Can you help a newbie out with picking out his first spinning Reel/Rod combo?

Hi,

I am a newbie and I just came back from the Kern River in California
where I was trying to catch Rainbow Trout and Bass. My friend caught 1
trout and 2 bass and I got nothing. I have bait fished for stingrays
before off the Newport docks but that required little skill and
instinct but it was also really fun because I actually caught
something. I find that freshwater fishing is very interesting because
it involves tricking the fish. I now need my own setup so that I can
start learning and adjusting to my own gear. All I know is that my
friend recommended that I get a 4-6-8lb tested rod/reel and that it
should be spinning and not baitcasting. I have looked through my local
stores such as Sportmart and Turner's but I am confused as to what I
need to buy. I am only 5'4" so I don't want a rod that is too long. I
want to spend a decent amount of money on a setup that will last me a
few years and won't leave me wanting to upgrade anytime soon. I am
thinking of spending around $50-$70 or possibly a bit more on a combo
if it is a reliable setup. My friend says that Shimano is one of the
well-known and trusted brands so that is what I have been looking at.
Could anybody recommend me a good reel/rod combo and a good deal? I
would really appreciate it.

I suggest a 6'6" rod with medium to medium heavy power, medium to fast
action. And an Okuma AV20
spinning reel. If the rod has alconite guides all the better as you can use
Power Pro line . Line anything from 6lb.to 12lb.test.

--
"The Shadow"
Millennium Rods
"DiggityDanks" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I am a newbie and I just came back from the Kern River in California
where I was trying to catch Rainbow Trout and Bass. My friend caught 1
trout and 2 bass and I got nothing. I have bait fished for stingrays
before off the Newport docks but that required little skill and
instinct but it was also really fun because I actually caught
something. I find that freshwater fishing is very interesting because
it involves tricking the fish. I now need my own setup so that I can
start learning and adjusting to my own gear. All I know is that my
friend recommended that I get a 4-6-8lb tested rod/reel and that it
should be spinning and not baitcasting. I have looked through my local
stores such as Sportmart and Turner's but I am confused as to what I
need to buy. I am only 5'4" so I don't want a rod that is too long. I
want to spend a decent amount of money on a setup that will last me a
few years and won't leave me wanting to upgrade anytime soon. I am
thinking of spending around $50-$70 or possibly a bit more on a combo
if it is a reliable setup. My friend says that Shimano is one of the
well-known and trusted brands so that is what I have been looking at.
Could anybody recommend me a good reel/rod combo and a good deal? I
would really appreciate it.

\"The Shadow\" wrote:
I suggest a 6'6" rod with medium to medium heavy power, medium to fast
action. And an Okuma AV20
spinning reel. If the rod has alconite guides all the better as you can use
Power Pro line . Line anything from 6lb.to 12lb.test.


I think a medium to medium light action would be a little better for
where he is fishing and for what he is fishing for. The trout in those
rivers are 1-2 pounds and sometimes maybe 3 pounds. About the same for
the smallmouth bass in the same rivers. The lighter action would be
better for casting light lures and spinners for these fish. WalMart
carries a Abu Garcia "Harold Ensley signature" rod that is 6.6 feet and
rated for 6-12 pounds for about $30. The Shimono 2000 series spinning
reels have decent drags and hold 110 yards of 10 pound test lines for
about the same price. Both of these (rod & reel) are good quality at a
low price and will last many years if taken care of. Caution ........
you're going to get hooked on this sport and when you do that $70 limit
for a rod and reel is going to go right out the window. You've been
warned. BTW I use to live in California and fished a lot of rivers and
lakes out there and one of my favorite lures for trout and smallmouth
was a inline spinner such as Blue Fox and others of that type.

Jerry

"DiggityDanks" wrote in message
m...
Wouldn't a 6'6" be too long for me?

Nope, heck I'm 5'9" and I fish 7 - 8' rods most of the time. A 6' to 6'6"
medium light to medium spinning rod would be perfect.

Look in Cabelas or BassPro for a Shimano Sahara 1500 reel and rod combo.
They have several in there to choose from close to your price range. The
Sahara is a great reel and the rods apprear to be all right as well.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

I would consider looking into the Shimano Spirex 2000. It is a great
spinning reel and falls within your price range. As for rods, the choice is
up to you. You, alone, know what feels most comfortable. Just be sure to
find a rod that matches the reel and fishing conditions.

Best of Luck,
Bryan


"DiggityDanks" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I am a newbie and I just came back from the Kern River in California
where I was trying to catch Rainbow Trout and Bass. My friend caught 1
trout and 2 bass and I got nothing. I have bait fished for stingrays
before off the Newport docks but that required little skill and
instinct but it was also really fun because I actually caught
something. I find that freshwater fishing is very interesting because
it involves tricking the fish. I now need my own setup so that I can
start learning and adjusting to my own gear. All I know is that my
friend recommended that I get a 4-6-8lb tested rod/reel and that it
should be spinning and not baitcasting. I have looked through my local
stores such as Sportmart and Turner's but I am confused as to what I
need to buy. I am only 5'4" so I don't want a rod that is too long. I
want to spend a decent amount of money on a setup that will last me a
few years and won't leave me wanting to upgrade anytime soon. I am
thinking of spending around $50-$70 or possibly a bit more on a combo
if it is a reliable setup. My friend says that Shimano is one of the
well-known and trusted brands so that is what I have been looking at.
Could anybody recommend me a good reel/rod combo and a good deal? I
would really appreciate it.

DiggityDanks wrote:
Wouldn't a 6'6" be too long for me?


Only time length becomes a problem is during transporting but a two
piece rod solves that problem for most even though a one piece is a
better choice. A longer rod gives you greater casting distance and
leverage for fighting the fish. One thing that needs to be mentioned is
there are no standards among the rod manufacture community as to rod
action. What one manufacture might label as a medium action the other
would label as medium heavy so you really need to check out the rod
before buying unless you are familiar with a particular rod company.

Jerry

I have been looking at all of your recommendations and the Spirex
seems to be a solid buy but there are two versions, one that is front
drag and one that is rear drag. What does this mean?


"Bryan" bryandotshaveratqg.com wrote in message ...
I would consider looking into the Shimano Spirex 2000. It is a great
spinning reel and falls within your price range. As for rods, the choice is
up to you. You, alone, know what feels most comfortable. Just be sure to
find a rod that matches the reel and fishing conditions.

Best of Luck,
Bryan


"DiggityDanks" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

I am a newbie and I just came back from the Kern River in California
where I was trying to catch Rainbow Trout and Bass. My friend caught 1
trout and 2 bass and I got nothing. I have bait fished for stingrays
before off the Newport docks but that required little skill and
instinct but it was also really fun because I actually caught
something. I find that freshwater fishing is very interesting because
it involves tricking the fish. I now need my own setup so that I can
start learning and adjusting to my own gear. All I know is that my
friend recommended that I get a 4-6-8lb tested rod/reel and that it
should be spinning and not baitcasting. I have looked through my local
stores such as Sportmart and Turner's but I am confused as to what I
need to buy. I am only 5'4" so I don't want a rod that is too long. I
want to spend a decent amount of money on a setup that will last me a
few years and won't leave me wanting to upgrade anytime soon. I am
thinking of spending around $50-$70 or possibly a bit more on a combo
if it is a reliable setup. My friend says that Shimano is one of the
well-known and trusted brands so that is what I have been looking at.
Could anybody recommend me a good reel/rod combo and a good deal? I
would really appreciate it.

"DiggityDanks" wrote in message
om...
I have been looking at all of your recommendations and the Spirex
seems to be a solid buy but there are two versions, one that is front
drag and one that is rear drag. What does this mean?

Not to be a smart a$$, but on one, the drag is on the front, the other, on
the rear.

If you're the type that likes to fiddle with the drag setting constantly, a
rear drag reel is better. The drag control is mounted on the aft of the
reel, and thus easier to get to. But...typically a rear drag uses smaller
drag washers and the drag isn't as smooth operating.

A front drag reel (for some) isn't as easy to re-adjust in the heat of the
battle, but then again, a smooth drag, once it's set properly shouldn't need
to be re-set.

Or, as I'm sure RichZ will chime in with, crank the drag down tight and
learn to back-reel, which brings up a whole new set of questions for
you.....
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

I have rear drag spirex reels (1000, 2000, 4000). It is easy to set the drag
without getting you hands in the way of the line. There is also a quick setting
macro adjustment to the drag.
The spirex also has a trigger system. This is good if you are fishing in cold
weather and want to wear gloves.
Front drag is more popular on account of it's durability.
I use my spirex for bass, pike, salmon and carp. The macro drag adjustment is
very good for carp and salmon which make explosive runs on hookset.

I'll support back reeling over playing with a drag system that only causes
line twist. Besides, you have much more control in the heat of battle back
reeling.

--
Craig Baugher
Be Confident, Focused, but most of all Have FUN!