David Record

So I have the pleasure of commuting down to DC (near the Kennedy Center) everyday from Frederick, MD. Anyone have some good spots for a shoreline angler? I'm definitely interested in Snakeheads when the weather improves as well.

I got the 2015 Legend Elite Spinning Rod 70' ML/F... hoping to leave work a little early today and get some more practice in... hope some of the ice breaks up... Maybe next rod

So my rod finally arrived (delivered to another street by FedEx... thankfully USPS let me know where it was) and had my first day of fishing... what a pleasure. Although the fish were no cooperative the rod performed and the line/knots held up pretty well (even pulled the boat when I was tangled up with some debris). Now I just need to get back on the water and get some fish on the line.

Thanks, yeah I'm looking at 7' rods with 2 pieces (my goal is to stop for fishing breaks on the way home... as much as the wife will let me). Any recommendations on line, some people above are recommending power line with leaders... and then I can start thinking about fun things like lures (I have an empty tacklebox I got a gift several years ago).

Hmmm, I was hoping to stay with a medium light rod with fast action for trout and smaller fish I'm likely to catch in my area. Think that will be a major issue with the 2500 reel I got?

Yeah, been hearing a lot of great things about St. Croix but there seems to be a lot of debate between preference between the Avid X vs. Legend Elite, with the discount they are about the same price. But in fact the Avid X is the same price as the Avid Series... think I'll try to get to a showroom and see how each one feels... as the price is relatively equal. As for line, yeah can't say I've ever fished with PowerPro, how does that compare with monofiliament, fluoro, braided (back in the day I did use spiderwire a bit)?

Hmmm, could you elaborate on your opinion regarding the line? I was thinking 6lb-8lb test as described above to handle a mix of river bass/trout while providing some good action. Not sure I understand what 10/2 or 15/4 PP are yet.

Grabbed the Shimono Stradic FK 2500 for $166

Updated: Bought the 2500, figured I could add a specialized trout set-up latter. Since I got it for much cheaper than planned (166), think i could move up to a better rod. Anyone have anything bad to say about the Avid Series from St. Croix (AVS66MLF2 in particular)?

Thanks for your comments, yeah the next big quesiton is line. I've been looking at Silverthread based on what I've read on this site. Unfortunately the fish out by me are on the small side (most trout are stocked), but I can see your point about making some compromises. i think I might go with a couple of spools 4, and 6 test on a Stradic FK 1000 (or 6 and 8 on a 2500). Thoughts? Your point about costs is true, but I hope to get my wife and kids to come which would be a good excuse to buy her a nice rod later... thus getting two quality set-ups...

Thanks! Any St. Croix rods in particular, or do you think the above can also handle the occasional bass? Don't think I'm going to catch any monsters either way. Yeah looking at the new Stradic FK look pretty nice.

After being out of the water for the past 20 years... I'm looking to get back in. I'll mostly be fishing small rivers/lakes, but also can't rule out smaller creeks and larger rivers either. In the past I really enjoyed spinning rods, so think that is a safe place to get started. Budget wise I'm looking to spend up to 500 dollars or so for a nice rod and reel. My preliminary research is poiting me towards a st. croix rod (on the lighter side as can't rule out fishing some smaller creeks). St. Croix Trout Series Spinning Rod - $129.99 Length: 6"4' Power: L / Action: Fast Sections: 2 / Handle: 2 Line Wt: 4-8 / Lure Wt: 1/16-1/4 oz. Rod Wt: 2.8 oz. Shimano Stradic CI4 - $215.00 Bought the Shimono Stradic FK 2500 - $166 Line: Not sure.