I'm not sure what you think are inexpensive but I like Shimano Symetres. I used to get them for about $75-80 and they had good drags. This was the front drag model. The 4000 is what I used for a float reel with a 10 1/2' AllStar rod.
Spinning Reel and Rod for Alaska.....
Heading to Alaska this summer through BC.
So I am looking for a decent spinning rod and reel for "food" fishing.
Years ago, I had a Ugly Stick and really liked it so looking to get a 8 foot Ugly Stick. I know NOTHING about decent inexpensive spinning reels. I expect I will be throwing spoons and other nonsense to catch dinner on short notice.
All thoughts and opinions appreciated. Cost is a factor since I probably won't be using it when I get home.
I am taking my fly stuff, but that is for fishing and I probably won't use it for gathering "food" on short notice.
So I am looking for a decent spinning rod and reel for "food" fishing.
Years ago, I had a Ugly Stick and really liked it so looking to get a 8 foot Ugly Stick. I know NOTHING about decent inexpensive spinning reels. I expect I will be throwing spoons and other nonsense to catch dinner on short notice.
All thoughts and opinions appreciated. Cost is a factor since I probably won't be using it when I get home.
I am taking my fly stuff, but that is for fishing and I probably won't use it for gathering "food" on short notice.
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
G
I also use ugly stick with a pflueger president spinning reel on it, I toss spoons spinners & jig with it for fish up to steelhead size. I don't put much money in my meat getter gear as a general rule but this setup has seen lots of abuse & has held up nicely
Price range?
I like the shimano Sahara reels for quality reel
Can find for around 65 bucks on sale if you look around
https://www.google.com/search?q=ric...oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#istate=kp:xpd
Mine is 10 years old and lots of time in salt and fresh water
Rinse after use of course
I'd go t with 20 lb braid
I like the shimano Sahara reels for quality reel
Can find for around 65 bucks on sale if you look around
https://www.google.com/search?q=ric...oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#istate=kp:xpd
Mine is 10 years old and lots of time in salt and fresh water
Rinse after use of course
I'd go t with 20 lb braid
Shimano I'd go with at least a Sahara. 80 bucks.... Could also look at Pfluger presidents.
I have had Saharas, presidents, stratics and symmetrys the only one that failed was the symmetry.
I have had Saharas, presidents, stratics and symmetrys the only one that failed was the symmetry.
If you have bi mart the higher priced okumas are not bad or the pfleuger president
http://www.bimart.com/skulist.aspx?loc=s.1207A_c.72A_d.4&nm=Fishing
http://www.bimart.com/skulist.aspx?loc=s.1207A_c.72A_d.4&nm=Fishing
For a rod on a budget I would head down to lamiglas and buy a repaired rod or a factory 2nd. Great rod for a fraction of new price. Usually they have a great selection
I typically prefer Shimanos, but I picked up a Penn Fierce a couple years ago and I've been impressed. Handles shallow water 'butts just fine. 
Last summer I bought a cheap shimano rod and reel combo at a tackle shop in kodiak for $60. I put 10# maxima on it, bought a handful of spoons and buzz bombs and caught the hell out of coho with it from a spot at work I couldn't fly fish from. Don't over think it.
Other than that, there wasn't a time and place where I was outfished with my fly rod (by a gear rod) from May to September on all Alaskan species. In fact of the 200 pounds of meat I brought home, nearly all of it was caught with a fly rod.
Other than that, there wasn't a time and place where I was outfished with my fly rod (by a gear rod) from May to September on all Alaskan species. In fact of the 200 pounds of meat I brought home, nearly all of it was caught with a fly rod.
I love the implied function vs fashion snobbery. What's wrong with dirtying your fly rod for food?
Used to be able to score Mitchell 300s for about $30. They only get more expensive. When did they fall off the clearance table? And, you can mate them to any rod for titled purpose, since they predate size-match-weight (100 - 1-million) nonsense.
Only trouble is, theives and mostly honest people will still grab them when you turn your head.
Used to be able to score Mitchell 300s for about $30. They only get more expensive. When did they fall off the clearance table? And, you can mate them to any rod for titled purpose, since they predate size-match-weight (100 - 1-million) nonsense.
Only trouble is, theives and mostly honest people will still grab them when you turn your head.
I don't know how large a fish you'll be targeting for food, but I know that I don't much enjoy the super heavy duty stuff. When I visit the dark side, I use one of the Shimano Sahara spinning reels mentioned above a couple times. I like the 2500 size; the 4000 is overkill unless you're spin fishing for king salmon or halibut. Rod choice is easy, I picked up an 8' spinning rod at Sportco about 15 years ago for $30. It's a Daiwa I think, and still going strong. Throwing spinners or spoons with that outfit is almost as fun as fly fishing. Almost. Shhhsh!
I agree with Salmo and the others about the Sahara being a good reel for the money. If you are thinking of going with the 2500 versus the 4000, then think about the 3000. It is the same weight as the 2500, but has a little more line capacity.I don't know how large a fish you'll be targeting for food, but I know that I don't much enjoy the super heavy duty stuff. When I visit the dark side, I use one of the Shimano Sahara spinning reels mentioned above a couple times. I like the 2500 size; the 4000 is overkill unless you're spin fishing for king salmon or halibut. Rod choice is easy, I picked up an 8' spinning rod at Sportco about 15 years ago for $30. It's a Daiwa I think, and still going strong. Throwing spinners or spoons with that outfit is almost as fun as fly fishing. Almost. Shhhsh!
Has nothing to do with fashion snobbery....but with set-up time and mosquito's.I love the implied function vs fashion snobbery. What's wrong with dirtying your fly rod for food?
Used to be able to score Mitchell 300s for about $30. They only get more expensive. When did they fall off the clearance table? And, you can mate them to any rod for titled purpose, since they predate size-match-weight (100 - 1-million) nonsense.
.
If I am going to fish I prefer to do it with a fly rod, but it takes awhile to rig up and in most cases I will need to launch a float tube or pontoon. So when I am serious about fishing it will be with the fly rod.
With the spinning gear I am hoping for couple of quick casts and maybe that will be enough for breakfast or dinner. A friend did the trip last summer and he is still just speaking about bugs. Another friend flew helicopters on fires. In the afternoon, he would hover just outside fire camp so folks could spend some time without bugs bothering them. I have been in Alaska in the fall after a couple of "killing" frosts and was still swatting bugs. So I do want the ability to catch fish without exposing myself for extended periods of time.
My other concern is that the reason I took up fly fishing was that I could NOT catch anything with spinning gear, except deep into Wilderness areas. I am hoping that the water along the trip will be as kind to my lack of expertise with spinning gear.
Thanks for the suggestions on reels and rods. I will start doing search
Vladimir, if you are sensitive to mosquitos get a head net. Mosquito repellent that's over 90% DEET is a must, don't settle for anything less. Anecdotal, but a lot of people think light colors, especially blue and white attract them. They don't bother me too badly, it's the no-seeums that I can't stand. Keeping a cigar (lit) or other tobacco product in your mouth works also.
Do you have any recommendations on head nets and clothing?? Brand names?? etc.
Lots of the trip planning revolves around bugs!! We are going to get a free standing 11x17 tent or screen room to set up when we stay a couple of days. Looking for recommendations on those also. Right now, the Coleman 60 second up tents are in first place.
Any other ideas for the trip??
Lots of the trip planning revolves around bugs!! We are going to get a free standing 11x17 tent or screen room to set up when we stay a couple of days. Looking for recommendations on those also. Right now, the Coleman 60 second up tents are in first place.
Any other ideas for the trip??
Light colors help keep mosquitos away, dark colors attract and head nets are hot dope. Cheap ones found at most any outdoor store work fine. My go to backcountry outfit when the mosquitos are thick is a loose fitting white dress shirt and a head net. A number of brands also make fishing/travel shirts with insect shield coatings. There's also mosquito mesh outfits which are good too.
As others have already mentioned, Pflueger President is a solid $50 workhorse of a reel.
Travel spin rod 3 pc. I like the TFO tactical spin travel rod 3 piece. You can get them in a variety of weights. Okuma makes nice spin reels as does Shimano, Daiwa and Penn. you can find deals at Sierra trading post, steep and cheap Cabelas, Tackle Direct etc for on line purchase. It is a good idea to have a travel spin rod in case the wind is too bad to fly fish. If you want to get food in Alaska get a pink pixie and you can catch a lot of coho for dinner. Good luck, Mems
G
get a few vibrax spinners size 3 in green ,black or orange, everything in Alaska eats them & they are as about the easiest thing to fish there is ,cast them out & reel them in ! get an electronic fly swatter from harbor freight ... then at least you will be armed for the bugs
Fish with me. Every mosquito in Alaska will seek me out and leave you totally alone. Don't know why but it is very annoying. Have fun
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Washington Fly Fishing Forum
A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers and enthusiasts in the Washington area. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, boats, tackle, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
