Hello all, just joined a few days ago and am new to saltwater fishing and am in the process of getting geared up for it. I am presently looking for recommendations for some entry level rod and reel combos for salmon, halibut and jigging that won't break the bank. Any help that you might give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Rod and reel recomendations
- Thread starter Statler
- Start date
cedarman
Member
Not the greatest rods around but you see them every where, uglystick. Tons of guides have them as they are really tough for the money. As for reels entry level is just that entry. I ran everything from shimano gt4000 to diawa m1 but nothing compares to a cork drag like a Islander reel. You can get the first 2 for $80 - $150 depending on year/model.
I would craiglist a used combo to get started and once you get the itch to fish more upgrade to items you will have for years.
Oh yeah and high end gear does not always catch more fish
Good luck and welcome to the forum
I would craiglist a used combo to get started and once you get the itch to fish more upgrade to items you will have for years.
Oh yeah and high end gear does not always catch more fish
Good luck and welcome to the forum
Sushihunter
Active Member
Statler:
Welcome to the forum!
Everybody here will have their own ideas about what constitutes a good starter rod & reel combo. Here are my thoughts:
Reel
Shimano 4000GT - Single action mooching reel. This reel will hold more line than you could possibly want when fighting any Salmon in BC waters. Fill it with a good quality 25# line like Maxima or Berkley Big Game. Line is no place to go cheap - I learned that lesson when I was starting out many years ago. Shop around and you should be able to get one for $80 - $100
Rod
I started out with some pretty cheap rods. I moved up to the Shimano TDR Downrigger rods, and I like a 9' or longer rod in a light action. These rods are great and you should be able to get them for $40 - $50 if you shop around. If you are experienced at playing a fish and will allow him to run when he wants and not try and stop him from running, these rods are good. I have found that people who try and force a fish in and hold him from running will break off the fish with these rods.
A few years ago, I moved up to a 10.5' mooching rod (Shimano Convergence CVC-M106MH-2) to use as my main downrigger rods. Haven't had a client break off a fish yet with these rods! They are very forgiving for new fishermen. I think I paid $60 each for mine, but I don't know if you can get them that cheap any more. They are normally about $100 or more, and I got mine at a sale price. If you can get a pair of these rods at a decent price, they are well worth it. The only problem I have with them is the length - ten and a half feet makes them a bit cumbersome in a small boat, but great when playing a fish. Good trade in my opinion. You can also use these rods for double duty if you would like to try mooching with cutplug or live bait.
One thing to keep in mind - you will be using these rods and reels for many years. It is well worth it to spend a little more and get good ones. That dosen't mean you have get silly - that Islander MR2 can wait for a while.
Don't forget to check the used market - sometimes you can get some good deals if you have the time to wait for what you want.
Good luck!
Welcome to the forum!
Everybody here will have their own ideas about what constitutes a good starter rod & reel combo. Here are my thoughts:
Reel
Shimano 4000GT - Single action mooching reel. This reel will hold more line than you could possibly want when fighting any Salmon in BC waters. Fill it with a good quality 25# line like Maxima or Berkley Big Game. Line is no place to go cheap - I learned that lesson when I was starting out many years ago. Shop around and you should be able to get one for $80 - $100
Rod
I started out with some pretty cheap rods. I moved up to the Shimano TDR Downrigger rods, and I like a 9' or longer rod in a light action. These rods are great and you should be able to get them for $40 - $50 if you shop around. If you are experienced at playing a fish and will allow him to run when he wants and not try and stop him from running, these rods are good. I have found that people who try and force a fish in and hold him from running will break off the fish with these rods.
A few years ago, I moved up to a 10.5' mooching rod (Shimano Convergence CVC-M106MH-2) to use as my main downrigger rods. Haven't had a client break off a fish yet with these rods! They are very forgiving for new fishermen. I think I paid $60 each for mine, but I don't know if you can get them that cheap any more. They are normally about $100 or more, and I got mine at a sale price. If you can get a pair of these rods at a decent price, they are well worth it. The only problem I have with them is the length - ten and a half feet makes them a bit cumbersome in a small boat, but great when playing a fish. Good trade in my opinion. You can also use these rods for double duty if you would like to try mooching with cutplug or live bait.
One thing to keep in mind - you will be using these rods and reels for many years. It is well worth it to spend a little more and get good ones. That dosen't mean you have get silly - that Islander MR2 can wait for a while.
Don't forget to check the used market - sometimes you can get some good deals if you have the time to wait for what you want.
Good luck!
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