When it comes to gear, I am either frugal or cheap, depending on your perspective. I like to fish, but it really is a secondary activity for me in the BWCA. Outside the BWCA, I might get out a dozen or so times a year.

I have not bought a new rod or reel for about 20 years, but I am considering asking Santa for a new set-up. I think I am on the 'nice' list.

Posting here to get some opinions on what I should be asking for. I'm thinking a medium action set-up for 8-12 lb test line. More often than not, I am trolling or casting medium weight artificial lures, rarely use live bait. I like to go after walleye, but for the most part, I will fish for whatever might be biting.

What one set-up would everyone pick for BWCA? One piece or two piece? I like to do a lot of traveling, so portability is important. Currently I will strap my one piece into the canoe and have the reel in one of my packs on big travel days.

Thanks!

For budget setups I'd vote for Fenwick Eagle for the rod and whatever Pflueger reel fits your budget. I do agree w/ medium

I agree with your theory of tying rod into the canoe on long travel days.

Ugly Stik Elite 6'6'
Pflueger President 35
Fireline 10lb

AmarilloJim: "Ugly Stik Elite 6'6'
Pflueger President 35”

Ditto! Although I think our Ugly Stik is a GX2. Affordable and durable despite our negligent treatment.

A 6' or 6'6" Ugly Stik would answer the call for the rod. Since you're mostly trolling or casting, I'd probably go with a 6'6" rod. The added length helps keep the line away from the boat when trolling and the length also helps with casting crankbaits and the like.

If you do much jigging, I'd recommend a 6' rod. Jigging all day long with a 6'6" or longer rod can get a bit cumbersome.

As for the reel, a lot of people recommend the Pfeuger President. It's a nice reel and I have a canoe tripping buddy who swears by them. I prefer Shimano reels. The exact model depends on what I'm using it for, but you can find a good 2000 or 2500 series (the middle size) for $50 or so. You'll spend around $100 (+/-) for the pair and probably never wish for a different rod & reel setup, regardless of which one you choose.

For line, I've always been a monofilament guy - 8# for jigging and 12# for casting / trolling. Your mileage may vary.

+4 on a 6’ Ugly Stick ! I still have one in the basement that is over 45 years old. 6’ for jigging and 6’6” for trolling. Best low end rod out there.

I have always been a Shimano man, but have gone over to Pfleuger as my old reliable 2000 Shimanos have worn out. In my opinion, Shimano lower end and middle budget reels are not the quality reels they used to be. Shimano top end reels are still some of the best out there.

You can’t go wrong with the lower budget Pfleuger President for $60. The upper end Supreme and Patriarchs are awesome and worth the money.

I am a Suffix 832 braid user (20 lb. test /6 lb. mono diameter) for jigging and Lindy rigging. Use Berkley 10 lb. XT Low-vis Green for trolling and 6 lb. or 8 lb. mono for casting.

Pflueger reel and an Ugly Stick. Relatively inexpensive and it works.

Thanks everybody...really appreciate the feedback. We shall see what Santa ends up putting under the tree!

All great responses.

Also, please consider using braided line to fill your reel and tie on 36" of a quality heavy fluorocarbon like P-Line in 20lb test with a Uni-to-Uni knot. It'll prevent fish from seeing the braided line and protect you from Pike break-offs (as well as minimize backing line memory of a full spool of mono or fluorocarbon). Enjoy fishing!

AmarilloJim: "Ugly Stik Elite 6'6'
Pflueger President 35
Fireline 10lb"

Ditto. Our only difference would be 8# Fireline.

• I echo the Flueger President - though I'd probably opt for the X30 size, stead of the X35 (which is pretty big). I prefer smaller lighter reels for balance.

Pfleuger President X30 spinning Reel

• Rod: Ugly Stick Elite - 6-6 Medium Extra Fast

• Line: PowerPro 10# Braid

• Leader: Seaguar Trout Fluoro 20# leader - 100 yards ...this will last you a LONG time...

Alberto Knot - Braid to Fluoro

Most will probably tell you to go with a 2 piece for portability. However, there are times when a 1 piece is nice.
I had a 2 piece bungeed under the gunnels last year. Paddled across Moose, portaged to Wind,... realized the top part of the rod was gone. Not likely I'd have lost an entire 1 piece rod. Also, it could potentially be easier to save a one piece that's fallen overboard.
But for less bulkiness -- as long as both pieces are secured - a 2 piece is easier.
So either one works.