FNF reel size and rod--question?????

[MarkW]

Curious as to whether the most of you use 8,9 or 10 foot rods and what size reel---1000,2000,4000 size?
Getting ready to make some purchases and don't want to make the wrong one.
Thanks

You can e-mail me more info at basswrencher@gmail.com if you feel better doing that.

[MarkW]

Come on---not one answer????????????

[MrSplitshot]

In the creeks, I use an 8-footer with a 2500 series Shimano.

On the big water, I use a 10-footer with a 4000 series Shimano, but I'll break that creek setup out on the big water too...both work fine.

I think a lot of it is just what you're most comfortable with though. The very first FNF smallie I caught was on an 8'6" noodle rod that I bought at the Jim Strader Show and a 1000 series Shimano Sahara...it was a 22-incher, which was a lucky start for me, but a ton of fun. I've learned that the bigger spools on the bigger series reels help you cast farther in that clear water...and help gain ground on a big fish when they make a run.

[Wormin]

10 foot rod for sure as most of the time you will be using a 10' to 12' foot leader and with a shorter rod it's not as easy to cast. I go with a 2000 series reel and fireline. I have never had a problem with this set up.

[21ssExtreme]

I use both 10'-0 and 9'-6 with a Daiwa 2500 and Power Pro line, works great. Good luck

[MarkW]

Thanks for the info. Heading to Bass Pro to do some shopping!

[21ssExtreme]

Thanks for the info. Heading to Bass Pro to do some shopping!

So what did you end up with?

[Cobra190]

I use a 9-ft with an old Abu-Garcia Cardinal 753 spooled with 6lb line.

[MarkW]

I ended up with a Bass Pro Shop Extreme 8'6"---it was on sale for $29.99.(In the magazine---they honored that price) Bought the Punisher Kit and about 12 extra jigs,fireline--8 lb Crystal---Some bass Pro Shop brand Camo 6 lb line and some #4 three way swivels.

I have quite a few spinning reels---I am going to try my Shimano Sahara 2500. I think that will do the trick.

Almost ready to hit the water.

I may end up buying a 10', but the 9'6" at Bass Pro was soooooo long, it didn't feel comfortable. Once I fish the FNF some and get the hang of it, I may switch.
Thanks for all of the help.

[know1]

I've been using the BPS micro-lite FnF at 8'6". I can still cast the fly at 10' without too much trouble. It seems that a rod any longer than that would just be more awkward.

[redneckshadrap]

" It seems that a rod any longer than that would just be more awkward."

Don't get brainwashed that a 10ft leader is the only optional depth to fish. Sometimes you may have to go as fart as 18ft....thus longer rod would make it a lot easier.

[know1]

" It seems that a rod any longer than that would just be more awkward."

Don't get brainwashed that a 10ft leader is the only optional depth to fish. Sometimes you may have to go as fart as 18ft....thus longer rod would make it a lot easier.

Hmm. I didn't realize that you fished it that deep at times. The deepest I thought I'd heard was 12'