I fish about once every 2 weeks from the shore, but about 3 times a week in the summer. Should I be worried about getting reels with graphite stuff breaking and just getting aluminum reels or not? Also, what is the most sensitive rod you know under 80? Also, I can't buy used .Thanks for all the advice.

I would recommend avoiding the graphite framed bait caster. I started with a Abu Garcia Silvermax and after about a year and a half using it 3-4 days a month it developed some issues. I think it was after hooking a 30" pike that was fighting pretty hard. I'm guessing the frame flexed causing the issues. 

The next reel I got was a BPS Pro Qualifier which feels a lot smoother, casts further and has  landed a 38" and 33" pike with no ill effects. 

 

As far as most sensitive rod for under $80 go the used route. Check craigslist, eBay or the flea market here. You can get a way better rod for less money if you are patient and look around. I found a G Loomis IMX MBR 843C  for $50. 

12 minutes ago, SPECIAL ENGINEER said:

I would recommend avoiding the graphite framed bait caster. I started with a Abu Garcia Silvermax and after about a year and a half using it 3-4 days a month it developed some issues. I think it was after hooking a 30" pike that was fighting pretty hard. I'm guessing the frame flexed causing the issues. 

The next reel I got was a BPS Pro Qualifier which feels a lot smoother, casts further and has  landed a 38" and 33" pike with no ill effects. 

 

As far as most sensitive rod for under $80 go the used route. Check craigslist, eBay or the flea market here. You can get a way better rod for less money if you are patient and look around. I found a G Loomis IMX MBR 843C  for $50. 

Thanks for the help, but just can't buy used, so when I say under 80 I mean retail price under 80. So are graphite framed reels just less durable?

All graphite is not created equal. The overall build quality of the reel will determine your long term satisfaction. No need to spend above your means to have fun and productive fishing . That said, the BPS Pro Qualifier will be on sale shortly and is probably the best sub$100 caster you'll find just happens to be aluminum framed among other features. 

7 minutes ago, A fisher said:

Thanks for the help, but just can't buy used, so when I say under 80 I mean retail price under 80. So are graphite framed reels just less durable?

My first baitcaster ever was a Silstar Starlite Pro, I had enough money for that but not for it's more expensive brother, the Starlite I, the main difference was the frame, one had graphite frame the other one had metal frame, one day my most prized possesion fell from my hands waist high and the reel foot broke when it landed, lesson I learned ----> no more graphite frame reels never ever again.

What about rods? What material do you look for in rods?

I would recommend abu garcia promax 3. Pretty sure its a metal frame too. Just got one and its pretty good for the fishing you'll be doing around pike. Those fish can mess up some reels. As for a rod I would look at house rods frome cabelas or gander mountain.

4 minutes ago, A fisher said:

What about rods? What material do you look for in rods?

Graphite blank mostly, as for handle material, if it's cork then good quality cork, I feel equally comfortable with cork or EVA.

Another good rod under $80 are the Cabela's Tournament ZX baitcaster.  They are $99 retail but go on sale for $65-$75 often.  Those rods were on many reviewers "Best of" or "Best Value" lists the summer of 2014.  Don't let the Cabela's name fool you, its a great rod.  

9 hours ago, A fisher said:

And is the weight of the PQ become annoying all day?

Become annoying compared to what?

 

Lots of great rods out there but really too many to discuss.

Do some research and try to find a graphite rod for different techniques so you don't have to overload yourself when fishing.

Y'all got an Academy by your house?

Their line of H2O rods & reels are priced within you budget. They also have All Star rods for $49.99, solid & sensitive; bought my grandson on for $29.99.

Lots of solid advice here.  I have several All Star rods, and they are fantastic for the price.  The Cabelas Tournament ZX rods (white with Winn grips) are, IMHO, the best deal on the market when they go on sale.  Also, check out the Berkley Lightning Shock rods.

Re: reels, can't go wrong with an aluminum frame -- and, in the long run, I think you'd be much happier with AL over composite.  I received a Revo S from my in-laws for Christmas last month -- but, I'm a Daiwa magforce Z guy, and I can't return the reel to Dick's as I don't want to offend my father-in-law by asking for his receipt... So, it's sitting new in box in my office.  If you'd be interested in it, let me know.

13 hours ago, A fisher said:

Also, I can't buy used .

Do you mind if I ask why you can't buy used? You're missing out on some opportunities to get really good gear for fantastic prices. The flea market here has been great for used gear. 

13 hours ago, A fisher said:

...are graphite framed reels just less durable?

not sure if they're significantly less durable but their main problem is that they're just not as rigid as an aluminum frame. so, what you'll get is the frame flexing while under load, causing the parts to come out of perfect alignment, which in turn causes squealing, roughness, unnecessary gear wear, increased friction, etc.

if i were on a budget, i'd get the daiwa exceler from monster fishing tackle which is only $60 on sale right now plus you get a free HUK/daiwa fishing shirt.

mlbassyaker's advice on the fenwick rods is spot on. those fenwick smallmouth elitetech series are great rods, especially at that price.

 

 

On 1/23/2016 at 5:00 AM, Catt said:

Y'all got an Academy by your house?

Their line of H2O rods & reels are priced within you budget. They also have All Star rods for $49.99, solid & sensitive; bought my grandson on for $29.99.

 

I read this all the time.  Simply have to catch them sometime when they are running a great sale.   A short review.  http://tournamentredfisher.com/2011/04/21/review-h20-xpress-mettle-low-profile-reel/

It is currently $50.  http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress-mettle-mt2-baitcast-reel-right-handed?repChildCatid=903506

 

The Pflueger Supreme is also on clearance, but you have to put it in your cart to find the price.  I didn't.  I like my Pfluegers, and think they are often under-rated.

 

On 1/23/2016 at 8:14 AM, 21farms said:

not sure if they're significantly less durable but their main problem is that they're just not as rigid as an aluminum frame. so, what you'll get is the frame flexing while under load, causing the parts to come out of perfect alignment, which in turn causes squealing, roughness, unnecessary gear wear, increased friction, etc.

if i were on a budget, i'd get the daiwa exceler from *** which is only $60 on sale right now plus you get a free HUK/daiwa fishing shirt.

mlbassyaker's advice on the fenwick rods is spot on. those fenwick smallmouth elitetech series are great rods, especially at that price.

 

I personally think the Smallmouth rods were a bargain at full price.  It is icing on the cake that I didn't pay anywhere near that much for mine.  I especially like the 6'10" MF and 6'9" M-XF.  Also have the 7'2" M-Mod.F HMG that I like a lot.

 

OP.  Check out reviews of the lower cost Pinnacle baitcast reels.  The $90 Producer LTE is reviewed several times here. http://www.bassresource.com/tackle-reviews/ 

Probably can find them in your budget.  I have the much more expensive Primmus (which I found for less than $150) and have fallen in love with this reel.  Factory tuned and super smooth out of the box.  Excellent casting distance.  Very light and good looking.  Got it last year and it is making its 2nd trip to Florida with me next week.....and I have many b/c reels to choose from....from at least 7 reel brands.

If I were you I wouldn't worry as everyone has different needs. I recommend angler should stay away from them when they are wanting to get a little more serious with their bass fishing. Not everyone is serious about it, some, like yourself are content with hitting a pond or lake and cast from the shore a couple times a week and those less expensive reels with graphite frames are made for that. The person that is going out 8 to 10 hours a day 3 to 5 times a week and is chucking cranks and spinnerbaits or fishing T-rigs and jigs with 30lb to 50lb braid, those guys do better by staying away from graphite framed reels, and as DVT already mentioned, not all graphite is created equal.

Blown away by all the help, I think I will get an ethos rod and pair it up with either a PQ or if BPS has a different deal on a reel during the classic, I'll get it. Is the team kvd reel a good reel? Or is a pro max better?

On 1/23/2016 at 0:27 PM, new2BC4bass said:

 

Hey!  I've got those 3 Smallmouth rods.  Got to be one of the best buys going.

 

 

I read this all the time.  Simply have to catch them sometime when they are running a great sale.   A short review.  http://tournamentredfisher.com/2011/04/21/review-h20-xpress-mettle-low-profile-reel/

It is currently $50.  http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress-mettle-mt2-baitcast-reel-right-handed?repChildCatid=903506

 

The Pflueger Supreme is also on clearance, but you have to put it in your cart to find the price.  I didn't.  I like my Pfluegers, and think they are often under-rated.

 

where do you see the supreme on sale and for home much?  I tried adding it to the cart at Academy and it says $99. 

2 hours ago, Allen Der said:

where do you see the supreme on sale and for home much?  I tried adding it to the cart at Academy and it says $99. 

 

$99.99 is the regular price.  The reel has a yellow tag in the upper left hand corner that says clearance on it.  Like I said, I didn't put it in the cart to see what the price was.  Standard price ain't what I would call a clearance price.      Maybe you should give them a call.  Could be an error.