Rod and Reel info

[puddle jumper]

What do you guys and gals look for when you are buying a new rod or reel.I gess what im asking is how do you know your getting a quality outfit and not buy the price.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Rod and Reel info

It really depends on the type of fishing you will be doing as what to look for in a set up.

Quality rods have name brand eyes and reel seats.

Do a little googling on the rod componants, including the rod blanks, and you will see the differences.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Rod and Reel info

I've been rebuilding freshwater reels for years and can tell you from experience that there is none better than Shimano. Their customer service is unmatched. They have even sent me new reels to compensate for not having a part in stock. Which reel in particular? Have to be the older Curado 200B, still available on Ebay. It is the reel to which all others are measured.

I'll get flamed for this but avoid the BassPro reels if at all possible. Don't get me wrong, they are good reels, it's just that they are all "somebody else's reel" with the BPS badge. Pain in the butt to find parts for a few years after purchase especially since they change designs every year. (marketing run amuk) Their rods, the Extreme and Bionic Blade, I have actually found to be very good rods. I'd buy another one tomorrow.

All modern reels feel good in the case so don't let that fool ya. Go with a simple design (ie: no flippin switches, antireverse levers, electronic fuel injection, etc, etc.) with a metal frame and a good reputation and you should be happy for years.


spots

 

[JB]

Re: Rod and Reel info

I am the type of shopper who settles on particular brands after lots of trials and errors.

I avoid house brands, even though the rod or reel may be made by the same people I prefer.

I know that Shimano reels are first rate, but I still stick with Garcia. My reels are all Garcia Pro Max and Morrum, except for the Amabassaduer 7000 I use for heavy duty stuff. I do realize that they were designed as answers to the Shimano Calcutta and I think they are every bit as good. Some of the newer models from Shimano and Garcia are very tempting, but I am happy with what I have and I don't think replacing my 8 to 28 year old reels would catch me any more fish.

My highest priorities in a reel are: a drag that releases line smoothly and evenly, without that abrupt surge you see in so many lesser reels, and a spool brake that is finely adjustable for slight differences in lure weight.

All of my rods are Fenwick or gloomis. Light weight, wear-proof guides and action matched to the fishing I want to do with them.

Yes, I spent more on my collection than most, but they leave me with no desire to replace them, and I no longer can afford to drop several hundred bux on a new rod or reel.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Rod and Reel info

Can't go wrong with a 6 1/2' heavy action Ugly Stick with a Zebco 808. It'll haul in anything in freshwater.


No its not what I fish with but I do Have one and it does get used. Just messing around is all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Rod and Reel info

It really depends on the type of fishing you will be doing as what to look for in a set up.

Ayuh,..........

I'm a Troller,.........I mean when I'm Fishing..............d

When Cabela's came out with their Interliner Rods,...... I fell in Love with them,.......

With the Line running Thru the blank, instead of along side,..... It's just an Easier rod to Rig,+ Handle,......

I started the 1st year with 4 of the 8,1/2'ers...... I've since got 4 of the 7,1/2fters,+ I hope to see 4 more of the shorter rods onboard This Year......

Up until then I had been using Levelwind Reels,+ Clip-on Line Counters for repeatability...... Going to the interliners there isn't the Space for the Clip-on Line Counter.....
'Course,..... That means I Really Need a set of 4 New Linecounter Reels................d

I already had a couple of Diawa Sealines,+ 1 of them came appart on me,.....
At the local Tackleshop of the Day, they had Okuma Reels, with Bushings, No bearings for $40. each,+ the same reel With Bearings for $30.each,....... So I bought 4......
I've had Great Luck with these Reels over the years,....... The last set of 4 I picked up were up to about $50. each,.......
Other than a Lost Cap on 1 reel,.....I'm still running 8 of them........
They're More than Capable of about Anything that Swims up here on the Freshwater Seas..............

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Rod and Reel info

The name brand rods are usually very good. Loomis, StCroix, Fenwick, kistler etc, etc, It goes without saying that the components on these rods are high quality. Pick up the rod and look at the guide wraps. Check for any small gaps in the thread, look at the epoxy finish. Sight down the rod to see that the guides are in line, and the blank is fairly straight. Look the cork over for filler. You would be surprised that even the best rod makers put out some lemons. Make sure the rod fits for what you want to do. For every type of fishing there are different types of gear, and it does make a difference. For example you dont want a 6 foot heavy power, fast tip rod for crankbaits, thats a jig or tube rod.

Same goes for the reel. For years I used the Shimano curado that was mentioned above, great reel. Shimano makes some good stuff. The new Curado just does not feel right in my hand. For me that is important. The new Quantum energy PT 760 baitcaster is a great reel. Well built smooth great drag, and it feels right. I find myself using my old curados less and less. The shimano hardbody line of spinning reels are nice.

No offense to KB but in IMHO the ugly stick is about the worst rod I ever laid hands on. No sensitivity to speak of, and absolutely no hook setting power at all. But in fairness you can drive over it with a 4 wheel drive truck and still use it the next day.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Rod and Reel info

No offense to KB but in IMHO the ugly stick is about the worst rod I ever laid hands on. No sensitivity to speak of, and absolutely no hook setting power at all. But in fairness you can drive over it with a 4 wheel drive truck and still use it the next day.

Thats what makes them SOOOO GOOOOOD for me. My rods get thrown in the bed of the truck where they battle Hi-lift jacks, spares, t-posts, wire, and whatever else happens to be rolling around in the bed. I've used the same 6.5 med action ugly for about 9 years now. Shes ugly as sin but still hangs the bass.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Rod and Reel info

Thanks guys that helps alot.At least i have some info on what to look for in brand names and what to look for in the reel and rod it self.
PS I will be fishing for salmon in the ocean and all my rod/reels are for trout about a pound or less

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Rod and Reel info

LOL @ KB 8)