Time for a power fisherman to buy a spinning combo, HELP! 2024
pauldconyers reply :
I have always been a power fisherman with bait casters and the like. This year I am forcing myself to branch out to new stuff and one of those ways will be buying a spinning setup. I have resisted the fairy wand but it's just time and I am clueless as to what to look for. As for the baits I envision throwing I do not see myself doing super light, finesse stuff but wacky worms,vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such.
As to price I know you can really spend a ton in the spinning world when it comes to the most sensitive gear and I do not want to go down that rabbit hole. In the BC world in my experience you really see a difference in reels when you hit the $100 mark and for rods its $150-175. What would you say the price equivalent is for spinning rods and reels to see a real noticeable jump in performance? Just trying to get a rough idea at what price point I would be looking at for a rod and then also a reel.
As for what I am looking for most of my BC rods are 7' to 7'3" until you get to the larger cranking stuff obviously. So this being the opposite end of things I assumed I would want to get something in the 6'6" to 6'9" range but now I hear a lot of guys saying 7' to 7'3" is the way to go with a spinning rod. As for the reel I honestly do not know what I am looking for here be it the reel size, features, etc.
I am not looking for a technique specific spinning rod/reel here, I am looking for a spinning setup that will handle all spinning applications here. But an idea of what I would be looking at price wise for both would be great, the thought process for what size/power rod and reel specs and such would be much appreciated. Also obviously any specific recommendations would be great too. Thanks
Dens228 reply :
I'm in the same boat, forcing myself to bring a spinning rod for finesse.
Since I'm not convinced I'll use it much I'm starting out with a $100 combo I bought at Cabela's a couple years ago.
pauldconyers reply :
On 1/9/2020 at 11:25 PM, Dens228 said:I'm in the same boat, forcing myself to bring a spinning rod for finesse.
Since I'm not convinced I'll use it much I'm starting out with a $100 combo I bought at Cabela's a couple years ago.
Yeah, I am of a different mindset here. I am looking at this as a tool, a tool I need to add to my fishing arsenal. If I spend more (but no where near top end) be it because I feel obligated to use it because I spent real money on it or because it is light and feels good and I like the sensitivity I will be more apt to use it and stick with it.
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/9/2020 at 11:16 PM, pauldconyers said:As for the baits I envision throwing I do not see myself doing super light, finesse stuff but wacky worms,vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such.
From someone who is comfortable with spinners in a wide variety of situations...here's my 2-cents
2500-3000 size reel, Medium/Fast rod in 6'6" to 7' length.
Don't want to spend too much? Pflueger Trion-30 on a Diawa Aird-X M/F Spinning rod - just under $100 retail. Before the re-org of my rigs this winter - that's what I used for wacky, light crank/jerks, heavier (1/4 oz and up) drop-shots and light T-Rigs.
jbsoonerfan reply :
I have not used spinning gear much at all for bass fishing in the past. My light weight fishing has been done with a baitcaster. Like you, I decided that I was going to force myself to learn to use spinning tackle this year. I just ordered a Shimano Stradic ci4 and a Shimano Zodias 6'8" ML and plan to use 20lb Sufix 832 with 8 lb Seaguar Invisx leader. Since I bought a boat I figure it's time to learn to fish a spinning set up in deeper water and learn a more vertical presentation.
Fishingmickey reply :
Paul,
Not dropping a bundle but not going cheap either these rods and reels I listed IMHO are solid gear, The 60-150$ Shimano's in the 2500-3000 size, Diawa BG and Fuego LT's same size. A lot of peeps like the Diawa spinning reels because of the heavier bail. Plflueger President model in that same size 25-30 is highly regarded lower end reel. I'd suspect the Plflueger Patriarch is very nice too. I think those all are pretty darn good spinning reels for the price and going up in price on all three brands are nicer reels but I think the increase in price doesn't match a increase in performance (cut loose the hounds and paint me as a nasayer). Regarding rods, St Croix, Doybns, Shimano, G. loomis etc all make really nice spinning rods. I have used and still use the St Croix Mojo bass series and Doybns Sierra series. You can put together some very nice set-ups for under three hundred. Happy hunting for a spinning rig. They do serve a purpose with the lighter baits and techniques that the bait caster can't fill as nicely.
Fishingmickey
MN Fisher reply :
If we're going 'middle range' - Pflueger Supreme on a Dobyns Fury or Sierra...about 200-250 total.
Tizi reply :
I have 2 spinning combos I use for all my finesse fishing:
1. Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium/Fast spinning rod, paired with Daiwa Fuego LT 3000 - $145 total
2. Carbon-Lite 2.0 6'6" Medium Light/Fast spinning rod, paired with Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 - $155 total
Derek1 reply :
The carbonlite spinning rods are great. The medium fast and a shimano nasci 2500 size can do allot for $220. I believe it’s 1/8 to 1/2. Great setup
swhit140 reply :
My spinning setup is Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 w/Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Shakey Head. $145.00 setup with rod & reel. This is my only spinning setup. You may be able to find some store brand rods for good prices also.
pauldconyers reply :
I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 4:51 AM, pauldconyers said:I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.
Pflueger Supreme XT - $150
- I've owned Pflueger spinners for 40+ years and they've always come through for me.
Dobyns Sierra - either the 693SF (6'9") or the 703SF (7'0") - $160 or $170
pauldconyers reply :
I know he may just be trying to sell rods but Seth Feider has been going on and on about how much he loves his Tutula TAEL731MXS and what a great multipurpose spinning rod it is. Anyone have any experience with these or this lone of rods?
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Since you don't fish with them much or at all, I suggest go to local store and handle some rods and reels and get a feel for what you would be comfortable with.
Or take a buddy fishing that has some and use his/her's, it's a completely different world throwing a 1/8 shaky head or Ned setup then KVD powerfishing your local lake. Just saying.
Dont invest $300+ into a combo you might try once or twice and never pick up again.
Chris Carey reply :
Shimano ultegra is $150 and is excellent. A lot of good recommendations above for rods. I’ll add the shimano expride. I have a couple casting expride and I love them. It’s not a cheap rod by any means but I think it provides great performance at its price.
Spankey reply :
I would have to agree with nitty gritty. If you have buddies with some quality spinning gear do a swap and try their stuff out. Maybe get to a good shop with a good rod selection and you can get a good feel for a nice fast or x-fast rod. 6'8" - 7' med. or med. lite sounds great.
I'm sort of partial to St. Croix Spinning Rods for soft plastics, like Abu Garcia Spinning Rods for small crankbaits. Reels majority are Shimano Symmetrys and Nascis. I fish some Daiwa stuff also. But your choices are endless and can only suggest you go touch a bunch of stuff. You'll know what is right or feel right.
dodgeguy reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 4:51 AM, pauldconyers said:I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.
https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/team-lews-custom-pro-speed-spin-spinning-reel
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-patriot-spinning-rod
$99 for the reel and $199 for the rod. You won't be sorry.
Chris at Tech reply :
St Croix Avid rod paired with 2500 or 3000 sized Shimano series that’s in your price range. I’d recommend Sahara series and up.
Mr.C in Texas reply :
American legacy fishing has the slx with the nasci for $129. That’s a hard one to beat. The zodias/stradic would be a nice step up.
jbrew73 reply :
I’m sure I’m the odd man out but I find spinning gear more challenging in the line management dept than light bait casting rigs. I have tried multiple times to use spinning gear and always go back to casting. The line twist issues and the fact that I cast cast more accurately with a bait caster are to compelling for me to change. I guess if I were fishing for panfish I might go spinning but I’d probably just use a zebco 11 and be happier.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/9/2020 at 11:39 PM, MN Fisher said:From someone who is comfortable with spinners in a wide variety of situations...here's my 2-cents
2500-3000 size reel, Medium/Fast rod in 6'6" to 7' length.
Don't want to spend too much? Pflueger Trion-30 on a Diawa Aird-X M/F Spinning rod - just under $100 retail. Before the re-org of my rigs this winter - that's what I used for wacky, light crank/jerks, heavier (1/4 oz and up) drop-shots and light T-Rigs.
Good advice. Last year my only casting reel with braid that I took to Florida was for my dedicated frog rod. Oops. Luckily I had sent some rods down earlier. One was a spinning rod and the reel I took for it had braid. The rod was 7' MF Jig & Worm rod so it became my rod for throwing 10" weightless ribbontails into the lily pads.
Worked great. A MF spinning rod is very versatile tool.
On 1/10/2020 at 7:04 AM, dodgeguy said:https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/team-lews-custom-pro-speed-spin-spinning-reel
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-patriot-spinning-rod
$99 for the reel and $199 for the rod. You won't be sorry.
Unfortunately the 2000 and 3000 size reels are sold out.
OP, I almost never use a spinning rod anymore so I am not up on new spinning reels. However, I am going to try and use my spinning rods more this year. I really like the BG 1500 I got for my Ned Rig rod. The BG2000 weights the same and holds a little more line. For lighter (and pricier) look at the Procyon LT and Tatula LT. I admit to liking Daiwa. 
Many rod choices at $150. My only experience with Tatula rods are the casting models, but I feel they are exceptional values. 7' MF. Just received 2 iRods (casting). Nice looking and light. Spinning 7'1" MHF.
The Bassman reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 12:27 AM, jbsoonerfan said:I have not used spinning gear much at all for bass fishing in the past. My light weight fishing has been done with a baitcaster. Like you, I decided that I was going to force myself to learn to use spinning tackle this year. I just ordered a Shimano Stradic ci4 and a Shimano Zodias 6'8" ML and plan to use 20lb Sufix 832 with 8 lb Seaguar Invisx leader. Since I bought a boat I figure it's time to learn to fish a spinning set up in deeper water and learn a more vertical presentation.
You're gonna love that combo. I've got three with the last gen CI4's. FWIW I use a lot of 832 and the stuff runs stronger than other braids. Drop down to 15 at the most and you'll get a lot better casting distance.
walleyecrazy reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 4:51 AM, pauldconyers said:I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.
For $150 for a reel I'd keep an eye on the Daiwa Tatula LT in the 3000 size. You can regularly find them for that price, and they are phenomenal reels. As for rods in that $150 range I'd look at the Daiwa Tatula, Dobyns Sierra, or Phenix Feather rods. Probably something like a 7' medium power with a fast action would be a great all around rod to start off with.
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 9:46 AM, The Bassman said:You're gonna love that combo. I've got three with the last gen CI4's. FWIW I use a lot of 832 and the stuff runs stronger than other braids. Drop down to 15 at the most and you'll get a lot better casting distance.
Advice taken....Line ordered
Fishes in trees reply :
Shop around - close outs happen with spinning gear. This past year alone, I got a couple of All Star spinning rods at Academy for more than half off from list. I spent $25 on one of their H2O rods, that is my new favorite rod to throw light cranks. Shopping around for close outs over the years, I've acquired a set of 6'6" spinning rods & reels in various actions, that only see use once per year - when I go to do the Fishing for Freedom Event that the Leavenworth Bass Club puts on.
Wait until the Berkley trailer comes in to Rogers this spring - they generally have some decent to great deals on Fenwick HMG rods and Pflueger reels. 3 years ago I got 3 5'9" Fenwick HMG spinning rods Med/Extra fast. Those rods are great for throwing flukes, wacky rigs, lightly weighted & tail weighted stick baits and such. They could throw light cranks as well, but I like my light crank rods to have a little bend in the tip caused by the retrieve and these Fenwick don't do that. A 6'6" Medium/ ML / moderate tip works better for throwing light cranks, IMO. Also, when the Berkley trailer comes to town, the Lew's reps will be there with some deals of their own.
If you're going to get into throwing Ned rigs, I recommend getting a dedicated Ned Rig. Mine is a 10 year old or older, I'm not sure) 5'4" Fenwick HMG Medium/Extra fast tip. I bought it on close out at a tackle shop near Kentucky Lake, where the clerk referred to it as a "kinda short hair jig rod". I know lots of guys use much longer rods for throwing the Ned, but this works for me, paired with a 1000 size Pflueger President and 6 or 8 lb braid or 6 to 12 lb Nanofil.
I've probably got a dozen other spinning rigs, all for specific purposes, Finesse drop shot, lighter shakey heads, fluke style baits, in-line spinners & other white bass baits, crappie jigs, trout drift rigs and more I don't remember right now.
Point is, I didn't pay full retail for any of these, just shop around and be alert for close outs and bargains that suit your style of fishing will happen. Don't get in a hurry and think that you've got to get all these technique specific rigs at once.
Bassjam2000 reply :
On 1/10/2020 at 4:51 AM, pauldconyers said:I'm enjoying the recommendations so far and I'm going to follow up on them but if say I could probably do $150 for a reel and the same on the rod so I'd like to see some higher priced options than I'm getting. Looking for a spinning reel that's a joy to use and a rod that offers a ton of sensitivity at it's price point.
If I had a $300 budget for rod and reel I'd spend no less than $200 of it on the rod, the reel is just for line management and is not nearly as important for overall performance as the rod is. You can pick up a daiwa fuego for around $75 off ebay, or a daiwa exceler (a fuego minus magseal) for $50 off ebay, spend the rest on the rod.
WRB reply :
My all around spinning rod is Major Craft NAS-WJ701MH, 7', 3/16- 5/8 oz lures rating. I use the this rod for finesse jigs 1/8 to 1/4 oz with various soft plastics and 1/4 oz drop shop and 1/8 to 3/16 oz slip shot rigs. For lighter finesse presentations Iovino Major Craft finesse spinning rod, 6'9", 1/8- 3/8 oz. I like the balance workmanship, handle design, guide train and light weight blank of Major Craft rods for the price.
Spinning reels like casting reels you get what you pay for, quality isn't cheap.
The most important feature of a spinning reel is reliable smooth drag because it's important using lighter line. Reel weights are very competitive within price points. I prefer either Daiwa or Shimano and use Shimano Stratic 2500's, line capacity isn't an issue.
Tom
pauldconyers reply :
I guess I should review kind of what I am going to do with this combo I will put together. Wacky worms, shakey head, ned rig, vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such. Who knows, I might even crappie fish with this one day! Again, this would probably be my one and only spinning rod so I would really be looking for what I choose to handle all these presentations. Here are the general recommendations I am getting from you guys:
6'9" to 7'
Med Fast
2500 or 3000 size reel
As for these points, regarding the rod is there sort of a consensus as to what is the most "universal" size? It sounds like a Medium Fast is the ticket but is there any reason I should consider a ML or and XF? Last question about the rod, I am a fan of split handle on my BC rods, would that probably translate to my preference in a spinning rod too in your opinion? Any reason you would argue a full handle is superior on a spinning rod?
Only two questions I have regarding the reel. I have not really heard anyone talk about the gear ratio. Does gear ratio really not matter on a spinning reel like it can on a BC reel? Lastly 2500 or 3000 size reel really seems to be the recommendation here. But obviously I could buy either, any arguments for or against either one for what I would be using it for?
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/11/2020 at 1:05 PM, pauldconyers said:I guess I should review kind of what I am going to do with this combo I will put together. Wacky worms, shakey head, ned rig, vertical jigging, might learn a drop shot one day, lighter soft plastics and such. Who knows, I might even crappie fish with this one day! Again, this would probably be my one and only spinning rod so I would really be looking for what I choose to handle all these presentations. Here are the general recommendations I am getting from you guys:
6'9" to 7'
Med Fast
2500 or 3000 size reel
As for these points, regarding the rod is there sort of a consensus as to what is the most "universal" size? It sounds like a Medium Fast is the ticket but is there any reason I should consider a ML or and XF? Last question about the rod, I am a fan of split handle on my BC rods, would that probably translate to my preference in a spinning rod too in your opinion? Any reason you would argue a full handle is superior on a spinning rod?
Only two questions I have regarding the reel. I have not really heard anyone talk about the gear ratio. Does gear ratio really not matter on a spinning reel like it can on a BC reel? Lastly 2500 or 3000 size reel really seems to be the recommendation here. But obviously I could buy either, any arguments for or against either one for what I would be using it for?
If you're going to be doing mainly lighter techniques -then a M or ML would both work...the ML more for Ned and light Drop-shot, but the M for light T-Rigs, any jigging and shakey-head...but both WILL work for all those, just not ideal
I'm not a fan of XF, only rod I have that's not a F is my cranking rig.
Far as the reel - depends on how much line you want and how fast you want to retrieve it back...both are usable for all the techniques you listed, just the 3000 holds a LOT more line. my Trion-30 (close to 2000 size) holds 110yds of 10# mono, but the Trion-35 (close to 3000 size) holds 155yds of the same. Also, the larger reels at the same gear ratio retrieve faster. Both of mine are 5.2:1, with the 30 taking in 25.9IPT and the 35 taking up 28.5IPT.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Many suggestions above, but not many stressing a closely balanced spinning rod & reel...
oe
Spankey reply :
I fish ML X-Fast spinning quite a bit. My rods are 6'8" to 7' lengths. I feel they are perfect for drop shot and split shotting the small finesse worms (4"-5") I fish. Small creature baits, jigs, NED rigs and grubs. I'll would fish bass anywhere in the country with them. But I also fish Med. Fast action rods in those lengths also. I find that Senko, flukes, light T-Rigs of 6" worms and lizards, some light C-Rigs, bigger creatures, 7" Power Worms, they seem to fish better with stepping up to Medium power. Admittedly I do not fish as heavy as alot of you guys. I just ordered today a 6'3" ML X-Fast rod today that I have been contemplating since last season. It will fill a size I don't have and it will be used on a regular basis. This rod will not be a regret for me buying. I think you have to consider the size of your soft plastics and possible weight that may be associated with fishing them.
GReb reply :
I bought a Tatula LT and Mojo over a year ago with the same thoughts and fished with it only a couple times. I’ve used it more for bream than bass. Wish I’d have kept my money honestly
Fishes in trees reply :
Not a fan of generalized rigs. Decide what you're going to do most & get a rig suited for that. THEN try to apply it to other techniques and see how you like it.
My advice would be to get a decent drop shot rig. Once you learn how to drop shot, you can put a bait where the fish are any time of the year. I've never had a "great" day throwing the drop shot. ( great day = 50+ fish or more )
HOWEVER - I've had many days where the drop shot turned a rotten or slow day into a decent day, so for me it is a situational rig.
flyfisher reply :
All good advice on here. I prefer my spinning rod for small shaky heads, weightless soft plastics and hard jerk baits and it does a nice job. The key, even more so than a BC set up, is balance. As the weight of the reel being under the rod does change the characteristics of the rod. Also, as far as accuracy goes, people always say they aren't accurate but I can promise you they weren't accurate with their BC the first time either. You can feather the line with your off hand to change the trajectory and minimize splash as well but it will take practice. Line management can be an issue but I run braid on almost all of my spinning setups and the line twist issue goes away then. Wind knots occasionally but no twist to worry about.
My current spinning setups are stradics, FJ and Ci4+ paired with shimano curado spinning rods. Good value and not break the bank expensive. I also like the fury rods mentioned earlier. Lots of good options out there and you can't really go wrong in 100-150 price range.
Have fun....
pauldconyers reply :
Again, never really used a spinning reel much. I read a lot on here about people talking about an anti-reverse on/off switch and people back reeling them. Then a lot of people saying it is just a gimmick that they do not use. Can someone explain to me what this is and why I might want a spinning reel to offer it?
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 8:52 AM, pauldconyers said:Again, never really used a spinning reel much. I read a lot on here about people talking about an anti-reverse on/off switch and people back reeling them. Then a lot of people saying it is just a gimmick that they do not use. Can someone explain to me what this is and why I might want a spinning reel to offer it?
Basically - with the switch on, it acts just like the anti-reverse on a baitcaster...any line 'given back' to the fish comes from the drag. With the switch off, the handle WILL operate in reverse, giving line back at the user's discretion. I've never switched mine off in 50+ years of using spinning reels, so I don't see the need for it.
pauldconyers reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 8:57 AM, MN Fisher said:Basically - with the switch on, it acts just like the anti-reverse on a baitcaster...any line 'given back' to the fish comes from the drag. With the switch off, the handle WILL operate in reverse, giving line back at the user's discretion. I've never switched mine off in 50+ years of using spinning reels, so I don't see the need for it.
So you are saying if a spinning reel did NOT have this feature on it if a fish pulled drag and line out the handle would spin in reverse? A lot of spinning reels made today do not have that option, do those reels act like a BC and get that line from the drag or does the handle spin in reverse?
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 9:17 AM, pauldconyers said:So you are saying if a spinning reel did NOT have this feature on it if a fish pulled drag and line out the handle would spin in reverse? A lot of spinning reels made today do not have that option, do those reels act like a BC and get that line from the drag or does the handle spin in reverse?
Quick answer - it acts like a BC now.
Long answer - all they did was remove the switch - anti-reverse is 'always on'. Just that some people like to be able to turn it off and 'back-reel'. The reels that don't have the switch, don't have this ability.
pauldconyers reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 9:20 AM, MN Fisher said:Quick answer - it acts like a BC now.
Long answer - all they did was remove the switch - anti-reverse is 'always on'. Just that some people like to be able to turn it off and 'back-reel'. The reels that don't have the switch, don't have this ability.
Thanks for the info
OkobojiEagle reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 8:52 AM, pauldconyers said:Again, never really used a spinning reel much. I read a lot on here about people talking about an anti-reverse on/off switch and people back reeling them. Then a lot of people saying it is just a gimmick that they do not use. Can someone explain to me what this is and why I might want a spinning reel to offer it?
An anti-reverse switch will allow you enhanced control of your spinning reel, much as an over-drive switch will give you enhanced control of your vehicle's automatic transmission. It's not hard to find people who are oblivious to the purpose of both.
oe
pauldconyers reply :
To you Shimano spinning reel guys, can you tell me the main differences between the Shimano Stradic FK vs the FJ model?
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 1/15/2020 at 11:08 AM, pauldconyers said:To you Shimano spinning reel guys, can you tell me the main differences between the Shimano Stradic FK vs the FJ model?
Google can be your friend.
Basically the FK is the new (updated) version of the FJ. The main upgrade is lighter weight.
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