hi all,

I just recently stumbled into this wonderful sport! and I need some rods and reels to get going.  I need a all around rod so seems like a 6 1/2' M/F action spinning reel is the consensus from you guys here.  I'm planning to spend about $100-150 for the rod and less than 100 for the reel.   Any recommendation for my new toys and any deal outhere????   thanks

$200.00 would get you a Shimano Symetre spinning reel and a St Croix Premier medium power fast action rod. I have this setup myself and have landed a ton of fish on it. A very nice rig for a beginner...

If you are looking at spinning gear I would have to recommend the St. Croix Avid AVS66MF spend the extra 20 bucks you won't be sorry you did great all around rod. As for a reel Daiwa Tierra TDTR2000 is a very nice reel for the price about $115.00 as for line Yo -Zuri Hybrid #12lb. test  is hard to beat . Good Luck  

For the reel i would recommend a Pflueger President.  It would give you some money left over to add to the rod

Shimano Symetre 2500

St. Croix Avid AS66MF

hi all,

I just recently stumbled into this wonderful sport! and I need some rods and reels to get going. I need a all around rod so seems like a 6 1/2' M/F action spinning reel is the consensus from you guys here. I'm planning to spend about $100-150 for the rod and less than 100 for the reel. Any recommendation for my new toys and any deal outhere???? thanks

I agree than a spinning rod, 6-1/2', medium power, fast action, would be an excellent general-purpose rod. Personally, I don't have much brand loyalty to rods; if it has the specs I went and feels good, I'll buy it. And if you want to save some $$$, you can get many rods under $100 that'll do very well, such as a Gander Mountain private brand.

I do have a reel brand preference, but if enough people reply, you'll get recommendations for Shimano, Daiwa, Pflueger, Garcia, Okuma and others, including private brands.

At any rate, have fun with your new hobby, it's a great way to connect with the outdoors.

I think all the suggestions so far have been good. in that price range, Pflueger spinning reels will be very tough to beat. These are 2 really nice combos. You can darn near get them both

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59170_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10203893_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

thanks all, so far all the advices have been great!!!  Awesome board!  Now it's the hard part for me...which one to choose??  Will do some reading tonight

If you are looking at spinning gear I would have to recommend the St. Croix Avid AVS66MF spend the extra 20 bucks you won't be sorry you did great all around rod. As for a reel Daiwa Tierra TDTR2000 is a very nice reel for the price about $115.00 as for line Yo -Zuri Hybrid #12lb. test is hard to beat . Good Luck

Definitely not Hybrid #12.

I recommend Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test).

The Symetre is the reel I would suggest. The AVS66MF or 70MF will

make a good match.

8-)

Two thumbs up on the Pflueger President.  Great reel for $60.  Go with a 6730 or 6735.

I think all the suggestions so far have been good. in that price range, Pflueger spinning reels will be very tough to beat. These are 2 really nice combos. You can darn near get them both

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59170_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10203893_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

The Extreme/President combo is how I got my president and can say that this is a great combo...Gave the original 6'6'' MH extreme that I got to my dad but replaced it with a 7' MH extreme that I bought here from the flea market

Shimano Symetre 2500

St. Croix Avid AS66MF

save up a little more and get this. check out the warranty on avid rods.

Sometimes you can find a Fenwick Techna AV <$150 (or even $<$130) or the HMG <$90 (or <$75).  They are classics with lifetime warranties hand handle a wide range or lure weights (if you are looking for 1 rod to handle a lot of different duties).

Shimano Symetre 2500

St. Croix Avid AS66MF

save up a little more and get this. check out the warranty on avid rods.

Went to BPS today, and decided on the st. croix AS66MF and the symetre 2500. I think the waranty on the Avid got me!!! Thanks all.

How about Yo-zuri hybrid ultra soft 6 or 8 lbs for line???

I'm with RW, except I like the 8#.  You got 2 spools, get both the 6 and the 8 work 'em and see what you like better.  Either one, your gonna like the Ultra soft.