Question

[Juice]

I have a question concerning on what rod and reel should i buy....I want to get a rod that is Medium heavy w/ a baitcasting reel. I plan on using it for jigs and big spinnerbaits. But i dont know what brand of reel and rod i should get. Any suggestions? Price range for me is up to $150.

[DougSpringBay]

I use Fenwick rods, and the HMG AV 6'6" in the MH action would make an excellent choice for you.

A quality reel, but not too pricey is the Abu Garcia 4600 C-3 or C-4.

With this combination, you will be just over your $150 mark. Don't go cheap on a rod. That is what you detect the bite with, set the hook with, and play the fish with. A quality reel does help with presentation, but if you have to choose, spend more on the rod.

Doug

------------------
Captain Doug Wintle
Spring Bay Resort & Guide Service
http://www.SpringBayResort.com

Lund Pro Staff
RJ Sport and Cycle Pro Staff
sprgbay@uslink.net
800-847-5253

[Juice]

I'll look into Fenwick rods....I was thinking about picking up an abu garcia reel anyway. Thanks for the info!

Oh yea...Is there a difference in feel between using a 6.5foot rod or a 7 foot rod? And which is a better choice? And how does that compare with an Eagle GT rod?

[This message has been edited by Juice (edited 04-09-2004).]

[baswacker]

Juice listen to Doug he sounds like he knows what he's saying.I've been tournament fishing for about 10 years now and I still am using some of the same Fenwicks I bought way back when I started.and the ambassedor Garcias C3,C4,C5 series reels are a must they hold up well under the strain. I have yet to have a large fish BASS,PIKE,or MUSKIE blow out the bearings or drag on these rigs! About the only way you will wreck your rod is when ya step on it gettin in the boat!! Go with the 7'Med.Heavy rod you will be able to cast further and have more sensitivity! Unless you will be slop fishing the I use a XT Heavy action 6' I like to call it the broomstick or pool cue.The Legacy series are what I use but I tjink they are discontinued.
Tight lines all
Basswacker

[This message has been edited by baswacker (edited 04-09-2004).]

[Juice]

Yea i think i may pick up the 7' MH...Matters what type of areas ill be fishing. Im getting this for tourney fishing and this is my 1st year in it. And i have no clue what these guys fishin in, cover i mean. So to continue this massive question..

WHat line would you recommened? Im thinking braided line but cant decide on what brand and pound test.

[baswacker]

I use berkley fireline 20# test 8# dia. for slop or lilypads, spinner baits, jigs, buzzbaits and some cranks and stick baits.For pulling deep diving cranks you want mono line like a green trilene 10# test you need the stretch in the line to get the lure down to the max depth.For drop shot or carolina rigs I use a 12# stren heavy cover.
Hope that helps ya juice. The main thing is to remember to have fun when you are out there if ya get to darn serious ya lose that fun! Ask alot of questions and most of all read as much about the sport as you can techniques and tactics.
Tight lines all
Basswacker

[DAD-N-EYE]

Hi Juice, I fish a small wed. night league and learned a lot last year from people who do fish big tourneys and for what its worth between the three line, reel, rod the rod would be the least of my concerns. The manufactures today put out quality MH rod from $30 to $60 and if your fishing the slop or throwing spinner baits the line and reel would be my first concern. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the rod isn't important. Jig fishing requires a little more feel also. I fish 7.6 G-loomis on the flats of mille lacs but thats a whole different world.

[Juice]

Thanks for your replies.

[LOWinEYEin]

Juice

This may help...

http://fishingminnesota.com/ubb/Forum57/HTML/000483.html