Penguino

try lubing it up.

What's the length, line rating, and intended purpose of the rod (inshore, freshwater etc.)?

lol i wish my school had one

Thanks for the help guys, in the end, i just used scissors to open the staples and pull them out. A replacement is on the way due to the rod being broken.

Nope... I wonder if that's why the tip broke off. Here's the pic of the rod.

yea just calling Gander right now

Thanks, but I'm really ticked off at GM right. You would think that a rod shipped in sturdy rod tube with foam on either end would arrive in perfect condition right? But no, the tip completly snapped off the rod. Guess I'm going to be calling GM right now with a big complaint.

I know this might sound dumb, but Gander just sent me my GSX Elite in a stapled, cardboard rod tube. I've never dealt with this form of shipping before, as I usually get taped cardboard boxes that are somewhat easy to open. Never experienced this from Gander, as they usually don't use these expensive tubes for free shipping The tube is made out of cardboard, while each ends have 3 staples that are attached to a cap. I really don't want to just cut the tube open, as it actually seems kinda useful. I've tried getting the staples out by ending the ends, but they are made out of pretty thick metal. Anybody got a solution? Thanks, Pen

Just a few questions. Does it sink in the water, like a fluorocarbon, or does it sway in the wind like a braid when fishing weightless? Also, would you fish it in heavily weeded areas with no rocks or wood? Also, any wind knots?

A Catfish or you might snagged a Carp probably

Why fish the Raritan River for SMB? there was a huge fishkill a few years ago due to Sandy, and the river is insanely polluted. The only thing I've caught in it are a few stripers and sunnies. Better options in NJ would be Budd Lake and Manasquan

South Brunswick here

If you wish weightless and from the shore, I would go with a 10LB Fluoro or Copoly. Assuming this will be your fineese combo, you will need to have maintain contact with your lure in order to feel bites. Braid doesn't sink, which allows the wind to blow it, and decrease your contact with your plastic. I have braid on one of my spinning setups, and now I regret it, as I can't feel any of the subtle bites. Reel under 50$- Pluefger President. 'Nuff said

They did one last year... so I'm assuming they will do another one this year

d**n.. that website has everything for a bargain price. Now I just need to figure out if it's legit or not. They have Abu vendettas NIP for under 50$

Best spinning reel under 60$= Pluefger President Best spinning reel under 100$= Pluefger Supreme You want two spinning combos right? If so, be prepared to shell out under 200$ for both combos.

Its the exact same reel as the Laser MG. Check the Spec's. Even though there are good reviews, honestly, compared to aluminum baitcasters, I would think that there would be a huge difference in quality and performance. Just talk to people who have used both the Speed Spool and the Laser MG. They all say it is worth it to shell out the extra 20$.

I do it often. Put a cheap mono as backing, and then attach a good braid or fluoro. For copoly and mono, I just spool it straight on. This is because you will only ever need under 70 yards for bass fishing.

I have a Okuma 7'0 MH Fast spinning rod and I use it for everything other than crank's and spinnerbaits. I mostly throw unweighted t-rigs and wacky rigs, but i'm not afraid to throw anything not too heavy on it.

Fishing from the shore, I was just using braid today at a local pond, and it was a pain. I could never really "get in tune" with my unweighted craw, as the braid would never sink. Just floated in the breeze. Even when there was no wind, the braid just sat at the top of the water. I always had to slightly move my rod tip just to feel the lure. Such a PITA. I could never really feel those subtle bites, and would recommend Fluoro or Copoly whenever you are fishing from the shore with lures that aren't heavy.

yep. same with the Carbon Fire. I had a copy of that reel in the Lews Laser MG. Hated it, as i couldn't get it dialed in, and the frame felt weak, because of the carbon (graphite).

Completely different situation man. His rod was on the edge of the canoe, and the leverage of the heavy canoe probably shattered it.

Right on the money man. It's pretty hard to break a rod in 3 pieces unless it hangs out of your truck door and you smash it lol

You have one? To the OP, I would suggest a Pluefger. They are the "dependable" reels in my mind. Personally, daiwa would be the "flashy" reel with all the new tech, and shimano would be the "old faithful" reel. I would recommend any of the Supreme line, especially the MGX. Also, another decent option is a okuma.

Just go get a spinning reel. Esepcially if you are a newbie. It won't be worth the hassle of getting a cheap baitcaster, especially when you get overwhelmed with backlash. Would recommend any of the Pluefger spinning reels, they are all really solid.