BigBendFishing.Net

Kinda catchy subject line, huh? Anyways, I am looking to purchase new casting and spinning rigs for BB. I bought one the other day and I like it alot but before I buy anymore, I kind of wanted to get some input from you guys. I bought the carrot stix shown here in a 7'6" mh action and coupled it with a Calcutta 200b. I really like the combo and the rod is perfect for the spoon and Appalachicola Jewel.



What is the casting outfit ya'll prefer? Retail on this one is around 350.00. I dont mind paying for the quality, but I keep 3 baitcasters and six spinning outfits on the boat at all times. Im replacing them all as all my current combos have served their time. I lost more than a couple of fish last year because of equipment failure. I have 2 new 2500 Stradics and 2 4000 Stradics and Im trying to find new rods for them. Just looking to see if I can get the quality without the huge price tags or If I might as well bite the bullet and buy more of these. I already have two spinning Carrot Stix ordered from CT in 7'2" m action for the new 2500's. I have had some serious problems with the 4000's anti reverse and I'm trying to decide if I might swap them out too. Have you guys ever tried Van Stahls?? If so, which ones did you like? I am the kind of guy who would rather pay three times the price of the decent rod and reel one time, than pay for the decent rod and reel three times because of failure. Just looking around to see what you guys like and hoping for some input on some quality equipment. I bought three Pfleuger reels this past year trying to cut back on cost and although they are great fishing reels, they only lasted one season and all the plating has come off them. My Shimano reels (except the Stradics) are more or less crap now. I just want to find out from you guys experiences what the best rod and reels are for the money. I dont want to have to buy more reel and rods next year. Helk, by the time I get used to one, it tears up and I want to find one that I can hopefully get 5 years out of. Just looking for some advice. Thanks, BB

First you have to master maintenance ObiWan.

I just got a Shimano Calcutta 7' medium xtra fast action with a Curado 200 DHSV. It the 7:1. Used it last Saturday for the first time and LOVED it. Smooth as silk and casts a country mile. The combo is really light. Felt like I could cast it all day.

I like a Rod that has an over the counter swap guarantee if it breaks. That makes it worth the money to me. I have some ABU Garcia spinning outfits I really like. The Armada Pro is sweet. I also have an Abu Big Game 6500 center drag reel that I LOVE. Probably my favorite spinning out fit.

Jumptrout51 wrote:First you have to master maintenance ObiWan.

I agree. You can buy a lot of Salt X and reel oil for what you pay for a new outfit.

I take my reels down about every 3 trips and I wash them every trip. Youve obviously never seen BB or you would know I am a clean freak about ALL my stuff. BB gets a bath every week wheteher I use her or not. My equipment gets the same respect!!

Maybe that is your problem.
TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE.

Daiwa SSs....years of service with little maintenance!

I've got several Penn (450 SSG) from before they were bought out. I really like them but I haven't used any of the "new" ones yet, so I can't speak for those yet.

7' (M) GLOOMIS GL3

Awesome sensitivity for the skinny water fishing, but strong enough to haul in some 30# bull reds as well. All around the best rod I have ever owned!!

Hey BB, you want to get rid of some of the old stuff PM me and let me know

Can't hide Money.

MrGreenJeans wrote:Can't hide Money.

Sure you can , I hide it from myself all the time(at SGO!!)

Penn Slammer series spinning reels. I have 3 seasons on one and it still performs smooth as the day I bought it. The only real maintenance I do it taking them off my rods and soaking them in warm, soapy water for about 1/2 hr after each trip.