I haven't been fishing in 20 years and I am considering starting up again. I would go for trout, bass, and pan fish. What brand/type of rod would you recommend?
Many brands have decent stuff and its all in how much you want to spend. I suggest a matched combo and don't be afraid to spend if you want quality. Makers like Quantum-Abu Garcia-Daiwa and Shimano all have good quality gear. I also like Ugly stick rods, Reasonable price and hard to break. Bass Pro shops also has some affordable gear. For trout and pan fish look for a light action rod. Bass would need medium action or Medium heavy of you pan to fish dense cover or heavy weeded area's. A medium light action might be a good in between if all you can afford is one rod/reel combo.
I've owned dozens and dozens of rods and reels over the years. Currently have what I consider a great all around setup. A 7' medium/lite St. Croix Avid rod and an Okuma Avenger reel. I use this setup for trout, bass, walleye, crappie etc. I have even caught several steelhead with it. As was said above, your budget will control what you can buy. Maybe head to a local outdoor shop and look around.
Thanks. My grandfather used to take me all the time but he passed away many years ago. I wouldn't even know where to start looking without your advice.
Good advice given here. Even the basic combination spinning rods at Wally World are decent enough to get you going for short money. Shimano comes too mind as what I have purchased. I have switched to one piece rods, but the two piece give nice packability.
That's exactly what I was going to recommend, go to Wally World and pick out a cheaper model that fits your needs. Probably have quite a few on clearance this time of year. You don't want to drop serious money until you have a better idea what you personally need, or maybe not even then. I am happy with all my Shakespeare models I picked up there.
I fish St Croix or G Loomis rods paired with Penn reels...Rods are a little pricey, but buy them once and they will service you for a lifetime. Not sure why I'm so loyal to Penn reels, but that's what I like!
I usually just buy the nicest rod I can find at Meijer's or Walmart. I have only bought two rods in 8 years and I fish often to get away from things for a while. They hold up very well and both look like new still. I think they where Shakespeare brand.
Nope...no fish to date, But if they ever start running, I have the equipment!! Is that a Starfish I see??
I'm partial to the reels with the most ball bearings. I use all spinning stuff. I have several Shimano, Cardinal and some Daiwas. I like 1 piece rods about 6 1/2 ft medium action. I lake fish for large and smallmouth bass and use 8 lb test as I am in the weeds guide a bit. Love the Yamamoto rubber worms but they ain't cheap.
"Love the Yamamoto rubber worms but they ain't cheap."… are they chewy? I hate chewy rubber worms, don't you… ?
Nothing like fishing with a fly rod. We fish bass and blue gill with a fly rod and a popper, it makes life simple!
