(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best fishing rod & reel combos

Congrats on the raise! Especially in today's economy, it's great that that kind of recognition came through!

I feel a lot like a TARDIS - easily overlooked on the surface, but vast and wonderful on the inside.

One of my twin girls has decided she wants fishing to be her special thing with her daddy. Of course it must be pink :)

Tenkarabum does a really good job breaking down the differences.
I currently own three corkless Keiryu rods: Kosasa 150 (4.9ft), Kiyose 24SF (7.4ft), and Kiyotaki 36 (11.5ft). They are all on the stiff side, with more tip flex and a stiff mid-section and butt.
My next rod will likely be something in the 2.9-3.2m range, and i want something softer as well- a 5:5 or 6:4, possibly even a LL (level line) rod with very slow action.
I'm looking at the Nissin Air Stage 290, Suntech Kurenai HM30R, and mostly the Nissin Pro Spec 320. I think the Pro Spec will win out, with the added flexibility of the zoom from 2.7 to 3.2m, and it'll be my first cork grip rod as well.
Here's the fun part- the first two rods are right around $100 on Amazon.jp, and the Pro Spec is like $90. Look how much TenkaraBum asks for them. I'll only be paying $18 for 2-3 day EMS from Japan through Tenso.

Not necessarily a great way to start out, but just showing how much this route can save you.

Personally, of all the "starter kits" mentioned above, I'd either go with the cheapest american company that has a great warranty/service, or I'd get the Nissin kit from TB or Amazon.jp:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00B7YHYZ2

https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Water-Fishing-Complete-Starter/dp/B005ETGEFW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=26863Y0GGG9PH&keywords=wild+water+fly+fishing+combo&qid=1568663895&s=gateway&sprefix=wild+water%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-4

I started with this back in 2014. It's more about just getting a rod in your hand and giving it a go. If you've never fished before this one is nice because it comes with the leader tied on ready to fish. If you end up enjoying the sport you'll end up buying something new and better pretty quickly.

As far as warranty goes you wont probably wont get one for any of the sub $100 outfits.

I had one of the mid 90's revival Pocket Fisherman (this one called the "Instant Fisherman", but it's the same thing as the Ronco Pocket Fisherman folding rod/reel combos. As a kid, it was awesome, as I planned on taking it with me while I biked to the mine pits that litter the woods near my home town, but I was also smart enough to know how dangerous climbing around those pits was and didn't want to drown or die in a rockslide.

The rod was short, heavy action, and made a few steps above "cheap" but definitely a few steps below "high quality". It did fold up to a small size, and extended out like they said it would, but now I have a 7' light action rod and would never be able to use something that small again, unless I'm ice fishing. I didn't have any issues with the gears like the amazon reviewers report, as far as I can remember.

It came with this awesome little fishing guide on plastic pages that you had to pop out of the perforated sheet it was printed on, and bind together on your own (I used a keyring). They had basic tips, like "Fish under docks" or "Look for underwater structures that fish like to hang out near". I still have that in my tackle box, mostly for nostalgia. The rod itself is long gone; I don't even remember what happened to it.

Turns out my dad had one when they first came out. I figure by the time I have kids, maybe they'll release the Pocket Fisherman for a new generation and I'll buy one for my kids, just to carry on the tradition.

Your best bet is to look at the Eagle Claw Fiberglass Rods, They are well known and well loved as cheap good rods.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B0031HECBM/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1480429552&sr=1-2&keywords=eagle+claw+fly+rod

I also have this rod, Its a nice little cheap rod with a different feel from the fiberglass. I don't know anything about the reel they offer here. I just have the rod.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C2KTZCY/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Look for an old Martin or other "blue collar" used reel on ebay. That will get you a much more solid setup than some all in one kit.

I use the 10 foot version of this
http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Fishing-TU-1002-80-Tundra-Spinning/dp/B0015NFH86/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1394177077&sr=8-4&keywords=okuma

to surf and pier fish. Rod reel line, ready to go. I'm in Ventura, so I imagine the fish is similar. I go for two hours before high tide to whenever I'm done, on the two week high tide. Next one is March 15ish...I use this site to find it. You'll need to adjust for wherever you're going out.

http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/viewDailyPredictions.jsp?bmon=03&bday=13&byear=2014&timelength=weekly&timeZone=2&dataUnits=1&datum=MLLW&timeUnits=2&interval=highlow&format=Submit&Stationid=9411065

Surf perch really like sand crabs, you can net them with a fine pitch fish net or dig them up. I rig three hooks on a floro leader with three way swivels, enough pyramid weight on the end to stick in the sand (usually 4-6 oz, more if the surf is heavy. Rod can do 12oz no problem, and that's as much as I feel like casting). I use strong terminal knots for everything (six turn san diego jam), don't seem to break. Learn to tie them here:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/fishing/bass/where-fish/2009/02/strongest-fishing-knots

Look for outgoing rip channels or holes to drop into, fish seem to congregate there. Surf perch travel in schools, here they seem to move south down the beach with the prevailing current. Once they start hooking up, they will keep going until the school goes by, you can chase it down the beach. I'm lazy, so I cast and drink beer (check local laws on this, I bring cans for the glass factor, never been hassled).

It seems like if there has been a fire in the area the fish are gone (I'm looking at you Pt. Mugu) and down here sharks spawn in river estuaries so I catch (and release ASAP) a few juvenile leopards and smoothhounds.

I love surf fishing, its a blast. Hang out at the beach for a few hours, drink a couple of beers, catch fish. Can be as active or passive as you want. You can fish pretty much anywhere you can get to.

Redington Crosswater combo ($132 with Prime)

If he likes smallmouth and catches them in his favorite creeks then get the 6wt. If he prefers trout then get the 9' 5wt option. This rod in a 6wt will also work for pond/lake fishing for bass. If he went to a bigger river then he would do fine with it as well, whether wading or in a boat.

He will also need a leader and some tippet. For $8.61 you can get him an individual leader, or for $16 you can get him the three pack. For tippet, if you get him the 8 pound leader then you should get him the 8 pound tippet for $7.57.

For leader longevity he will want tippet rings for $11.72. This will allow him to use his leaders for much longer rather than needing to re-buy leaders sooner. I know we're outside of your budget at this point past the leader, but if you can swing it then all of these things will provide what he needs outside of flies. Maybe someone else is getting him presents and could supplement the rest. Sometimes fly rod combos will come with leaders, but I didn't see it mentioned on the Crosswater combo. You'll notice I tailored it more to bass. If you find out he's more of a trout guy, then read on.

For $10.78 you can get a 3-pack of 9' 4x leaders. He can fish small streamers and nymphs with these, but would want a thinner leader for dry flies. For creeks he will probably fish small streamers and nymphs most of the time anyways, so this is a good choice (in my opinion). You'll still want the tippet rings listed above to make the leader purchase last a long time. For tippet, a spool of 4x tippet material for $11.43. The tippet prices seem high to me so you might want to dig around some more for options.

Other doodads to consider would be nippers and a zinger, hemostats, and a net. Teeth are a substitute for nippers, but biting through fishing line does wear your teeth. Hemostats aren't as necessary if he pinches the barbs on his hooks. You can get away with not using a net, but it is easier on the fish and the fisherman to use one.

Hopefully this helps and points you in the right direction. If you have questions just send me a message.

I would start with a spinning tackle rod and reel combo like this:
Shakespeare ugly stik
I would also get a fresh water lure kit like this: South bend lure kit
You will need some fishing line. If you're going for bass I would suggest 6-8 pound monofilament. No need to go with any of the fancy new braided lines and fluorocarbons just yet. Try line like this: Stren 8 lb. monofilament fishing line
I would also suggest some tools. Needle-nose pliers for removing hooks from fish or from yourself (it happens!), nail clippers for cutting fishing line, a knife.
Now this is just for starters as you get more advanced you can buy lures, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, tools and all the other stuff (and there's a lot of stuff) individually to customize your tackle box. I like to do a google search for fishing spots around me to find info on good places. You can usually find out what tackle works there just by reading the comments, too.

I fished the beach in Kitty Hawk last year almost daily for 2 weeks in late August. Some days were better than others, but I caught something every day, mostly sea mullet with a bluefish, a skate, and a few spot mixed in. Granted, though, I would fish for close to 8 hours per day (10am to 6pm). I was using fresh shrimp on a high-low rig with a pyramid sinker to hold bottom.

If you want to try for dinner, use some sand fleas on a high-low rig to target pompano. They're supposedly delicious. I wouldn't know. I've never caught one, but that'll be my prime target when I am down again this August. Also, no need to cast a mile...most of the fish hang close to shore, right behind the closest breakers.

You can get a decent Penn rod and reel surf combo for around $50. Throw some line on it, grab a few high-low rigs, a couple pyramid weights, and some fresh bait from a tackle shop down there and you'll have all you need to hit the beach for under $100. Oh, and don't forget the sand spike. It's worth the $7.

$75 should get you a pretty nice rig. Most of the combos sold go for less than that, and looking at amazon I would choose this one.

If you want to put your own combo together, I would be looking at reels with a higher bearing count, and maybe a longer rod. My favorite set-up right now is an Okuma Alumina on a Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite. I have three like this as well as some larger version of that reel and am very happy with them after three years.

Well I’m probably the wrong person to ask.. I picked up a pretty basic tenkara rod off amazon at the end of this summer. Haven’t fished in years tho, and fly/tenkara is 100% new to me. I took it out on a trip about a month ago just to play around with it. I didn’t pack the tube, but it did come with a cloth sleeve. I just dropped the butt in my side pocket and cinched some shockcord around the rod end. Honestly, it worked fine, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the security of slipping it into a more substantial sleeve.

Here: https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Quantum-33MCK505TEL-FB4-33Micro-Telecast/dp/B076MNS7WF/

Ultralight and ultraportable setup. Easy to learn to cast and good distance with the right lures.

The right lures are Trout Magnets, easy to tie, don't snag a lot and you can add a bobber to the line and let it drift. If there's anything else besides trout (young bass, bluegills, etc), you'll get them too.

It's my "fall back to having fun" kit for when bigger bass isn't in the mood or I don't want to bother hauling stuff. Two rod combos and a TM kit will have both of you fishing for a year.

hey man! I'm a bit closer to your age, and am not going to try to convince you to spend "just a little more" (i.e. typically twice as much, or $300) to get something with a lifetime warranty. It's a different world financially when you don't have a full time job...

I've had both the encounter and two of redingtons competing entry level setups, the redington crosswater combo, and the redington path combo.

I found the encounter to feel a lot cheaper, and stiffer, than even the cheaper redington option (the crosswater). If i were you, I'd get the crosswater on amazon or in your local fly shop for $110-$160 (price varies https://www.amazon.com/Sportsman-Supply-Inc-Redington-Crosswater/dp/B000M5W2HC/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=redington+crosswater+combo&qid=1566474530&s=home-garden&sr=8-8 ) or spend a little more and get the path, which does have a nice warranty, and comes in the exact dimensions you want ( https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Fishing-Outfit-Crosswater-9-Foot/dp/B074KMBXHL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=redington%2Bpath%2Bcombo&qid=1566474588&s=home-garden&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1 ). Both will likely end up saving you some money over the encounter--and both are just as nice, if not nicer.

​

That said, the encounter is a solid choice, and you really can't go wrong with whatever gets you fishing!

There is definitely luck involved with fishing! I suspect your youngest will never let you forget it.

At age 5, my youngest caught a 4.5 lb 20 inch largemouth bass using her princess fishing pole pan fishing off our dock. There was a 3-4" bluegill on the line and the bass took the bluegill. Luckily the bass did not swallow the hook deeply enough that the hook could not be removed.

She was very excited to have caught the bass, but didn't want anything to do with being near it to have her picture taken. We did release it and my youngest was happy to see it swim off.

Did you release the taimen or not?

This fishing rod is something that every person needs. Why? Because of that wonderful old adage of "If you give a man to fish, he'll eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for the rest of his life."

Fact of the matter is, if everyone spent a little more time fishing, they'd be more relaxed, and better fed. So why not enjoy it to the fullest? :D

I picked up one of these 3 years ago and bought another after a few months. Kinda hard to find now but they are really nice ultralight rods perfect for trout, panfish, and crappie.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOHHGWU/ref=cm_sw_r_taa_AutBzb96C0AZ3

Little telescopic zebco has served me pretty well. Liked the reel enough that I put it on a better rod and put a little trigger spin on this one so line wouldn't get caught while it's in the console of my truck.

https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Quantum-33MS505TEL-FB4-Spinning-Telescopic/dp/B07H54PHQV/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=zebco+micro+33+telescopic&qid=1555589432&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

I saw that Girlsplaywow is a jerk if she won't buy herself something. Busy week! You'll be fine in your 10k, and congrats on your anniversary!

If you decide to do this and I win, 1) you rule, 2) i'd love to receive either this for my gear or this new rod.

You are NOT a jerk!!!

Shore fishing?

Really just a basic rod and reel setup would work, you dont have to spend a fortune to catch great fish in the panhandle.

heres a solid rod and reel example

I use 30 lb Microfiliament ( I like Power Pro brand) and about 2 feet of 50 lbs test leader. I use Owner circle hooks.

You can have a nice set up for less than a hundred bucks.

For bait:

live shrimp

greenbacks

cut up ladyfish(can catch them with shrimp)

I've got a couple of these:

https://www.amazon.com/PLUSINNO-Fishing-Telescopic-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B018GFYHDG

I own the 10ft and a 6 foot one.

Honestly they are not that bad of rods except for the fact that they are not very sensitive. They pack down fairly small. If you buy one make sure you take apart the reel and oil it good. Thru didn't do a very good job at the factory.

fishing rod