Help a noob/re-entry angler get set up.

[Carl1969]

Trying to figure out a good, general purpose fishin' rig for both the missus & I. We both grew up with spincasters, though I have learned how to use spinning reels. Neither of us know much about specific techniques, we're not targeting anything specific & will primarily be puttering around Truman & exploring its tributaries.

I've got a Zebco Omega size 20 on a 5'6" ML rod & the missus a Zebco 33 micro on a 5'6" L rod. Probably just fine for crappie & bream, but I'm thinking maybe not the best for getting into bass or walleye. Was considering putting a Pflueger President or Shimano Sedona on a 6' or 6'6" M for myself & something like a Zebco 33 Gold or Platinum size 30 with a 6' M for her. We'll be throwing jigs/lures, live bait from time to time & maybe some trolling for white bass or walleye. Are those choices up to the task? Rod length? Would we be better served with 6'6" or 7' rods? I know how to bobber fish with worms on ponds & can sometimes get a crappie to take a jig off my aunt's dock. Past that, I know bupkus. Not sure our little pond rigs are ideal for river/lake fishing, but don't have a ton of money to throw at it either.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I have a Pflueger reel on a 6' medium action rod, and have been very happy with it for years.  I think the combos are the best for price.  As far as rod length,  I like short rods.  But I do alot of bushwhacking when I fish.  I am generally in small creeks.   Longer rods will get further casts.  Fish have no idea what equipment you are using.  

[fishinwrench]

I highly recommend Tenkara.  

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

23 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

I highly recommend Tenkara.  

Not really sure what angle(s) you are working towards.   I don't believe you are giving a genuine response, not sure why.  

 

Tekara is convenient in a few situations.   I still am happy with it.  

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, Daryk Campbell Sr said:

2 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

 

Not really sure what angle(s) you are working towards.   I don't believe you are giving a genuine response, not sure why. 

I figured he wouldn't know what Tenkara was.......so he would Google it, and find it interesting.   Low tech.

It was a genuine response.  🤷‍♂️

[Carl1969]

Looks like it'd be interesting down at Bennet Springs (especially since I suspect I'm too stupid/uncoordinated to figure out fly fishing), but not sure how it'd work from a boat. Wouldn't you have to be close enough that the boat would spook any fish?

[fishinwrench]

13 minutes ago, Carl1969 said:

not sure how it'd work from a boat. Wouldn't you have to be close enough that the boat would spook any fish?

Well, just today I caught 7 keeper bass from 2 to 3.5 pounds, and a bunch of shorter fish, and all but a couple were stuck within 12-15ft. of the boat. (A 18' boat with trolling motor whirring, and 2 transducers clicking).  

 

 

[Jerry Rapp]

you sure won't get many backlashes with a cane pole and never have to worry about line twist

[Quillback]

The Plueger President is a fine spinning reel at a reasonable price, I have a couple and they work just fine.  I would look at rods that are rated for the weight class of what you'll be fishing, if you want to toss 1/4 oz jigs, get a rod that is rated around that weight,  for example a rating of 1/8 to 3/8.  

If you are going to be trolling a lot, bait casters are the way to go, less line twist than a spinning reel and a lot easier to release line using the thumb bar than flipping the bail over.  If you are using a bait caster primarily for trolling then there are a lot of inexpensive reels out there that will work.

Sure helps if you can find someone to fish with that knows the ropes and has some gear you can test out to see what you like.  

[MrGiggles]

Presidents are a great reel and I have several of them. I wish I would've bought a dozen when Bass Pro had them for 29.99 on black friday a few years ago.

For spinning rods, I am really partial to Berkley Lightning rods. The 6'6" medium 1 piece is my go-to for how I usually fish. It's a great do-all. Good for throwing jigs 1/16-1/4 oz, small cranks, and spoons. They used to be $40 from BPS and some Walmarts, but I see they've gone up to $50. 

For trolling rigs I like the Shimano FX medium casting rods, and Shakespeare ATS line counters. Pretty inexpensive setup that does the job. 

My favorite light action rod is a 7'2" Outlaw. Local rod company and the owner is a great guy. Everharts and I Am Outdoors in Buffalo used to carry his stuff, but the last time I saw him he mentioned inventory problems, so I'm not sure what he's able to get anymore.