Suggestions for affordable 2pc bass rod for plastics?

[wandy]

Hi,

I fish mostly NY reservoirs for small and largemouth bass and now officially a senko/wacky addict. I want to get a spinning rod to use but without breaking the bank.(50-75$) I am also thinking about getting the Quantuum Catalyst PTi or Okuma Metaloid or Epixor spinning reel as well. Can anyone make any suggestions about models and sizes/actions? It is very difficult finding reviews for rods.

Thanks!

[bitesize]

Take a look at the 2pc Berkley Lighting rods.
They are decent for the price.

Are you going with a 2pc because you can't fit a one piece easily
in your car?

[wandy]

Thanks for the info. Do you have a model recommendation, size or action for fishing "the plastics"?

I am going with a two piece due to lack of space. I live in NYC where space is at a premium. I wish I could go with one piece rods.

Thanks

[bitesize]

Fishing from shore or watercraft?

[wandy]

Almost always a rowboat. NY watershed reservoirs.

[bitesize]

For through Senko's and stuff, I would go with the heavy or med-heavy with a fast tip. You should go to your local store and "bend" one.
They should have them in many places, including Walmart.

For reel, I really like my Quantum Catalyst PTi because I have not seen any roller bearing problems on mine. So as long as you get one that's good, you will love it!!!!

I personally find the Metaloid to be too "big". The Epixor, the bail wire is way too long for my big hands. It hits my knuckles when I retrieve. If you have big hands, Epixor is not for you.

So IF you get the Berkley rod that's like $30 + reel $80, that's a good price for a pretty decent combo!

Anyone else have any suggestions of Wandy?

[wandy]

Thanks for the info. Do you have any experience with the Cabelas or Bass Pro line of rods? They seem to have a large selection of two piece rods. I looked last night have rods in the price range I am searching in.

What is the problem with the quantuum catalyst reels?

Many thanks.

[bitesize]

Check out this thread.

The Quantum had some roller bearing problem where it would slip.
I guess Quantum now is screening each and every reel and
the box should have an orange dot on it.
I bought one early on without the orange dot and mine is just fine.
Still smooth, no problems seen.
Very nice reel for the price and the features it comes with.
The especially like the bail wire. It won't get messed up.

I have not used the Bass Pro rods myself, but read that people
like them for the price.

[swear by senkos]

I hope this is not to late but oh well, i would recommend the cabelas fish eagle 2 rod and fish eagle tornament plus reel and rod combo.

[swear by senkos]

P.S. It comes out to $100 even, so an $80 reel, and an $80 pole, u save 60 bucks and i have both and they are really nice. Not the best, but the best for the price.

[roy smallie]

hi wandy...i own quite a few spinning rods and most all are 1 piece and are high end rods such as loomis and st croix avids and 2 legend elites...being on the short side i use mostly 6'0' rods and was looking for a 2 piece rod to keep in my truck for impromptu fishing oppurtunities...i recently bought this years model shimano compre rod...pleasantly surprised at the quality for the 80.00 price tag...im-8 graphite and fugi concept hardloy guides and light and well balanced....the thing is they have quite a few 2 piece rods in the series so you might want to look at them....i got mine locally at thruway market up here in walkill n.y....as i fish the reserviors often also but i know that cabelas, bass pro shops and tackle warehouse have the new models also...if you look into them make sure you get the 2004 models as they have higher modulus graphite, more guides and a nice rubberized butt cap compared to earlier models...hope this helps and good luck.

[swear by senkos]

HEy roy smallie, did you ever fish bashakill in upstate new york in the catskills. One of my favorite places to fish. If not it is really worth takin a ride. It is all state land like 30,000 acres. THere are bass in there and bowfins.

[roy smallie]

swear by senkos....yes i have fished the bashakill quite a few times near wurtsboro...caught some nice largemouths and a ton of chain pickerel...it is a really nice place...i actuall caught a bowfin on a spinnerbait there and it gave me quite a tussle, a really strange looking fish. it was worthy opponent.

[Reno Reeler]

Forget the Berkley, go for the St. Croix Premier spinning rod.

If the Bass run big and there is a lot of vegetation, go with the 6'6" medium heavy 2-piece spinning rated for 8-17 lb. test line:
• model PS66MHF2 ($90.00)

If the Bass are not too big and there is minimal vegetation, go with the 6' 6" medium 2-piece spinning rated for 6-12 lb. test line:
• model PS66MF2 ($95.00)

Order from tacklewarehouse and pay NO tax and pay NO shipping.

[wandy]

Next rod is either light or med-light. I am going to work on my slider technique this coming year. BPS has a combo that is 6' 2pc light with a quantum catalyst pti10. I can used 4 and 6 lb test. I will be throwing the brewer slider heads which are lighter than typically rated.

Thanks for the replies.