Fishing rod for spinning

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
Messages
17,079
Hello, another bit of assistance needed today. When younger I used to fish regularly and had some decent gear. But after years of storage and several cross-country moves, I find myself a rod or two short.

Now my 4-year-old boy wants to fish all the time so I'd better pick something up.

He has an entry-level spinning rod and reel combo (Quantum Snapshot) that should last him for many years. At least until he gets a job and buys his own. :)

Me, I'd like something a bit nicer, at least on par with the Berkley Stinger that broke at some point within the last 15 years. It'll be matched to an older Shimano TX120Q. Something in the $50 range would be priced right. I'm also more interested in owning something a little less-common than the usual WalMart and K-Mart models, although I'm confident those are perfectly usable.

Specifically, how are the in-house brands at Cabela's or Bass Pro? Are they at least as good as the Shakespeare Ugly Stik or other common brands?

Looking for a M-L action, 6'6", two-piece.

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In addition I might be interested in a light or ultra-light spinning rod and reel. Having trouble finding a light reel with the lever release for one-hand casting though. Anyone have a recommendation?
 
Bass Pro Shops. At any given time, they have big sales on combo set ups. I must have about a dozen spinning rod/reel combos. You can get a lot of rod/reel for $100.
 
Bob W said:
I could get a rod-and-reel combo, but then I'd still be a rod short. :D

Here's a rod at BPS that caught my eye, the CarbonLite:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Sho...ods/product/10205013/-1645468#prodDescription

Here's a similarly priced rod from Cabela's:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish..._SEQ_104836680?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU
Click to expand...

After 40 years of swapping out and changing spinning tackle, I finally arrived at the only two rods I'll use: either the St. Croix (just about any model), or the Berkeley Lightnin Rod. I use the St. Croix when I'm going fishing for the day, either from shore or in my boat or kayak, and the Lightnin Rods go with me when I'm out canoe camping.
 
I sure miss my Berkley Stinger! And before I started spinning I had a Zebco 33 reel matched to a Berkley Buckaneer rod. Man, that was a long time ago!

I do have a Lightning Rod, but it's an M rated pole and entirely too stiff. I'll probably keep it for catfishing or a loaner.

Anyway, I've already ordered a Bass Pro Tourney Special Graphite to replace the Stinger.
Also ordered a UL rod and reel, the Pflueger President Micro Ultralight Spinning Reel and a Bass Pro Micro Lite Graphite rod.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience; it is much appreciated.
 
I own a couple of BPS rods. They have some decent rods in your range. BPS has a sale right now in the Bionic Blade, its a bit over your price range though. Its going for $59.77.

But in your price range you might want to try an Ugly Stik Lite, they run around $40.00. They aren't like using a mahogany rod like the regular Ugly Stiks. I'll get hell for this but... IMO its almost as sensitive as my BPS Bionic Blade.
 
jaymeister99 said:
I own a couple of BPS rods. They have some decent rods in your range. BPS has a sale right now in the Bionic Blade, its a bit over your price range though. Its going for $59.77.

But in your price range you might want to try an Ugly Stik Lite, they run around $40.00. They aren't like using a mahogany rod like the regular Ugly Stiks. I'll get hell for this but... IMO its almost as sensitive as my BPS Bionic Blade.
Click to expand...

I did check out the Bionic. Looked nice, except no ML 2-piece rods. Ditto with many of the St Croix models. Sure, I'd love to do all my fishing with a seven-foot one-piece rod, but they just aren't practical for storing or transport.

Instead I went for the Bass Pro Tourney Special Graphite.
For an UL, I selected the Bass Pro Micro Lite Graphite.

Will let you know what I think when they arrive. :thumbup:
 
Bob W said:
I did check out the Bionic. Looked nice, except no ML 2-piece rods. Ditto with many of the St Croix models. Sure, I'd love to do all my fishing with a seven-foot one-piece rod, but they just aren't practical for storing or transport.

Instead I went for the Bass Pro Tourney Special Graphite.
For an UL, I selected the Bass Pro Micro Lite Graphite.

Will let you know what I think when they arrive. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Cool, good luck and let me know. I don't know much on the tourney special. I was looking at the Micro Lites last year at a BPS store. I almost got one, I'd be curious how you like it.
 
A while back, my brother told me about a deal Cabelas had which was buy one get one on their brand of rods. I'm not sure if it was just a store deal or if it was nation wide. They do it every year he said.

Also, if you spend around $100, you can get a St. Croix Rod, which I just bought in early Spring. They are fantastic. I spent probably more than I needed to on my new reel(Daiwa Sol 2500), but you will discover something of this caliber will last and last.
 
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