Whats a better fishing setup? (experienced fishers please)?

Question

I'm debating on 2 rods and I'm open to any cheap (but good) reel suggestions spinning or baitcast. Right now I'm looking Shakespeare ugly stik (catfish - striper) rod, and the power plus trophy class rod. The only reel ive seen that i like (good for big fish) is the Okuma Travertine spiner that i would use on the uglystik. I was looking for baitcasting reels but they're all really expensive and i dint know how to use them yet... I would probably get 20 lb test for them. The power plus is a bit cheaper and has more guides but i don't really know what makes a good stick (or how good the brand is)

Okuma Travertine-

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2793898

Ugly Stik-

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1323614

Power plus -

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_20662____SearchResults

And right now i have a daiwa megaforce rod and reel. The rod is 6'6" and rated at like 6-12 lb test, its alright but im looking to catch bigger fish. Also it would be nice to have more choice of rods to use for different fish.

Answer 1

I like the Okuma reel selection at ***** and I can attest to the strength and resilience of the Ugly Stik. I boated a really nice shark down in the keys using an Ugly Stik. You may want to checkout the Penn Captiva combo, it's under a hundred bucks and is this rod sweet!

The BPS rod is also nice and I like the fact that it has a lot of guides to spread the load over the rod more evenly. For my $$$ I'd go with the Penn. It can handle the line and the fish you're after. Tight lines.

Answer 2

i have an ugly stick and i love it. Its strong and never snapped and ive got some really big fish.My friend took one out in the bay and caught a thresher shark 7 ft with one and it didnt snap lol. 4 a reel i have a pflueger maxx t and its really smooth and stops right when u stop reeling.

Answer 3

I would go with the ugly stick and okuma set-up.  I can attest to the ugly stick's reputation.  Spend the extra money for a rig that will last you longer.  You won't regret it in the long run.  Now you've got me looking at them.  Lol.  Tight lines and good luck.

Answer 4

i only use ugly sticks set up with a penn,look for one that has at least 3 ball bearings.my penn reels range from the 5500 series,to the power graph and several size captivas the captivas being great for just about everything.sometime bigger,bulkier rod and reels are not better,they just hold more line,I've personally started using smaller reels in the 6-10 lb line cap. just to have the fun of fighting a fish,it's all in the backbone of the rod and the proper use of the drag on a good reel,when i was just starting out on the fishing(24 yrs ago) i would buy the cheap models only to have them break on the first or second trip. now i buy better quality reels yes they cost more but will last longer in the long run. hope i was of help. happy fishing

Answer 5

mate if you take all of these very kind and deserving peoples advice you will catch fish, just understand that rods get beat up in retail stores and eyes (guides) get bent and cracked and bass pro shops rods all have a one year full return exchange guarantee.

that's all and make sure you get a spinning rod for a spinning reel

oh and the one piece rods are so much stronger when you need them to be.

Answer 6

I personally would go with the BSP Power Plus! since is more resistant/stronger and easier to maneuver.

Answer 7

First of all the Power Plus is a casting rod. If you get the Okuma spinning rod, it would not be compatible. It's a good rod and all, but you wouldn't get that unless you get a baitcaster. Ugly Stik makes decent poles, so that one would be good. I think one piece rods are much better, but on a tight budget, that rod would be perfectly fine.

I suggest you looking at ones that you can go put your hands on though if you can instead of ordering online. When you can go to the store (even if it's Walmart) and test the bend in the rod, the weight, and the sensitivity yourself, it makes all the difference in the world.

I just recently bought a Pennacle Platinum Plus Baitcasting Reel and a Abu Garcia Colonon 6'6" MH action (10-25lb test) rod from Walmart and it is a wonderful setup. Completely beautiful combination and they handle great. The whole thing was $90 total and I wouldn't trade it for the world. There is also an Abu Garcia Spinning Rod and Reel combo at Walmart that my husband and I hope to pick up tonight that is really sweet and is only $50, so you might want to look at options nearby you. You might just find something GREAT for a cheaper price.

I hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck.