Fishing Rods and reels.

[Insolence]

I've needed to upgrade my rod and reel for awhile, any recommendations on the best brands out there at the best value. I do a lot of freshwater bass, and bottom feeder fishing (catfish etc.) Just looking for something relatively affordable, sturdy, with quick action on the reel side. I also hate push button reels. Whatever the majority opinion is after 24 hours I'll roll with that.

Thank you anglers.

*EDIT* single piece rods preferred. Spinning reels preferred also.

[Insolence]

I have been looking online for a couple of hours and just found this... seems to be sort of what I'm looking for. Let me know what's good.

Bass pro rod reel combo. (http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=62283&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse)

[Lanx0r]

I can't tell you on catfishing... I don't do that too often. But you will need a heavy action rod for that.

For bass fishing, I would recommend Loomis rods if you don't mind paying the extra cash.
G. Loomis Freshwater Spinning Rods (http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/family.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032507&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181201&bmUID=1157408459395)

Personally, I like light action and medium action rods. 6'6" to 7'6" suits me just right.

If Loomis is a little too expensive, I would also recommend the Cabela's XML Tournament Series. Link here. (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20374_TGP&rid=&indexId=cat20374&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20374&id=0017477)


As for spinning reels, I HIGHLY recommend the Okuma line of products. They are relatively inexpensive, and extremely slick.

For light to medium action spinning rods, I recommend the Inspira (http://www.okumafishing.com/products/reels/spinning/inspira.htm) series of Okuma spinning reels.

For medium/heavy to heave action, I recommind the Epixor (http://www.okumafishing.com/products/reels/spinning/epixor.htm) series.


General rule of thumb on spinning reels: the more ball bearings, the slickers it will be.

As for line, I like to go with 6-8 lb. braided. Its expensive, but worth it! Much stronger, and you won't have knots slip like you will with Nylon.

If you do go Nylon though, I recommend Ande line (colors pink or green--I prefer green).


Hope that helps! If you live close to Parkerbsurg, WV/Belpre, OH gimme a shout sometime. I am always game for a good fishing outing.


"A bad day fishing always beats a good day at work."


*EDIT*

I just saw your second post. Honestly, I hate bass pro shops gear. Its usually way overpiced. When they offer you a deal, just remember: you get what you pay for.

And I would recommend two-piece rods... they are much more transportable and take up less space.

[VP-]

I have a http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=38285&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

308 model. I chose it because of the solid metal construction, ruggedness, and zero play in the crank. I can't stand play in the crank, the instant anti-reverse on this, truly is instant, as opposed to most anti-reverses that have some slack in them, and the drag is well functioning.

I chose to mount it onto an older medium weight, medium length rod, with some 10lb line so I could do most anything with it if I only want to take one pole.

I always have my hyperlite setup if I want to do some light jigging and lure work for bass and crappie, and then the larger setup for when I am doing some carp and catfish work.

[Insolence]

*EDIT*

I just saw your second post. Honestly, I hate bass pro shops gear. Its usually way overpiced. When they offer you a deal, just remember: you get what you pay for.

And I would recommend two-piece rods... they are much more transportable and take up less space.


bet, thank you on that tip.

*EDIT* i'm actually working in annapolis MD right now, so maybe before the campaign gets too crazy we could work something out. anyway... thx again.

[fong]

i buy all my stuff from www.tacklewarehouse.com BEST PRICES I HAVE EVER SEEN, they have everything. :D

[Kobe]

Fenwick ftw, three times ive slammed my tip in my door and even after it being 3 years past the warranty (recent incident)....they sent me a brand new replacement and twice it was a upgraded model

for crankbaits, spinnerbaits I prefer a 6'6 and even use a 6' model, if you go into the slop a 7' rod works the best for lifting their heads up out of the water for easier retrieval

as for reels it depends on what type of water your fishing and lures, jigs/worms etc I prefer a spinning reel...all crankbaits/spinnerbaits etc I use a baitcaster

I carry 8 combos for bass with me in the boat so I'm not going to list them all...imo other posters have led you in the right direction, good tips