Gander Mountain Rods & Reels

[nwa1819]

Any opinions on the quality of these rods and reels?

[Sportfish1850]

I've used several guide series rods and trolling reels. I believe I have 7 or 8 of them in the 25 or 30 rods my family of 4 owns for various presentations, species, and techniques. I have found them to be very effective and good value. After a few years the guides on the rods begin to break down a little and can either snap or just get loose. At the price you pay if you fish a lot and get a solid 4 or 5 years from a rod and only have to replace a tip or mid rod guide to get another solid 4 or 5 years of service its very good value for your money.

Would it make more sense to spend more on a St. Croix maybe....but for me that's only true if I were the kind of fisherman that can really feel a big difference between topline and midline stuff. I'm not. A decent graphite rod is adequate for me, it doesn't have to be the best graphite rod to catch a decent number of fish.

I'll gladly pay less per rod/reel combo and still get a pretty decent setp up and because I pay less per setup, I can have a few more combo's available so if I am dragging spinners in the morning I don't have to retie to go slip bobbering that evening or cast soft plastics into the bass weeds in the afternoon. I'd rather have 5 or 6 decent combos available than 2 top line combos. Using Titleist golf balls doesnt make me any better of a golfer than when I use Srixon but they both get me on the green (eventually) and find the pond equally well in my hands.

Cheers !

[RebelSS]

Gotta agree with Sportfish. Can't speak for the reels as I use all Shimano reels; but I think their rods, of which I have 4 or 5 of the Guide series, are decent rods. They're IM7 or 8 blanks, Fuji guides on some and good solid handles. I use ultralight and medium ultralights, and find the taper and sensitivity to suit my needs. I've never had a problem with one. If you can pick them up on sale, I think they're a great value.

[pulleye16]

That is what I bought growing up and NEVER had problems with the rod or reels. Very good products and even better price. Not the best out there obviously but well worth it! (haven't purchased one in years though I as I've moved up to more sensative rods for eyes)

[Shorelunch]

I have a 6' 6" medium GSX spinning rod I like. I think it's about $99. I've had one get broke from a car door and one broke from my son reeling in a fish all of the way to the rod tip. Both were replaced without a problem at GM. I don't think it's as sensitive as my Loomis, but it's not a bad rod at all. Good rod for the money. I'd compare it to: St. Croix Eyecon and/or Premier and the comparable Fenwick and Shimanos.

[bucketmouth64]

I've used the spinning reels and have not had any issues with them. They are the same as the pfluegers. I overheard one associate say that one their(GM) higher end rods is made by gloomis/st.croix. Don't recall which one. I wouldn't have a problem buying one of their rods or cabelas store brand rods, in which I do own one.

[tunrevir]

I have 2 gander line counters that have taken plenty of salmon over the years and held up well. The rods, I have a couple and have been happy with the higher end rods but have had a couple eyelet problems going on 7 years with the one rod. Good value, good price. Depends on how much you use them to a degree but I didn't expect the line counters to last more then 2 years when using them for salmon and they have held up well so far.

Tunrevir~

[EBass]

I have 2 Gander Guide Series rods. One for cranking which is Eglass ($40), and a spinning rod that's IM8 7' Med 1 piece ($89 or so, it's older). The spinning is a little stiffer than my Shimano Med 7' 1 piece, but I use it all the time and like it. Would I buy another - sure.

Reels are another story - I like good reels and will pay $$$ for a good reel.

[mrklean]

I have 2 gander rods and like them, i think they changed there policy but i bought a combo from them few years ago and the rod broke 6 months later (got smashed on a trip) i didn't have a receipt or anything they gave me a new rod that was worth more money then what i paid for the combo

[Northlander]

Like any other company their lower end stuff isnt that durable but the upper end stuff can be very good. I always buy when they run the 25% or better deals.

[PurpleFloyd]

I have a few of them but ave been buying my recent ones from Scheels. They seem to be better by a bit and they put whatever line I want on the reel for me which is a great service. They even put braid on for a small charge.

[Ed Carlson]

I have several of the new Gander Mountain GSX Tournament rods and reels. The GSX Tournament combo is a great bargain right now in the new add just out.

The 10 bearing GSX reels are a solid reel and a very good performer. I have no hesitation recommending them.

[nwa1819]

Thank you everyone for your responses! Picking up a rod for my dad who does not fish as much or as hard as me, so I was thinking this would be a good fit since it is a little more affordable. Looks like I will be getting one! Thanks again.

[SpecialK]

If he doesn't fish much he willnotice the difference between what he used to use and the Gander rods. I use nothing but Gander or Cabela's rods and couldn't be happier.

I am in the market to add more rods to my arsenal and I will be visiting both places for their store branded rods and reels.

[mrklean]

I have a few of them but ave been buying my recent ones from Scheels. They seem to be better by a bit and they put whatever line I want on the reel for me which is a great service. They even put braid on for a small charge.

My dad has a scheels rod he has had for 10+ year very nice rod durable for sure

[Kettle]

I own one guide series rod and really like it, 8'6'' casting rod I bought for loopers on superior from shore, 2-8lbs test recommended. I also use it when dock bobber fishing for walleyes. I use it maybe a dozen times a year or so, it is 5 years old and in good shape, as for their reels, I am a shimano reel guy, so I couldn't give an honest opinion on them

Kettle

[gurkster]

I've had good luck with Gander Mountain Guide Series reels. The GM GS reels were/are made by Pfluger (President), when I bought mine two years ago.

[mainbutter]

I have four gander rods, two 7' mediums, one 7' heavy, and ice fishing rod.

The only gander reel I own is an ice fishing reel.

I have had zero issues with any, except accidentally stepping on the heavy rod and breaking an eye, which was repairable.

I am a 100% satisfied customer with gander mountain rods and they have gotten a ton of use. I am fully satisfied with the ice fishing reel as well, but it is less tested.

I generally opt for store-brand rods and brand-name reels.

[Toba]

I enjoy fishing a lot but don't always get out as much as I would like. The nice thing about the GM GSX set up is that IMO you get a pretty good set up and don't have to break the bank. I have 5 GM set ups and am always ready no matter the situation bass or walters. I also have a couple panfish sets that work well for us. Keep in mind I have never used one of the higher end rods and reels. I thinks it would be better if I don't.

[portageman]

I agree with northlander.....

3 Gander rods, I cheap and two better ones. you can tell the difference. On the other hand I believe my better Gander rods are about as good as my Triumph and Ironhawk.

Even though GM has changed the warranty on their rods, save your reciept and go in and talk to the guys in the fishing dept. sometimes they just take care of you.

[TrophyEyes]

Most of the Guide Series stuff is made by Pflueger or at least it was. I love the spinning reels....the tournament ones. I also have two of their higher end muskie rods which are made by Muskie Innovations...the same as the Bull Dawg series. I really like their stuff, but it is no G.Loomis or Shimano.

[porterhouse]

I have a couple Gander muskie rods and like them. Never had a problem with them.

Brian

[herefish101]

Guide series rods and shimano reels here, great equipment for the money, you just cant go wrong.

[Sportfish1850]

I have to be honest, I am not very happy with Gander return policy. I took a broken rod to the Blaine store last night, the rod snapped off between the last eye and the tip when a nice size northern spit the hook and my rod hit the windshield of my boat on the recoil. Not necessarily a manufacturers default but I've had the rod about a year and they have a 2 year guarantee on the GSX tournament rods. I've spent several hundred dollars in that store the last 2 years and they person in hunting knows I am (was) a pretty regular shopper there. But they wouldn't exchange it for me because 13 months later I didn't keep my receipt. He tried to sell me another with a $10 one year insurance policy on a rod with a 2 year guarantee. Does that make sense a $10 policy for a year on a rod with a free guarantee for two?

Anyways they are nice rods just DON'T expect them to replace it for you anymore if you break it and DO expect to be treated like a criminal because you expect them to honor their guarantee.

[CaptainMusky]

[PoorWordUsage] rod replaced not a gift card that won't cover the cost of the new one.