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IN SEARCH OF VALUE AND NOT NAMES 2024


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

Hey Fellas ; How about a thread of stuff YOU HAVE ACTUALLY FISHED WITH, sucessfully and with satifaction for the fellas who don't want to , or can't spend a lot of money on Rods and reels

Let's say : Combos at or less than 120 bucks

Reels less than 75 bucks

Rods less than 75 buucks

Please lets not start a Branding war, or opinions that this can be done. Just a list of gear, that fits this criteria and people have used sucessfuly!

My entries

Combos: BPS Extreme Baitcasters

and The Pflueger Trion and President spinning Combos

Rods; Fenwick Eagle GT,Cabelas Gold Lable spinning rods and when on sale Cabelas Fish Eagle II, Pflueger High Modulus rods, and the Rapala Sportsman series of rods

Reels: Cabelas Tournament ZX, Right now on Sale the Bass Pro Pro Qualifiers and David Fritts Cranking Reels for BC

Spinning; Pflueger President and Trions


fishing user avatargrimlin reply : 

My bps extreme combo got me pass all my troubles of learning to use a baitcaster.I got a cabela's spinning reel i use quite often along with a BC from cabela's ZX HS 7:0:1 version.

Also very happy with the abu garcia C3 round reel which i picked up for $35.


fishing user avatarislandbass reply : 

That's a great idea, Muddy, but I didn't realize that people gave recommendations on the gear they have used.  ;D

I'll just state gear for that price point.

For reels, I can only list spinning reels. None of my bc reels was cheaper than the $75 price point.

I did buy a Pflueger Trion (casting) for $79.00  - Decent reel whose castibility is just about on par with the Curado BSF. It only starts to suffer one needs to fine tune the reel to cast lures that weigh less than 1/4 oz as where a Curado BSF seems to me to have a greater margin of tolerance.  With said, the Trion has landed all of my Chum salmon, who are brutish fighters.  If it can handle big chum salmon, it will make short work of any bass.

Shimano Symetre - also for $79.  Get the reel and be done with it. The reel is sweet from the first crank. However, my biggest rave about it is that starting at this class in the Shimano line up, you can actually add line to the spool directly as you would a baitcaster. That alone is worth the price.

Rapala Spinning Sx6i (Size 20) $55 MSRP - I got mine for only $35 and I know they can now be had on Ebay for about that price. This is one of my favorite reels and it it the reel I drop shot with.  Smooth drag and great performance that one doesn't see in a reel this inexpensive. Tackle Tour reviewed this exact reel.  For bass fishing finesse techniques, this is the ticket, and take it from someone who loves Shimano gear.

Abu Garcia Cardinal 101a $30 - This is a small reel, but I use it for ultralight fishing. The reel weighs a smokin' 6.95 oz.  and being that spinning reels are inherently heavy, that is quite impressive. With it and my ul rod, I have easily subdued bass just under 4 lbs on 6# line. Hmmm lb and # having the same meaning.  ::)

Rods:

Shimano Clarus (casting) $59 - The entire line up covers just about every facet of a bass fishing application. For that price, the angler gets a decent rod with superb components whose guides will not falter with braid.  Sensitivity is sufficient even for soft plastics and I have the 2 piece medium action rod.

Lamiglas Competitor Rod (casting) CC664 $64 - Unfortunately for you folks out there, many of you don't know or are not aware of the great rods that Lamiglas makes even in their low end (they aren't really low end) rods.  The model I have, the CC664 has these specs:

length: 6'6"

line - 8-20 lb

lure weight - 3/8 - 1 oz

Action - Medium

Let me ask you... What rod out there from anyone else has such a wide range of line and lure specs? Not many. Maybe a Daiwa or two. This rod makes for an excellent all arounder.  It is still one of my favorite rods. It easily handles single hook and treble hook lures and has a backbone under which a 6.5 bass has no chance of making its way back under the dock nor head toward the wooden pilings. Heck, my rod wasn't even at 45 deg.  Now that is power. Despite its weight range, it does not have a problem casting 1/4 oz lures.

Daiwa Strike Force (casting) $12.99 - Well this is actually my daughter's rod, but I fiddled with it and was taken by surprise by this medium action rod.  It is very good for crankbaits and topwaters with trebles.  It is either 5'6 or 6' but it casts almost as far as my 6'6" rods. And yes, my little girl knows how to handle a baitcast reel.

Berkley Cherrywood Rod (spinning) $17 - I have the 7' two piece version and the first time out with it, I caught a bass.  This is a good, decent rod, especially for its price.  With regard to sensitivity, it is sufficient to drop shot with. Now how is that for a sub $20 rod! Awesome if you ask me.

Rapala Sportsman Classic (spinning) $15 -  I got it on sale and sadly it was the first time I was ever disappointed with a Rapala product.  Its sensitivity stinks to high water. I can hardly feel the vibration of a crankbait with it.  On the bright side, it has a fair backbone. I have drop shotted with it successfully.  However, to maximize sensitivity, use some braid. The adage, "You get what you pay for," is confirmed in this rod.  I won't get rid of it. It is the perfect rod for the visiting, clumsy family relative you want to outfish.

There are two rods I have that are more expensive than $75 but I was lucky to score them for less:

Shimano Crucial MH610 $59 - Don't need to say much. To say it isn't a fair fight is an understatement. To get a $129 rod for $59 still blows my mind.  It was a demo model, but I have the lifetime warranty with it as with my other Shimano rods.

Shimano Compre 6'6" MH 2 piece - $54.95 for an $89 rod? I was on it like the green hornet.

So there are great values out there. You just have to find them.

-ib


fishing user avatarcart7t reply : 

Revo S.

Daiwa Advantage 150P

Both of these can be found like new on ebay for good prices. On average, $65 - 80 for a slightly used Revo S and $50 - 65 for a Daiwa Advantage slightly used. Good value.

The BPS pro qualifiers that have been out the past 2-3 years. Model PQ 10. 7 bearing. Really nice, smooth reel that lasts. $35 - 65 depending on condition.

As already stated. The Extremes. Great reels for the money. Catch them on sale new for $60.

Slightly older Rick Clunn RCX-1000 reels. 8 bearing. nice. Used and in good condition for $38 - 50.

Shimano Cruxis. This one is a real sleeper. You can get these for around $70-75 on ebay in like new condition. Nice reel.

Pflueger Presidents. Check the forums and Ebay. I've regularly seen these reels go for around $75 - 80 in very good condition. I don't care for the overall profile of the reel, too tall for me but if it weren't for my messed up hands I would probably be using Presidents right now.

Old Curado's. Still going strong. On average $75 - 100 depending on condition.

Garcia 4000 or 5000 series reels. You can get into one of these in nearly new condition for around $35-40.

Rods.

Lightning rods are still a great option.

Bionic Blades. Watch for the sales.

Extreme rods. Another great one. Watch for sales.

The SC Avids if you can find the sales.

AS American Classics. Same as the old classics, different color. You can pick them up on Ebay for around $40 - 50 each new.

Shimano Clarus. These are always popping up on the forums. Nice rods. $45-55.

Fenwick HMG's. Another that pop up. Good rod. $50 on average used.

Team All Stars, sometimes go for around $50-70 on the forums.

BPS crankin sticks. Great rod.  Wait for sales.


fishing user avatarABC123 reply : 

BPS Bionics Plus baitcasting reel. It's a good reel for $50, but don't think your getting a reel that compares to the big boy's.

Berkley Lightning rods. Best sub $100 (MSRP) rods on the market IMO.

Zebco platinum series spincast reels. If properly maintained and kept lubed, they are very nice reels.

Pflueger President spinning reels. Pretty good reel.


fishing user avatar.dsaavedra. reply : 

ive got a Daiwa Procaster 6+1 (casting reel) and its pretty good. not the best of things, but its not bad for the price. a prime example of you get what you pay for.

berkley lightnin rods (casting or spinning) are good for under 100. my dad and i work jigs and plastics on oursno prob. ugly stik...not so much.

okuma stratus ST-30(spinning reel) i got it for 40 bucks at dicks. it was my first and only bass sized spinning reel. its not bad at all. pretty darn smooth. dont remember how many bearings. this isnt a well known reel...i googled it and came up with nothing. its' never given me any trouble, except for the time i dropped it on cement adn it landed on the bail, so it wouldnt open right and the handle hit the bail. i bent it back in shape and now the reel works just as good as before the fall.

AbuGarcia Cardinal 500 on berkley lightning rod (spinning combo) this is what my dad got for about 60 dollars at dicks. seperate they are great products and just as great when combined! good value for the price. never let him down....except when he casts, the two piece for frequently seperates, sending the top half flying into the water...maybe its just a bad rod, or maybe all of them are like that.

pflueger trion GX combo (UL spinning) got the rod and reel for 40 or 50 at dicks. hasnt let me down yet. the same thing happened to the reel that happened to my other spinnign reel. bent it back and its just as good now.


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

Good Stuff Keep it comin fellas. A lot of people ask for equipment like this, many are told they need to go higher, this is a good reference from members who have actually used this stuff sucessfully! 8-)


fishing user avatardodgeguy reply : 

bps rick clunn reel on sale now at bps.i have 2 i love.imho the magnetic/centrifugal hybrid brake is the best out there.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90572_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90575_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1


fishing user avatarluckyinkentucky reply : 

I will list my favorites in order per the criteria given.

1)  BPS Pro Qualifier spinning combo with 6'6" Medium to Medium Heavy rod  and Pro Qualifier PQ4000B reel .... $120

I love this outfit, and it's what I started seriously fishing on for a spinning combo.  You can't beat the Pro Qualifier rods, in my book, for the money, and the reels can handle anything you throw at them.  Of course the 'Mag Spool' technology helps with line twist, and the combo is a steal at $120 for the rod alone.  You get the reel for *FREE* with the combo.  Durable, diverse, and they last for years with care and maintenance.

I mainly use this outfit for spinnerbaits and buzz baits.  

2)  BPS Extreme Baitcaster w/ High Speed retrieve on a 6'6"MH Extreme rod.  ..... $99 on sale

This reel is extremely versatile, and you really get a lot of 'Bang for the Buck'.  Casts are long, and retrieves are fast and smooth.  The gears really showed me a lot of how they were made when I was fighting Stripers back in August.  I pulled in several big fish, and the reel cut through them like butter.  No problems at all with reeling.  The rod is rated at 'Good' simply for durability and weight.  They aren't the most sensitive rods in the bunch, but for the combo price you can't beat them.

3)   Abu Garcia Spinning reel on a 7" BPS Graphite Series spinning rod .... $50

Since I'm mostly big on Baitcasters I don't want to have to spend too much on a spinning combo that I will use for 1/4 lures or less.  The Abu Garcia Cardinal 104 is only around $30 at most Wal-Mart locations, and the rods for $20 at BPS are a good 'Entry Level' buy, or for someone who doesn't want High Dollar spinning combos.   The rod has been put through some abuse with getting light plastics pulled out of brush piles, and accidentally getting stepped on a time or two in the boat .... Oops.  :)  I could bend the rod in almost a complete question mark, and it would still hold true while still being able to feel the bites fairly well.  The reel is very smooth, and has been put through several rain storms without any problems with the retrieve.  Most other spinning combos I have owned, including the BPS Pro Qualifiers, all had some squealing in the spool after a few heavy rains, but not the Abu Garcia Cardinal.  

There is a summary of the rods I've used most recently.  I've tried to put something in there for every price range, and even though I have quite a few more setups these were my 'Go to' setups for the price indicated  this past summer.  Hope I helped.  


fishing user avatar.ghoti. reply : 

Good idea, Muddy!! I'm all about a bargain.

My entries;

Shimano Symetre; at 80 bucks, the best value in the Shimano family. But better yet, for ten bucks more, the Quantum Catalyst PT spinning reel, is the best value in that family.

BPS Rick Clunn 7' medium Worm/Dropshot model casting rod. On sale for twenty bucks off several times every year. I got one, when it was on sale, to try dropshotting, and discovered that drop shot fishing is just about as much fun as washing the car. And the tip of this rod is just too soft to be very good for worming, in my opinion. But, it's my favorite crankbait rod. Got it matched up with a Daiwa Millionaire, that I got on sale for 70 bucks. That's 130 for the combo; a little over the target, but I can, and do, through everything from a #5 Shad Rap up to a DD22 with this combo.

BPS Pro Finesse baitcast rod, 6'9" ML. Picked up one last year on sale for 80 bucks. Very nice rod for the money. I'd say it's worth the 100 dollar normal price, so when it's on sale it's a great value.

I could list some others, but they're already mentioned.

Cheers,

GK


fishing user avatarluckyinkentucky reply : 

Sorry ... didn't read the criteria.  :)   Marked off the Johnny Morris Elite combo, and added the Pro Qualifier.  


fishing user avatarDaniel My Brother reply : 

Most of my gear is relatively low budget, here are the 2 that I like the most:

1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel-$70 : I can't say enough good things about this reel.

2. All Star Classic Rod - $39 : I'd be happy with a lineup of nothing but these.

Excellent thread. I hope everyone contributes something.


fishing user avatartyrius. reply : 

I just bought a Citica/Extreme combo from BPS for $140.  Just a bit higher than your combo criteria, but a $120 reel and a $100 rod for $140 is a good deal in my book.  Haven't fished it yet, but just holding it I can tell it will be better than what I have because anything is better than nothing!   8-)

I also bought the BPS Crankin Stick when it was on sale for $30.  That one replaced an ugly stick and it is VASTLY superior to that!  You can definately feel the cbaits coming through the water with this rod.


fishing user avatarRoLo reply : 

SPINNING ROD

BPS BIONIC BLADE BNC60MS <> Medium Power <> IM-8 (45mil modulus) $55 (on sale)

Length: 6-ft (1-Pce) <> Line Wgt: 4 to 12 lb <> Lure Wgt: 1/8 to 1/2 oz

SPINNING REEL

SHIMANO SYMETRE FRONT-DRAG SY2500FI $79.99 (don't know if it goes on sale)

Line: 6 to 10 lb <> Wgt: 9.5 oz <> Max Drag: 15 lb <> Bearings: 4-BB / 1-RB <> Retrieve/Rotation: 31

Muddy, this spinning outfit is the closest thing to stealing that I know :)

Roger


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

Thanks Rolo Everyone is staying cloise good enough for me


fishing user avatarmichbass reply : 

Great post Muddy.. A lot of great replies also.

As far as spinning symetre, Very smooth and a reel that will last forever. At the right times at BPS can be combo'd with a Extreme Rod for 130.

Also like my old Clarus rod for the money.

Never tried a caster in this range though, looking forward to reading more though.


fishing user avatarFishTank reply : 

Spinning Reels: Shimano Sahara or a Flooger President  :)

Casting Reels: Don't know on this one.  I have found some good deals (Shimano Curado BSF $40 new and a Shimano Calcutta 251 $35 new) but everything I have tried at that price range has had some issues (some of it user error and the rest was a quality problem).  

Rods: BPS Extreme, Bionic Blade, or the Falcon original series

Sometimes it is better to wait for a sale.  You don't always have to pay top dollar for your equipment if you keep your eyes open.


fishing user avatarTrickyVT1887 reply : 

Probably my most successful value combo is a Shimano Curado B5 5:1 gear ratio on a Guide Series Advantage Crankbait rod. Wears you out after using it because of the rods weight but caught tons of fish on it. I also have a B5 Curado on a cheap 6ft Shakespeare rod for my spinnerbait rod I LOVE IT it catches tons of fish and the rod was given to me so its my cheapest baitcast combo. Spinning is a Symetre paired with a GL2 Loomis, a little more expensive but better priced than a stradic on a GLX  :-/.


fishing user avatarRed reply : 

for me my abu garcia 5501 C3's($75) have been great...and the berkley bionix($50) rods are very good for the money too, as well as the cherrywoods($20)


fishing user avatarLong Mike reply : 

OH, HOW I WANTED A TRION BAIT CASTER, but couldn't put together a combo within my budget.  I'm an avid Pflueger fan and would put their Trion and President spinning reels on the top ledge for quality.  I am also a big fan of the BPS Extreme spinning rods.

Well, BPS put together an Extreme Bait Casting Reel /Extreme Rod combo for sale at about $100.  Today I went out and bought it.  I have been a spinning reel guy for more years than I want to admit, but today i bought my first bait caster.  I did a lot of research on the BPS Extreme reel and it got high marks right up there with the Trion.  I have yet to throw the first lure into the water.  Are there any anti-backlash mantras that I could chant tomorrow?


fishing user avatarTpayneful reply : 

These two reels work well for me:

BPS Rick Clunn Baitcast reel cost $59.99 right after Christmas on sale.

BPS Extreme Baitcast reel cost $47.99 right after Christmas on sale.  

Both reels perform almost identically.  The only two differences are the color and the spool size.  The spool diameter is smaller on the Rick Clunn which holds more line, which doesn't make a difference at all.  So I only like the Rick Clunn better because I like the blue reel better than a green colored reel!

I hope Santa believes that I have been a good boy this year and will bring me a Johnny Morris reel on a Pro Qualifier Rod


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

Yea Mike: IT Goes Like This

*&!@$!3890!@^34!_#$!34!()$!_)!-   (*$@(*$(*4@!(_$@)_!=0

Hey Make sure you read BAITCASTING 101 on reelmech's site, how to set up a baitcasting reel: IT"S ESSENTIAL AND HELPED ME OUT GREATLY!!!!!!!


fishing user avatarJimzee reply : 

I have 5 Fenwick Venture rods that I use when floating for smallmouth.  They weigh 3 oz. and are tough as hell.  I get them for $30.00 off eBay.  I think these rods are a GREAT value.  Specs for the ones I use are 6'6" M Spinning.  They have an extra fast tip much like the Avid blank.

I also have 5 Shimano Spirex to go on these rods.  I had to pay retail for all these, $59.99.   These reels are very tough as well and have lasted longer than I figured.  I use the 2500 size.  The only bad thing, they are a little on the heavy side and don't have infinite anti-reverse, but they take a beating on the river.


fishing user avataraggiebassin reply : 

shimano sedona spinning reel.  ~$50

have had mine for about 4 years now and it is still going strong.  

very smooth and has a good drag


fishing user avatarOlebiker reply : 

I have 2 Daiwa Procaster 6+1 reels that I love.

Shimano Carbomax rods have been referred to by some on BR as "cheap" rods, but I think they are the best thing out there for $50-60.


fishing user avatarslomoe reply : 

First I would like to say that this is a great thread.

I have a pfluger Trion spinning reel, and I love it. Got it on sale, then %10 off that because it was on display. I haven't used any real high end stuff to compare it to, But this reel has held up to the beating I give it in transport from the apartment to my small car, then from the car to the hiking trails getting smacked by tree branches and falling on rocks. Good all around reel, and I really like the way it looks with the wood grip.


fishing user avatarPopeye reply : 

I personally would like to add my vote for the Pflueger President and Trion spinning reels and the Fenwick Venture rods. Also one should consider the OKUMA MD series spinning reels and the Fenwick H series rods. The Diawa Light & Tough rods are a little more expensive at around $100, but they are well worth the extra bucks, IMO.

Since I'm new to BC setups, I invested in a Daiwa Zillion and the new Pflueger Patriarch reels that I haven't had the chance to use yet, but they both get rave reviews. For the $$$s, Pflueger is HARD to beat, IMO.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

You can get both VALUE and NAMES that have established a reputation for high quality and dependable performance simply by taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. An example would be tremendous deals that pop up on the Flea Market section of this forum (today, TDZ-103HL, NIB, for 1/2 price!). Another would be Avid rods for $65 - $100.

Secondly, SELECTIVELY buying lightly used and well maintained equipment is another option. With a proper tune-up, even a well used, high-end reel will perform perfectly and indefinitely with proper maintenance.


fishing user avatarAlpster reply : 

If you can't afford a Loomis Flippin Stick and a Shimano Calais reel, I will suggest a ABU 6000 (bought mine for $40 on sale) and a 7' Quantum Tournament Grade IM8 rod ($35 @ Wally World) for flippin and pitching in heavy cover. You have to spend a lot of $ to beat this rig for practical purposes. JMHO

Ronnie


fishing user avatarfish-fighting-illini reply : 

First off Muddy what a great thread. I think several people have tried this and it always goes awry.

Daniel my B unless w ship and tax you are overpaying for your Presidents! lol

I will maybe try an allstar you mentioned.

My suggestions

Pflueger pres spinning $59 brand new about anywhere even cheaper used. Very smooth,

Very sharp looking reel

Shimano symmetre spinning $79 nice reel loks good pretty smooth

Shimano Citica w BPS Extreme BC. I picked up a used combo from Hawgin on this flea market for approx the listed combo price. You can really tell the quality coming into play on the reel

Rods

I have not used a lot yet as it is new but I have Fenwick HMG, jury still out but several BR peole said they liked these for being slightly older technology. My local guy has them on clearance for $59 BPS lists at $119

I believe they have a few Techna AV's for $67 at this same local place Cabela's lists at $199 ( flea market coming up maybe?)

I'm not sure what Berkley lightning rods everyone else is referring to for under $100 but the ones I use list at Wallyworld for $29. Gander mountain often sells for $19.99 Hard to beat the price I use the ML and love it for bass and crappie.

It Has to be junk I know but I had a Shakesphere Excursion that for some crazy reason I enjoyed. I think I had a 7' M and had my Symmetre on it. My buddy broke it in the car door a month or so ago and I was bummed. I saw them at Wallyworld yesterday for $12.95 I think as a tribute to this thread I might go and pick one back up. LOL

Again great post Muddy

PS it was great talking to you on the phone I learned a lot. I forgot to introduce my real name though it is Matt Crum


fishing user avatarLong Mike reply : 

Muddy, I tried out my new baitcaster for the first time in the back yard today.  Your mantra served me very well, but I had to add twelve more expletives to it.  One of my bird's nests took me and hour and twenty minutes to remove.  It was brand-new thirty pound braid, so I wasn't about to cut the line off the reel.    


fishing user avatarMaxximus Redneckus reply : 
  Quote
Muddy, I tried out my new baitcaster for the first time in the back yard today. Your mantra served me very well, but I had to add twelve more expletives to it. One of my bird's nests took me and hour and twenty minutes to remove. It was brand-new thirty pound braid, so I wasn't about to cut the line off the reel.
next time it will only take 30 mins then wa-la the next time u will do it blind fold
fishing user avatarMaxximus Redneckus reply : 

Right now if all i had was lost stolen or w-e i would be getting a revo  black maxx for 50 bucks and a med action shimano 6-6 Convergance for 39 then with what i have left some berkley maxx in 10 pound test and id still have enough left to stop by WaWA and get cofffee and a nice hot bagel with cheese and sausage on it this to me is the best deal


fishing user avatarww2farmer reply : 

Good topic:

Rods I HAVE, Rods I USE, and Rods I LIKE:

BPS Extreme's $65 on sale often

BPS Bionic Blades $55 on sale often

BPS CRanking Sticks $30 on sale often

Fenwick Eagle GT's $50

Fenwick HMX's $70-$90

Fenwick Venture's all of mine were bought for $20 on clerance at Walmart, they were $50

St Croix Triumph $70

Berkley Series One $70

Berkley Lightning Rod $35

Same goes for the reels:

Casting:

Daiwa Capricorn 100XTCL  $80 on sale

Daiwa Capricorn 100HL  $80 on sale

Daiwa Procaster 100HL $60

Daiwa Advantage LH $70 on clearance

Abu Garcia Revo S-L $100 (but worth it)

Quantum Accurist 501CX (gold colored) $80

BPS Extreme 6.4:1 LH $45 on clearance

BPS Extreme 5.3:1 LH $45 on clearance

Spinning:

Daiwa Capricorn 2500 $80 on sale

Daiwa Laguna 2500 $40 on sale

several Pflueger Presidants $60

several Pflueger Gold medalist pros $40

Daiwa Exceler 2000 $60

I will also have to mention reels that did not make the "cut"

Abu Garcia 5501 C3 baitcaster, no problems with it just to big for my tastes.

Pflueger Trion LPL baitcaster, also no problems, for some reason Pflueger only offer the Trion in wide spool LH, again to big for me.

Pflueger Medalist spinning reel, xx35 size, smooth, rugged,reliable, also heavy as a rock at over 12oz's too heavy for a bass reel IMHO.

BPS spinning reels, too many to list, but not 1  I had has ever held up, funny thing is the baitcasters I have are going into there 4th season and still quite solid.


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

Same here Matt 8-)


fishing user avatarMaxximus Redneckus reply : 
  Quote
Good topic:

Rods I HAVE, Rods I USE, and Rods I LIKE:

BPS Extreme's $65 on sale often

BPS Bionic Blades $55 on sale often

BPS CRanking Sticks $30 on sale often

Fenwick Eagle GT's $50

Fenwick HMX's $70-$90

Fenwick Venture's all of mine were bought for $20 on clerance at Walmart, they were $50

St Croix Triumph $70

Berkley Series One $70

Berkley Lightning Rod $35

Same goes for the reels:

Casting:

Daiwa Capricorn 100XTCL $80 on sale

Daiwa Capricorn 100HL $80 on sale

Daiwa Procaster 100HL $60

Daiwa Advantage LH $70 on clearance

Abu Garcia Revo S-L $100 (but worth it)

Quantum Accurist 501CX (gold colored) $80

BPS Extreme 6.4:1 LH $45 on clearance

BPS Extreme 5.3:1 LH $45 on clearance

Spinning:

Daiwa Capricorn 2500 $80 on sale

Daiwa Laguna 2500 $40 on sale

several Pflueger Presidants $60

several Pflueger Gold medalist pros $40

Daiwa Exceler 2000 $60

I will also have to mention reels that did not make the "cut"

Abu Garcia 5501 C3 baitcaster, no problems with it just to big for my tastes.

Pflueger Trion LPL baitcaster, also no problems, for some reason Pflueger only offer the Trion in wide spool LH, again to big for me.

Pflueger Medalist spinning reel, xx35 size, smooth, rugged,reliable, also heavy as a rock at over 12oz's too heavy for a bass reel IMHO.

BPS spinning reels, too many to list, but not 1 I had has ever held up, funny thing is the baitcasters I have are going into there 4th season and still quite solid.

U got a few flaws in your baitcast choices they all say Lefthanded  ;D
fishing user avatarguest reply : 
  Quote
Muddy, I tried out my new baitcaster for the first time in the back yard today. Your mantra served me very well, but I had to add twelve more expletives to it. One of my bird's nests took me and hour and twenty minutes to remove. It was brand-new thirty pound braid, so I wasn't about to cut the line off the reel.

Have patience Mike call me tommorow  night i have some ideas that may help you LBH and Avid were highly useful to me when i was learning this, I would like to convey these ideas to you


fishing user avatarLong Mike reply : 

Dominick, you're on.  What is a good time to reach you EST.  With the hours you work, I'm always a bit leary about calling you in the evenings.


fishing user avatarguest reply : 

After 10pm is best tommorow


fishing user avatardave reply : 
  Quote
Dominick, you're on. What is a good time to reach you EST. With the hours you work, I'm always a bit leary about calling you in the evenings.

fishing user avatardave reply : 

What I meant to say before my stubby's hit the wrong key was, the next time you get a birds nest in braid, dig your thumb into the spool and crank the reel handle a few times. Sometimes it works like magic. OR, at least make it a lot easier.


fishing user avatarDaniel My Brother reply : 
  Quote
Daniel my B unless w ship and tax you are overpaying for your Presidents! lol

I was just so happy with my President, I sent Pflueger an extra $10  :)

Just kidding. I was recalling from memory, and that's always dangerous.


fishing user avatarLong Mike reply : 

Dave, thanks for the tip.  I'l try it the next 150 times I get a birds nest.  I'll let you know on Saturday how it worked.  I will have worked out about 150 of them by then. ;D  


fishing user avatarfish-fighting-illini reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
Daniel my B unless w ship and tax you are overpaying for your Presidents! lol

I was just so happy with my President, I sent Pflueger an extra $10 :)

Just kidding. I was recalling from memory, and that's always dangerous.

funny stuff

Some day we've got to have a beer at a BassResource.com roadtrip


fishing user avatarfish-fighting-illini reply : 
  Quote
What I meant to say before my stubby's hit the wrong key was, the next time you get a birds nest in braid, dig your thumb into the spool and crank the reel handle a few times. Sometimes it works like magic. OR, at least make it a lot easier.

Several people have mentioned this but it just doesn't work for me, In fact just the opposite is better for me most of the time. Not making anything tighter than I need to works best for me I then try to loosen it even more. I do what ever I can to get slop in the line to get the spool to move forwards and the line backwards. Whatever works for you is what's best.

Long Mike maybe the Yo-zuri hybrid in bulk would be best to practice with. You don't have to shed tears to cut out a birdsnest ( inevitable on occasion ).


fishing user avatarLong Mike reply : 

Thanks for the input guys.  It's now obvious to me that I should strip off the braid and start with, say, Yo-Zuri 10# mono.  My learning curve will be much less expensive, but I doubt that the expletives will be reduced by much for the next few weeks. ;D




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