rod selection for salt water

[rsw21282]

Im not that sure about fishing gear brands that hold up to salt water. I am ok with picking rods, but the reels i buy are hit or miss. I generally like to buy a combo and my pockets are pretty shallow for throwing out big bucks. I know most people say buy once good and will last a lifetime, but my range is around 50 bucks a rod/reel combo. Anyone have suggestions for good fair priced brands?

 

[_chris_]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I bought a decent penn reel with a Master rod for about 100 bucks a few years ago and it is holding up great, just like a boat you should rinse it with fresh water when you get home and keep it lubed and it will last. I don't know where you live but if you have a Big 5 sporting goods near by they always have one on sale for a great price.

 

[dingbat]

Re: rod selection for salt water

What type of reel are you looking for and how often do you fish?

If you can afford it, spend the money upfront for a ?better? reel. The more expensive reels will generally cost you less to own in the long run

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: rod selection for salt water

cruise craiglist or yardsales..pawn shops too can be a good haunt....
Back in SoCal I visited my local pawn shop enough times that they would call me if they got a big water reel in that I'd like...

Buying an older Penn Senator for 50 bux is a good deal as long as you notice that everything works well..It's easy to steel wool the spool and change drag washers if you need..

I always stuck with the big names, Penn, Diawa,(their Sea Line are great reels) Shimano (got a TLD25 for 60 bucks like new pawn shop special)

I stay away from the abu garcia stuff..just a preference...Like anything if you spend some time you can find good deals..

On rods..
I have had rods custom wrapped with my colors, (all Calstar blanks) but those days are gone $$$$ wise...

Same place you are looking for reels, check what kinda sticks they have...Old green corroded eyes, loose wrappings on the feet of the eyes, all that is pass over stuff...

You didnt state a preference over conventional or coffee grinders, but on the spinners, try to stay with a major brand as well..Look for as many ball bearings as possible, the more the bearings, the smoother and higher quality the reel will be...

Start your fishing arsenal slowly..a few (say 3) sticks can handle almost anything you'd need out there..You didnt say what exactly you are fishing for though...

Good luck, tight lines!

p.s. speaking of line..dont skimp on line either!!!!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I bought a decent penn reel with a Master rod for about 100 bucks a few years ago and it is holding up great, just like a boat you should rinse it with fresh water when you get home and keep it lubed and it will last. I don't know where you live but if you have a Big 5 sporting goods near by they always have one on sale for a great price.

man..I miss Big 5!!! lol

 

[triumphrick]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I do some tackle repair...most of the Penn Slammer, Penn Sturdy Stick rods are junk. The ceramic inserts in those eyes will fall out if you look at them wrong. Once out, always out. I have a dozen rods I just picked up from a capt. who was about to throw them away...decided to sell them to me instead. I am stripping all the eyes as we speak and mounting stainless spirals...they will not give any trouble.

Penn still has some good reels out there. I like Shimano TLD's..also the Diawa Sealines are good. West marine is trying to sell out of the Sealine 50x..$44 at last check. Ibought the last two they had in my district..that is a $90 reel. You may check there..

As Kev said, craigslist, garage sales, pawn shops all have good deals and bad..just gotta look.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: rod selection for salt water

Bradenton means unless you are going to run a long way offshore, the average spinner will suit most of your need. For the price your looking at I would agree with cheapboatkev and try to find a good used but not abused Penn or Shimano spinner with a matching rod. The only difference between salt and fresh water is the amount of time you need to work on your gear to make sure it stays in perfect working condition. Snook, Redfish, Trout, and assorted snapper can all be handled very well on 15-20 lb test line with proper leaders. (You might luck into a 60lb plus or so Tarpon and then you'll find out how smooth your drag is)

Best of luck in your search ya'll

 

[Stachi]

Re: rod selection for salt water

As far as spinning reels go , Okuma is not a bad reel at all...many ball bearings in them in the mid -price range....and they ALL need proper cleaning and lube to last....

 

[noworries79]

Re: rod selection for salt water

Great advice here...Keep in mind that it's more about the reel and the drag than the rod. I also prefer to buy combos when I can, you can always switch rods later on for what type of fishing you are doing. It sounds to me like you are looking for an all-around spinning outfit.

Okuma and Pflueger make good reels in addition to the Penn, Shimano and Diawas mentioned above. I once had a 30# bull drum on my Pflueger trout reel with 10 lb. test. The drag was smooth and I got him in after 40 minutes, released unharmed!

I have recently switched to braid which I love. You can put lots of line on your spool and my lures cast much farther. I put 20# flourocarbon on as a leader, don't buy the leader material. Waayyy too expensive, I buy a spool of vanish which is cheaper. Good luck if you haven't purchased already!

 

[thurps]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I have to agree with CheapboatKev. Yard sales are the way to go. there are some "reel" bargans out there if you shop early. Happy, screw it, Merry Christmas.

 

[capt sam]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I also agree, also check Craig's List in your area, they're usually loaded with decent stuff. You're better off throwing that $50 bones towards something used and quality then new and junk.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I also agree, also check Craig's List in your area, they're usually loaded with decent stuff. You're better off throwing that $50 bones towards something used and quality then new and junk.

Well said Cpt. Sam..
Haven't seen you on here too much lately?

 

[capt sam]

Re: rod selection for salt water

yeah haven't been around alot, been fishing too much...lol.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I have a custom made for me Laguna. Its my all time favorite rod.

Although it may be too expensive to buy new, it'd be a heck of a find in a garage sale.

 

[bouymarker]

Re: rod selection for salt water

There are some fine spinner combo's out there for under 100.00. I like looking for sales at BPS. remember you get what you pay for. can you return a broken reel to a yard sale? I a have pflueger trion for 60.00, pflueger president combo 89.00, BPS inshore express combo 69.00, Quantum combo 90.00 and now I'm starting to buy higher end shimano's and Quantum's...All of these are for inshore trout and redfish. I like the shimano saros, sahara, pflueger medalist. BPS has a nice line of rods that go on sale from time to time that could cost as little as 50.00. I have had ugly stix's and I guess its my preference but I do not like the action they have.

 

[noworries79]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I have had ugly stix's and I guess its my preference but I do not like the action they have.

What action are you using? I prefer the ultralite 6.5' and 7' M and MH. They work great for me. Have you tried the ultralites?

 

[tnduc]

Re: rod selection for salt water

If you want a new combo for under $50, inshore use, can't beat an Ugly Stick/Shakespeare.

 

[joebob14]

Re: rod selection for salt water

I agrea with tnduc, If you have to keep it under 50 bucks I would go with the uglystick. You can oick one up at walmart antwhere from 30 to 50 bucks wiyhout waiting for a sale. I fish inshore mostly for snook and redfish and the 7' mh works good for me. If you dont mind spending a little more I got a phluger combo from west marine for 75 bucks. Its a very nice setup and I like it alot but it dosnt catch anymore fish than the walmart setup.