I am not a fisherman. But, a friend who is a local tournament winner with years of experience took me out for a morning on the lake, and I'd like to have one current technology freshwater spinning reel and rod. I purchased a Pflueger reel he recommended for $40.

My specifications are:
--less than $80
--one piece
--medium-heavy action
--at least 6'6"

My hopes are:
--modern split grip
--through grip rod (tip to butt)
--durable seat and anchoring sleeve
--durable rod
--less than $60

The challenge is to find the most technology for the least money. During the hours I have spent on typical websites, as well as unfamiliar fishing sites, the choices are about like 9mm ammo.

I have BassPro and Cabelas and a LGS with a LFS here in Richmond VA.

The intended use is simply to get me out on the local lakes and ponds for some solitude and practice. If I go out with my friend again, the available equipment on his boat is without limit.

For the money that you want to spend , I would go with the Berkley Lightning Rod Series with is available at Bass Pro and or Green Top. Some of the Walmart's even carry them. You could also find a Pflueger rod at the same stores to go with your reel. If you interested and want to spend a day fishing on Kerr let me know, all you would have to do is show up. If you need anymore info just email me, I would be glad to help.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SSgt USMC/Vet,

I have always felt that Bass Pro rods were good value for the money. The Bionic Blade series is about $80 and the Tourney Special is about $50. I have some of both and have gotten many good years out of them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: YellowJacket,

Lamiglass makes a damn fine rod. I have had a couple in the past and they have never let me down. They feel good, and they have a good amount of feedback when getting a bite. I highly recommend them. I will note, I have only fished salmon in the river with them. I would imagine that the rod would be just as good in a lake.

They have a sale going right now, and I think this one is pretty much what you’re looking for.

https://www.lamiglas.com/colle...?variant=58876161995

I would check Walmart for price of Shakespeare Ugly Stick or the Berkley rods in the length and action you want.

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
I have always felt that Bass Pro rods were good value for the koney. The Bionic Blade series is about $80 amd the Tourney Special is about $50. I have some of both and have gotten many good years out of them.

BPS Bionic Blades are all I buy.
Coupled with Shimano Sahara reels.

Fenwick Eagle line of rods are wonderful, and great value for the price. A Fenwick/Pflueger combo is very nice. I have two: one ultralight for Trout and a flyrod/reel setup also for Trout.

What type of fishing?

Bass?
Catfish?
crappie?
All the above?

From a boat, bank, both?

Pick a good rod first to fit your intended type of fishing and types of baits used.
Then look at an appropriate spinning reel based on your budget.

You’ll feel the fish nibbling on your bait with your rod if it is sensitive enough. The reel is the winch (sort of, but a good reel matters too).

I'll second the recommendation for the Fenwick Eagle series. My Unc is a S. Dakota fisherman extraordinaire and that's what he's always recommended. My Dad taught him to fish and Dad left me the gnarliest mixed bag of rods and reels you'd ever want to see. I treasure them all and the good times we had with them.

I found an Abu Garcia Vendetta for $80 at Cabelas. It is "exactly" to my specifications. I'll be going to Bass Pro and Green Top next, to see what they have. May find those you all are recommending. I'll keep one rod.

The Pflueger Summit XT reel I purchased is likely a special Bass Pro version, but it will probably work just fine. For only $40, I couldn't resist.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/e...nning-reel-100121735

This rod+reel will be used for nearly any fish. Primarily I'll be fishing from banks and docks of local ponds. I hope to have infrequent trips with friends having boats.

Take your reel with you when you go shopping for the rod and seat the reel, you will find not all reel seats are compatible with rod manufactures especially if they have their on reel line.

You should be asking your friend this. He successfully fishes the same waters as you will be fishing and should be able to give you some good recommendations specific to our needs.

I can tell you what I like for fishing here in FL and while it may work fine in your area it may not be optimal for where and what you are fishing for.

I have inquired of my friend, who gave me the specs I listed in the OP. I am enjoying the search and appreciate the insights from SF.

Ugly Stik Elite or GX2, they just flat out work and are tough as nails. You could spend alot more money but it would only get you something marginally better.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
I found an Abu Garcia Vendetta for $80 at Cabelas. It is "exactly" to my specifications...

You may find the oversized ferrule/nut for the reel seat on the Vendetta uncomfortable in the hand after holding the rod for extended periods. I have the Vendetta Baitcasting rod and REALLY like it, but for a Spinning Rod, the Vendetta would not be my choice. That said, Pflueger makes a VERY solid Spinning Reel and the Summit XT should serve you well.

Here's my story of a similar search: I agreed to purchase a Spinning Rod/Reel for my 15YO son earlier this year and after discussing some guidelines with him, headed off to BassPro. I had him 'play' with multiple rods & reels as part of the selection process and let him drive the decision. While I was favoring AbuGarcia out of the gate, the Vendetta was quickly dismissed in favor of the AbuGarcia Veritas. After handling a number other rods, we made our way over to the BassPro rods and the XPS Bionic Blade became the preferred contender, however that was displaced by the next rod he picked up, the BPS Pro Qualifier 2. He liked it immediately and said it felt really good in the hand, and I concur, it does! Ultimately he settled on the BassPro Pro Qualifier 2 rod and the Pflueger Supreme reel, and it's a REALLY Nice combo!

My advice is to take the recommendations that have been shared in this thread, and spend some time at BassPro (or elsewhere) to get the 'feel' of multiple rods to aid in your decision.

That and as SpinZone suggested, ask your friend what rod he'd recommend....He's probably your best resource!

quote:

Originally posted by DetonicsMk6:
I'll second the recommendation for the Fenwick Eagle series. My Unc is a S. Dakota fisherman extraordinaire and that's what he's always recommended. My Dad taught him to fish and Dad left me the gnarliest mixed bag of rods and reels you'd ever want to see. I treasure them all and the good times we had with them.

Is this you.....??

quote:

Originally posted by medic451:
Ugly Stik Elite or GX2, they just flat out work and are tough as nails. You could spend alot more money but it would only get you something marginally better.

The Ugly Stik ELite is $40 at Walmart and some stores start to mark them down at the end of the season. They were only $20 several years ago and some members of the Smith Mountain Lake Striper Forum bought as many as six for trolling.