Rod suggestions (on a budget)

[96 CHAMP]

That's funny wrench, I had to think for a second on that, he better be spending that money on her I reckon if he wants to stay healthy. Good call Old Plug!!

[Old plug]

8 hours ago, 96 CHAMP said:

Plug, may I ask what the benefit of cherry wood in a fishing rod does for your aches and pains of arthritis. I would take any help I can get.

 

Really bad shoulders. I need a light weight rod. i agree with Wrench I would like to maybe see a couple more guides. But they have cork handles and everything you get on a much more expensive outfit. i know all rods no matter what the cost can be broken. If I break one of these cherrywoods( never broken one)  I could sure buy several for what you pay for some rods. One of the most expensive rods I ever bought came from Pro Bass. One  freezing cold winter day I was out there fishing it and I gave it a sharp snap and it broke into three pieces. 

Wrench I know both wives here. With Pat after 53 years I have notvfigured out yetvif I am trained are just gotten to old for the struggle. With Ramie I am far to old to get into havgleing with a really strong woman

6 hours ago, marcus said:

you get what you pay for .

 

You must be a fairly young lad Marcus. When you get to my age you are going to learn you rarely get what you pay for. Having a expensive thing is really nothing more than a status symbal. Trouble is lots of lads will bust the family budget for status symbal.

 

 

[Ham]

6 hours ago, marcus said:

you get what you pay for .

 

Yes and No. You pay more for some rods and there can be good value. Less weight. Better components (guides, reel seat, handle).

there are some really good values in rods that can be found out there. I've seen some really good suggestions and advice in this thread. 

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

To piggyback on Wrench.  And I know it's probably taboo on here but....  The Bass Pro Extremes and Qualfiers are great.   I have both and have caught hundreds if not thousands of bass with them. A medium light and medium heavy spinning rods both 6.5' and heavy bait caster.   In an 8' pond prowler I don't have deck space for 20 rods.   They are not too fast or too slow.

Pete

[mjk86]

1 hour ago, Ham said:

Yes and No. You pay more for some rods and there can be good value. Less weight. Better components (guides, reel seat, handle).

there are some really good values in rods that can be found out there. I've seen some really good suggestions and advice in this thread. 

 

Like that Air stream....thanks for the advice on that rod!!! I have 3 already.  For 50 bucks I performs like a 150 dollar rod.  I use it as much as my river runner, is a bit more stout in the mid section with minimal decrease in casting distance for a tiny jig.  

All the major rod companies make pretty good stuff from 50 on up to a few hundred bucks.  To get started I'd say you need 2 beginner set ups.  

1.  7ft med power fast action spinning rod with a size 40 wide spool reel.  Spend about 70% on the rod and 30% on the reel.  Maybe 60/40 but spend ur money in the rod.  

2. 7 ft med heavy power moderate fast action rod with a casting reel.  Here flip the percentages amd spend ur money on the reel.  I think that lews tournament mb (as has been mentioned)  for 130 bucks (cheaper if you can find a sale)  is the best reel I've ever used.  I've never spent big bucks on gear,  but that reel is that most user friendly thing ever.  

Those two set ups along with a crappie rig are what I use 90 percent of the time. Kind of a jack of all trades set up.  Eventually you'll add more rods to accommodate more techniques, but that's a versatile starting point.

 

[nhornback]

This forum is a wealth of knowledge... almost too much info  enough to make a guys head spin... but I think I have a good starting point on my search, which will probably start this afternoon if the boss is up for shopping, which she usually is when my money is involved

you guys are great, thanks again!

 

[mixermarkb]

I'd start my shopping at the lews outlet (sportsmen's) in Springfield. Good folks, who won't steer you wrong.

but also an impossible store to get out of without spending at least $100 hahahah

that place is seriously like a legal crack dealership to bass fishermen.

[Old plug]

1 hour ago, mixermarkb said:I'd start my shopping at the lews outlet (sportsmen's) in Springfield. Good folks, who won't steer you wrong.

but also an impossible store to get out of without spending at least $100 hahahah

that place is seriously like a legal crack dealership to bass fishermen.

 

1 hour ago, mixermarkb said:

I'd start my shopping at the lews outlet (sportsmen's) in Springfield. Good folks, who won't steer you wrong.

but also an impossible store to get out of without spending at least $100 hahahah

that place is seriously like a legal crack dealership to bass fishermen.

i want to go intothat place next time we got to springfield. Hope they stock a lot sinko type baits or trick worms in wild florecent Green and pink.cannot find them around here..

[marcus]

iv really started to like those johny morris rods fair price good performance

 

[Ham]

22 hours ago, dtrs5kprs said:

Lew's also has an entry level series, Laser SG, I think. I ordered their 7' UL a few weeks ago. It is not UL, more like a ML. Despite being a little off the label, it is just about right for Ned Rigs and open hook grubs. Right at $50. 

 

Hey Super Dave. How heavy is that Lew's rod compared to say the St Croix Eyecon you were nice enough to recommend? I'd love to have a less expensive Ned rod on the river in case disaster were to strike.