Let's see what setup you got. I love this price range because I can actually afford it at the moment. HA HA. But this is the sweet sport for RODS AND REELS. So, let's see what you got? What do you look for? What your favorite combo is? What you wish you would have done or could do? Things to AVOID!? TIPS and TRICKS on where to find these deals. Just guys/girls talking tight-lines under 250$.

 

ADD PICTURES! SHOW EM' OFF!

Edited May 22, 20197 yr by AustinKrawdad

Kistler Helium 3 with Taula SV.  You get get each for a good bit below $250.

Christopher Stewart has brand new reels for sale on facebook, they are all 40+ dollars off of retail. 

For $250

• Tatula Rod + Tatula/Fuego CT reel
• Curado Rod + SLX reel

 

I think it's worth saving up a little more to $300 and if you can score some deals under MSRP:

• Tatula Rod + Tatula SV reel
• Curado Rod + Curado K reel

2 minutes ago, ResoKP said:

For $250

• Tatula Rod + Tatula/Fuego CT reel
• Curado Rod + SLX reel

 

I think it's worth saving up a little more to $300 and if you can score some deals under MSRP:

• Tatula Rod + Tatula SV reel
• Curado Rod + Curado K reel

Yeah, You can find deals on those all the time. I am always on eBay looking for deals on reels like these. I have not paid full price for a reel in the past 5 years because of it, but I have not bought I rod off there. I just wait around until deals arise else where. 

Phenix Feather + Curado K/Tatula SV with some shopping.  

I recently got a Chronarch MGL and when comparing it to the Tatula SV I've had for a couple years now, I still can't put the Tatula down. In my opinion, the Tatula SV is the best at that price point and the Chronarch MGL was way more expensive. I've only used the Chronarch for a month or so, but my initial opinion is to get rid of it and replace it with more Tatula SV's. I have my SV paired up with a Tatula rod as well and the Chronarch is paired up with an Expride.

If you're talking 250 for both the rod and reel i would say Tatula 100 with a Tatula rod. Both can be bought from Sportsman's outfitters for way under $250. 

I have quite a few setups that run $250 or less.  One tip is to buy closeouts and big sales.  My first Curado 51E (new) cost me $98 shipped.  All of my Tatula rods (original...and new) were $100 or under.  Not too long ago Pflueger ran a sale on some of their reels.  $60 for $150 reel, $80 for $200 reel and $100 for $250 reel.

 

One of my nicest looking spinning combos is an original Cielo with a Daiwa Advantage 2000.  My cost less than $200.  The list on the rod was $300 or a bit more.  A Fantasista Regista ($500 rod) for $169.  Etc.  Etc.  Etc.

 

Sometimes when a new series comes out they are offered at a good price.  The Fenwick Smallmouth rods were deliberately under priced at MSRP.  I paid less than $90 (new) for each of mine.

 

TW runs closeouts occasionally.  Sometimes deals can be had at places you wouldn't think even carried fishing gear.  I've purchased a couple rods from Optics Planet at a really good savings.  Ebay is a good place to look...as always.  Walmart Online runs some really excellent deals at times.  However, you should check them daily to get the best buy as the price often varies day to day.  Shipping to a local store is free, but you have to pay taxes.

 

EDIT:  Have to add that I've purchased several reels off "For Sale" sites on fishing forums with some being excellent deals.  Try $65 for an older blue colored Patriarch XT (ran $250 new) and is in very good condition.

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I have quite a few setups that run $250 or less.  One tip is to buy closeouts and big sales.  My first Curado 51E (new) cost me $98 shipped.  All of my Tatula rods (original...and new) were $100 or under.  Not too long ago Pflueger ran a sale on some of their reels.  $60 for $150 reel, $80 for $200 reel and $100 for $250 reel.

 

One of my nicest looking spinning combos is an original Cielo with a Daiwa Advantage 2000.  My cost less than $200.  The list on the rod was $300 or a bit more.  A Fantasista Regista ($500 rod) for $169.  Etc.  Etc.  Etc.

 

Sometimes when a new series comes out they are offered at a good price.  The Fenwick Smallmouth rods were deliberately under priced at MSRP.  I paid less than $90 (new) for each of mine.

 

TW runs closeouts occasionally.  Sometimes deals can be had at places you wouldn't think even carried fishing gear.  I've purchased a couple rods from Optics Planet at a really good savings.  Ebay is a good place to look...as always.  Walmart Online runs some really excellent deals at times.  However, you should check them daily to get the best buy as the price often varies day to day.  Shipping to a local store is free, but you have to pay taxes.

 

EDIT:  Have to add that I've purchased several reels off "For Sale" sites on fishing forums with some being excellent deals.  Try $65 for an older blue colored Patriarch XT (ran $250 new) and is in very good condition.

I bought one of those OG Tatula rods, years ago when I was just getting into bass fishing, at Bass Pro for $100. If I knew then what I know now, I would have bought every one they had. That rod is just amazing and I couldn't imagine a better rod at that price point. 

 

I'll second the online wally world sales. I've found quite a few good deals: A couple cronos rods and a few daiwa reels too. Got one of the discontinued Zillion rods from ALF as another example.

 

Reels I usually get deals from forum classifieds or ebay...It is a buyers market for sure.

 

So the rod is taken care of, 7'2" MH F OG Tatula. That leaves $150 for the reel. With that you could do alot. Personally, I guess my best reel setup with what's left would be a T3 ballistic 6.3 I bought brand new for $100 and I dropped in a RCS 1016 spool for $50. 

 

Otherwise, I might look for a used SV105.

Tip:  Best deals can usually be had on Ebay.  Have become a big Ebay shopper based solely on all the cash I've saved on fishing rods and reels.

 

I tend to be a $100 for the reel and $150 for the rod kind of guy.  Lews Tournament MB is $100 on Ebay, although so is the LFS, and it looks like Lews has stepped up their game for the new LFS.  Nearly the same reel as the MB these days so it is a coin toss.

 

Rod?  $150 will give you many, many options for a totally decent rod.  Diawa Tatula is of course an outstanding choice.  St. Coix Mojo Bass,  ALX Ikos, or Dobyns Sierra would also be solid for sure.  

14 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Tip:  Best deals can usually be had on Ebay.  Have become a big Ebay shopper based solely on all the cash I've saved on fishing rods and reels.  

I go back and forth on my opinion of Ebay. There are a lot of  factory seconds, QC rejects, third shift manufactured, and just straight up counterfeit products on there. It is a definite "Buyer beware" place to purchase from, even more so than Amazon.

 

With that said, I have bought a pile of fishing gear off there over the years, just have to be cognizant of the fact you might receive complete garbage.