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What Spinning Rod/Reel to get for freshwater fishing?

My wife and myself have took up fishing this year, and we have quickly became addicted to it. Yesterday I think I ---about--- caught my first, really, nice sized fish. I had closed face Zebco (Used one, someone gave me haha). Anyway we fought for 2 or 3 minutes and finally he took all my line, and I had my own version of Moby Dick to talk about... Since he stole my 5 dollar lure. So we have decided to throw our ghetto poles away and get us some fairly decent ones. So brings me to the question, what should we get. 1. For pure fresh water fishing 2. I want them to be a Spinning Reel 3. Between 50 to 100 bucks for Reel/rod (Don't have that much to spend) 4. I want to be able to handle some large fish. I want to be able to feel like anything I hook I will be able to bring in (In the fresh water). That's about it, we don't have a lot more money to throw into this venture. As I said though 50 to 100 dollars per rod/reel be ok, closer to 50 the better though! Thanks a bunch!

Public Comments

1. there are plenty good rod and reels in the price range you are looking for. i don't think you need nothing fancy so you have plenty to choose from. daiwa, shakespere, are good brand names...i would suggest putting in new line. if you have your drag set correctly,,10-15lb test would be heavy enough....don't forget the stringer..good luck
2. Wal-Mart is probably your best bet. Ugly Stick makes a good, durable rod and for reels I suggest a Shakespeare. Get some 10 or 15 pound test line and if you set your drag right you won't have a problem with big fish. Good luck and have fun.
3. I use a ugly stick rod and an Abu Garcia reel. My reel was 50 bucks and i love it. My next reel is gonna be a shimano though , they are amazing.
4. I'm guessing you hooked into a big pike on a very small reel!? Well, anyhow i have a few combos here for you. Exactly what kind of fish are you targeting? What kind of lures are you using? For all around i would recommend this rod, reel, and line ~ Shakespeare Ugly Stik Spinning Rod ($30) ~ http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_303____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail I would get your wife a smaller 6' Medium action Ugly Stik, and you can get the same, or a longer Medium action Ugly Stik, whichever you prefer. Mitchell 300XE Spinning Reel ($45) ~ http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90958____SearchResults Get the one that holds 210 yards of 10 lb. test. Stren Original Monofilament Line 175 yards ($6) ~ http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_21616____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail I would get the Clear, in 12 lb. version. Be sure to just fill your spinning reel 3/4 full. A full reel normally ends up with limited casting and "loops" of line on the spool. Or you could get this Bass Pro Shops Megacast Spinning Combo ~ http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90644____SearchResults and fill it with the line i recommended. This won't be as good as the Mitchell 300/Ugly Stik but it's a lot cheaper! Well, there you go! Any more questions ?
5. Think Blackwater has a good answer. Mitchell reel and a ugly stick or maybe an Rhino rod. Can get it all at wally world.
6. Go to cabela's gander mountain bass pro shops etc. Tell them what you want. I use a medium or medium light with 6 lb fire line. I caught a 24 lb northern on a jig while fishing for walleyes on 6lb mono. Set your drag properly and you are in business. Have fun.