Time For a New Rod. Need Advice

[OneGirlWolfPack]

Well the time has come to get a new rod (and reel). Mine is still usable but really old and worn down. I'm not looking for anything too fancy....probably in the $250-$300 price range. I fish quite often but I still have trouble feeling lighter bites with a stiff rod so I need something that's got some sensitivity to it. Man I can already see the jokes that are going to come from this. Any recommendations?

Also if anyone is willing to share any good places to shore fish near Banff I'd really appreciate it. I'm going there for a few days for my birthday and would really like to do some fishing in the area.

[EZM]

Spinning rod or baitcaster? what's the primary purpose/application or is it "all purpose rod"?

at that price point you can get some very nice gear ........

St.Croix would be my first choice followed by Shimano for rods - at $100-$140 these are the best choices at that price point.

Abu Garcia and Shimano for reels at that same $ 100 - $ 140 price point are also excellent choices.

If you have a specific application - I can offer a little more specific advice and a opinion.

[Gust]

You can actually get two pretty nice set-ups out of that price range, or at least one really nice set-up plus a nicer lower end rod for those knock about days. I'll make a list later as I just noticed the time and, well, that place called job.

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Why not pick up 2 ones 2 reels for 300 bucks you could get yourself 2 decent rods and reels one lighter action rod for trout , walleye , the other for stuff like trolling , pike .

I'd suggest to you

Barkley lightning rod paired with a shamano solstice 1000 size or a Pflueger president in a 25 size reel .

Fenwick Canadian methods paired with a shamano solstice 4000 size reel .

[OneGirlWolfPack]

Sorry for not being more specific guys. I'm looking for an all purpose spinning rod. I'm not out catching monsters...mostly just embarrassingly small walleyes, pike, and anything the river is kind enough to let me borrow for a picture. I've never bought a rod before so I figured it would be best to ask you guys first so I look a little less stupid when I walk into the store to buy one.

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Originally Posted by OneGirlWolfPack

Sorry for not being more specific guys. I'm looking for an all purpose spinning rod. I'm not out catching monsters...mostly just embarrassingly small walleyes, pike, and anything the river is kind enough to let me borrow for a picture. I've never bought a rod before so I figured it would be best to ask you guys first so I look a little less stupid when I walk into the store to buy one.

Fare enough but I'd still buy two always nice to have a spare .

[OneGirlWolfPack]

That's not a bad idea at all. I never even considered getting two. So one would be a lighter, more sensitive rod and one designed for pike and larger fish? Pardon my ignorance. I'm still learning and figuring things out.

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Originally Posted by OneGirlWolfPack

That's not a bad idea at all. I never even considered getting two. So one would be a lighter, more sensitive rod and one designed for pike and larger fish? Pardon my ignorance. I'm still learning and figuring things out.

Barkley lightning rod paired with a shamano solstice 1000 size or a Pflueger president in a 25 size reel .would be good for anything from trout to the odd pike .

Fenwick Canadian methods paired with a shamano solstice 4000 size reel .i would use this for targeting pike there nice rods . My sister has them reels and she doesn't seem to hate them . But nearly as nice I use as a higher quality but your not going to be catching trout or walleye on it . Guess you could but not very sensitive . Then I'd get them spooled with braided line , then use a mono or flurp carbon leader , and a wire or fluro carbon leader on the pike rod .

[KN12313]

My wife has bad arthirtis in her hands (considering complete knuckle replacement), so I bought a couple of G Loomis IMX medium power with a fast action, 7' rods. Even with the arthiritis she can feel the light bites. She has to move her hand position forward slightly so she can put her index finger on the rod blank. If you buy the IMX rod you won't be sorry.

[Lund rebel]

Aug 21 wall to wall sale starts, I am also going to vote for g loomis although I have never used the other brands. I had bought a crank bait series rod but its a bait caster, so for smaller lures I ended up buying a g loomis walleye series spinning rod, what a difference for lite bites and feeling the bottom. I am waiting to buy a lite trout rod now. I am sure once you get over 100 ish most of the rods and quality would be very similar and comes down to personal preference.

[WayneChristie]

If you prefer hunting for big ones, Id suggest getting one with a bit of stiffness and some backbone so it doesnt get broken during hard use. If you would rather chase little ones go for something fairly limber and sensitive so you can feel the nibbles easier. Oh, and we need an "innocent " icon really bad

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

If you prefer hunting for big ones, Id suggest getting one with a bit of stiffness and some backbone so it doesnt get broken during hard use. If you would rather chase little ones go for something fairly limber and sensitive so you can feel the nibbles easier. Oh, and we need an "innocent " icon really bad

[Geezle]

If it were me I'd probably go with 2 different rigs...but then again, I like to have options

For the lighter stuff I'd consider either a Shimano Voltaeus or Sellus in a Medium/fast, with a 2500 size Shimano Sahara.

For the bigger stuff (pike) look at the Fenwick HMX in a Medium-Heavy/fast, again with a 2500 Sahara for the reel.



But that's just me

[Nova]

Another option is 2 decent rods and one good reel. The reels are easy to swap when needed.

Rod selection should come down to comfort IMO. Once you decide on length, action, and 1 or 2 piece, try holding everything that meets your criteria and the question should answer itself. I'm a big fan of the quantum smoke rods (should be around $100 on sale at Wholesale right now). Bought one last year and ended up with 2 more this year. I held every rod in Cabelas and Whokesale and the only rods I liked better than the smoke were $300+ . I've got both Pti-c and smoke reels, I prefer the pti out of the 2.

[OneGirlWolfPack]

Thank you all so much for the advice! I'm not going to lie, this is overwhelming. I'm not sure if I'm gathering this right but it seems like what I'm looking at is either buying two really good rods or upping my price and getting both a really good rod and reel. Is that right? I think what I'll do is write down the specific recommendations from this thread and just go in and see which one fits me best. Lund, I can't believe that sale is starting the day after I need the rod. Haha! Come on!
KN12313, I am so sorry to hear your wife is going through that! I'm so impressed that she still gets out there and fishes even though I'm sure she's in pain. Thank you for your helpful advice.

[pikeslayer22]

Wholesale sports has a 20% off sale going this week on fishing rods...have a look at their sponsor page

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by OneGirlWolfPack

Thank you all so much for the advice! I'm not going to lie, this is overwhelming. I'm not sure if I'm gathering this right but it seems like what I'm looking at is either buying two really good rods or upping my price and getting both a really good rod and reel. Is that right? I think what I'll do is write down the specific recommendations from this thread and just go in and see which one fits me best. Lund, I can't believe that sale is starting the day after I need the rod. Haha! Come on!
KN12313, I am so sorry to hear your wife is going through that! I'm so impressed that she still gets out there and fishes even though I'm sure she's in pain. Thank you for your helpful advice.

Not quite. You'd be able to get the two rods/reels I suggested, which are pretty decent for right around your upper limit of $300 (probably a touch more ) or you could go with a more expensive single rod/reel for that price as well.

[Bobby B.]

This spring, I bought a dedicated walleye rod at TFH, it's a G. Loomis GL2 852-2S JWR Medium Fast 7’ 1” 1/8-3/8 oz 6-12 lb. Although I'm a 'born again' fisherman who hasn't fished much for the past 30-35 years, I'm impressed with the sensitivity of this rod. I can feel the walleye when they nibble at my bait.

Unfortunately, my BIL accidently broke my Fenwick trout rod this past weekend so yesterday I replaced it with another G.Loomis, a GL2 782-2S TJR 6’6’ Fast Action 4-8 lb 1/16-6/16 oz. This will be the rod my wife will use when she comes out walleye fishing with me.

From what I've heard from experienced fishermen, G. Loomis are great rods and well worth the $$$.

Bobby B.

[ETOWNCANUCK]

Spent $ 100 on a Shimano Clarus paired with a $100 Quantum reel this year.
Still had the stiffness you want for pulling the fish in...yet sensitive enough to feel the bites.
The more guides on a rod the more sensitive that it will be.

[Hooker]

Go to Bass Pro or Cabela's. Both stores have knowledgeable staff who can help you. Tell them you are looking for two spinning rods, one medium action and one heavy action (pike). Give them the price range you are looking at (maximum) and they will point you at the right rods.

[CamoHunter]

There is a nice quantum ts2 out right now. Anything Shimano or TFO is always nice as well. You could easily get a nice setup for the price that your looking at though I would look at a Pflueger or Shimano reel

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by OneGirlWolfPack

Well the time has come to get a new rod (and reel). Mine is still usable but really old and worn down. I'm not looking for anything too fancy....probably in the $250-$300 price range. I fish quite often but I still have trouble feeling lighter bites with a stiff rod so I need something that's got some sensitivity to it. Man I can already see the jokes that are going to come from this. Any recommendations?

Also if anyone is willing to share any good places to shore fish near Banff I'd really appreciate it. I'm going there for a few days for my birthday and would really like to do some fishing in the area.

$300 for a rod and reel is ballin out of control in my books.

How do you fish and what species do you target? Bait and lure chucking?

[OneGirlWolfPack]

Bee Guy, I keep getting mixed answers on that. Lol! Some say its a lot while others say its too cheap. I'm so confused. I've inherited some cheap rods, have one that probably used to be a decent one ten years ago and I just thought I'd treat myself to a special rod and reel for my birthday. I do a lot for other people and never get myself anything. I don't say that as a 'look at me, I'm so awesome' cause I'm not. Just explaining my reasoning behind what I'm looking for. I know it's silly but I would like to have something I'm proud of, that I can put in a case and know I earned it. I don't know anything about buying one so I chose a price out of the air.

Hooker, we don't have those stores where I'm at. Just wholesale sports and Walmart, etc.

I just catch smaller fish. Nothing too exciting. A lot of people are saying a G Loomis for a rod and maybe an Abu Garcia for a reel. Probably best if I just write this stuff down and go in and look to see what feels right.

[Lund rebel]

The biggest thing to remember that a high end rod isn't going to catch you more fish just help you enjoy the ones you do. My friend bought a new high end rod today a d was choked he never caught a fish. I think your bang on with going to the stores and trying out what you like. One thing about reading reviews and asking on here is you will always get opinions. A few months ago I had a ugly stick and I would have said go for that as it has been bullet proof and caught fish, but the feel and weight of the new rod my opinion has changed. What feels good for me might not for you. I was always a spinning guy till I bought the baitcast and wow I can't even handle casting a spinning reel now.

Good luck

[huntsfurfish]

OneGirl

Buy 1 or 2 rods this week sale on at Wholesale Sports,20% off(by Saturday) and buy your reels next week going on sale(probably 20% off)at Wholesale Sports.

I am in Lethbridge and can help you if you wish. Could meet you at WSS. PM me if you wish.

[BeeGuy]

For sure, get what you like.

An Abu spinning reel in the $100 range is great.

I use a quantum optix 2000 size ($24 new, lol) and catch most of my fish with it. It can easily handle 10-15lb fish and bigger.

I could use some different rods for sure. My back up spinning rod is from the 1980's (Diawa) and it has caught everything from RMWF to Chinooks >25lbs.

For your purposes, a light action rod about 7 feet long would be fine. I like a 6'6" light action a lot. Anything >$60 is probably pretty sweet.

See what they have and get what you like.

Experience is going to catch you a lot more fish than a $500 set-up.

I put a lot more emphasis on good line and appropriate terminal tackle than what kind of carbon washers are in my drag etc.

As mentioned a light set-up and a heavy set-up is about all you need for normal fishing in AB. The heavy set-up is good for tossing giant baits and lures, and for fighting sturgeon if you ever go after them.

You could get 2 nice rod/reel sets, one light and one heavy for the $300 you quoted.

But get what you like!

[OneGirlWolfPack]

I've been doing some research and I'm thinking the way to go is two rods. One light and one medium. Kinda curious what Wayne Christie uses because I can't even lift his. It's embarrassing. I'm also curious what the girls on this board use too.

Lund, if I thought for a second the rod would make me a better fisherman I would've gotten one when I started instead of now. Lol! The one I currently use is good for feeling light bites but its old and not easy to reel with anymore.

Huntsfurfish thank you so much for the offer but I already have someone lined up to go with me on what will surely be an embarrassing time.

Etown, thank you for the advice. I didn't know that about the guides! That info will definitely come in handy.

[ReayMan]

I'd go with a G loomis! I own three and love them. Great rods!

[WayneChristie]

I used to use a 7 foot medium action uglystik and sometims even my 9 foot light action, but since I started hunting dinos pretty much full time I switched to their tiger rods. Built to handle fish up to way bigger than we will ever have in Alberta. And after my 6 footer Im glad I did. I use a large capacity baitcaster and a bigger saltwater Penn spinning reel on them. Like the BG,s say your line choice is just as important as the rod and reel if not moreso. I do plan to pick up the tiger light rods over the winter, you would have an easier time getting your hand around that rod .

[sns2]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

This spring, I bought a dedicated walleye rod at TFH, it's a G. Loomis GL2 852-2S JWR Medium Fast 7’ 1” 1/8-3/8 oz 6-12 lb. Although I'm a 'born again' fisherman who hasn't fished much for the past 30-35 years, I'm impressed with the sensitivity of this rod. I can feel the walleye when they nibble at my bait.

Unfortunately, my BIL accidently broke my Fenwick trout rod this past weekend so yesterday I replaced it with another G.Loomis, a GL2 782-2S TJR 6’6’ Fast Action 4-8 lb 1/16-6/16 oz. This will be the rod my wife will use when she comes out walleye fishing with me.

From what I've heard from experienced fishermen, G. Loomis are great rods and well worth the $$$.

Bobby B.

I can vouch for Bobby B's recommendation. I spent a weekend with him in the boat at Slave Lake in late June. He was catching walleye one after another while I couldn't feel a nibble if the walleye were nibbling on my finger. He allowed me to use his rod for a short bit. What an incredible difference. Shocking actually.

If you want to catch fussy walleye, take his advice. Don't worry about the reel, as it doesn't really enter into the equation compared to a sensitive walleye rod.

Take your money and go confidently into The Fishin Hole and ask for the rod Bobby B has suggested. If the clerk offers something else simply tell him you know what you want.

You won't regret it.