Let me start off by saying I don’t NEED anything. However, with the fat man coming in a couple of weeks, the wife was wondering what to buy me. Since I don’t need anything at all, I thought why not think about a NICE rod OR reel. I’d say the “nicest” rods I own are MB Orochi XX10 and the “nicest” reel I own is a Curado/Tatula SV TW150 (I think that’s the model number…). 
 

So, for S&G’s, what would you spend $500 on? This would be for a “general” use combination with existing rod/reel selection at home. Reel would be in the 7.x:1 range. Rod no longer than say 7’6 or 7’7. Nothing technique specific on either rod or reel. I seem to always have a bladed jig, a frog, a crankbait of some sort and a jig tied on. Those are usually staples for me. JDM reel is an option, but not a JDM rod. I don’t have to have it by Xmas, but would like y’all’s shopping thoughts…

I think you need a new Ryoga.  

I know I do.  

 

Get a zillion or metanium both amazing reels

Nope. I'm going for a $500 Gas Card.

🤪

A-Jay

Please get yourself some Googan Squad rods and reels, and tell us your opinion about them😊

For me I'd pair a 7'3" MHF Tatula Elite with a 7.1 or 8.1 Tatula Elite.

 

I've never considered rods or reels in that price range...although I did buy a $500 PXL Type R for $300 on closeout.  The most I've ever paid for for a reel.

 

For a single item nearing that price, I'd like to look at a Poison Adrena although I'd definitely have to handle one first to see if I could put up with the handle material.  My first choice would be the 7'3" MH Regular Fast.  For a reel the Bantam MGL 150 or Daiwa Zillion or Coastal SV150 (I like the blue accents  ).

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

I think you need a new Ryoga.  

I know I do.  

I know. I looked last night. $100 deposit…

Maybe try a P5 Destroyer of your choosing?

I'd go for a higher end rod 365 days a year. I have a high end reel, it casts further and brakes better than it's cheaper counterpart while being two thirds the weight, although newer versions of the cheaper reels have decreased significantly in weight as well, removing most of the weight difference. But at the end of the day the rod is just more important.

My pics....

 

Reel: Daiwa Steez SV LTD Shallow Spool or Shimano Calcutta Conquest. Both JDM

 

Rod:  Megabass P5 Super Destroyer (I have thrown all the baits the OP mentioned on this rod but on the heavier side) or a P5 Z-Crank Elseil (jerkbaits, crankbaits,  spinnerbaits and topwater, all under 1/2oz).

 

 

If you're willing to go JDM on reels but not on rods, then you'll get more for your money by buying the JDM reel.  That said, for a generalist reel the metaniums and zillions are so good that I don't see any point spending more there.

 

I'd be very tempted by a poison adrena.  I have two in spinning form and they are excellent.  If I wasn't totally sorted and set on falcon I might consider one in a casting rod.  

What is JDM reels/go JDM?

Leviathan omega swimbait rod 🔥

Japanese Domestic Market from places like digitaka for example

@Bazoo- JDM is japanese domestic market like smirak just noted.  It means buying from outfits in Japan to take advantage of the exchange rate and differences in line pricing. For example, a JDM Daiwa zillion is $230 with free shipping.  Tarrifs look like 10% right now, so $255 all in let's call it.  The same reel from TW or any american outfit is $399.  In some cases there are differences in the products and in some there aren't.  Pertinent to the question here, he could get a JDM Steez limited CT SV TW pretty close to that $500 mark, though I don't know what that gets over the zillion or if its worth it.

3 hours ago, Smirak said:

So, for S&G’s, what would you spend $500 on?

 

Since @A-Jay beat me to the gas card joke (my Tundra gets 14 mpg W/O towing my boat), I wouldn't buy a rod OR reel.  I might push myself to buy another Kistler Helium and Shimano reel, but I really can't justify it.  Truthfully, I'd be inclined to invest the $500.

8 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

 

Since @A-Jay beat me to the gas card joke (my Tundra gets 14 mpg W/O towing my boat), I wouldn't buy a rod OR reel.  I might push myself to buy another Kistler Helium and Shimano reel, but I really can't justify it.  Truthfully, I'd be inclined to invest the $500.

I do that as well.

It's called the Lake Baccarac trip fund.

Big Fan.

🤑

A-Jay

 

36 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

(my Tundra gets 14 mpg W/O towing my boat)

That thing drinks more than @12poundbass does on Friday night.  

 

(I had to, he gave my jeep tires the “malocchio” over the weekend. All over the Bills game! I don’t even want to talk about it) 😂

42 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

That thing drinks more than @12poundbass does on Friday night.

Yep, it sure does, but it’s got the 5.7L V8 that might just outlive me.

 

It also gets better mileage than my ‘68 GS400 … 

Just like when I was a kid.  No matter how good I am, I don't get the same Santa Clause as others do.  At least I don't have to choose between a dream rod, or reel.  Maybe I will get a toy fire truck this year.

10 hours ago, FishTank said:

My pics....

 

Reel: Daiwa Steez SV LTD Shallow Spool or Shimano Calcutta Conquest. Both JDM

 

Rod:  Megabass P5 Super Destroyer (I have thrown all the baits the OP mentioned on this rod but on the heavier side) or a P5 Z-Crank Elseil (jerkbaits, crankbaits,  spinnerbaits and topwater, all under 1/2oz).

 

 

Elseil is not my favorite but the Super Destroyer is always fun to fish.- one of the best in the P5 lineup. I'm also always looking for a reason to grab the X-bites, Windbuster, Mark 56, and maybe the Dark Sleeper. Pop-x stick is a blast too if you're into BFS.

 

For a reel, I would get a Steez SV TW at Japan prices. Like someone said above though...better a cheaper reel on great rod than a great reel on a cheap rod.

11 hours ago, king fisher said:

Just like when I was a kid.  No matter how good I am, I don't get the same Santa Clause as others do.  At least I don't have to choose between a dream rod, or reel.  Maybe I will get a toy fire truck this year.

The Hess trucks are back. LOL ... This year is stock cars 

1 minute ago, Jigfishn10 said:

The Hess trucks are back. LOL

And they're better than ever...

I still think I'd rather have a $500 reel than a $500 truck.