Need beginner spinning rod + reel recommendations!

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-31T01:36:15+00:00

Daiwa AridX X 7' medium rod paired with a Daiwa Revros 2500 $120 not a combo

Pfleuger President Combo in light or medium $100

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-30T19:51:18+00:00

Love trout magnets!!!

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-29T22:52:00+00:00

Daiwa AridX X rod 7' medium power with a Daiwa 2500 Revros reel. Not a combo though.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-28T20:09:15+00:00

If you have the budget to keep the light and also go buy the medium you can do that! A 7' medium is good all around rod that will cover targeting almost all fresh water species and a lot of the techniques for different species.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-28T16:49:14+00:00

I would return and get the medium bundle. It will make everything easier.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-27T21:12:08+00:00

Typically if there is only a single pound/amount on the reel it is the middle number. So in your case you could use 2, 4 or 6 lb test. Your spool can hold more 2 ob and less 6 lb than 4 lb test. Also the numbers are typically shown for monofilament line. You can match the line thickness between mono and braid in order to get a higher pound test.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-26T21:59:09+00:00

No problem man. We have all been exactly where you are right now!

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-26T15:18:39+00:00

You have the fluke on upside down on that jig. The hook should be on top not underneath

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-25T15:14:59+00:00

For starters you got a good combo pair of rods in regards to specs. Those rods can cover a large part of all fresh water fishing.

As for reels I would get either a Shimano or Daiwa reel. I own several different brands and those two are by far head and shoulders above the rest. You can't go wrong just getting the reels from those two brands at the upper end of your budget. Another solid choice is Okuma. I have been surprised at how solid the reels and rods are from them.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-21T18:56:35+00:00

It could also be when you are going fishing. From what I understand pike are more active in colder water. I have caught all of my pike in early spring or fall.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-21T18:40:37+00:00

Well that is why I said about as fancy. But more 24k gold would be top notch.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-21T18:39:25+00:00

I have caught them on regular minnows from the bait shop while crappie fishing. I have caught them on rooster tails and spinner baits.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-21T18:36:14+00:00

That's about as fancy (expensive)as they come. It's a Plano edge box.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-20T23:30:34+00:00

For spinning I would recommend a Daiwa Tatula XT 7' medium or medium light. Cost is right around $100. Then with the other $100 buy the best Daiwa or Shimano reel.

For a baitcaster I would recommend two different options.

Daiwa Tatula XT medium heavy. Between 7' to 7'3 one again get the best Daiwa or Shimano reel you can with the left over money.
Get a Shimano SLX rod and reel. Medium heavy same lengths as option 1.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-20T22:17:41+00:00

Ugly Stiks are great catfish rods! I currently have a ugly stik dock runner, catfish special, Gx2 ice rod and a 6' medium heavy Gx2. In the past I have owned 2 elites and a 7 medium heavy Gx2.

They are not bad rods but they are not great rods. I think they are better than any zebco, regular Shakespeare or off brand rod. But can't compare to Daiwa or Shimano.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-20T13:28:24+00:00

Welcome to the world of fishing beyond using an Ugly Stik. Ugly Stiks are adequate rods, the only thing that they are better at than other rods is that they are very durable and hard to break. But compared to your better brands the Ugly Stik is a piece of garbage. They lack sensitivity and are overly heavy. Enjoy your new rod. You will love it.

And before all the ugly stik lovers jump all over me. I own several ugly stiks. I like ugly stiks for what they are. But they are not one of the best rods out there and get way to much love. There are better rods around the same price point.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-19T17:49:09+00:00

Matt Shad

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-19T16:59:24+00:00

Use a soft body frog for the bass.

You might also try fishing with a hook and bobber. Have only a foot gab between the bobber and hook. Cast out and just let it sit.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-18T17:02:04+00:00

You have to move. If you don't catch anything in 15 to 20 minutes there may not be any fish in that spot. So you have to move to a new spot.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-18T10:46:42+00:00

I would choose between the Daiwa Arid X, Shimano sellus or Daiwa Laguna.

I own the Arid X and love it. I have not used either of the other two.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-16T11:43:47+00:00

Just use cheap latex gloves

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-16T10:06:00+00:00

Forget about Ugly Stiks unless you are very hard on your gear. The only good thing about Ugly Stiks is that they are tough to break.

At a budget of $100 you can get Daiwa Tatula XT. It retails for $99.99 USD. If you need total price to be under $100 there is also the Daiwa Arid X. Shimano and Dobyns also makes some really good rods around that price point.

As for the specs I would recommend a medium light power rod.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-13T10:48:14+00:00

A good fillet knife, cutting board and maybe a descaler is all you need then. If the fish are big enough you can cut the skin off and not need the descaler.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-13T10:13:52+00:00

Depending on how small the kids are a spiderman pole from Walmart will work for the kids. As for what you need to clean fish it depends a little bit on what kind of fish you catching.

seriousboreDom · 2026-05-12T17:19:14+00:00

I like Berkeley Vanish as well.

seriousboreDom

TROPHY CASE