So I have searched the forum but haven't had much luck finding what I am looking for. It seems rod and reel setups are so specific that trying to find info is pretty tough.

So I am wanting to get back into fishing after spending some time in the Marine Corps. Yesterday I picked up two daiwa rods off of craigslist and am trying to figure out what the best reels would be to pair with each rod. Money is tight now and I stil need to build a tackle box (as my granfather gave my stuff to my cousin while i was in the marines) so I am wanting to keep the costs down. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rod 1 Daiwa TDTR 661HFB

Rod 3 Daiwa PRD 661MRB

I am mainly looking to fish for Bass, Crappie, and any other local sport fish. I can also say that my wife will probably be using the PRD when we decide to drown some worms and try to catch some blue gill.

Thanks

Joe

Are these both casting rods? If so, the Shimano Curado E50 is a good light bait reel and and Curado E7 would work on the heavy rod. Both can be found on sale in preparation for new models being released. If you can find older B series Curados for sale they are tanks and still perform well.

For spinning reels, Pflueger President is a great reel for $60 +/-. The Trion is good as well for less frequent use.

As usual, Mike has given you good options. You might also want to look at Cabela's Prodigy baitcasting reel. Might still be on sale. A $100 reel for $70. I have the previous model. Less bearings and not as pretty. Made by Daiwa. Lot of reel for the money. The Trion baitcasting reel has been mentioned by a few as being very very good for the money. Excellent casting distance was mentioned along with being surprisingly smooth. I hope you live where you can handle a few models before buying. Personally I've had to purchase all my reels based on the opinions of others and on reviews such as those made by TT.

If they are spinning rods, then I have nothing to add to what Mike already said. Well, I could say that the Daiwa Exceler at $75 gets good reviews. I really like my Advantage 2000A, but that is probably more that you want to spend at this time.

Thanks for the suggestions. Both the rods are casting. However I am wanting to keep the cost for reels in the 50 dollar range. I am good with buying used if it means I can spend less and get more.

Thanks for the suggestions. Both the rods are casting. However I am wanting to keep the cost for reels in the 50 dollar range. I am good with buying used if it means I can spend less and get more.

You're not going to find a quality rel at 50.00 Your best bet is to buy a used higher quality reel.

I actually just picked up a citica from bps yesterday for the medium daiwa I have and plan on getting the curado for the heavy. Thanks for all the replies. I also lucked out as my grandfather gave me his tackle box which has a ton of lures in it. I was dreading buying them especially after seeing some of the prices on them at bps.