Spinning Rod for Bass

[daveyboy]

Looking to get some advice on a good value rod for bass plugging/spinning. I only started fishing last year. I have a rod that's classed as a 'pier rod'. It's 9 ft and it's casting weight is 4-6 oz. Cost me about 30 quid. Spinning reel cost me 25 quid and I'm using 10lb mono. I don't find them clumsy to use or anything but when I read about all the specialist gear people use I'm wondering am I missing out on a lot of fish because of the gear I'm using. let me rephrase that- I know I'm missing out on lot of fish ! but i'm wondering how much difference it makes to buy better quality rods and reels? I'm working on the (probably naive) assumption that if i can cast the plug out there and it's action is ok in the water that's all that matters. Does it really make much difference to upgrade the rods and reels and if so, any good recomendations for doing so without breaking the bank?
Thanks in advance lads

[Hooked]

Well, 4-6 oz sounds way too stiff for spining , looks more like boat rod than a spinning... I would suggest find yourself light spinning rod arround 9-10 ft , 20-40g casting weight. No need to spend a fortune - you should find one for about 60-80 euro, about the same price for reel. While that is not necessarily will catch more fish , but you
will find fishing more enjoyable and comfortable, and its much more fun to play the fish on the light gear. Hope that helps...

[kilkeeconger]

Leeda do a couple of spinning rods one priced at about 30 quid and the 2nd one is called the assasin which i is
about 40 quid they were in a recent sea angler magazine among other spinning rods being reviewed or tested
and were said to be good for their price so if you can get Leeda's telephone no then they maybe able to put
you in touch with a local stockist,i will try and find that issue of that magazine and see if i can get the number
for you good luck.

K.C

[daveyboy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply lads. Don't go to any trouble KC. Seems a bit clearer anyhow. ie that using a more suitable rod wil be more comfortable and fun when you catch fish. Defo gonna pick up a rod so. Other than durability, what difference would you notice between a cheep reel (I've a DAM one which cost about 25 quid) and a better quality more expensive one?

[masterkeane]

Thanks for taking the time to reply lads. Don't go to any trouble KC. Seems a bit clearer anyhow. ie that using a more suitable rod wil be more comfortable and fun when you catch fish. Defo gonna pick up a rod so. Other than durability, what difference would you notice between a cheep reel (I've a DAM one which cost about 25 quid) and a better quality more expensive one?

I dont know wat your budget is on the rod and reel but , i picked up a lovely rod off ebay for 130 pound including postage its a greys grx spin 15-60 gram and its got great action in the tip and a bit of poke in the mid section for getting a plug out there and for puuting some action in it ,10 ft is ideal , even battling maks and pollock on these light rods can be great crack ....... Also definately a good reel makes a huge differnece , to be honest if you spend anything less than 60 or 70 euro your wasting money because it will be in the bin in no time at all and you'll only find yourself buying a new one ... if your plugging or spinnig for bass or pollock id say a good quality shimano reel or something of around 80 - 100 euro will see you with a decent piece of kit that will let you play and feel the fish ... load it up with braid and tie a small 40 pound leader on the end and away you go ... best of luck with it

[daveyboy]

Was gonna try and keep it under 80 quid for the rod if possible. I'll hold on to the cheepo reel till it gives us and then invest in a better one so. Reckon this would be any good?
http://www.rorys.ie/shop/catalog/daiwa- ... g-rod.html
Thanks

dave

[masterkeane]

Was gonna try and keep it under 80 quid for the rod if possible. I'll hold on to the cheepo reel till it gives us and then invest in a better one so. Reckon this would be any good?
http://www.rorys.ie/shop/catalog/daiwa- ... g-rod.html
Thanks

dave

In fairness it looks of decent quality , maybe someone on here can give you some feedback on one ??? and 10-60 gram is perfect ... definately go for the 10 foot though its only 2 euro in the difference i think .... regarding the reel make do with wat you have mate i used crap reels for years like... but its just when you get a decent set up you will see a huge difference of quality and ye will enjoy it more , when ye get some dosh together invest in a good reel and you'll know wat im talkin about

[daveyboy]

Sound. And thanks again for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it. Nothing like free advice. Get myself some waders too and I'll be sorted. Now I just have to find the fish!

[Tanglerat]

Meanwhile, if you don't want ot splash out big(ish) cash on a reel right away, consider getting one by Okuma. For the price of them, they're fantastic quality and value. Get one in a size to balance your rod.

I got an Okuma Interceptor, with baitrunner feature, for £29.99. I only expected it to last a season for that price, and I was surprised at how good it was at it's job. 5 years later, it's still going as good as ever. No need to spend out on the Diawas or Shimanos right away.

[40Footer]

I'm using a 2-piece 6.5ft, 1-1.5oz high graphite rod matching a 2500 series Daiwa about 10oz weight. Unless you are casting 3 to 4 oz spinners, there is no need for heavy rod as there is no bass plug above 45g. Most plugs are only 20g. Keep the rod short if you want to bring the best actions out of the lures. Don't really need to spend a fortune to get a good rod, I would go for graphite IM8 & above if available.

[daveyboy]

Cheers for all the advice lads, Got the Daiwa and delighted with it. now just have to find the bass!