what do you recommend?

LGBASS20LB · Post by **LGBASS20LB** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 7:59 pm

I am soon going to be buying a new rod/rell combo. I would like to get some thoughts and comments on what are some good quality reels and rods. I have an abu garcia ambassedeur baitcaster with a shakespeare medium action pole. but I just want some advice, I was thinking on a Quantum set-up. Thanks

johnnie crain outdoors · Wed Mar 05, 2003 9:01 pm

Cole,
I'm assuming that you are talking mid-to low end price range? The Quantam combos are very good, South Bend has come out with some real nice products this year. Shimano has some good selections. Garcia is always a great dependable outfit. If you can't find a combo and have to buy and reel and rod separate, be sure you match them together, take the reel with you when purchasing the rod, make sure the reel and rod fit your hands comfortably and that the combo has good balance. There's no need to go overboard on high end combos, unless you have plenty of money, there are some good combinations in the mid price range that will last a long time. Good luck, take your time. Johnnie Crain

LGBASS20LB · Post by **LGBASS20LB** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 11:15 pm

Well, the money is not really my concern, I don't plan on spending anything more than $100. So, I'm leaning towards the Quantum, Although, I really do like the way a Shimano feels in my hands

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Thu Mar 06, 2003 1:29 am

Cole, If you really like how shimano combo's feel in your hand. Your best bet is to go to your local retailer and find a couple set-ups that feel good to you. Once you have that figured out, ask the sales associate to tell you about each one.

After you hear the good points about each combo determine which one suits you the best.

All of the brands my friend Johnnie mentioned are respectable brands.

JT Bagwell

MMT · Post by **MMT** » Thu Mar 06, 2003 6:22 am

If I could pick any combo, I'd go with a Shimano Scorpion 1001 matched to either a 6-6 Extreme Med or 6-6 Star ML. Well over $100.00 but not too crazy. For about 100 you could get a great Garcia Ambassaduer combo.

Hooked Solid · Post by **Hooked Solid** » Thu Mar 06, 2003 12:07 pm

Try and get the best stuff you can afford.It will be cheaper in the long run.Better to spend $300-$400 on something of higher quality now that will last forever,than $100-$200 every other year...>...HS

dansfishntales · Post by **dansfishntales** » Fri Mar 21, 2003 6:37 am

Cole,
All of my reels are Garcia. I've used a lot of reels through the years, and have been on several pro staffs. In fact, if the old Ryobi 4000V was still around I would suggest it, as I was one of the first to work with its R&D department in testing it, and the product was great.

I am not on the Garcia staff, but have found them to be a hard working reel that stands up to my fishing. I have several of them, but mainly use 5 C4 reels in high speed and low speed models, and one Ultra Cast. Unfortunately I don't think the Ultra Cast I have is any longer available.

For rods, again I have a ton of them, but currently have teamed all of my reels with the Berkley Lightning Pro Series.

Hope this has helped in someway. Just remember to get the best you can find for the budget.
Dan