Gear

[RJ]

By the best quality gear you can afford. Simple as that.

You absolutely get what you pay for.

RJ

[Bass Addict]

By the best quality gear you can afford. Simple as that.

You absolutely get what you pay for.

RJ

I think for once I have to agree with RJ...

[Andy_L]

OMG winter psychosis really IS setting in...BA and RJ are both in agreement on 2 different subjects!!!!!

[Muskie4L]

I'm sure it's a short term thing Andy. I wouldn't get my hopes up

[devon]

I got myself a Shimano spinning combo in 7"..

I am guessing based on the advice here that it should be good for bass and pike?

Got to try one of those baitcast reels....found it awkward and did not like the feel of it in my hand.

Is one reel type better than another?

[fiiish]

I got myself a Shimano spinning combo in 7"..
I am guessing based on the advice here that it should be good for bass and pike?

Nice! I don't think you can go wrong with Shimano. That combo should suit you just fine for pike and bass.

Got to try one of those baitcast reels....found it awkward and did not like the feel of it in my hand.
Is one reel type better than another?

I think it really comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable to you.
Enjoy fishing with your new combo!

[JZ]

I got myself a Shimano spinning combo in 7"..

I am guessing based on the advice here that it should be good for bass and pike?

Got to try one of those baitcast reels....found it awkward and did not like the feel of it in my hand.

Is one reel type better than another?

I wouldnt say either is better than the other, they each have their place. Generally baitcasters work better for power fishing where as spinning reels are better for finesse fishing. If you are just starting out stick with a a spinning reel.

[adempsey]

Your combo will be good for all fish. Baitcasters have their place where they outshine spinning gear, but I wouldn't worry about it much at this point. If your primary focus was thick slop bass or big sportfish like salmon, pike or musky then it would be a different story.

[CCLad]

New to fishing and not a well off kinda guy....

Was wondering is there anyway a guy like me can get into some half decent gear without taking out a loan?

Geez! I looked at some rods and stuff and could not believe the price of some of them!

Is there really that much of a difference between a cheapy Rapala rod and say a high end one like Shimano?

Then it seems people talk about lengths, actions etc...all way over my head.

Is there a rod/reel combo that will catch most species for me? Like bass, pike etc?

Spend 125 - 200 bucks on a rod and reel set and you are good for multiple fishing practices/species.
Get your self a Rod and make sure it is 100% graphite. Avoid fiberglass/fiberglass mixture's as they don't offer 1 1/10 of the sensitivity as a graphite rod does. 6' 6" in length will support many various types of angling and make it a med action rod rated for 4-10lbs or there about's.

As for a reel I would recommend a spinning reel as they are very practical and versatile. things to look for -# of ball bearings in the reel. The more the better 3-5. Gear ratio, my favorite reel (I have about 20) is a Shamano that has 3 ball bearings, and a 6.2:1 gear ratio.

Added features that very from model to model are things like rear drag adjustment, fighting drag release and a quick cast trigger on the bail.

For gear, depends on what you want to target, time of the year etc etc. Pm me if you care for any more insight.

Good luck