Rods and Reels

[svk]

Spent last night re-stringing fishing reels and tip ups as we are leaving for an overnight ice fishing trip this evening.

I love fishing gear especially rods and reels. I really like the reels with infinite anti reverse.

When I buy rods I usually go to the store and test every one in person as there’s a huge difference in feel and stiffness between various rods of the same weight/action. As much of my fishing is done from canoes and small boats where accidents are more prone to happen, I don’t buy expensive rods so I don’t feel bad if they break. The most expensive rod I’ve ever purchased was 60 dollars and I got a 2 for 1 deal so it ended up being $30 per rod. Someone did end up breaking one of them when I was canoeing with the family. Oh well, life happens.

When I was outfitting the kids with rods, I try to find combos where the rod and reel together are around $30. And always try the action and reel quality before buying. **** happens when kids go fishing so a few rods have been broken and a few went for a swim as well.

I like to have multiple presentations set up for fishing so then you can swap till you find what the fish want versus having to re-tie every time.

My dad always fished walleye with a medium action rod, 2500 series reel and 8-10 lb mono so of course I did the same. He was a good fishermen which of course takes years to master so he always caught more fish than me. A few years back I met a fishing buddy who always used crappie weight gear (500 or 1000 series reels with ultralight rods with 2-4 lb line and small jigs) and he really catches walleyes with all of that small stuff especially when vertically jigging so now I bring along rods with light gear for jigging and then some medium stuff for trolling diver baits as well as medium light for general purpose.

I mostly prefer mono for general fishing. I like fluorocarbon much better than regular mono as it will last significantly longer on the reel without getting memory versus regular mono looks like a slinky after a year or two. Have some braided as well for Muskie fishing as well as level wind trolling reels.

I guess it’s kind of like saws. I like having several different ones for different applications.

 

[Whinbush]

Coming up to that time of year here too, I gave last year a miss due to covid, the year before
I gave a miss due to the weather being so hot, low water levels and the fish were suffering enough,
Looks like covid will keep me from fishing this year too, not allowed to travel far enough to reach the river.
I like different rods too for the various areas I fish, but could easily do with one, and a few different lines,
I spin, and fly fish, don't use expensive rods either, no need to any more, there are some good ones to be had
incognito hiding among the more expensive offers, rings are usually lower spec though, but they can be changed,
the rod actions are as good as need be.

 

[svk]

Started bringing reels in the house to see what I actually have. None of these have been used in at least four years so anything with mono is going to need to be respooled.

 

[old CB]

I mostly prefer mono for general fishing. I like fluorocarbon much better than regular mono as it will last significantly longer on the reel without getting memory versus regular mono looks like a slinky after a year or two. Have some braided as well for Muskie fishing as well as level wind trolling reels.

Don't know what fluorocarbon is, but since braided line came along it's all I use. Went fishing with a buddy last year in Florida and couldn't believe he still used mono--it was all I could do to keep from saying something. Love that braided line.

I have sliced a finger open a time or two when not careful. Reminds me that I still have a coil of braided steel somewhere that we used years ago for dehorning livestock--stuff cuts like crazy.

 

[~Yellow Streak~]

Like the old Mitchell's. Have a few myself, 308-908-900 (my dang 408 got stolen) ... I've got a bunch of older Daiwa's

 

[svk]

Don't know what fluorocarbon is, but since braided line came along it's all I use. Went fishing with a buddy last year in Florida and couldn't believe he still used mono--it was all I could do to keep from saying something. Love that braided line.

I have sliced a finger open a time or two when not careful. Reminds me that I still have a coil of braided steel somewhere that we used years ago for dehorning livestock--stuff cuts like crazy.

I like mono especially in super clear water. Fish won’t bite at all on on any braid except for Berkley Fireline Crystal in very clear freshwater. But I have braid on several reels and just tie on a mono leader.

Fluoro is basically higher quality mono. It doesn’t stretch as much, is thinner in diameter, and doesn’t hold memory like traditional mono especially as it ages.

 

[Dave Hadden]

"Fluoro is basically higher quality mono. It doesn’t stretch as much, is thinner in diameter, and doesn’t hold memory like traditional mono especially as it ages."

Methinks you forgot its best quality, it's nearly invisible in water as it doesn't refract/reflect light like mono and braid do.

Great for use as leaders or tippets when fly-fishing.

I'd suggest that's more important than the qualities you identified, even though valid. IMHO



Take care.

 

[svk]

Truth.

I just bought a spool of 10lb Berkley pure fluoro for tying spinners.

 

[CentaurG2]

A good run down on fishing line



The Ultimate Guide on Fishing line!! Pros and Cons - YouTube



When I have the time, I mostly fish with JDM ultralite baitcasters. Most of my rod/reel setups cost more than my chainsaws. I have used many different fishing lines. I always end up back to Yo-Zuri hybrid. It is a fluoropolymer/nylon hybrid. Thin, cost effective and good stuff.

 

[svk]

Picked up a Berkley Cherrywood spinning rod on clearance today. $14.88!

 

[CentaurG2]

Never used one but I am told they are a decent rod for the money.

 

[svk]

I’ve never been unhappy with any Berkeley gear for the money I’ve paid. Sure they aren’t quite as crisp as the higher end gear but a great value and, knock on wood, have never left me hanging.

 

[svk]

My grandpa had a great Berkeley lightning rod from the late 80’s. I always wanted it but he ended up giving it to my uncle. Found an identical one on eBay which was delivered last week. I’ll put his old reel on it for walleye fishing this spring.

 

[stihl sawing]

You're missing some parts, where's the old hand crank generator and wire?

 

[weimedog]

Started bringing reels in the house to see what I actually have. None of these have been used in at least four years so anything with mono is going to need to be respooled. View attachment 891013

NOW I don't feel crazy. I certainly don't have THAT many, but have a couple of Daiwa's, Shimano's and Mitchell's that still get use from time to time NOW have a couple of LEW's brand "Pro Tournament" series reels. Lover them with on Halo Rods