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Post by gatorbait69 on May 24, 2018 21:16:11 GMT -5
Hi All, long time lurker and resident of Florida. I haven't been able to contribute much over the years as I don't get to fish the lake very often. My grandfather lives on Gills and I've spent a week every summer for years. Hopefully my life is going to allow more frequent trips. Anyhow, I'm trying to decide on some multipurpose spinning reels. I've decided on the Diawa BG series and also have recently purchased 2 Ugly Stik MH white striper spinning rods. My plan is to use them as my flat/light lines (non planer board) with redi-floats out of the back of the boat. Planer and down rods are taken care of. I would also like to use them as my jigging rods. Keep in mind, I don't get to do this very often and can't have a rod for every type of fishing. So, question for you find fellows is, what size BG would be best for handling both of these functions? I'm also thinking that I could use them for casting artificial if the opportunity presents itself. My rods and two 4000s showed up today. I have a 3500 already and there is not much difference between the 2. Would rather have smaller reels and wondering if the 3500 or even 3000 would suffice on SML as they are better options to double as inshore reels down here. What do you guys think? I can send the 4000s back and get the smaller ones, but need some help/advice from the experts.
Thank you all in advance for any assistance. I'm headed up this year for the 4th of July week and would like to have all bases covered. All the small kids are grown up enough and I should be able to spend some time fishing.
Gatorbait
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Post by mwardncsu on May 25, 2018 5:54:28 GMT -5
I know you’re asking about the reel but let me just say, the ugly sticks Re not really good jigging rods - too heavy and not enough sensitivity in my view. I’d consider swapping the reel to another rod when the time comes to jig
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Post by gatorbait69 on May 25, 2018 6:44:18 GMT -5
I know you’re asking about the reel but let me just say, the ugly sticks Re not really good jigging rods - too heavy and not enough sensitivity in my view. I’d consider swapping the reel to another rod when the time comes to jig Okay, thanks. Any suggestions on a rod that won't break the bank? Maybe I already have something. Also, what's your opinion on the reel size? |
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Post by 31Airborne on May 25, 2018 7:13:54 GMT -5
I'm a big Shimano fan. Dunno what your budget is so: 1) The Stradic is my personal fav (~$200). Higher end reel w/ high speed retrieve. 2) The Sahara (~$80) is a good mid-range option. Still a solid performing reel. I'd stay w/ 4000 series. The additional line capacity gives you flexibility you wouldn't otherwise have, esp if you get into longer casting presentations or need to use a heavier line.
I'm w/ Mr Ward on your rod choice. Keeping in mind that you're gonna have to pay for the kind of performance Mr Ward suggests: 1) My first choice would be the ALX IKOS line (~$150). I have three of these and love them. 2) St Croix Bass X (~$100) and Mojo (~$150) are superb sticks. 3) Duckett Ghost series (~$100) - one of my best friends swears by them. He uses nothing else.
Believe you'll find any of these rod/reel combinations will suit your fishing needs (fresh and inshore). The prices can be intimidating but consider this: all of the rods options above come w/ warranties. You'll never be without them (I've used St Croix's and Loomis' replacement guarantees a number of times). A good maintenance regimen on the reels will ensure they'll last you many years after your purchase. Lower end rods may last but they're not designed to do that. You may get lucky, you may end up having to buy 2 or 3 of them. $30 + $30 + $30 adds up to about what some of the options above would cost. Just a thought . . .
Happy shopping! Buying fishing stuff is [almost] as good as going fishing.
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Post by mwardncsu on May 25, 2018 7:58:43 GMT -5
Like 31 says, you sorta get what you pay for in a rod - but I’d look a good graphite rod - $100 will get you a good one but I think you can find something that is IM-6 or better for probably $75 or so. You just want he sensitivity. A 7’, MH is good - ideally you want good backbone but a bit of a softer tip - hard mix to find. I think bass rods intended for wacky style or the like would be good if they have enough backbone to handle a real fish  |
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Post by gatorbait69 on May 25, 2018 8:11:56 GMT -5
Okay, now that we've figured out I was trying to put a square peg in a round hole, I'll move past it quickly. So let me share a few more things. Regarding reel size, that new BG line are large for their size. The BG 3000 has the same line capacity as the Stradic 4000. I actually have a 4000, so glad to hear the recommendation. I'd really like to run 3000s or 3500s as they will suit my needs down here better. Reading between the lines, those should work from a capacity/size recommendation standpoint.
Back to the rods. I'll assume the ugly's are not great for cast either. I see the brand recommendations (thanks!, I'll check them out). What about length, power, speed?
Thanks again for the help and fast replies
Gatorbait
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Post by gatorbait69 on May 25, 2018 8:13:31 GMT -5
Okay, now that we've figured out I was trying to put a square peg in a round hole, I'll move past it quickly. So let me share a few more things. Regarding reel size, that new BG line are large for their size. The BG 3000 has the same line capacity as the Stradic 4000. I actually have a 4000, so glad to hear the recommendation. I'd really like to run 3000s or 3500s as they will suit my needs down here better. Reading between the lines, those should work from a capacity/size recommendation standpoint. Back to the rods. I'll assume the ugly's are not great for cast either. I see the brand recommendations (thanks!, I'll check them out). What about length, power, speed? Thanks again for the help and fast replies Gatorbait Mward beat me to it. Okay, I'll see what I can find in 7 MH. Assuming I should make those my casting rods as well? |
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Post by gatorbait69 on May 25, 2018 8:33:16 GMT -5
are abu garcia 5500 -c3 enough? Just found 2 of those laying around. If I'm not doubling up the trolling rods, and need to purchase new ones, maybe I will go the conventional route. Don't know if the drag is good enough on 5500s.
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Post by greywalls on May 25, 2018 9:09:15 GMT -5
I have BGs and love them. Best spinning reel for the buck in my opinion. Built like little tanks, and FWIW a couple of the outdoor mags and fishing blogs rated them as editor's choice. If I were you I would go with BGs in the 2500 or 3000 size, but no larger. The BGs are easily a touch over one full size larger than other brands, model size wise. I use my 2500 most often, and its about the same size as most 4000 reels. Can't say enough good things about it.
In any event, I have a BG on a 7' M (maybe MH?) St Croix Premier (~$100) that is fantastic. However, to be honest, the setup I pick up the most is a BG on a 7' MH Ugly Stik Elite (<$50) (MODEL# USESP701MH). It's heavy enough to handle stripers and inshore, but light enough for everyday bass - and not so fragile or expensive that I worry much about it. Love the setup.
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Post by gatorbait69 on May 26, 2018 7:16:18 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I already have a teramar 76 mhxf and picked up a matching 7 yesterday. Put a 3000 and 2500 on them respectively. I also found a star rod medium that I'll try to put into double duty on SML. I can use my Stradic 4000 with that. I think I'll send the spinning uglies back and stick with conventional for trolling. Only thing I need to figure out now is if Abu Garcia 5500s are big enough for striper jigging. What do you guys think?
Thanks again. So nice to be able to get so many fast responses. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend everyone!!
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