New Fishing Pole Advice
- Thread starter JM4CY
- Start date
And the first time you get backlash on that MF is like being stuck in an elevator with McCartney’s “simply having a wonderful Christmas time” on and endless loop.
Actually I have an old Quantum Iron baitcaster I shelled out like $50 for when I was in HS like 25 years ago. With 12-14 lb mono I can still outcast anybody with that thing.
Personally I think if a guy in Iowa had to get one rod and reel just get a Medium action 6’6” spinning combo. You have to about try to build a spinning reel that won’t work.
Yes Fluger. And I have couple president reels and they have been very reliable. I would get a lighter action rod, it makes catching smaller pond type fish more exciting.
I never figured out the baitcast but my dad got some good laughs at me trying to untangle that mofo while he fished.
I'm pretty much exact same situation as you. Trying to get back into it after years of nothing. What are the recommended types of line for a spin cast vs bait cast?
Do I have to use a steel leader if fishing for walleye or pike?
Yep that's a pretty universal set up for almost all normally sized species anywhere really.
When I used to spin fish I'd use ultra light rods and smaller reels with 4 lb test with a marabou jig. Was always a little interesting when a decent sized catfish came around.
Don't buy a baitcast reel if you're a novice. A spinning reel has a much shorter learning curve. As far using a steel leader... pike yes, walleyes no.
This is my experience with bait casters, even with the magnets in them to stop the rats nest. I know a lot of people love them, but I could never get it to work for me, and I really tried hard.
I think Shakespeare has completely changed the price point on the Ugly Stik line. The ones I bought in HS were 100% fiberglass I want to say. And also indestructible. And cheap. I bought a GX2 a couple years ago and it's a completely different rod, at a higher quality, compared to its predecessors.
It takes practice that usually leads to stopping short (RIP Jerry Stiller) until you get it down. Was fishing with my kids a couple weeks ago and explaining why baitcasters are tough, but was bragging how I hadn’t had a case of backlash in like 10 years. Sure enough within 10 mins caught a weed or something with my lure as I was casting and had a rats nest that took me 30 mins to clear out.
I’m also a big fan of light gear. Years ago caught a 5.5 lb largemouth on 8 lb ultra thin line and med/light gear. I also really like using the lighter gear with unweighted Texas rigs. Between that and topwaters it’s tough to beat the fun.
I lived in Oklahoma in my Mid 20s and 2 of my neighbors taught me the art of noodling. Don't have a lot of pics but here's one day's haul. Sorry for the poor quality but this is scan of an old Polaroid. We donated the meat to the local fire department for a fish fry.
I have a friend who still has one and uses it. Keeps it in his vehicle in case he passes a spot he'd like to fish.
You one of the older dudes on the outside with the red hat? Couldn't have a UNI shirt on.
I'm not a huge fisherman either but doesn't it depend on what kind of fishing he's doing? i.e. - casting spinner baits or throwing out a bobber.
I never have for walleye, but if I'm casting for northerns, I like a 6" steel leader -- maybe 30 lb test. I like either 6 lb test mono line for walleyes, or 14 lb spider wire.
