I'm seeking to put together a "casual" fishing setup.

I'm thinking probably a 7' Medium/Fast Rod with a Spinning Reel in 2500 range size. I've never used anything over 8# test. Feel free to convince my otherwise.

Unfortunately I will probably be limited to about 50 hours of fishing this year.

About half of my time will be with my 9 yo daughter, fishing for panfish with a bobber setup. However, I'd like something with enough backbone to set the hook on a decent size bass should I get the opportunity fish more seriously. About 20 years ago I jigged plastic worms off the bottom. I guess that's called a T-rig now.  Might also try crankbaits or C-rig.

We will be fishing mostly from shore, or occassionally by canoe on open water. Casting range will be important to me.

My budget has not been determined yet, but will probably probably be in range of BPS Extreme Combo.

Your thoughts will be welcomed.

Thanks!

 I'm not real sure what reels they have on their combos now. I've got a Symetre 2500 and you could go up to 10lb. on it or go to some of the different type lines that are smaller diameter. Very happy with it. If you are going to try more bass than pan fishing, you might think MH rather than M. Other than that I think you're on pretty solid ground with your thinking...

                                                     As Ever

 I don't remember if I said this but WELCOME !!

Thanks for the Welcome Skillet.  I foresee a lot of panfish this summer...  

I do like the Symetre 2500.  I'm not sure that my budget will allow for one.  I actually have Symetre & Stradic 1000's from around 1994.  I loved the way they casted.  I might be able to swing something in the Sahara/Sedona, Daiwa Exceler or Cabela's new Tourney range.

Since I won't be fishing a lot, I figure I should put more emphasis on the rod, and upgrade the reel in the future.  What do you think.

Also, any reason for me to go down to 6 feet or to medium light?

Thanks!

The Sahara is a very nice reel. I have one and think it's an excellent value. I think the med fast rod would be fine but 7' may be a bit long for shore fishing if there are trees etc... to get in your way. That would be the only reason to consider a shorter length. I really like St Croix rods, you can get a premier for about $90. If thats out of your budget the Bass Pro Shop Extremes or Bionic Blades are also very nice and are often on sale for $80 and $60 respectively

This combo may be of interest to you:

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=59167&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

Thanks riskkid.  I actually handled a Premier yesterday(briefly).  It was definately nicer than the less expensive rods in the display.

I'm not worried about fishing around trees etc, but I have been wondering if  6' vs 7' makes a difference in a canoe.  Also, I've been thinking 2 piece because it will be easier to transport.

Gotta vent.  Went to Sportman Show yesterday.  Found a tackle dealer who was fairly close to home.  When it got slow by his booth, I started talking to him about a setup.  In the middle of our conversation he got a call.  He took it and then left his booth without even acknowledging me...  

Since I'm getting such good advice here, I'll have to make sure I click the links from BassResource before I order online.

Thanks again.

I would recommend the Symetre in either 2500 or 1500 size, and if I were limited to one rod, I'd get a

6-1/2' M or ML rod. The Croix model number for the Premier would be PS66MF or PS66MLF. I'd get a 6' rod before I'd go with a 2 piece if that were the choice. If this rod will also be used to panfish, I'd get the Medium light.

Thanks Hot n Tot.  At this point I'm not sure my budget would allow both the Symetre & a Premier (but I hope it will).  If I have to cut costs would you move down to the Sahara (or comparable) or look at less expensive rod?

Since I will not be doing a lot of "serious" fishing, I'm not as worried about the longevity of the reel.  And, if I do wear the reel out, I'll have an excuse to upgrade ;D

Saharas are decent reels, but you will only save,$10 - $20 (not real sure), Symetres are noticeably smoother from my experience using both. I'd find a way to get the Croix, regardless. I know BPS has some nice rods, but I haven't used one in years so others can offer more help. If money is a real concern, you can find some decent rods at Wal-Mart such as Berkley Lightning Rods, but I'd strongly suggest not going below the Shimano Sahara in a reel. Hope this helps.

One last question (not)

If I can't stretch my budget far enough (which is likely) to go Symetre + Premier, which route would you go?

St. Croix Premium / Shimano Sahara:   $150

St. Croix Triumph / Shimano Symetre:  $140

Thanks!!

DO NOT buy the Triumph.

I suggest that you keep an eye on the Flea Market on this Forum. Chances are good you can pick up a Symetre or maybe even a Stradic that will fit your budget. As a matter-of-fact, if you are patient, you will probably be able to buy a combination (rod & reel) at a better price.

DO NOT buy the Triumph.

RW, can you elaborate? I bought one last season but hardly had a chance to use it. What don't you like? Thanx

Matt

Hey LAO  I can't vouch for the rod but here is a choice from Cabelas combo that has a symetre and rod for $109  

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20287&rid=&indexId=cat20287&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=6&parentType=index&parentId=cat20287&id=0030874

Another decent brand of reel is the Pflueger. This combo has a Pflueger rod which is nothing fantastic but it has a Pflueger Medalist reel which is nice and is in your price range.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20287_TGP&id=0029728119154a&navCount=8&podId=0029728&parentId=cat20287&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20287&hasJS=true

One other thing I thought of was to buy one of the nicer rods you have been talking about. My local Wallyworld has Mitchell 308 golds on clearance for $11.88 What the heck for that price how could you go wrong. Mitchell's aren't great but sometimes they make decent ones. I've had some trouble with one of mine but some people swear by them.

Another thought would be to buy a Pflueger President for $59, BPS had Berkley Lightning rods on sale for $19. buy another lightning rod for $19 and put a Mitchell on it for the 9 yr old so she can have "one of her own" when she visits dad

Good luck and let us know how you come out

Those both look pretty attractive.   I'm a little uncertain about Pflueger as a brand, though.  The President demo they had at my local Dick's had the smoothness of a meat grinder.  I'm sure it had received lots of abuse, but it was the only one I've ever put my hands on...

I could probably swing either of those (depending upon the results of the 2007 family budget).

BTW, Why does is there so much emphasis upon the reel versus the rod when putting together a package?  It seems to me that the rod would have more impact upon catching fish than the reel.

Thanks!

You have a point about the rods and I think that is prob the smart way to go. I'm still somewhat new at fishing myself and have never owned a high end rod (yet! lol). Thus I tend to lean more toward what I know about reels. Also I could live with a few less fish maybe if I didn't have to deal with a piece of crap reel. All the extra time I spend worrying about the reel and straightening out problems with it is time I'm not catching fish. Not to mention it just plain isn't fun fishing with a problem reel. I think I've only read one negative on the Symetre on this site and tons of positive feedback. Several people on here swear by the Pflueger President and the Medalist but they've had a dtractor or 2 as well. Not sure what was up with the reel at your dealer. I own both the Symetre and the President and both are smooth but I haven't owned either one long enough to judge. I can only go by what I've read and how they feel to me so far.

I fish St. Croix rods and have VERY high regard for the company. However, they did a diservice to themselves when they introduced the Triumph rod. It is made in China and the quality control is awful. The rod has a reputation for simply falling apart. I think it is a shame that St. Croix would even put their name on this piece of junk!

Thanks for the continued input.

I'm already working on my next set of questions. I ask questions for a living, so I will have a hard time stopping ;D

I should also disclose that I grew up fishing with fiberglass rods and 4000 size spinning reels from the 1960's. My next jump was to cheap, early 1980's technology. Thus, I don't always understand why factors like saving an oz. here or there is such a big deal. At the age of 8 I would fish one of those old clunky setups all day without feel tired. That said, I was in heaven in 1994 when I bought my ultra light & light setups in 1994 (Stradic 1000/Fenwick Eagle and Symetre 1000/Shimano Sensalite). They were really nice on the little trout brook, but pretty useless on the bass pond because the rods didn't have enough backbone. Hence, as I make next plunge into fishing gear I'd like to make sure I'm optimizing "function over form."

Cheers!