I am looking for a river fishing rod and reel for my son who is new to the TN River fishing. I would prefer a pole that can be broken down to a smaller size, for portability. Since he is still a novice I do not want to invest too much in this first set up, but obviously I want it to be able to handle the possibility of him hooking something larger; ideally under $200 for the pole and reel. I am open to a closed or open reel. I also, don't mind buying the pole and reel separate. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Daiwa makes a travel set, I’d pick up the medium power spinning rod and whatever 3000 size spinning reel fits in the budget. 
 

I fished the rivers in east TN a lot over the last 6-7 years. What area is he going to be fishing? Is he targeting bass or just whatever he can catch?

What is your sons age?

Tom

He is 16 

 

Thank you

Whatever he can catch, really.

Something like a Daiwa Revros or Diawa Legalis reel in the $50-60 range paired with a 2 piece Diawa Aird-X spinning rod in the $50 range should handle pretty much anything he's likely to catch on the TN River. Those can be easily found on Amazon, or local retailers.

 

If he likes it, and wants something bigger/better down the road you can get it. If he doesn't, then you haven't wasted much money, and still have a decent setup you can use yourself. Good luck! I hope y'all catch some nice fish.

3 hours ago, Fishlegs said:

Something like a Daiwa Revros or Diawa Legalis reel in the $50-60 range paired with a 2 piece Diawa Aird-X spinning rod in the $50 range should handle pretty much anything he's likely to catch on the TN River. Those can be easily found on Amazon, or local retailers.

 

If he likes it, and wants something bigger/better down the road you can get it. If he doesn't, then you haven't wasted much money, and still have a decent setup you can use yourself. Good luck! I hope y'all catch some nice fish.

@Fishlegs beat me to it, and im not even upset because fishlegs is absolutely right.

The Aird X whether casting or spinning would be amazing rods if they cost $100, but they dont, you can get them as low as $30-55. I am praising them here weekly. They arent beginner rods either, ive been fishing my whole life and had almost an unlimited budget when i got into bass fishing. I keep my several hundred rods at home and refuse to put my Aird X rods down.

The Revros is a great reel if you want smooth, and color match. The Shimano Sienna is good too, but more budget oriented if you want to save a few bucks.

 

With this combo you would be around $70-110 depending on sales. Gives you quite a bit of cash left for baits, tackle, and line.

On 10/21/2024 at 8:18 AM, New to TNRiver said:

I want it to be able to handle the possibility of him hooking something larger

Biggest fish ive caught on an Aird X was 10lbs, that was a medium heavy though, i do believe even a medium would be able to handle it as long as its not in grass, and i keep my drag slightly loose.

And i should add this, ive talked to people who landed catfish on ultralight rods as a bycatch. While they werent giants they were still able to land them.

Its more about playing the fish as we say in fly fishing, (give and take).

Edited November 6, 20241 yr by MediumMouthBass

I took a quick look at rods.  The St. Croix triumph 2 piece med/ fast 7’. I think it’s around 110. The Tatula XT 2 piece med/ fast around 100. Abu Garcia Veritas 2 piece med/ fast 7’. This has titanium guides. I think around 120.  
These should give you some options to check out