Hi all,

I'm taking my 5th BWCA adventure next month, and my group of urban-dwelling 20-somethings is thinking about going at a relaxed pace and fishing this time around.

My question: Any suggestions for a cheap rod/reel combo? I'll probably only use this once per year in the Boundary Waters - normally I spend my time backpacking around the AT or doing city-person things like drinking PBR on the stoop, not fishing.

I love me some Walleye but I'll eat anything! Really I just think fishing will be a nice way to kick back and spend some time relaxing this year (though I do actually want to catch stuff).

Thanks in advance for the expert advice!

Next month...hopefully you wont need an ice rod! :)

There are some good options without dropping a ton of cash. I'd head to Bass Pro, Cabela's, or Gander Mtn and check out their house brand spinning (Im assuming youll want spinning) combos. Usually the house brand reels are made by some of the bigger reel makers so they're decent for the money. You can probably find something of good quality for $35-$50.

Tuna

Good advice there. I would recomend any 6'-7' Med/light action spinning rod with 8# test trilene XL (or simmilar monofil). Some outfitters rent rod/reel combos too.

OK. Here are two price points. I would lean toward this first setup, but it will cost you around $100. The difference is, with the cheap combos there is a decent chance you will break your rod in the near future.

Option 1 (6'6" medium action, 6930 president):
http://www.basspro.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-Spinning-Rods/product/303/
and
http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-President-6900-Series-Spinning-Reels/product/10213341/

Option 2 (6'6" medium)
http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-President-Spinning-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Rod-Spinning-Combos/product/1212040610323/

In my experience if you go much cheaper than the pflueger president. You get what you pay for and it will not last you too many trips. Happy paddling!

I would recommend buying a 6 foot, two-piece Ugly Stick spinning rod (around $30) and about a $30 Shimano spinning reel to go with it. Both are decent quality and will be more than adequate for jigging or casting.

You could go with a 6'6" rod for a little more leverage with crank baits or trolling, but a longer rod gets cumbersome (IMO) when jigging for long periods of time.

quote Jackfish: "I would recommend buying a 6 foot, two-piece Ugly Stick spinning rod (around $30) and about a $30 Shimano spinning reel to go with it. Both are decent quality and will be more than adequate for jigging or casting.

You could go with a 6'6" rod for a little more leverage with crank baits or trolling, but a longer rod gets cumbersome (IMO) when jigging for long periods of time. "

I would agree with Jackfish on this one. An Ugly Stick will work for you and won't break the bank. Ditto on reel target price. Mind you, I wouldn't recommend this if you were more serious about fishing as while they are strong rods generally, they are not at all sensitive. Sometimes you can get decent combos on sale for half price if you see anything like that, I would go that route instead. Just make sure you put good line on the reel, like Trilene XL 8 lb mentioned above.

Moonman

I agree with the Ugly Stick recommendations. I have been using them for more years than I can remember. Depending on angler skill I would suggest the Zebco Omega spincast, if a spinning reel does not suit the skill level. Easy and pretty much foolproof. I put braided line on mine. Jig, troll, cast. If the anglers are more skilled, spinning outfits mentioned above will work fine.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll definitely look into the Ugly Stick - seems to be a great price. I've also been looking at store-brand combos, which are comparable or cheaper than the Ugly Stick/Shimano combos.

Anyone have any experience with LL Bean fishing products? Good price, and at least they've got a good guarantee, so I can get my money back if it breaks on me (or if I don't catch any fish - "Guys, your rod doesn't work!")

The Ugly Stick is a great recommendation. It is very reasonably priced, comes in 2 piece for easy transport, and almost unbreakable even when "stupid" uses it. I have been using them for "up North" many years.

Also agree with the $30 spinner. They are a good value - not the best for sure - but more than adequate quality for "amateur" fishermen. The work smoothly, are easy to learn, and can land large fish (if you don't tighten the drag too tight)

Also agree with braided line. And small diameter 10-15 lb is plenty. It is very "forgiving" as you don't have to re-tie often, it takes the rock/boulder abuse, and is tough enough that you can avoid leaders. But you can still land toothy critters like pike and walleye with little fear of break-off.

Good luck on your trip.

Hope you all do well fishing. Give us a report back after the trip.

Old Hoosier

I would seriously think about picking up a second rod just to have if you break the one rod you have. Even a ten dollar rod is better then no rod at all.

quote DCLoafer: "Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll definitely look into the Ugly Stick - seems to be a great price. I've also been looking at store-brand combos, which are comparable or cheaper than the Ugly Stick/Shimano combos.

Anyone have any experience with LL Bean fishing products? Good price, and at least they've got a good guarantee, so I can get my money back if it breaks on me (or if I don't catch any fish - "Guys, your rod doesn't work!") "

LL Bean should be fine. Any medium combo in whatever your price range should work as well. The biggest problem you (and most anglers) will have will be line problems (mostly caused by twist). Definitely get new line, a soft (limp) line, like 8 or 10 lb trilene xl. Braided line is also limp and will last a long time, but it can be expensive and you need to use some mono backing and know how to tie a palomar knot. Spincast (close faced) reels are the easiest to use, and most problems stay inside the reel, but spinning (open faced) are usually better quality and not difficult to learn.

Shouldn't everyone's first setup be a Zebco 202? Ah, the memories.

quote Bushwacker: "Shouldn't everyone's first setup be a Zebco 202? Ah, the memories."

My dad must of liked me better then your dad liked you, I got a Zebco 33.

i'd also recommend the ugly stik and go a step further and tell you to get the pack rod version like this one .

I bring one pack rod (St. Croix) and one spinning reel (Daiwa) with fresh 8lb line and a small assortment of tackle, catch all the fish I care to.

quote Bushwacker: "Shouldn't everyone's first setup be a Zebco 202? Ah, the memories."

lol! What about the zebco Kids Snoopy Rod!? common now!

I would recommend the Abu Garcia Ultra cast Combo. you can get the combo for like $39 at gander mountain. Get a medium light 6-7ft, and a two piece for easy transporting!

quote dpreiner21: "

quote Bushwacker: "Shouldn't everyone's first setup be a Zebco 202? Ah, the memories."

lol! What about the zebco Kids Snoopy Rod!? common now!"

My son has one of those. He's new school.

Save your money for the reel, just pick up an Ugly Stick for cheap and get the nicest reel you are willing to buy. The amount of ball bearings in the reel is the important part.

-Good luck!

If you feel more comfortable with a closed face push button spinning reel (like a Zebco 33) look at an Omega Z03. Or even a 733. Easy entry level. The Z03 is fairly high quality for a push button. As far as an open face (with the flip wire bail) spin reel, I like the Phleuger Pesident for the money. For just a few more dollars, Ugly Stik makes an 'Ugly Stick Pro-Lite' rod. Lighter and more sensitive. 40 bucks. It is blue instead of black and you can usually see/feel them at Wallymart to get an idea. Cabelas bargain Cave often has some good combos too. Even though you may only use it a week per year, I wouldn't go TOO awfully cheap.

First of welcome to the site, great people good advice [usually several different ideas on the same topic]. Personally I would go with a two piece spinning rod at least ft in, and a spinning reel with pd limp mono line. FRED

I would suggest spooling with 8 lb fireline. you don't have to worry about twists like mono (ex. Berkley Trilene) and you won't have to re-spool your reel each year. if you use mono you will have to respool each year or the line will be real hard to manage. the fireline is a little more up front but if you learn to tie a good knot it will serve you well for years. whatever you use don't buy cheap line, I almost didn't get into fishing and almost got into swearing when I was a kid because the first line I bought was 99 cent line from a dept store.

I take 2 cheap spinning reels and rod combo($40 to $50) and rig one for bottom fishing ( walleye) with 6 lb. test and one for casting with 10 lb. test for smallmouth & northern. That way I can easily switch from casting to trolling depending on the situation. Also if one breaks I can have something to fish with.
I also use short rods ( 5 ft.)as they are easier to cast in a canoe, I've been smacked a couple of times by my canoe partner when he tried to cast with a long rod.

I used Daiwa and Shimano reels for years. I thought they were good quality and durable. Recently bought a Pflueger President size 35 $60 and Pflueger Trion size 40 for $39. Far smoother and seem to be better quality than the Diawa and Shimano. Both are excellent and for the price you cant beat the Trion. Plus it comes with an extra spool. Paired it with a Rhino rod for $22 also known as the indestructible rod. I bought it for a BWCA trip for its durability. Ugly stick is also a great choice. I would not spend a fortune on a rod and reel but don't by the cheapest thing you see either. The items listed above cant be beat for price and quality. I would spend a little bit of money and buy premium line like Fireline or Suffix. I have Fireline 12 lb on 1 rod and 6 lb suffix on the other. I think its a good idea to have a spare rod and reel just in case.

Gander Mountain has a very nice Guide series rod that you can sometimes find for $50. Some of the other big-box sporting goods places have one with their name on it, too, I suppose. Look for the 'IM8' designation. Then, get a Shimano reel in your price comfort zone.

Who is the guest paddler who keeps bringing back 4 year old threads and then not say anything?

quote Savage Voyageur: "Who is the guest paddler who keeps bringing back 4 year old threads and then not say anything? "

Kind of makes you wonder doesn't it?

For a beginner, don't forget to study up on setting drag and learn a knot like the uni. The rod and reel doesn't matter if you can't tie a knot or your drag tension is wrong.

Like I always say, a fisherman is only as good as his\her line and the knots he\she ties. Having a decent rod and reel helps too :)

Propeil pocket fisherman :-)

I like the Ugly Stick idea although I am personally not a fan. I also like the spin cast concept. All truly beginner anglers should start with spin cast IMHO. They are the easiest to use and quality has certainly improved. There are even some Bass Pros (don't laugh its true) that use spin cast in certain situations because the gear ratio is low. There are some spin cast options with under trigger options. I used a small one to good effect in Yellowstone.

I also would not advocate any braided or super lines for novice anglers. Lots of bad things can happen.......from slicing your hand, to bad knots, to pulling a snag free and having said lure rocket at you at 80mph and losing a few teeth (again don't laugh as that has also happened). Besides, why use "here I am" line (very visible to the fish)?

If you do get a spin cast your first job is to remove the line it comes with and replace with fresh 10lb trilene XL. Use any extra line to practice your knots. The 10b will help you bridge any diameter gaps (mono likes to tie to diameters which are similar to itself).

If you opt to get a spinning reel try not to get one which is tiny. A 2500 series is about right. Also be advised to seek out a reel which allows you to switch the handles from one side to another. Some people like to reel with their right hand and other folk like to reel with their left.

Store your reels off your rods. If you leave them on, and strap them into the boat a handle may inadvertently become loose and drop off. No good!

Fishing can be fun but it can also be a hassle at times. Avoid lures which can spin your line and cause immense tangles. Spoons and spinners come to mind. Get some Shad Raps and some Chatterbaits and you will be good to go. Fish near the bottom.........if you get hung paddle over to it, get behind and give a slight tug, 90% of the time you will get your stuff back. Do not fish with tiny lures.........fish in the north are quite savage and will attack prey which is only slightly smaller than themselves. The larger sizes in the Shad Rap and 1/4 and 3/8 in the Chatterbait. A plastic trailer (like a fake crawdad) threaded onto the shank of the hook helps double the Chatterbaits effectiveness. Make sure it is straight and not curled. A drop of super glue really helps keep your trailer in place. Apply where the trailer meets the lures head, hold tightly for several seconds and your good all day. Other wise your trailer may start sliding down and on a continual basis (can you say "hassle")

Both of these lure options are merely cast and retrieve. Remember, near the bottom is good. The Chatterbait is more versatile, you can jig it (like a yo-yo) in the weeds as you drift along (it is snag resistant) you can reel it 10ft and then let it sink down only to repeat the process or you can just throw it out and reel it in. It puts out massive vibration which calls fish from far and wide. I like natural colors........they are quite reasonably priced.



Chatterbait

Here is the trailer I like to use but with a twist. Rig it up sideways.........secure with a drop of super glue. The two little flippers wiggle like mad as the water is washed over it via the action of the lure. It is a can't miss option for you and will catch pretty much everything (I even caught a lake trout with one trolling in West Lake LOL). Throw in a single stout super sharp hook and it is custom tailored for the novice and the pro alike.

Trailer

quote Basspro69: "Propeil pocket fisherman :-)"

Never heard of that brand, are they better than the Ronco version?

If you don't take an extra rod, I would definitely buy a $4 fishing rod repair kid, which will give you 3-4 extra guides and 1 or 2 replacement tips, and some glue.

quote QueticoMike: "

quote Basspro69: "Propeil pocket fisherman :-)"

Never heard of that brand, are they better than the Ronco version?"

I just looked it up, they go by a different name called Popeil, they look very similar. :)

quote : "

quote Savage Voyageur: "Who is the guest paddler who keeps bringing back 4 year old threads and then not say anything? "

Kind of makes you wonder doesn't it?"

Just noticed myself this was 4 years old. Wonder how it turned out?