Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

I had occasion to help a young man chose a rod and reel outfit. He was with his mother and neither knew much about rods nor reels other than they cost money. She asked for my help as there wasn't an associate at the local Walmart. I obliged them.
First question I asked was what lure do you want to fish with it. Being from the south he said a plastic worm.
I asked if he would be casting pitching or flipping it . He said casting and pitching.
I recommend a heavy action fast tip rod. And showed him how to test the tip for bend, place it against my Adams apple while I whispered to see if he could feel it through the blank trough handle. The better the feel the more graphite in the rod. I showed him how to look down the guides to see if they were Lined and to put pressure on a rod to see if it was spined correctly. Look for rods with plenty of guides. Look for rods with a lure holder.i recommend a 7'-7'3" rod for pitching. A 8' -8'6" for flipping.
I explained reels ,gear ratios and reel components to him.
When I was done he and his mother thanked me. She asked if I worked there and to her surprise I told her no.
These are all things I do when I purchase a new outfit. My latest one is a 7' Fitzgerald with a ABU Garcia 6.5 : 1 ratio. Remember to pass on your savey to others.
Nex

Blackdog Loc: Round Rock, TX

That is great Nex, just Awesome!
I bet the younger fella never forgets that piece of experience you happily shared!

Thank you for sharing the experience with us.
I'll think about you while I test out a new, not on the market yet, Abu Garcia Combo. The Combo will roughly sell for $169.00 when available.
Ergonomic grip, New clamp style saddle for the reel, base of the reel actually rides on the blank and not a molded handle. The reel is a little stiff (probably because it's new and its in beta testing)but incredibly smooth.

All right I will quit now, I'm not supposed to talk about it. BUT I like it!!!

Tight lines Segundo,



BD

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

How does someone that knows little about rods and reels know what "pitching" means?

Blackdog Loc: Round Rock, TX

Maybe he used to finger fish until his mother offered to buy him a rod and reel?

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

I got the feeling that his parents were separated or divorced when his mama was telling to ask his father when he sees him.also because he said he used his father's and grandfather's worm rod and wanted one of his own. I didn't pry as such a question can cause pain.

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

People need help. We have all freely received so I freely give. Good job!!

I have a guy my age (65) at the ramp I see often. We are of the “night shift” fisherman that stay on the lake into the night all by ourselves. We can watch each others lights on the troll, 450ac glassy lake at night.

I have recently given him rod/reel tips and experienced opinions.

People love the help and appreciate the time given them.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

It all goes back to that post a few days ago about passing it on. You never know when it will be you who needs help with something and you can’t know who will come along. It could be a total stranger or someone you have helped in the past

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

I have been on the receiving end quite a bit lately, and I've been fishing since I was a young squirt, I'm 72 now. Recently started fishing for Walleye, and have gotten a lot of good direction and advice. Even caught a few, so far. So I thank you for helping the young man.

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

I generally don't buy combos. Generally the rods are medium heavy. And reels are not the top shelf that the manufacturer makes. This is why they are stiff as yo said. These days I pick rod for a specific tactic or technique. I E light for tor water and trick worms. Medium for crank baits and spinner baits drop shot as well as chatter baits. Heavy action for worm fishing with a fast tip. Medium heavy for Carolina rig. Extra heavy for 12" ledge worms flipping, swim baits or frog fishing. Length varies for each tactic or technique.