Some Advice Needed Please

[AndyS]

WELCOME to the site !! I always say start out by going back and reading the 100 pages of posts and reports (if you get time) Plenty to get you started there. Keep an eye on your Private Message inbox also as information flows around here in strange ways.

[lunkertaker]

Originally Posted by AndyS

WELCOME to the site !! I always say start out by going back and reading the 100 pages of posts and reports (if you get time) Plenty to get you started there. Keep an eye on your Private Message inbox also as information flows around here in strange ways.

Andy's advise is sound advise.

Man I thought there were only minnows and eels in England...Guess I was really WRONG. Just don't know as I have never considered the possibilities. Really nice pics and would love to see it first hand. Welcome to NJ and this site. We are looking forward to your successful reports.

[AndyS]

Watched kids catching Grayling in Salisbury when I was there.

[jdigrande91]

Awesome catches and welcome to the states! For rods, you can never go wrong with Shakespeare's Ugly Stik. Heres a link to show you the brand
http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/index_uglystik.html

They are cheap durable and come in all different sizes. As for reels, I've been pretty satisfied with many Penn reels.
http://www.pennreels.com/

Hope this helps and welcome again! LOL at njbassman! Definitely a series you have to start watching!

[ShaggyRS6]

Thanks guys, which Ugly Stick should I be getting ? Any particular recommendation ?

[UglyStick]

+1 on the Uglystick recommendation (and thus my username) - I have over 20 of them in different sizes and actions depending what I'm using them for (yes, I have St. Croix and others too). They are tough as nails and very reasonable at around $25. Which size / model you need depends on what you are fishing for. For an all around freshwater spinning rod I would probably recommend a 6"6" or 7' rod with medium action such as a model SPL 1100 66 or SPL 1100 70. The Tiger series Uglysticks are nice too and deserve a look. This size/action rod would be a little on the big side for trout or perch, right on for most bass, walleye and medium pike & carp and a bit small for big pike or large carp. My best advice on this would be to go to Sports Authority in Paramus (they have a huge fishing section) and see/feel these rods and the other sizes/models and determine what you are most comfortable with since you have to have comfort and confidence in your equipment to be successful.

I am also a firm believer in putting more money in the reel since that is where you will really feel the difference. I am a huge Shimano fan and for a spinning reel in what I'll call the higher affordable end, I suggest a Stradic FJ series. Butter smooth and strong - really quality stuff. I actually like the previous Stradic FI series even better and you can still get those NIB on eBay (including and extra spool) for a decent price. Shimano customer service is tops and you can even send in your reel for a very reasonably priced cleaning and tune up as needed. If you go with one of the rods I suggest above, a 4000 series Stradic would pair well with it.

Just my lengthy 2 cents...