I purchased a Abu Garcia Black Max from Walmart for $45 and I haven't had the first issue with it. I have hauled in Snook and Reds without any issues as long as you allow the drag to do the work.
I guess you just need to decide if it is worth fixing to you, if it can be, or like others said just buy a new or used one. I would take it to someone who has experience with rod repair and get their free opinion.
Hello Rgonzalez,
My name is Tony and I live and fish in the Tampa are. Actually I live in Lithia which is just outside Tampa, but I fish Tampa and have for the last 45 years. I would be happy to help and answer any questions I can to help you progress. I have very little experience with freshwater for I have fished only saltwater since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I do limited offshore since most of my fishing is inshore. I fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish, Cobia, Sheepshead, etc. I would be happy to give you some spots to start your adventure with whatever tips that may be helpful. I am a member of a fishing club named Salt Strong, which you can Google and find them. The club is well over 10,000 strong and it's full of information, courses, community posts from other members with pics, info, bait used, locations, from all over the state over to Texas, and up to Maryland and all the way over to Australia. It is well worth the $97 dollars a year or $11 a month. My fishing game has improved tremendously since becoming a member. Check it out and see what you think. If you have any questions your welcome to reach out to me at 813-567-6623
Tight lines and drag screaming action !!
Hello FS,
My name is Tony and I live in Tampa as well. You have been given good advice from the posters above me. Here is my input. You may think it's funny but you can actually buy good equipment from Walmart. I have purchased both of my Penn Reels, my Lews, as well as my Abu's from Walmart, along with the rods. As far as rod selection goes it really depends on what species you are fishing. My Penn reels are on a 7'2 and 7'4 Berkley Rods, both being Medium/ Heavy w/ fast action. I also have a couple of Diawas on 6'9 rods, Medium Action w/ medium action. So it all depends on what you are fishing for. If you are still unsure, head down to Gandy Bait and Tackle, which is about 2 blocks west of Westshore on the North side. They have a plethora of different makes and models for your choosing, and they will spoil it with want you want right there after purchase. Hope this helps. Tight lines
Thank You Reel. Tight lines and drag screaming action to you as well !!
I live in Fl and am a dedicated wade Fisher as well as shorelines, piers, etc. I use both spinning and baitcasters. All of my reels are spooled with Power Pro braid. The heaviest I may have is maybe 20 lb test at the highest, with double uni knotted fluorocarbon leader. I have caught up to 42" snook as well as bull reds with my set-ups. I also have a couple heavier rods and reels spooled with mono to a barrel swivel to mono leaders, mainly because the mono is a little bit stronger than flouro abrasion wise. So, basically, have rods and reels set up accordingly for what species you are fishing, so you arent constantly having to change tackle constantly. Tight lines
I live in Fl and am a dedicated wade Fisher as well as shorelines, piers, etc. I use both spinning and baitcasters. All of my reels are spooled with Power Pro braid. The heaviest I may have is maybe 20 lb test at the highest, with double uni knotted fluorocarbon leader. I have caught up to 42" snook as well as bull reds with my set-ups. I also have a couple heavier rods and reels spooled with mono to a barrel swivel to mono leaders, mainly because the mono is a little bit stronger than flouro, abrasion wise. So, basically, have rods and reels set up accordingly for what species you are fishing, so you arent constantly having to change tackle constantly. Tight lines
I live in Tampa and fish religiously. I have certain poles for different options. All of my reels are spooled with braid, both my baitcasters and spinning reels. All of my leaders are floor. When I'm throwing artificials it is either a double uni or an FG knot. When I'm using live bait I use barrell swivels, with a heavy floor leader. If I'm trying to play with the big boys I want the little added strength of a barrel swivel in the middle. I stopped using snap swivels years ago because they just won't hold up if you get on a big hookup. So it really just depends on how and what you are fishing. Personally, I do believe that fish can't really see the line itself, but can see the shadow of it. Everyone here fishes differently to the tune of what works best for them personally. Some people choose to use steel leaders, I don't for varied reasons so I always tie my own. That way I know what is there, how can I work it the best way and still know it will hold. Simply, fish the way that you fish and use what you think is best for your scenario and enjoy the moment !!
Hey Larry, I can relate to your time in the trade. My father was in the trade for 45 years and retired early at 62, which was 10 years ago. I started in the trade at 6 years old bbn pulling track and extension cords off of my dads truck. I'm currently 52 and still in the trade. I will have 56 years in when I retire at 62, lol. I also owned my own door company and sold 3 years ago and went to work for the company that bought me. As far as fishing in Fl, we have both salt and fresh water. As far as salt water goes we fish for Snook, Cobia, Red Fish, Trout, Grouper, Mackeral, Mangro Snapper, Red Snapper, Triple tail, Flounder, Barricuda, Kinfish, Tuna, etc etc. And our fresh water of course is Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, etc
Thank you plum Bob. I live and fish in the Tampa, Apollo Bch and Ruskin areas.
Good evening to all. I have a simple question in which I hope someone has an answer. I live in Fl and have lived here all my life. Fishing saltwater is my passion. I have always used live as well as dead bait. I recently purchased some swimmer baits, jigs, etc, figured I would finally give artificial a try. My problem is is that I have no knowledge as to the skill of retrieving these baits to mimic live bait. I'm pretty sure it depends on which type of artificial you are using, but any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tony