FS Digest

I’ve been fishing for a little while now, and have been using a $20 Walmart rod. Any suggestions on an all around great rod? I have a $150 budget.

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by DomMedbery11

FS Digest

What fish are you mostly targeting?

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by parxon

FS Digest

For fresh water bass fishing i would recommend a lews mach 2 or mach crush combo. They are around 200$ but they are always on sale. I've had mine for 3 years and have never had a problem. I would recommend a 7 foot medium heavy because you can do pretty much everything with it.

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by dinonuget34562

FS Digest

Salmon rod for salmon.

Obviously that’s what you are fishing for.

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by Thisiswrong11

FS Digest

Needs more info. Spinning or casting setup? Targeted species? Any specific technique or just an all around rod? 1 piece or 2 piece preferred?

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by Analmall_Lover

FS Digest

Should’ve been more clear. I’m in PA targeting bass/trout, and am looking for a spinning reel. 1 piece preferably.

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by DomMedbery11

FS Digest

Gotcha. I hear good things about the Fenwick HMG and the St. Croix Mojo Bass. They both fall into your price range at $99 and $150 respectively. I don’t have either but will probably get an HMG as my next rod.

There is also a travel version of the HMG that comes with 2 different top sections, one rated M and one rated ML. I know you said prefer one piece rods but you’d be able to use the M tip when targeting bass and then swap to the ML For trout. They go for $120 but are $103 on amazon right now.

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by Analmall_Lover

Juancy1954 Loc: 76048 Granbury TX

I have been fishing for over 50 years and never had a need for anything more than Shakespeare's 6'6" medium, 7' medium heavy or 8' heavy action for both salt and fresh water. My biggest fish was a 124 pound hammer head shark and the 8' held like a champ you can buy the 8 footer Shakespeare combo or ugly stick at walmart for 39.95. I have some walmart combos that are over 20 years old and still kicking. You do not need expensive equipment to catch fish, the only reason you need expensive equipment is to brag about how much you payed for it even do a lot of them can't catch any fish with their 200 or 300 dollar equipment. Good luck and keep on fishing.

msmllm Loc: Huntington, WV

I agree with you about the cheaper rods & reels. I've got one bought at Walmart for $15 or $20 (combo).
The rod is an ugly stik and reel that came with it is a Shakespeare. It is ultra-lite. No problems at all with it.
It is my old stand-by.
Since I've been on fishing forum & hearing alot of good things about the Ugly Stik. I decided to buy 2 combo outfits. Finally found them at a good price on Rural King (but had to pay shipping). One of the combos is for my daughter's boyfriend and has become a handy man for me occasionally. They are Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo. He has not fished very much but we finally went at his aunt's pond & he seems like he will catch on pretty good. I also had alot of new things accumulated through the years and making him up a tackle box to go with the Combo - with lures, various colored worms, different size hooks. bobbers and almost have it completed. Need to get him some clippers & some kind of pliers to mash the split shots on line and also to take the hook out of fish. I hope he will like it. That little tool box has almost everything he will need. If he shows an interest in fishing, he can do the upgrading.

Fishon Fishon Loc: Baton Rouge Louisiana

Duckett makes a great rod for baitcaster reels I prefer the 7’ medium for$129 at academy

Birdlady05495 Loc: Vermont

I have 2 rods and reels.1 for trout and the other for bass. 1 is a lady Shakespeare 4'8" with a pfleuger reel to get into tight places for trout and the other is an ugly stick with a mitchell 300 reel for bass. I think it's a great set up. I usually fish from shore.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Can't go wrong with an ugly stik.

Gamefish

Cheap rods do catch fish, but when the bite is tough and the fish barely pick up the bait you will feel it with a more sensitive rod, which cost more usually. Also, today's rods are specific to presentations. If you are not fishing tournaments a cheap rod will do. Owning good equipment is not just for showboats, good equipment is for anglers who want specific actions, lengths, and other reasons any one can think of. I buy a crank bait rod to fish crank baits. I don't jig fish with it, it is not stiff enough. Compare it to a set of golf clubs. You have different clubs to use in different situations. You can buy them at the pro shop or you can go to the Goodwill, your choice.

Noah Fisher Loc: Seymour

My best advice:. Keep using that $20 Wal-Mart rod. The fish can't tell the difference.

wainemaine Loc: western mountains, Maine

If the reason you are upgrading is you feel you are stressing the rod , get a ugly stik tiger elite, part number
USTE1025S691 .You are not likely to get anything fresh or inshore saltwater that you can't get in the boat or beach with that.plus 7 year guarantee. 80 bucks delivered to yer house !