Platinum Contributing Member Blackstar Posted April 20, 2021 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted April 20, 2021 I'm thinking about doing some fishing this summer. I haven't fished in over 25 years. I will mostly be fishing the rivers around here for Pike and Smallmouth, either from shore or by canoe.Last reel I owned was a Michell and the pole was an Ugly Stik. Looking for a recommendation on some versatile rod and reel combos for all round use. Nothing too expensive. Just something to start with until I figure out whether I will take the time or not. What should I be spending? Brands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mach4me Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 14 hours ago, Blackstar said: I'm thinking about doing some fishing this summer. I haven't fished in over 25 years. I will mostly be fishing the rivers around here for Pike and Smallmouth, either from shore or by canoe.Last reel I owned was a Michell and the pole was an Ugly Stik. Looking for a recommendation on some versatile rod and reel combos for all round use. Nothing too expensive. Just something to start with until I figure out whether I will take the time or not. What should I be spending? Brands? I still have an ugly stick that i bought in 90/91 with a mitchell 301a on it that my teenage boys still use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticCrusher Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 I might dig up an old rod and try casting off my deck. Some people do this in the winter when they could be sledding instead, can you imagine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Blackstar Posted April 22, 2021 Author Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted April 22, 2021 (edited) 12 hours ago, mach4me said: I still have an ugly stick that i bought in 90/91 with a mitchell 301a on it that my teenage boys still use. Yep, 301A is what I had too. Wish I knew what I did with it. I think it got left behind with the first wife. Edited April 22, 2021 by Blackstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sksman Posted April 22, 2021 Share Posted April 22, 2021 Most fishing rod and reel combos are fairly inexpensive now compared to a weekend of snowmobiling so you can probably buy a few different to play with. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Blackstar Posted April 23, 2021 Author Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted April 23, 2021 13 hours ago, Sksman said: Most fishing rod and reel combos are fairly inexpensive now compared to a weekend of snowmobiling so you can probably buy a few different to play with. Can I buy a decent combo for $150-200 or do I need to spend more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sksman Posted April 23, 2021 Share Posted April 23, 2021 1 minute ago, Blackstar said: Can I buy a decent combo for $150-200 or do I need to spend more? For my fishing that is likely enough for a very high quality. I bought a few over the years in Northern Ontario that seemed decent for under the $150 mark I think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sksman Posted April 23, 2021 Share Posted April 23, 2021 If you check Sail I saw they had some combos on sale for around $150. They still make the Ugly Stik. I have 2 up north. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSR Posted April 23, 2021 Share Posted April 23, 2021 Any shimano or Pflueger combo in that price range will be good for the average fisherman. 6 foot medium action should be good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbear Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 Hey Tim, I know things are closed down right now but if you can give Natural sports a call they can set you up with what you need. I just got back into fishing last year after about 25-30 years and these guys help me out alot. You most likely will need a medium to heavy rod for bass and pike. Not sure on the reel but they will know. Things have changed alot over the years as far stuff on the market. watch marketplace too. Hope this helps and maybe see you on the river sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticCrusher Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 On 4/22/2021 at 10:55 PM, Sksman said: If you check Sail I saw they had some combos on sale for around $150. They still make the Ugly Stik. I have 2 up north. Sail closed down in Vaughan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Blackstar Posted April 29, 2021 Author Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted April 29, 2021 On 4/27/2021 at 2:45 PM, snowbear said: Hey Tim, I know things are closed down right now but if you can give Natural sports a call they can set you up with what you need. I just got back into fishing last year after about 25-30 years and these guys help me out alot. You most likely will need a medium to heavy rod for bass and pike. Not sure on the reel but they will know. Things have changed alot over the years as far stuff on the market. watch marketplace too. Hope this helps and maybe see you on the river sometime. Thanks Jim, I've been looking online at CT, Sail and Natural Sports. My buddy told me to forget about Natural because they are too pricey but they aren't that bad and on a couple things they were cheaper so I may end up there. They are 5 minutes from my house so I'll probably just buy through their online store and curbside pick up with things the way they are. We always fished the river from Inverhaugh down to Bridgeport floating canoes. And last spring my ex father-in-law gave me back my canoe that he's had stored in his barn for 25 years, My dad bought it in the late 70's. Guess I'm trying to go back in time. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probill Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 I have several Ugly Sticks. Medium action, light and an Ultra Light as well. I also like the Shimano rear drag reels. They are super easy to adjust the drag when you are fighting a fish. I usually use my Ultra Light's when fishing for bass or walleye. They make it a bit of a challenge once in a while to set the hook but you fee like you caught a whale each time you get one!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Blackstar Posted June 8, 2021 Author Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) Got bored the other day and saw a Facebook ad for a rod and reel. Picked it up for $60. Brand new, never used. He said he got it as a gift from his brother. He had several rods still with the tags and reels were still in the boxes. Hmmmmm? probably fell off a truck. Then I bought some 8 lbs test and a whack of lures on Amazon. Deukio reel with a Diawa rod 7’ medium action. Nothing great but it gets me started. Edited June 8, 2021 by Blackstar 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbear Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 now go find some water and a few beers and relax, enjoy . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.