Hey I’m Russ from Utah, I just needed help figuring out which rods and reels to use for around 100 bucks… Any ideas I was thinking maybe a pflueger reel and a Shimano rod.. Also I wanted to know which line works good for my area and what lb test to use.. Any advice helps!! also if anyone has any good fishing areas that are close to Provo area or a little drive away..
Thank you
welcome! you really cant go wrong with an ugly stick and abu garcia spinning reel either. the rod is damn near indestructible and the reel is tough as rocks also.
Thank you I will look into some of those!
Right on with Koch there - a decent rod like an ugly stick - you don’t have to break the bank - they’ve got options from lightweight, to sturdy fatties with a backbone. There various styles of reels too, close faced, open-spinning reels, bait-casters - my go-to is a spinning reel. And it’s all about the bearings - get one with a decent number of ball bearings, and a sufferable drag system. You can tell the differnce inthe $10 rod-reel package vs a decent $30+ reel - twist the drag - pull the line - is it ON/OFF or is there a gradient of resistance.
Catfishing taught me the need for drag - having a good ability to adjust - give the fish a chance to run, but leaves you adjustable control to dial down and control that fish when you (and IT!) are ready.
You get what you pay for, but really - don’t have to break the bank.
I agree Ugly Stick…reel, shimano[:)]
What kind of fish are looking to catch? This info would help with pole and reel suggestions. Are you planning on just fishing streams or just lakes or everything?
What kinds of line have you used in the past and how did you like them?
With a little more info we will have you out fishing in no time.
I like the cabelas brand rods and reels. But i do have 2 ugly sticks with diawa reels. I also have found some big rods at yard sales i use for cat fishing i use a salt runner reel on one and a rhino reel on the other big reels for big line just make sure the first eyelet is a big one to allow for a good cast
I have found its wiser to spend more money on a reel than the rod.. I have a decent reel and bought the rod from a $10 bin at sportsmans and it hooks up fish just as good as my uncles 300 dollar rod.
I mostly catch trout, catfish, bass and a few other fish.. Are my target fish, I would like to fish everything lakes and streams/rivers, I have used mostly fluorocarbons like the vanish.. I liked those but I was looking to try a powerpro line I have heard that that kind is good. I have also used the spiderwire for leader line.
Thanks for the help!
If your your looking to fish for a wide range of local fish you going to want a rod that can do whatever … 6’-6.6" med action rod and a 2500 size spinning reel 6-8 lb mono or flouro line.. your better off buying a good reel and a cheap rod than a cheap reel and a great rod … I recommend shimano reels personally. Ugly still rod will work fine for a beginner , don’t have to worry about it breaking haha
I’ll throw in a plug for fenwick rods. That’s about all I use and the customer service is second to none!
+1 on shimano reels. I’ve had great success with them as well.
first off welcome to the site.
I bought a ugly stick a few years ago and love it just like everyone else. I would definitely say get one of those
My preference is a shimano spirex reel (2500 series), 8 pound magnathin line, and a 6’6" berkley cherry wood rod in medium action. It would be a bit heavy for most trout and panfish, but adequate for everything else from toast cats and surprise carp to trolling for wipers and eyes. Whole get away under 89 dollars for that setup. Ugly stick rods are turf. I own one but the action on them sucks. Hard to feel light bites, and it is tremendously slow. The ugly sticks are all that for virtual indestructability.
As said, the Ugly Stik is a decent, cheap rod, that would make a decent starter. If that’s what you want, I just saw the Ugly Stik lite combo at Sportsmans on sale for 35, down from 55. A great starter, but with time, if you really get into fishing, you’re going to start wanting different qualities for different types of fishing. I agree with danielc on the cabelas rods. I’ve got a few, and when you can find one on sale, they are well worth the money. I’ve picked up a couple Fish Eagle II’s there for 39 bucks, and they’re pretty hard to beat for that price. Watch for the sales. I like the quality, but what I really like is cabelas replacing broken rods with their name on it without question. Because they’re local, I’d have a hard time justifying much else just for the convenience. My Ugly Stik is my loner rod now.
Shimano all the way for the reel. Get a 6’6" Fish Eagle II Med. or Med. Light with a Shimano Sahara reel, and you will LOVE it. I got that setup last fall for under $100. Tough to beat unless you wanna spend quite a bit more.
Tons of fishing spots around Provo, depending what you like. Provo River and Deer Creek just up Provo Canyon. Utah Lake can be fantastic if you know where to go and what to use. Tons of community ponds in Spanish Fork, Salem, Pleasant Grove, and Highland Glen. All within a 1/2 hour or less. Hope this helps. Good Luck, and tight lines!
Ugly stik for the win, price ranges of 20-200+ dollars and very big selection, spinning, casting, roller guide eyes. Walmart has decent deals of stiks and reels. I grabbed up a good combo penn pursuit rod and reel for $50 wasnt dissapointed either.Penn/shimano are good brand reels, abu gracia is alright Ive strayed away from abu since my 1st bcx 6600 tore up, cheap 1 sided spring system on casting button and gears started slipping.