Spinning Reel Combo (Trout)

[Sea Chaser]

Guys I have been using the spinning reel combos from Academy catching them on sale for $29.99. Pretty darn sure its for fresh water since that's all they offer in the stores in my area. I have been averaging a broken reel per trip lately. Two of them broke where the reel mounts to the pole (Plastic). One of them the handle just will not turn anymore. Two of them have broke at the bell where the screw goes in (corrosion). I do hose them off after each trip but the salt water has still taken its toll on them. I think its time to upgrade my spinning combos for the trout/red fishing. Any suggestions on what to look at?

[silverking]

Seven-foot medium light action graphite rod with 3000 class reel loaded with 10-pound braided line will handle any trout, flounder and most reds in our area. For Shimano at least, the 2500 and 3000 are the same reels, only the 3000 has more line capacity.

The St. Croix Mojo Inshore series rods have great action for the money (~$125). Ugly Sticks are decent, durable and reasonably priced, too. Or you can really splurge on something like a Loomis E6X Inshore ($190) or go custom. You'll also have to decide grips (cork vs. EVA, split or straight).

I'm a big fan of Shimano reels. The NASCI will run about $100; CI4 $225. Penn has stepped up their game lately with the Battle and other reels. The Daiwa BG Series are bullet-proof.

Recommend going to a local shop like Kevin's or South GA Outdoors and matching rod and reel to find something that's comfortable for you. A medium light action will enable longer casts of light lures. If you prefer baits or popping/clacker cork set-ups, you might opt for medium action.

And when cleaning, use a gentle fresh water spray, don't blast the reels or you drive salt particles into the mechanism. A little soap will take care of the grime. Add a little bit of oil to the roller bearing and some gear lube once a season and you'll have a combo that'll last for years.

Have fun shopping.

[Sea Chaser]

Silverking your a wealth of information. Never realized the endless variations of a fishing pole. I've always just grabbed a spinning combo and went fishing. What you said makes sense to me. Guess I'm going shopping. Thanks for the input.

[Steve Stinson]

Steve Hobbs has been using Diawa BG combos for his guide clients. He told me last week that they hold up real well for the money. (About $129 for rod and reel if I remember correctly. )

[fishinfool]

I have been hearing good things about the new Daiwa BG series, I have not seen any for repair yet, I guess that is a positive about the reel.
The Shimano NASCI is a great reel, especially at the price point, $85-$105. They have stepped up their water resistant seals in that model, consequently, I have not seen any of them for repair either.
There are more rods and makers than you can(pardon the pun) shake a stick at. I am a Loomis fan, but hear great things about St. Croix and Temple Fork Outfitters. A good custom rod can be a great investment also, ie Southern Custom Rods. The 7 to 71/2 foot medium light or medium with a fast tip will definitely do the trick.

[doomtrpr_z71]

Its hard to beat the BG for the money, even though I generally prefer shimano for spinning reels vs diawa and abugarcia for casting reels. I am a fan of st croix myself, I don't care for the mojo inshore simply because the sports center has the st croix for $105. I have an e6x that I got on sale for 130 that I had planned on trying out Saturday but doesn't look like I'm doing that. The lowrider salt is a good choice as well but I fear the 2019 series won't be the same since it will be made overseas.

[STMU]

I agree with Silverking. Can't go wrong with any of these recommendations. I've switched almost all my inshore reels (2500-4000 series) to the Penn Battles. Some are the original battle version, lots of use over the years and still holding up well. I do think they may be a touch heavier than some of the other models, which may or may not be an issue for you. Diawa's are good too, as most people suggested.

I used to fish exclusively with Shimano but a couple of bad experiences with their customer service put enough of a bad taste in my mouth to not come back. Nothing against the reels, they are still solid, but I think they got a little too big for their britches and will no longer be receiving my business.

[Juan]

A quality 5 star reel at 1/4 the price of others in it's class: https://www.kastking.com/kastking-shark ... p0126.html

Read the reviews.

[Sea Chaser]

Thanks guys, Lots to look at.

[FishWithChris]

A quality 5 star reel at 1/4 the price of others in it's class: https://www.kastking.com/kastking-shark ... p0126.html

Read the reviews.

you get out of here....


I'd recommend the Bull Bay Rods Stealth Sniper (7'6") or Assault Rod (7'2"), and pair it with either a Daiwa Conflict 2500 or Daiwa BG 2500. Or, if you want to spend the cashola - grab a sustain

[dropaline]

I am a fan of Kastking also. Great reels at a throw away price!!!!!!!!

[Juan]

I am a fan of Kastking also. Great reels at a throw away price!!!!!!!!

Well, that makes two of us on here.

[silverking]

Are those KastKing reels still in production with the Chinese tariffs?

[Juan]

Are those KastKing reels still in production with the Chinese tariffs?

LOL.. Like the salsa, they're made in New York City.