FS Digest

There are so many options on the market it is a bit overwhelming, so I want to get some quick thoughts. I did a bit of fishing as a child with my dad, and we were pretty unsuccessful although we caught a few fish. I recently took out that clunky childhood rod (appears to be a medium power telescopic rod although the text is rubbed off), watched a bunch of youtube videos, and took it to my local lake and shockingly caught a 12in lake trout which promptly went into my belly. It is safe to say that I'm hooked (pun intended) and will continue fishing in the future.

Now, I want a rod/reel that is budget friendly (~$60 or less) and multipurpose (too good to be true?). I'm planning to mainly start out just fishing for lake trout and panfish but want to be able to branch out into slightly bigger fish like bass and catfish.

I'm thinking the Okuma C-30 for a reel and some sort of 6'6" rod. I'm confused on what power I should go for to achieve my goals though. Would a medium power be too much for the smaller lake trout and panfish that I want to target first?

The ultralight rods like the Okuma Celilo are also appealing to me, but would it be too light for the Bass and catfish? I'm not opposed to a steep learning curve or making it harder on myself (in fact it kind of appeals to me).

Maybe I should go with a medium-light rod?

Maybe I'm overthinking? I want to fish from the bottom, use spinners, and will mainly be on the shore. Any specific models and suggestions are welcome.

Thank you!

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by randomaccountlul

FS Digest

Flueger trion combo 6.6 medium fast will work for most anything and around 60$

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by hearnoweevil

FS Digest

It sounds like you may have found a reel you like already. I'd take a look at Shimano and Diawa if you haven't; personally I find that their reels are usually a cut above their competition. But, there is something to be said for using something you like too, so don't toss the Okuma aside just cause some guy on the internet suggested other brands- I am very happy with the Okuma rods I have, I just don't have any experience with their reels. That brings me to the rod part of the question.

A medium power rod is pretty much a do all. Based on the species you've indicated, I think that's where I would start. A medium power is sort of a sweet spot for bass- but a little overpowered for sunfish and trout, unless you can catch huge trout around you. Similarly, a medium action is a tad light for bigger catfish, unless you don't catch bigger catfish. A medium would handle probably 90% of the fish you'd catch, even though there may not be much of a fight with the smaller fish. 6'6" is a good manageable size. I mostly use rods around 7', but you can let experience and fishing environment help you decide for yourself. A shorter rod would be more manageable, which may be beneficial for a beginner or fishing in tight quarters. However, longer rods do cast further, which can be a big deal depending on where you're fishing.

Let's not forget line. For a medium power rod and the fish you're going after, I would suggest 6, 8, or 10 pound test monofilament. Err on the lighter side if you think you'll mostly be fishing for trout and panfish; or on the heavier side if you want to be prepared for more bass and catfish. Trilene xl is a good budget friendly choice. The problem with going much cheaper on your line is the memory it will develop, which causes headaches.

Suggesting specific products may be a bit of a reach; it has been a minute since I've tried to fit that budget. I think a Shimano Sienna and a Berkley Lightning Rod might total around your budget? If so, that would most likely be my choice. The Ugly Stik Gx2 combos probably work for you too. The Lightning Rod is definitely the more sensitive of the two; but it is fragile compared to the Ugly Stik. The Sienna is probably a more refined reel than what comes on the Ugly Stik; but that said either combo should be plenty reliable to start off.

And of course I've gotten winded, as I do talking fishing. But, I hope this helps, and feel free to ask more questions or whatever if you'd like!

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by wookiepoop93

FS Digest

The size of the reel and rod you may be buying are usually dependant of the fish you're targeting. And you can "usually" gauge the size of the fish you'll get by examining the body of water.

If you're looking at catfish about 30 inches and under, then a 6'6" Medium rod and accompanying reel should be fine. However, once the Cats get bigger and fatter you'll want at least Medium Heavy over 7 foot and stout reel. The sporty ones can tear off line and fight for several minutes. All of them can feel like you're dragging in a big log.

When I first started I got a $20 Zebco combo, Light rod several feet long. It held up against some sizeable bass and plenty of panfish until I learned more and knew what I wanted.

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by 42AngryPandas

FS Digest

Surprisingly good combo I lend out and use myself when not on a trip is Shimano Sellus rod med and shimano sienna 2500. Then get some 20lb braid. Will be a good rod for a lot of species and versatile setup for different baits lures. The braid will allow you to rip through structure and not lose lures. I keep 3 of those setups for friends. Nothing worse then trying to or watching people fish with crappy setups.

I know I purchased on sale for about 100 Canadian. Rod was 36$ and reel about 60$

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by ryendubes

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Go with your feelings in regards to the information that you have found.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Go with the medium til you get some experience and then you'll figure out where you want to put your money when you decide you need to expand your arsenal.

Egghead

All my lake trout jigging rods are 4'6" long medium heavy. There good for a 50 lb plus Laker. And I use them for pups ( small Lakers) 2-3 lbs and Kokanee 2-6 lbs. So a medium will probly work just fine I think.

stuco Loc: Northern Utah - Salt Lake City

So Egghead, do you use those same rods for ice fishing? That’s a bit long for the ice, but not ridiculously long.

GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

I would stay away from the Okuma Rods I bought three of them and all three rods broke not sure how good their reels are and I to would go with Shimano reels like a few have said.