Freshwater fishing set up - what do you use?

lentichin

Need some help. Budget is $150-200. I know that i dont need to necessarily spend a lot, but I am looking to get something that will last and work comfortably.

I typically fish spinning reels, so I plan on sticking with that type of reel.

-I have eventually had issues with just abt every pole I've purchased (typically >$20).

• reel wise i am looking at potentially a good pfleuger. Saw a buddies that I liked.

What are the top freshwater brands for spinning reels?

Help me figure out a good combo. Will be fishing for bass, perch, walleye, trout, etc. Anything freshwater essentially.

I like a stiffer pole over one that bends when a crappie swims by it.

Appreciate any advice and am interested to hear what you all are casting with.

gogittum

The lighter Ugly Sticks are hard to beat for an economy rod.  I prefer a lighter tip for easier casting with light lures and a stronger lower section to put pressure on heavier fish.

fmoe

I use the same spinning rod and reel for bass fishing and redfish.A 7 foot Falcon medium and a Shimano Sedona 3000.

capt louie

I have used Pfluger Presidents foe many years. And they were really good. They changed something about7 years back and not the same.
I just changed to a Shimano Miravel and really like it. I also have no problems with Diawa BG's. Solid reels in a decent price. A 7' rod of your choosing over a 3000 size reel will do it.

bottom feeder

I have all three sizes of Presidents and they are great reels.  They might be more than 7 years old though.
On bass pro rods.

DES51

I agree with the Presidents. A good solid reel. I always liked Shimano Symetre but unfortunately they are no longer made. You will also need two types of rods. A soft tip, like an Ugly Stick for hard baits and a fast tip, graphite rod for plastics. It all depends on your style of fishing.

swampdog

True the above. My only contribution is I favor a one piece rod. 

ivn

I've always used whatever ultralight/light spinning combo I could get for $20-30 from walmart, from the 3' dock demons to 6'.  Even put a micro spinning rod on a 6wt fly rod once (tried fly fishing, again a $30 wally combo, but where I fish I have no room for back casting, etc.  the micro spinning reel made an AWESOME ultra light rig)

swampdog

I definitely don’t put down the inexpensive equipment we can buy today. It’s better than what we began with 50 yrs ago. I have pet rods & reels that only I use, but have the inexpensive for all the many kids, friends and friends wives to use for both fresh and salt. I also keep a cheap combo in my camper when on hunting trips - you never know. 

Crabtrap

Another thumbs up for the Pflueger President. And if you can deal with a bit of pink on your reel, the “Lady President” is the same reel at a cheaper price. They are often on sale at less than half price of the more masculine blue version. 

WadeK

With your budget, you should be able to get something nice. I would advise putting more $ into the reel than the rod. I usually go around $90 on the reel and $60 on the rod if I'm trying to hit $150 and $120/80 for a $200 rig. For Bass, Perch, Walleye and Trout as my targets, I would recommend looking for a med/fast action rod rated for 6-12# line. I would try 10# braid for your main and add a rod length of flouro line in whatever strength is appropriate.  Use either the FG or RP knots. YouTube is your friend.
6# for Perch and Trout.  8# for big trout, open water Bass and Walleye. 10# for general Bass and Walleye. 12# for heavier cover Bass.