trusted brands to buy fishing rods and reels from
Whatever you choose, try to buy the best quality that you can
afford without bringing hardship to yourself or family.
When I was a young man ca.1970, I purchased DAM Quick spinning reels (110, 220 & 330) which, along with the Cardinal (Abu) reels, were the finest of their era. My baitcasting
reel was an Ambassadeur 6000 which came in a leather case w/
oil and spare parts.
Over the course of a few years, I matched these reels up with Browning Silaflex rods - also amongst the finest glass rods of their day. Graphite or composite rods were not even on the horizon then.
Although I have updated some of my fishing equipment, it still gives me pleasure to roll out my DAM reels and Browning rods and use them today. I have used them all over Canada and can honestly say that never have I had a problem with them. They still look like new.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, buy the best you can afford and
provide regular maintenance to your equipment. In the long run,
you will be rewarded as I have been.
afford without bringing hardship to yourself or family.
When I was a young man ca.1970, I purchased DAM Quick spinning reels (110, 220 & 330) which, along with the Cardinal (Abu) reels, were the finest of their era. My baitcasting
reel was an Ambassadeur 6000 which came in a leather case w/
oil and spare parts.
Over the course of a few years, I matched these reels up with Browning Silaflex rods - also amongst the finest glass rods of their day. Graphite or composite rods were not even on the horizon then.
Although I have updated some of my fishing equipment, it still gives me pleasure to roll out my DAM reels and Browning rods and use them today. I have used them all over Canada and can honestly say that never have I had a problem with them. They still look like new.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, buy the best you can afford and
provide regular maintenance to your equipment. In the long run,
you will be rewarded as I have been.
- gonefishin
- Bronze Participant
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:41 pm
- Location: Orleans
- Pike Puncher
- Participant
- Posts: 83
- Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 7:04 pm
I'm a huge Shimano fan, especially my Stradics, Cardiffs, and Compre Pitchin' rods. I just got into Abu Revo baitcasters last year and now I own 5 of them. I've got two beutiful new Fenwick rods I'm just itching to try out this year.
It's crucial to make the commitment and buy good gear. I've tried skimping in the past and it only leads to frustration. The more you fish, the more important having quality gear makes. I'm very particular, and I've taken the time to learn what the best buy is dollar for dollar. I'm sure the other members and retail partners can say the same.
Billy
It's crucial to make the commitment and buy good gear. I've tried skimping in the past and it only leads to frustration. The more you fish, the more important having quality gear makes. I'm very particular, and I've taken the time to learn what the best buy is dollar for dollar. I'm sure the other members and retail partners can say the same.
Billy
Shimano and St.Croix make a mean rod. Really like some of Fenwicks discontinued models too.
I have been eyeing a few of the new Mojo Bass rods from St.Croix for the rod specs. The feel of it is like no other..price ain't all that bad either
Shimano reels can't be beat IMO. Diawa, Abu and Quantum make a solid reel as well but would not be my first choice.
I have been eyeing a few of the new Mojo Bass rods from St.Croix for the rod specs. The feel of it is like no other..price ain't all that bad either

Shimano reels can't be beat IMO. Diawa, Abu and Quantum make a solid reel as well but would not be my first choice.
Re: Shimano???
Shimano quality is excellent, but not for everyone. If you wade or fish from a kayak, you're likely to dunk your reel from time to time. Higher-end Shimano spinning reels seize up when they get wet inside, and won't work again until they're dry. I've never had this problem with Mitchell, Abu or Daiwa reels, so I keep my Shimanos for occasions when I'm pretty sure they won't get wet.scarface wrote:Why is every one for shimano? There are others?
I don't like Shimano rods all that much. I find Fenwicks are more sensitive and cast better, dollar for dollar.
I find the uglystick is AMAZING for chucking zara spooks. The floppyness of the rod makes it great for that "twitch".bruinz19 wrote:Wallypro, usinga new Uglystick this season, curious as to why you claim them to be the worst.
I personally don't like them for jigging. I find the action waaaaay to slow.
Apart from that, myself I do not see an issue.
- steve-hamilton
- Gold Participant
- Posts: 1688
- Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2004 8:32 am
- steve-hamilton
- Gold Participant
- Posts: 1688
- Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2004 8:32 am