[nomad_archer]

So I picked have a coupon for bass pro so I am going to head there tomorrow. I have been toying with replacing my old ugly stick light action with an ultra lite for the local trout streams. I am looking for any suggestions from you guys for rods and reels or combos that I should take a look at. I would like to keep the total cost under $150. All I have ever used were ugly stick or shakespeare combo rods/reels so I dont even know where to begin when looking for a new rod. Please any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nomad

 

[CoonDuke]

Shimano Clarus rod with a Daiwa Legalis reel would make a pretty good setup for that amount of money.

 

[Trout Traveler]

I think it's difficult to get a good rod and reel for under $150.

The rod I use the most is a St. Croix Premier two piece 6' medium light action rod. The rod is $ 130. Before I got the St. Croix rod, I had a Cabela's Fish Eagle II rod, which are normally $ 90 but are on sale for $ 54. The Fish Eagle II is not a bad rod, I used it for years and changed because I wanted something more sensitive.

I know your coupon is for Bass Pro. Is it for a % off or a set $ amount? Might be worthwhile to compare that to sale prices elsewhere.

I'm partial to Shimano reels. There are some models that cost as little as $ 15 but it's junk. I really like Stradics but they are prohibitively expensive now. The Spirex is an OK reel; they're $ 60.

I'm sure you're going to get a lot of opinions.

 

[nomad_archer]

To be fair the coupon is only for $10 off so I can easily get some other things. I have a pile of gift cards for amazon which is great but I need to touch and feel before I buy.

I am more than willing to buy online but all I have ever used were junk reels and ugly sticks so this will be an upgrade. If I buy on amazon that nearly doubles my budget. Are fenwick's worth looking at?

 

[Trout Traveler]

Fenwicks are worth looking into, but it comes down to your personal preference.

 

[Trout180]

It's tough if you limit it to $150, but for that price I'd see if they have a St. Croix Triumph Series rod along with a Pflueger President reel.

 

[nomad_archer]

How about this. $150 for the rod and $100 for the reel.

 

[springfreak]

Shimano Stradic fj 1000 right now on Ebay for $175.95, best price I've seen, usually $200.00, one left and free ship.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Stradic-FJ-Spinning-Reels-New-Free-Fast-Shipping-/182120486018

 

[Windwalker7]

I recently got a Pflueger President 25 size reel for $59. I love it. The make even more expensive reels if that's what you want. It is very smooth and sturdy. I can tell the difference between it and reels I have used in the past. I normally have line tangle issues but none so far with this reel.

 

[HD1969]

I am eyeing the same Pfleger reel Windwalker - to replace a 20yr old St Croix UL reel that just blew up on me the other day (nothig lasts forever). Thanks for input..

Looks like good deal for a reel with 9 bearings. Over $100 for a reel for Pa Streams is too rich for my blood.

 

[nomad_archer]

I just checked out the plunger president and really like the limited edition. Can't beat the Amazon price.
Pflueger PRESLESP25X President Limited Edition Reel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012MDLO3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_4y2nxbKC4P1TE

As for the rods, I checked out the st Croix and fenwicks. I am leaning towards the Fenwick as I really like the grip.