Setting Up

[T-Bone]

Got a lot of good feedback last year on spinning reels from the group; consensus was to get a Pfleuger President; check...got one and it's a nice budget reel that offers good performance so far. Had a little issue with one of my reels (Shimano Solstace) during the September  trip this year, but haven't taken it apart to see what the problem is yet. I also have a Shimano Sonora; both it and the Solstace are what I'd call 'value' reels...maybe $40-$50 new when you could get them; both appear to be discontinued now; this got me thinking about setting up on a couple completely new rigs for the coming year. Santa is coming soon...

My favorite primary rod is a St. Croix Premier...6''6" M/L. I have the Pfleuger Prez on that now. Was looking a the Lew's Mach II reel (leaning this way), and maybe a Cadence, but there are SOOOOOO many out there between $60-$100. Not afraid of Shimano, or any brand for that matter...just want to get the best bang for the buck. Insights on appreciated if anyone out here has looked into walleye reels again lately. 

Also...I love my St. Croix, but the St. Croix Eyecon I have my eye on (no pun intended) is $130US. I see glowing reviews for Ugly Stick Elite for $50. What about Fenwick rods? Which model would be best for those pesky 'eyes? Any other brands I should be looking at? I have a couple Bass Pro and Cabela's branded spinning rods now that came on combos, but they're just not what I like.

Thanks all...

269. 

[RHYBAK]

I love my St. Croix Eyecon

[Hodgey1]

As I'm no expert, I will only interject two things. One: I paired a Quantum Energy PT25 to a 6'6" St Croix Triumph med/light fast and I loved it! Two: I can not recommend a Fenwick rod, as it does not hold up well to having a 200+ lbs person falling on it. 

[RickOnt]

I am pretty much a diehard Shimano/ St Croix guy.  However this year I am gonna set up a Phleuger/St Croix combo.

But to be honest most will do the job

[T-Bone]

Two: I can not recommend a Fenwick rod, as it does not hold up well to having a 200+ lbs person falling on it. 

HA HA HA HA HA!!! Yes....I recall...but we all got a good laugh out of it...

Mr. Rhybak...I'm looking hard at it, but dag...that's pricey...

RickOnt....what Shimano do you prefer? They have about 36,549 spinning reel models.... 

Thanks guys...

[RHYBAK]

T-Bone

It's not like your buying it as a gift for somebody, Your buying it for yourself.
It's almost Christmas.
Treat yourself.

[RickOnt]

Yea T-Bone I hear ya I have 3 Symetres and 2  Solstice

I would like Santa to bring me a Shimano Stradic or a Phleuger Supreme XT.

[pikebuster]

I love St Croix rods but I find them to be very fragile so now the Ugly Stick is my rod of choice.

AL

[Canuckbass]

I’ve tried to stay away from this thread...

Ugly Stix - like a wet noodle with no sensitivity, but perfect for guys that break rods.

Best drag for spinning reel is Diawa hands down,but these Kipawa walleye drag is not a big issue.

St. Croix is one of the most sensitive and well built rods.

I find for myself best bang for your buck and quality is Abu Garcia, most of my camp rods and reels are Abu Garcia. Even some of my bass gear is Abu.

I do not spend big bucks on spinning reels, usually wait till a good sale and pick up a few at a time.

Shimano Stradic Ci4 would be my purchase if I wanted to drop dough, super light and good all around reel and drag.

I don’t support just one brand, buy what your comfortable with.

I was in the rod sales business for a few years, any questions I may be able to help.

One thing I do tell folks, there is one factory in China that has a very high breakage rate, unfortunately they produce for many of the rod companies on the market... stay away from the flashy bright coloured rods... they seem sensitive,light etc, but break way to often under load.

[GregL]

Can't beat an ugly stick if your budgeting. St.Croix Rods are great, I have used them for years.

If your looking to treat yourself, I treated myself & wife to a few feather light custom jigging rods we test drove in a guides boat on Rainy Lake. They are absolutely fantastic!! So we use these now.

As far as reels.. I absolutely love the Pflueger President® XT Spinning Reel.. as good as any mid-high range spinning reel I've owned over the years. They sure survived the work out 3 of us gave on our September trip

[Canuckbass]

I have never tried a Pflueger or even spell it... I know guys love them, my only issue when I look at them is the weight. They are a bit heavy I find and I like a good balanced rod/ reel combo.
The quality is certainly there.

[GregL]

I thought that as well, but they balanced very well on our super light rods. I took the rods to Cabelas to make sure because I was concerned with balance

Maybe that's the rod and position of reel seat which deals with the weight of the reel.

[Canuckbass]

I thought that as well, but they balanced very well on our super light rods. I took the rods to Cabelas to make sure because I was concerned with balance

Maybe that's the rod and position of reel seat which deals with the weight of the reel.

A lot of balance is the rod too, a quality rod is not tip heavy. Cheaper rods weigh down the butt end to make tip feel lighter.

[johnny walleye]

CHECH OUT ARDENT  REELS AT ARDENTOUTDOORS.COM

[puckster_guy]

All I've ever used for trolling is ugly sticks. Tough rods. I got a 50 lbs. Musky once and tons of smaller Pike (10-30lbs) on it. Totally indestructible with all the finesse of a good 2x4. But will haul in the biggest fish. My jigging rod on the other hand is a fine St Croix. It catches walleye no one else can feel, short of working an ultra lite. Which I plan on using more often next summer. Walleye gotta be fun on that little rig.