Looking to buy my first rod/reel combo -- Feedback?

[shizzoizzo7]

Hi, sorry for another newbie question. I am looking to get my first rod/reel combo since renting each time I go out will eventually add up. I was recommended a Penn rod/reel to start. Can anyone let me know if this seems OK or a piece of junk? I like fluking and recently tried striper/blues fishing.

www.walmart.com/ip/Penn-FRC8000-CBO-7-Rod/16652850

I'm not ready to break the bank on a custom setup yet since I have only been fishing since this summer.

Thank you in advance

[TomKaye]

Greetings Schizzo :
Wish I were out fishing this morning, but honey-dos won't let me until Sunday.
Sent you a PM. I would avoid Walmart for your first purchase.
"Cashiers" manning their store can't advise you on anything. I get Gulp re-charge juice there, but that's another story.

See the link at top of page for sponsor bait & tackle shops.
or click here...............http://www.njfishing.com/NJ_Fishing_Tackle.php

If convenient to you, I personally recommend Pete at Atlantic Bait & Tackle in Middletown, NJ
as well as several other sponsors I've dealt with.
All good guys, and will steer you right at a good price.
Tight lines,
Tom K.

[Capt. Debbie]

Since you have nothing to compare them to, I would STRONGLY urge you actually handle any rod/reel before you buy.

Whether fluke, stripers, blues or rock loving fishing. Ocean or bay fishing. Offshore or inshore.


Feel, weight and balance are all factors the internet can not tell you about your likes and dislikes.

I have rod/reels from when I was a kid and don't need a choice of 6 different rods for each fish. And if cared for they last decades. That is if you want them to, and not use that wear and tear as an excuse to buy yet another one.

My former father in law had a room full of rods. Literally close to a 100 rods and despite have two boats of his own fished 2x a year( one of which was a charter).

[mikeytheflop]

I've been fishing since I am 5 years old and have had (and still have) many rods and reels. Contrary to some opinions I have heard, I personally believe that one all-around rod & reel is possible for fishing NJ and should suffice for your needs.

Although you identified a spinning combo, I would recommend a conventional setup with a 7' rod in the 12-25 pound class. This would allow for most NJ fishing species, including fluke and striped bass (plus a whole lot more).

I would also stay away from anything from Walmart/Target/Kmart; I have been on too many trips where I see newbies come out with this stuff and couldn't catch a cold let alone some sneaky bottom dwellers!

My overall advice - ask around. Do some research. Listen to my opinion and that of others before you spend a dime. I'll bet a ton of money if you ask nicely enough, there's probably 100 people on this website that have some older stuff lying around that you can get dirt cheap or free!

That being said and considering I am in the holiday spirit (although I am at work today instead of blackfishing.... I'm an idiot :(...), send me a private message (PM). I'll return with my phone number then call me up; I am certain I have at least one fishing rod and maybe a reel I can give you on the cheap.

Welcome aboard shizz,

Mike

[Fisherman120]

Do you drag bait, or use bucktails when you fluke fish? I wouldn't recommend the Fierce for bait, but would for bucktailing. I used a Fierce with a 6 foot ugly stick when I first started seriously fishing on boats when I got my license and it was great for the money. Killed lots of fluke with that combo. I would however suggest spending a bit more and buy a Penn Battle with a separate rod, the Battle is much more worth the money IMO. Though it really depends on how you fish and what weights you normally use.

[Treble Hook Jim]

No need to buy one. I will give you one. As I have tons that I don't use...
Shoot me a PM as to where you are located... And it won't be a crap setup either... In case you were wondering...

Jim

[slammer]

Shizzoizzo7. That's a nice offer by Treble Hook Jim. If that dosnt work out go with the FRC6000/CBO7 combo with 20#mono the frc 8000 is over kill. I have FRC4000 I use 14 mono on it with a penn battle 7ft fast taper rod.Ive caught blues up to15#and stripers25# on party boats.

[shizzoizzo7]

Thank you all for the feedback, I will head somewhere local to get a feel before spending any money. Hoping to pick up some jigs and shad too.

Looking to head out again on a sponsor boat again soon maybe I'll run into some of you!