shenandoahriverman

About 2 weeks ago I asked a question about rod and reels in the 100-150 range. Well yesterday was my B-day and I had not gotten a rod/reel yet. So in walks my pops with a rod and reel (from walmart) an ugly stick (5'10 med action) with a shakespeare 35 reel on it. Now the problem is I was looking at some different fishing poles and I'm not the type of person that likes to take gifts back. So is the ugly stick really that bad? I mean I'm not a professional fisherman. So is it going to be that bad if I decide to keep the pole instead of taking it back and getting something I want? What is it that makes the ugly sticks so bad?

Hello name is Rob and I'm new to the forum. I am semi new to fishing (used to fish a lot when i was younger) but I got away from it for some time and now I'm back. I have been using my father in-laws fishing rod pretty sure its a walmart job. So its time to get me my own fishing rod. I have been reading numerous posts on rods and reels and looked at many combos and separates online and in magazines. I don't have a lot to spend but I would like to get a decent rod that will allow me to continue to enjoy fishing. My price ragne for both rod and reel is around 100-150max I know its not much but its all I'm working with atm. I read somewhere online (can't remember where now) that a good gear ratio for a bass fishing reel is 6.2:1 and that you want as many bearing as you can afford so thats kinda what I was looking for (that is of course if that is right). As for the rods I read that something in the 6" to 7" range was a good size also to have Fast action and M-MH power. For the line I read to use fluorocarbon. Now having all that out I guess I should say what type of lures I was planning on using. I have been using a 4inch senko and some top water lures. Not sure the weight of the senkos or the top water lures (which I know is a big deal with the rod you choose.) Ok now that thats out on paper I have been eyeing some different combos in a Cabela's mag. trying to stick to the things I read and stay in my price range but I want to be certain I'm making the right decision cause money don't come easy and I want to try to be as good as I can be with what I got. Plan on spinning only for the time being. 1st combo is a spinning Spirex FG 2500FG - GR is 6.2:1 6 bearings with a Cabela's Tourney Trail (was looking at the 6'6", Fast, M, 1/4-5/8oz 1 piece rod) price is 89.98. 2nd combo Incyte 30F GR is 5.2:1, 10+1 bearings and the same rod as above price 89.98. 3rd is online at Cabela's same rod as above but the reel is a Sedona 2500 forgot all the info but I think it is 6.2:1 and 3 or 4 bearings price is relatively the same as the other 2. So which would be better for what I am using. Or better yet what would be you best choice for price range and what I am going for. Sorry for the long post just wanted to get everything out there Thank you, Rob