fishing pole and reel help?

Parts of a ROD

http://fishios.blogspot.com/2007/05/fishing-rod-te...

Types of REEL

http://fishios.blogspot.com/2007/05/no-matter-what...

Rods are very specialized. For bass fishing you need a heavy rod for worms, a long, somewhat limber rod for crankbaits, a short, stiff rod for spinnerbaits and a light rod for casting ultralight lures. Choose from spinnning or baitcasting - you can get all actions in both. Walleye fishermen need different rods for different applications, too.

First decide on the rod type - Spinner or Baitcasting

Then select rod height (8', 9', 10'...)

Selct Rod action (From ultra light to mag heavy)

of course the budget.

Step One

Test the grip of the rod. Make sure the handle fits snugly in your palm.

Step Two

Choose the length of rod. 4½- to 6-foot rods are suited for lighter bait and fish such as perch and crappie. Shorter rods also work well in brushy areas. Rods 6½ feet and longer are good for bigger bait, longer casting distance and rougher fish (bass and catfish).

Step Three

Test for flexibility. Hold the rod in your hand as if you are casting, flip the end, and watch the tip for movement.

Tips & Warnings

Most sporting goods stores have experts to help you choose the rod for your type of fishing. Have an idea of how often you're going to fish, what type of fish you want to catch and where you'll be fishing. .

If buying used fishing equipment, check the rod for hairline cracks on the pole. When testing flexibility, listen for any cracking noise from the tip of pole.

Direction of the bend - With the rod tip facing you, bend the rod with one hand near the tip, and one hand near mid section of the rod. Do not hold the rod tightly while bending and let it move freely. Check and see if the ring's position is the same as the bend direction. This will help to determine if the line will sway when casting. Most mass produced rods do not conform to this. Only custom-made rods will. But, if you can get one at a mass production price, it would be a great buy.

Just get yourself a simple "open reel" with a trigger and an inexpensive rod. The trigger on the reel releases the bail so you can cast without snarling your line. Most reels now days, even the inexpensive ones, are made with steel ball bearings and will last quite a while. Usually you can get a halfway decent combo for around $25.

You have to keep in mind how big of fish you're going after. You don't want too lite of a combo or too heavy.

Wherever you make your purchase, ask the salesperson for a recommendation.

Good luck, and happy fishing!

Speaking as an old fart, who has had too many reels screw up at wrong times- go simple. For me, that's an inexpensive open faced reel. I use a shimano 4000. I paid well under $50. For a rod, don't get crazy and pay for an expensive rod, or the fish gods will make you break it. I use ugly sticks. They cost $30-$40. They're pretty durable. I've used that setup for everything from perch to pike. Finally, line. Spend extra here. I use power pro. It's the diameter of 8lb mono, but is 30lb. You just don't break line, you'll usually straighten out a hook, or raise what you hook. I've used that on a dozen wilderness fishing trips, and never had a problem.

I feel that most versatile and easiest to use design is a good quality spinning rod and reel. If you purchase a 6 - 6 1/2 foot, medium action rod and reel combo, you will be able to use it for everything from panfish to larger bass if it is equipped with a high quality monofilament line such as Stren or Trilene (8 - 10 lb. test). Take a look at the miriad of combos that are offered by Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's. You can get a very nice setup for under $100.00 and it will last you a lifetime if you take care of it. Click the link I provided for a fine example.

If you really want to give someone a nice pole that will last them a lifetime. Then I would recommend a medium action Guide Series spinning rod and reel combo. You can pick one up at Gander Mountain. I have caught a ton of fish with mine, it fishs beautifully and can handle pretty large game. I even use it in salt water. The rod has a lifetime warranty, just bring the busted one in and they will give you a new one, no questions asked.

Or if you really don't like the person very much you can always get them a Pocket Fisherman ; )

Buy a Shakespeare Ugly Stik, best rod for the money. Depending on what type of fishing, you could buy one from 5' to 10' at a reasonable price. As far as reels, any Shimano reel is top notch. The Sedonna for lake fishing or the Baitrunner for the ocean.

Pocket fisherman is what you needs:

Fits into Your Glove Compartment.

Attach Pocket Fisherman to Your Belt.

Mini Tackle Box: Contained in the handle are: hook, line, sinker, and bobber.

Reel is Replaceable with reel cartridge.

Full Time Authority: Automatic

Anti-Reverse prevents the handle

from turning backwards.

Pocket Fisherman is

always ready for the fish

to strike.

It's the best gift

you can give to

any kid or adult!

A good spinning or spin cast reel would be fine in a medium action 6' or 6'6" rod with 6 or 8 lb test line!

Many companies offer good starter combos for panfish or bass and panfish.Go to your local tackle shop and inquire about your fishing needs and wants and see waht they have to offer you.

any good spinning reel around $50 should do fine and I recommend a shakespeare uglystik... its a good rod for anything, but if you are going to be mostly panfishing then I would get an ultralight rod and reel setup its way more fun

Injun offers some good advice but I would like to include I am not fond of a rear drag. I don't feel you have as much control and I would never own anything but a 'quick set anti-reverse.'