an Ugly Stick. Back 30 years ago I wished I could afford one. Altough I did read a post by one Ugly Stick user who felt they were as sensitive as any $200 rod, I've got my doubts. You aren't going to find many on this site using one unless for something like catfish. I personally would be looking at a Berkley Lightning, (or Lightning Shock if using braid) or even an Amp or Cherrywood. I've no experience with, nor researched, any of the house brands sold by Cabela's, BPS or Academy. Which reminds me, the Ethos from Academy is suppose to be a very good rod for the money. They were having one of their Rod Riots where the rods were being sold for $40.
Remember this is just my personal preference. It is your money, and you have to be satisfied with what you buy. Buy what takes your fancy. You'll most likely be happier.
Thanks new2BC4bass for the reply. I have a few more questions for you. Academy has the Berkley Lightning Rod IM6 on sale right now. Is this a good rod and also it is in 6'6" and 7', which do you think I should get? Also they have the Okuma Stinson on sale, do you know if this is a good reel and on it, would you still recommend the 30 or 40?
Thanks again
endless reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 12:02 PM, collegefisher77 said:Thanks new2BC4bass for the reply. I have a few more questions for you. Academy has the Berkley Lightning Rod IM6 on sale right now. Is this a good rod and also it is in 6'6" and 7', which do you think I should get? Also they have the Okuma Stinson on sale, do you know if this is a good reel and on it, would you still recommend the 30 or 40?
Thanks again
The Lightning rod is post to be one of the best bang for it's buck!! Do a search and you will find out about the Lightning, it has be recommended and talk about allot. How much is on sale for? You might find some info in here like this in the search bar
From what I read as well when the topic comes up most say they don't like the shock.
collegefisher77 reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 12:21 PM, endless said:The Lightning rod is post to be one of the best bang for it's buck!! Do a search and you will find out about the Lightning, it has be recommended and talk about allot. How much is on sale for? You might find some info in here like this in the search bar http://www.bassresou...se-help-a-noob/
From what I read as well when the topic comes up most say they don't like the shock.
Thanks endless. It is on sale for $19.99.
endless reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 12:49 PM, collegefisher77 said:Thanks endless. It is on sale for $19.99.
WHAT!! I guarantee you if you mention that here is your option and that price. Everyone will tell to stock on a couple if can. I would at least try to get two 6'6 M-F and 7' MH-F for that price. There usually $40 to $50 a piece.
collegefisher77 reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 12:53 PM, endless said:WHAT!! I guarantee you if you mention that here is your option and that price. Everyone will tell to stock on a couple if can. I would at try to get two 6'6 M-F and 7' MH-F for that price.
What do you think when it come to reels? I don't know too much about reels, because the last I owned was a combo spin cast rod and reel. I was looking at the Okuma Stinson, because it was on sale also.
endless reply :
I don't know anything about Okama reels but always like Abu Cardinals and if they have any Pflueger on sale maybe check into the Trion. You are looking into Spinning right?
ww2farmer reply :
As some one who is used to using, what to me at least, are pricey rods (St Croix Legend Tournaments, Avids, and Mojo's) I have been impressed by the initial feel and weight of the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. I bought three of them this winter, mainly to have as "toss in the truck" rods. But they will be on the boat and be used. I can't offer a reveiw on how they fish yet, my lake still has some stubborn ice that won't leave, but it should be gone shortly.
When it come's to reels, I feel it is much more important to buy a quality, higher end casting reel, than a spinning reel. I am a Shimano guy and start with the Citica for casting reels, any thing below that has a graphite frame, and I just don't like that in a casting reel. I spend far less on spinning reels, Any where from $40-$80, there are tons of good reels. I have had excellant results with reels like the Pflueger Trion, and President, Shimano Sonara's, Sedona's and Sahara's, and Daiwa Exceler's. I don't mind a graphite frame in a spinning reel....and actually I prefer it. Compairable size reels with aluminum frames seem to be heavier. All of those spinning reels I mentioned have good smooth drags.
LgMouthGambler reply :
+1 for the Lightning Rod. I just sold 2 reels to a guy from NH on here. If you want to have a good setup, I will sell you my Abu Cardinal thats only about 2 years old. Its in the original box with the spare spool. I take very good care of my equipment. Its yours for $50 shipped. I paid $115 new. Its an amazingly smooth durable reel, I just dont use it because I prefer baitcasters.
collegefisher77 reply :
I am pretty much set on the Berkley Lightning Rod now, but still need ideas on a reel. The 2 that I am looking at are Okuma Avenger 39.99@walmart and Okuma Stinson 34.99@academy on sale. Does anyone know about either of these? Or Okuma in general? Still taking recommendations for any other spinning reels in that price range.
Packard reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 11:10 PM, collegefisher77 said:I am pretty much set on the Berkley Lightning Rod now, but still need ideas on a reel. The 2 that I am looking at are Okuma Avenger 39.99@walmart and Okuma Stinson 34.99@academy on sale. Does anyone know about either of these? Or Okuma in general? Still taking recommendations for any other spinning reels in that price range.
I'd stay away from the Okuma reels. I'd either go with a Pflueger Trion, a Pflueger President, or an Abu Garcia Cardinal.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Thumbs down for Okumas.
webertime reply :
Shimano Solstace or Sienna are $30-$40 each. Great reels for just starting.
SirSnookalot reply :
Nothing wrong with Okuma spinning reels, but an ABF is not the best choice for repetitive cast and retrieve, it's meant to be used more with bait than lures, not that you can't use it for both. The function of a bairunner is to allow the fish to run with the bait before setting the hook, quite similar to having your drag very loose. The 50 and 65 size is way too much reel for bass fishing, baitrunners are very commonly used in saltwater, especially off piers.
Baitrunners as a rule are heavier than than traditional spinning reels. I don't recommend specific brands, most inexpensive bass size reels will function just fine, but don't expect them to last a lifetime. Be true to your budget.
Daniel My Brother reply :
Another vote for the Pflueger Trion or President.
collegefisher77 reply :
I am interested in the pflueger president or trion that has been mention. Can someone tell me the difference in the two?
Packard reply :
On 3/8/2012 at 4:16 AM, collegefisher77 said:I am interested in the pflueger president or trion that has been mention. Can someone tell me the difference in the two?
President is smoother with more bearings and is lighter than the Trion. Trion has a teak handle while President has a plastic-type handle. If you can afford to spend the extra $20 then I would get the president.
Daniel My Brother reply :
On 3/8/2012 at 4:16 AM, collegefisher77 said:I am interested in the pflueger president or trion that has been mention. Can someone tell me the difference in the two?
About 20 bucks.
But seriously, like Packard mentioned, the president is a noticeably smoother reel. Both have been reliable for me. I actually fish the Trion more because I like the rod that it's on.
deaknh03 reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 10:08 PM, LgMouthGambler said:+1 for the Lightning Rod. I just sold 2 reels to a guy from NH on here. If you want to have a good setup, I will sell you my Abu Cardinal thats only about 2 years old. Its in the original box with the spare spool. I take very good care of my equipment. Its yours for $50 shipped. I paid $115 new. Its an amazingly smooth durable reel, I just dont use it because I prefer baitcasters.
I'm the guy from Nh that bought Matt's reels. I can tell you he takes great care with his equipment, they were in awesome condition.
new2BC4bass reply :
Like has been said, if you can buy the Berkley Lightning for $19.99....GRAB ONE. They don't have the expensive guides, but you can't expect top tier components for that price. It is a pleasing looking rod in my opinion. I've got a 6' MH Lightning casting rod I bought for my grandson. Unfortunately he hasn't fished since I bought it for him, so I've used it a couple times. Practiced pitching off my rear deck last spring (not my or anyone elses choice for a pitching rod ) I'm not crazy about it because I don't like rods that short. However, I was casting a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait on it last week and could feel the blades thumping thru the reel, a cheap Daiwa Procaster.
I prefer longer rods because I can cast a greater distance with them. I was a shore fisherman until last year.
You've been given excellent advice on reels. I'd be sorely tempted to take up LgMouthGambler's offer on the Mitchell although I don't think he mentioned the model or size. I grew up using a Mitchell 300. I remember it with fondness. I already have enough spnning outfits, or I'd be getting more information from him on the reel for myself. Heck, maybe I should anyway. Would make a great gift for my brother or his wife. They both love to fish.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Its an Abu Garcia Cardinal 700 LX.On 3/8/2012 at 11:22 AM, new2BC4bass said:Like has been said, if you can buy the Berkley Lightning for $19.99....GRAB ONE. They don't have the expensive guides, but you can't expect top tier components for that price. It is a pleasing looking rod in my opinion. I've got a 6' MH Lightning casting rod I bought for my grandson. Unfortunately he hasn't fished since I bought it for him, so I've used it a couple times. Practiced pitching off my rear deck last spring (not my or anyone elses choice for a pitching rod
I prefer longer rods because I can cast a greater distance with them. I was a shore fisherman until last year.
You've been given excellent advice on reels. I'd be sorely tempted to take up LgMouthGambler's offer on the Mitchell although I don't think he mentioned the model or size. I grew up using a Mitchell 300. I remember it with fondness. I already have enough spnning outfits, or I'd be getting more information from him on the reel for myself.
Sdw1002 reply :
In my opinion you can't beat the pfleuger echelon when you wanna go cheap!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/8/2012 at 7:42 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Its an Abu Garcia Cardinal 700 LX.
I looked up the reel. Appears very well built. I personally feel it is a bit small for an all-around reel. 6/110 line rating Not that 8/80 isn't more than enough, tho...at least for the fishing I do.
UWBass reply :
Shimano Sienna is $29.99 and feels comparable to even a $60 or $80 reel in my opinion!!
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