I'm thinking about buying another spinning setup and want some input. Before, I had an Abu Garcial Cardinal SX on a Zebco rod (maybe a $40-$50 setup total), and I absolutely hated it. Now I'm thinking about buying a better setup to see if I just don't like spinning gear at all or I just didn't like that setup. Anyways, I'm going with a better setup and it'll probably take a few months for me to get the money so it's no rush. I was going to buy a Shimano Symetre FL 2500 and pair it with a Fenwick HMG Medium. It's a $200 setup not including tax. Do you guys think this is a good setup or should I just stick with baitcasters?
You wanna know what my setup is. A shakespeare durango on a pinnacle ultra balance bait cast rod. I recommend it. lol
Shakespeare reminds me of the old Trac-Phones. They aren't good at much, but you can't destroy them. Lol
Symmetry is a awesome reel for the money and the Fenwick has a lot of positive reviews throughout the forums. I'm sure you'll be much happier
Sounds good to me! Give it a whirl!
On 8/1/2014 at 9:46 AM, dam0007 said:Symmetry is a awesome reel for the money and the Fenwick has a lot of positive reviews throughout the forums. I'm sure you'll be much happier
I'm hoping I will, I wasn't a big fan of baitcasters until I got decent one. The Cardinal SX I want impressed with. I could easily throw any bait further with my BC over the Cardinal.
Sounds good, enjoy it! Spinning gear is one of the most underrated pieces of equipment in bass fishing IMO. Take advantage of it. Just make sure to use braid...
On 8/1/2014 at 10:09 AM, OntarioFishingGuy said:Sounds good, enjoy it! Spinning gear is one of the most underrated pieces of equipment in bass fishing IMO. Take advantage of it. Just make sure to use braid...
Why braid, what pound test, and what brand? I haven't experimented with braid so I don't know much about it.
Sounds like a good buy, IMO. I have Stradics (1000FI), and I've got Chronarchs (50e). Love 'em all, enjoy 'em all. For now, my Chronarchs get the most time mostly because they're easier on my elbows. But all around, I think you'll find your choice a much better spinning experience.
I find it easier to use braid because it has no memory. You wont get any loops of line when you cast, and you can cast further. Back the spool with mono, and tie your braid to that and spool it on. I use Sufix 832 in 10lb test, but depending on the rod, cover, etc you could go up to 20lb test.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:18 AM, Demonic Forrest said:Why braid, what pound test, and what brand? I haven't experimented with braid so I don't know much about it.
If I may, braid presents almost zero line management issues. Whereas mono, fluoro, copoly will tend to coil unless you use generous amounts of line conditioner.
Personally, I use a braid mainline on all my gear and various types of leaders in varying pound tests for the conditions at hand.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:21 AM, DarrenM said:Sounds like a good buy, IMO. I have Stradics (1000FI), and I've got Chronarchs (50e). Love 'em all, enjoy 'em all. For now, my Chronarchs get the most time mostly because they're easier on my elbows. But all around, I think you'll find your choice a much better spinning experience.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:22 AM, OntarioFishingGuy said:I find it easier to use braid because it has no memory. You wont get any loops of line when you cast, and you can cast further. Back the spool with mono, and tie your braid to that and spool it on. I use Sufix 832 in 10lb test, but depending on the rod, cover, etc you could go up to 20lb test.
I was looking on TWH and it said 15 pound braid is equivalant to 6 pound mono. I believe I'll probably go with 10-20 and see how it goes.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:23 AM, DarrenM said:If I may, braid presents almost zero line management issues. Whereas mono, fluoro, copoly will tend to coil unless you use generous amounts of line conditioner.
Personally, I use a braid mainline on all my gear and various types of leaders in varying pound tests for the conditions at hand.
This is probably a dumb question, but why doesn't fluoro spiral on a BC like it does on spinning equipment?
On 8/1/2014 at 10:29 AM, Demonic Forrest said:This is probably a dumb question, but why doesn't fluoro spiral on a BC like it does on spinning equipment?
Difference in the way it is wound on the spool - or in the way it comes off the spool. If that makes any sense.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:31 AM, DarrenM said:Difference in the way it is wound on the spool - or in the way it comes off the spool. If that makes any sense.
That's what I was thinking since BC pulls it onto the spool more directly.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:32 AM, Demonic Forrest said:That's what I was thinking since BC pulls it onto the spool more directly.
Yes
On 8/1/2014 at 10:26 AM, Demonic Forrest said:I was looking on TWH and it said 15 pound braid is equivalant to 6 pound mono. I believe I'll probably go with 10-20 and see how it goes.
With braid, I do not look at equivalent mono size, although I'm aware of it. I rely more on the pound test of the braid. For instance, on all my spinning gear (save 1 reel), I have 10 pound Power Pro (original) in yellow. On my bait casting gear I use 20 pound Power Pro (also yellow).
That's PLENTY of strength for the way *I* fish. Despite Power Pro saying 10 or 15 or 20, etc., pound test, the breakage can be much higher.
Now if YOU feel better with say 15 pound braid that is like 4 lb mono diameter, then go for it. 10 pound PP is the diameter of 2 pound mono, it is thin. I've not had many problems with it over many years. I caught my PB of 7.5 lbs in thick salad on 10lb Fireline with a 10lb leader (on a bait caster). That line has a 4 lb diameter. And I've caught numerous 6+ pound bass on 10 lb Power Pro in the sticks on spinning gear (including the citation 6.6 lber 22 ¼"er in my avatar). It is stronger than you think.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:40 AM, DarrenM said:With braid, I do not look at equivalent mono size, although I'm aware of it. I rely more on the pound test of the braid. For instance, on all my spinning gear (save 1 reel), I have 10 pound Power Pro (original) in yellow. On my bait casting gear I use 20 pound Power Pro (also yellow).
That's PLENTY of strength for the way *I* fish. Despite Power Pro saying 10 or 15 or 20, etc., pound test, the breakage can be much higher.
Now if YOU feel better with say 15 pound braid that is like 4 lb mono diameter, then go for it. 10 pound PP is the diameter of 2 pound mono, it is thin. I've not had many problems with it over many years. I caught my PB of 7.5 lbs in thick salad on 10lb Fireline with a 10lb leader (on a bait caster). That line has a 4 lb diameter. And I've caught numerous 6+ pound bass on 10 lb Power Pro in the sticks on spinning gear (including the citation 6.6 lber 22 ¼"er in my avatar). It is stronger than you think.
I'm not worried about the strength, I never pull in big bass. I'm just worried about the diameter because I here plenty of people saying how thin diameter will snap itself sometimes and for someone with no job, I can't afford to lose lures. Lol then again, I only plan to throw soft plastics with this setup.
On 8/1/2014 at 10:45 AM, Demonic Forrest said:I'm not worried about the strength, I never pull in big bass. I'm just worried about the diameter because I here plenty of people saying how thin diameter will snap itself sometimes and for someone with no job, I can't afford to lose lures. Lol then again, I only plan to throw soft plastics with this setup.
Then do whatever feels best for you and your wallet, by all means! If that means 15 or 20 pound, then go for it!! I understand the job situation and desire to keep all the soft plastics you can buy! The fish don't know what pound test you're fishin'!
On 8/1/2014 at 10:48 AM, DarrenM said:Then do whatever feels best for you and your wallet, by all means! If that means 15 or 20 pound, then go for it!! I understand the job situation and desire to keep all the soft plastics you can buy! The fish don't know what pound test you're fishin'!
I'm glad someone knows how it feels. Some people on this forum you ask for a decent cheap reel suggestion and they suggest a $250 reel. Lol
On 8/1/2014 at 10:52 AM, Demonic Forrest said:I'm glad someone knows how it feels. Some people on this forum you ask for a decent cheap reel suggestion and they suggest a $250 reel. Lol
True... Now a days every penny counts so spend your money on gear wisely. You can also get very good tackle on Ebay and Craigslist.
On 8/1/2014 at 12:42 PM, LMB KING said:True... Now a days every penny counts so spend your money on gear wisely. You can also get very good tackle on Ebay and Craigslist.
I don't mind buying used baits, but gear you never know how much the previous owner used it or if they took care of it very well.
Wether you go braid mono or fluoro. Dont over fill the spool!!! Spinning gear, especially 2500 size you dont need to fill it all the way to the edge of the spool lip.
On 8/2/2014 at 12:19 AM, dam0007 said:Wether you go braid mono or fluoro. Dont over fill the spool!!! Spinning gear, especially 2500 size you dont need to fill it all the way to the edge of the spool lip.
I always keep it a little ways from the edge of the spool.
I only use my baitcast set-up for punchig, flipping and pitching. Everything else i use my spinning set-up. 2500 is the best size. I load mines up with 20 pound braid.
I own both the Symetre reel, and the Fenwick HMG rod. Not on the same setup, but I have a lot use of both items. You won't go wrong with that setup. Trust me.
The Pflueger President is a great bang for the buck spinning reel. If that's still too much, the Trion is not bad either. Fenwick and St Croix are two worth looking at for an over the counter rod.
On 8/2/2014 at 1:11 AM, LMB KING said:I only use my baitcast set-up for punchig, flipping and pitching. Everything else i use my spinning set-up. 2500 is the best size. I load mines up with 20 pound braid.
I use my BC for everything. It seems like it's a lot more fun to use to me. I guess since its s little trickier than others and I like to master things. Lol
On 8/2/2014 at 2:12 AM, fishballer06 said:I own both the Symetre reel, and the Fenwick HMG rod. Not on the same setup, but I have a lot use of both items. You won't go wrong with that setup. Trust me.
Thanks bud! Do you know if you can change the handle with the Symetre? I really don't like the feel of power handles and from what I seen that's what it has.
On 8/2/2014 at 2:43 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The Pflueger President is a great bang for the buck spinning reel. If that's still too much, the Trion is not bad either. Fenwick and St Croix are two worth looking at for an over the counter rod.
I'm not a Pflueuger fan after having to deal with my dad's BC. I've heard their spinning reels are better, but I think it may be worth it to fork up the extra $40-$50 for the Symetre. As far as rods go, I figured the Fenwick would be the best bang for the buck. The only high end rod I've used is the one I have for my Accurist and its the Vendetta.
I think I may cave in and give Pflueger another shot. Maybe their higher end stuff is worth the money. So the reel is now between the Shimano Symetre and the Pflueger Supreme. Any input?
I'm not a bass fisherman, just a guy that catches a lot of them. My point of view is a bit different than some, I don't drop shot, seldom use bass jigs and trailers and plastic worms hardly ever. For me rod sensitivity doesn't enter into my thought process, my rods are about 75 bucks and they do me just fine. For a bass sized spinning reel used in freshwater 100 bucks is my limit.
On 8/2/2014 at 1:28 PM, Demonic Forrest said:So the reel is now between the Shimano Symetre and the Pflueger Supreme. Any input?
The Symetre is an excellent reel.
At this, level....Shimano over Supreme
On 8/2/2014 at 1:28 PM, Demonic Forrest said:I think I may cave in and give Pflueger another shot. Maybe their higher end stuff is worth the money. So the reel is now between the Shimano Symetre and the Pflueger Supreme. Any input?
Out of the two. Definitely the Pflueger Supreme without a doubt.
No question the Symetre, an excellent reel, very smooth and durable!
On 8/5/2014 at 9:33 AM, Capt.Bob said:No question the Symetre, an excellent reel, very smooth and durable!
Now onto the other rod I was thinking of. Anyone ever here any good things out of the Kovert. I believe that's the name, I'll check in a second and make sure.
Ok, it's the Denali Kovert Series. It's $30 more than the Fenwick, but I'm willing to spend the extra money if it's worth it.
On 8/5/2014 at 10:00 AM, Demonic Forrest said:Ok, it's the Denali Kovert Series. It's $30 more than the Fenwick, but I'm willing to spend the extra money if it's worth it.
It seems like you might still be searching and haven't decided on what to get yet..
However if I may share my personal input - I have an older 6'9 Fenwick HMG - AV and the Symetre 2500 FI (recently purchased). I fished this combo just this past weekend in a tournament. They are a great pairing for the price, and will serve you well no matter what size fish you are going after. I caught dinky bass with this particular set up this weekend, however I caught 5 Chain pickerel all over the 2.5 lb range the closest being just shy of 5.5 lbs and it handled them with no worries.
I rely on and have complete confidence in my old beat up Fenwick on a yearly basis, everyone tells me to buy a St. Croix or a G. Loomis now that I am fishing competitively on a regular basis (seems to be a decent amount of brand bias out there). However, I stand by the old adage - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
TL;DR - Both items are excellent at the price point - have used the pair together and I approve with confidence.
On 8/5/2014 at 10:26 AM, Coherence said:It seems like you might still be searching and haven't decided on what to get yet..
However if I may share my personal input - I have an older 6'9 Fenwick HMG - AV and the Symetre 2500 FI (recently purchased). I fished this combo just this past weekend in a tournament. They are a great pairing for the price, and will serve you well no matter what size fish you are going after. I caught dinky bass with this particular set up this weekend, however I caught 5 Chain pickerel all over the 2.5 lb range the closest being just shy of 5.5 lbs and it handled them with no worries.
I rely on and have complete confidence in my old beat up Fenwick on a yearly basis, everyone tells me to buy a St. Croix or a G. Loomis now that I am fishing competitively on a regular basis (seems to be a decent amount of brand bias out there). However, I stand by the old adage - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
TL;DR - Both items are excellent at the price point - have used the pair together and I approve with confidence.
Thanks for the input, and yes, I'm still searching. I have plenty of time to search and will probably change my mind about a thousand times before I figure it out. Lol after your comment, I am now leaning more heavily towards the Symetre FL and the Fenwick HMG.
One of favorite spinning set ups is for shaky head/wacky worm fishing. It's a Falcon LowRider XG Spin 6'10" Medium rod with a Shimano Sahara FE 2500. I use 20 lb power pro with an 8 lb fluoro leader.
On 8/5/2014 at 10:47 AM, The Fisher said:One of favorite spinning set ups is for shaky head/wacky worm fishing. It's a Falcon LowRider XG Spin 6'10" Medium rod with a Shimano Sahara FE 2500. I use 20 lb power pro with an 8 lb fluoro leader.
I really like the look of that Falcon. There is to many choices when trying to decide a setup. Lol
The more you read the more confused you will be, just buy something and go fishing. There is such a fine line between rods and reels given a certain price point, it doesn't make all that much difference.