FS Digest

Hello - I need help researching 2 different freshwater setups. I have a little experience but am pretty much a blank slate.

In lieu of a comprehensive buying guide (if you have one, please share!) Im looking for recommendations on a baitcaster rig for walleye & pike (braided line) and then a lightweight spinning setup for trout/panfish. Most of my fishing is on canoe trips in northern Ontario, but I’d like the walleye/pike rig to work for bass too, as I live in Detroit. And I now have too much free time. Budget is $200 total, but I’d like to spend more on the baitcaster rig as I’ll use this the most.

Stupid question, I cast with my right hand, so do I want a left retrieve?

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by Doc_Hammertime

FS Digest

Metro Detroiter here, are you jigging for walleye on the Detroit and St Clair Rivers? If so, you want something with a fast action to keep those jigs moving, preferably 6' or less. A walleye rig will be different from a pike rig, but you can use one for both if need be. In that case, I'd look to a Berkley Lightning Rod in medium/heavy with something like a Abu Black Max or Silver Max spooled with 30lb braid. That would be good for both and you could assemble the combo for ~$100 if you shop for deals.

For the trout/panfish setup, Okuma Celilo with an Okuma Ceymar C20 will do you well. You can get the Celilo from Dick's for ~$25 and the reel will run you $50-ish. Both of these combos would put you within your $200 budget and get you fishing.

As for how you cast, that's totally up to what feels most comfortable. I cast and reel right handed. Some say it's a big no-no but it's what most comfortable to me. Having said that, start out with the trout/panfish combo and see how you like it since spinning reels are ambidextrous and you can put the handle on the right or left side. Once you find what you're comfortable with, then shop baitcasters and buy a left or right depending on your preference.

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by redmeansdistortion

FS Digest

hey there neighbor - if I do go jigging it’ll be once/twice annual with friends. the vast majority of my fishing will be casting and trolling out of a canoe. on local inland lakes here, up north, & in Canada.

my current setup is a janky spinning rod with a left hand retrieve, which I think I would keep.

Thanks the recommendations I will check them out!

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by Doc_Hammertime

FS Digest

If you're going to be canoe fishing, look for something around 6' as it'll be more manageable. Something 7' or more can be a little much. Oh yeah, trout season will open on the 27th this month. The Paint Creek in Rochester is a DNR managed brown trout fishery, well worth checking out. Be mindful that much of it does run through private property but there are lots of spots along the Paint Creek Trail where you can fish from the bank. If you want to tangle with some panfish, the marinas that dot Lake St Clair are really good for bluegills and crappies.

EDIT: Oh yeah, familiarize yourself with the fishing laws found in the DNR guide book https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/FishingGuide2020_684742_7.pdf DNR doesn't mess around, don't want to see a fellow fisherman have to pay a hefty fine.

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by redmeansdistortion

FS Digest

I prefer to cast with my right hand and retrieve with my right, like the old timers. Not sure if you meant 200 on each combo or all together. The st croix panfish series rods are excellent, cant reccomend a spinning reel as I dont use one. I think he had a shimano stradic on it. Caught about 50-60 white bass that day and was very pleased. Check out the shimano curado k reels. They handle a good variety of baits and are very well built for the money at about $180. Dont know how much of your money I've spent so far haha. Mojo bass rods kick ass, they have one for any technique/species. Generally anything shimano/diawa or st croix/doybns/ g Loomis and you know your getting something that will last forever and a blast to fish with.

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by Catman138

Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

I’ve been fishing for years and one day stumbled on a combo I put together. I had an Abu garcie 6500,new but I didn’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul so I bought a Garcia black max rod. 6 1/2 ft. Might want to consider it. The Swedish made reel and the rod were around the $170 mark. Rod was off eBay.

Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

I’ve been fishing for years and one day stumbled on a combo I put together. I had an Abu garcie 6500,new but I didn’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul so I bought a Garcia black max rod. 6 1/2 ft. Might want to consider it. The Swedish made reel and the rod were around the $170 mark. Rod was off eBay.