Rod, Reel, and Line

Hey guys, im going to get a new rod and reel. I want suggetions of good baitcast reels with reasonable price. I also want a very sensitive rod, and i want your guys opinions on line. Im thinking of getting braided, but im not sure. Thanks

[QUOTE=Kfed5;457875]Hey guys, im going to get a new rod and reel. I want suggetions of good baitcast reels with reasonable price. I also want a very sensitive rod, and i want your guys opinions on line. Im thinking of getting braided, but im not sure. Thanks[/QUOTE]

It really depends on what you want to spend. With baitcasters, you are going to get what you pay for. Bass Pro sells the Pro Qualifier sometimes for $79.99. I have a few of them and I would recommend them, they are great reels. Bass Pro also sells Tourney Spectial and Bionic Blade rods, 50$ and 80$. Again, sometimes the Bionic Blades are on sale, but I don't think they are right now. However, the Bass Pro graphite series rods are on sale, and they are a great value for the price right now ($20). I would get a 6' or 6'6" rod in M or MH action. I would recommend getting mono not braid, since you are likely going to birdsnest the reel a lot learning how to cast it, and braid is much more expensive. Try out Sunline in 14lb test, this is also sold at Bass Pro.

HOWEVER, if you want a good set up for cheap, I would go with the Diawa Strikeforce/Graphite Series rod combo at Bass Pro. As I already said, the rod is a solid value, and the reel preforms very well. It is currently priced at $64.99.

Here is a link to the combo
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Daiwa-Strikeforce-LowProfile-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/10205081/-1669300[/url]

Here are some links to the other products.

Tourney Special Rod
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Premium-Graphite-Casting-Rods/product/44526/-948243[/url]

Bionic Blade Rod
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Bionic-Blade-XPS-Trigger-Rods/product/10210581/-1749644[/url]

Graphite Series Rod
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops%C2%AE-Graphite-Series-Casting-Rods/product/44303/-948518[/url]

Pro Qualifier Reel
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/-1650488[/url]

Sunline
[url]http://www.basspro.com/Sunline-Super-Natural-Nylon-Monofilament-Fishing-Line/product/10213061/-1660286[/url]

I am on board with the pro qualifiers from bass pro. Have had one for a couple years and has held up well. I would also check out the temple fork outfitters casting rods. They are made by Gary Loomis. Has had one as a jig rod for a year and love it. They are about $100 a rod and you can get them at bass pro or tackle warehouse. If you want to spend a little more, I would suggest a shimano curado 200e7. Awesome reel for $140 now. Can't go wrong with the temple fork rod though.

okay i will check them out. My current reel is a pennicle i got for 59.99, just looking to upgrade.

It all depends on how much you want to spend. A rod that I really like that doesn't cost a lot of dough is the Berkley Lightning Rod. The newer ones can be found for around $50 and I've been impressed with mine so far. I also like St. Croix's Premier rods.

Ditto on the Shimanos. I like Quantum's baitcasters. The Tour Edition PT is a little on the higher end, but it is very smooth. For less money, you can go with one of their Codes which I also have and have been pleased with.

Don't forget to check eBay. I have gotten several rods & reels from eBay and, knock on wood, I've had a good experience every time. Of course if you have a big budget, go out and grab some brand new gear, but if not its a great way to save some big time $$$. There's always some risk to buying stuff online from people you don't know, but with their buyer protection it alleviates a lot of the stress.

Be careful with the rods with stainless or metallic eye inserts, as the line will eventually eat into the eyes and will abrade.

Thanks everyone, now i can figure out what i will be getting.