Looking for opinions for rod, reel and line set up

[Andrewbp]

I'm new to this forum and am looking for some advice on setting up a new rod. This is the first rod Ive bought (rather than inheriting/acquiring) so I'm looking at "good" gear within a budget if there is such a place! 

I bought a 7ft Shakespeare Ugly Stik Platinum 6-10kg rated rod and am looking at reels. I had in mind the Pflueger President -there's a nice looking limited edition out at the moment which would match my rod. (http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/pflueger-reels-spinning-reels/pflueger-president-limited-edition/1371884.html). I am unsure of the size I would need, looking at the 25, 30 or 35. I've always used mono line around 9 or 10lbs so I will probably look at putting heavier line or braid and use a leader (which Ive never done before either).

The rod was a split second decision and Ive never had problems with other Ugly Stiks Ive used. And I only chose Pflueger based on reviews and Ive used a Purist reel of similar size and it felt great. Other than that I've got no idea! It will only be used for rivers, lakes and dams and possibly a bit of off shore if I find myself near the coast. mostly lures and bait cos ive not ventured into plastics yet!

What are some other opinions or gear you use for a similar use.

Thanks

Andrew

[kmcrosby78]

Do you mind if I ask how much the Ugly Stik was mate? And what is your overall budget? Reason I ask is the Ugly Stik is probably heavier than you'll generally need so if your budget could stretch it, you may be better off with a lighter combo (say 2-4kg rod and 2500 size reel with 6-8lb line - can't go wrong with the Shimano Sienna/Sonic Pro combo's for $70-80 at BCF when on special - which is often - or otherwise for probably around $150 the Shimano Sedona/Starlo Stix combos although I'd save the coin and go the Sienna). This will be ideal for most 'bread & butter' fishing you'll want to do with either lures or bait and when throwing lures the lighter line will cast further than the 6-10kg combo will.

If you are stuck with the Ugly Stik (nothing wrong with Ugly Stiks by the way) the a 4000 sized reel (possibly the 35 Pleuger reel but I don't know them) with say 15-20lb line will give you a live baiting combo for larger fish/sharks or for throwing larger baits like pillies, etc.

If you are after a Pfleuger take a look at the Anaconda website as I'm almost certain they stock them and often have up to 40% off fishing gear. And also look at Dinga website for good deals too. And one last option not to be discounted would be to take a browse on Gumtree for quality second hand gear at a good price that will most likely come with the spools lined already.  Good luck!!

[Angus]

Mate biggest question I want to ask is what sort of fishing you want to do? 6-10kg is a pretty heavy rod... 

Knowing what you want to do will help a lot

Angus

[Andrewbp]

Hi Guys,

Most of the time I will be fishing off shore at lakes and dams co I dont have a boat (yet). I bought that rod thinking the bigger rod would help cast further if set up right. I could be/probably am wrong in assuming that? It was $100 which I thought was reasonable and it perfectly suited the voucher I had which also influenced the decision! 

Looks like I'll be waiting and saving some coin for a lighter combo in the future which I was planning on doing for smaller streams around the high country...

Thanks for the input and I will definitely check out Anaconda and others. Do I need to be a member of Anaconda to get their good prices?

[Terrova]

I'd also recommend the Shimano 2-4 kg  7'2 - 7'6  Raider rods along with a Sedona or Daiwa Exceler reel  in the 2500 size.

This rod with 4-8kg braid and a suitable fluro leader will fit most estuary and freshwater locations quite well.

I run a couple of these and have landed decent flathead , bream, and even a 3.5 kg trevally.

 

[Angus]

6-10kg just seems very very heavy for Lakes and Dams (unless perhaps one of the bigger barra dams up north)!!

2-4kg is the max I would use in the fresh locally and often go lighter.

The 6-10kg (roughly 12-20lb is for example similar to set up I use for kingfish, tuna etc.

There are often combo's around for the $100 mark. (Shimano Catana and Sienna combo for example). Or hang out and check the classifieds on this site or others as there are often combos like this going out the door as people upgrade.

Your 6-10kg rod (and this is just opinion) might make a good bay rod for snapper etc., or a live baiting rod for jacks? Heaps of other options.

Angus

[samsteele115]

yeah as others have said 6-10kg rods can be used on some pretty big fish and to be honest it is not much fun catching smaller fish on them. For example on one of mine I caught a 75cm jewie which was a pretty boring fight due to me being set up to catch tuna, it was a bit disappointing I caught my first jewfish this way to be honest. It seems to be a common misunderstanding among many fisherman who think the bigger and longer the rod the further the casting distance. This is somewhat true especially in the past with anglers using mono, but with rod, reel and line (braid) technology nowadays a light setup can cast a fair way. In fact on a recent trip with @Angus we were literally getting the same distance with our lighter setups as those using big heavy beach rods.... And still getting good distance with our ultralight gear (1-3kg rods, 6lb braid etc).

I think a light allround combo (2500 size spin reel and 2-4kg rod) like others have mentioned is the way to go. Remember you can still catch big fish on light gear, it just might take a little more time.

And save that heavy rod for other uses on bigger fish 

[Andrewbp]

Thanks heaps for the input. I might put the big rod in the cupboard for the time being and look around for a smaller combo to play with. Not a bad excuse to go shopping again!