Rod and reel question
 

I want to do some shoreline fishing and want an outfit that can cast really far. I want to cast 3/8 to 1/2 ounce lures using 8lb test braid and spinning gear. Looking for recommendations on what rod/reel would make a good combination? How much does rod length play a factor in this?

Also I may want to try centerpin reel fishing. I need to learn a lot about this, but looking for recommendations for reels and rods.

TY

Re: Rod and reel question
 

Any reel that begins with a D and ends with an aiwa.

Re: Rod and reel question
 

As a general rule a longer rod will cast further. You may want to go for a 7 footer at least. I personally like St Croix but there are a lot of nice choices for around $100.00. The st croix premier line as a ton of length and action choices.

As far as reels, it’s hard to go wrong with Daiwa or shimano.

Re: Rod and reel question
 

for casting those weights a Fenwick HMG MODEL # HMG76ML-FS
paired with a 3500 Pluegar President XT

Re: Rod and reel question
 

I use a 7'6 ML temple fork outfitters walleye rod--the rigging series model. I typically fish 1/8-1/4 oz jig heads with soft plastics and/or 5+" plugs/stick baits that weigh anywhere from 1/2 to 5/8 oz.

The reel I've paired it with is a daiwa ballistic 2500 spooled with 15# slick braid--daiwa j braid 8x.

I can bomb the aforementioned lures--esp the plugs--a country mile. With 8# I'm sure they'd go farther but I like the comfort of 15# when fishing bigger water.

2018 alone I've landed largemouth to 5 lbs, smallies to 21", over a dozen walleye over 26" with my PB 30", hybrids to 25.5", pure strain stripers to 27" and a 38" tiger muskie.

Thoughts on the set up: rod is plenty strong. Parabolic and powerful. Loads nicely when casting and has nice hook setting power. My only complaint is the rod's weight--if it were a tad lighter itd be near perfect for the under $200 class of rods. Its designed by gary Loomis as he consulted for TFO after he sold his brand to Shimano years ago. You can see some of the similarities to Loomis rods (including the weight) in this stick. There are nicer 7'6 rods available but I'm content with this one currently.

The daiwa ballistic reels are superb. The newer LT models are even better than the older version I have. I own 2 ballistic 2500s--i use one fresh and the other fresh and salt (tog and fluke). The magseal helps if accidentally dunked. It's not a van staal though so it ain't fall run approved lol. I've pushed shimano spinning reels aside for daiwa the past 3 yrs and I've used shimano to 25 years--@ least the models under $300.

Hope this helps.

Re: Rod and reel question
 

I second that!

Re: Rod and reel question
 

Tangent: J, one of the lightest production rods on the market could be had for well under 200 bucks...the Phenix Feather 7'7 medium.

I've been playing around with the 7'1L, thing weighs 2.7oz lol. Weird reel seat that is not uncomfortable, and the lure ratings are overstated. the 7'1L is rated to 3/8 but it's more a 1/16 - 1/4oz rod. I'd bet the 7'7 medium is probably a great 1/8 - 1/2 oz launcher...as long as you can get used to the reel seat.

Pair that up with a 2500/3k Tatula LT and you're looking at a combo under 10oz...

Re: Rod and reel question
 

Wow...that's light! With all of the run n gun I do in spring, fall and summer I might have to check this 7'7 out. Thx roger!

Re: Rod and reel question
 

I have a one piece, 7 foot, MH Shimano Clarus spinning rod. You can get them for under $100 and it is one of my favorite rods to use for smallies, largies, and whatever else bites on it!

Re: Rod and reel question
 

higher price range daiwa and shimano reels are great, their lower stuff <$80 is garbage. if you want to spend less money and still want a decent reel go with pflueger president (the new trion design is crap, the older ones were good)