posted 03-10-2002 06:41 PM ET (US)        

So here is the question ........what is the best fishing rod to buy (what brand) what type of reel. Since I am a novice at this any input would be appreciated. Also what other equipment would I need to purchase?:

posted 03-10-2002 09:47 PM ET (US)            

I have fished nearby Raritan Bay since the mid-70's. We will probably be after the same type of fish (flounder, striper, fluke, blues and weaks) albeit in slightly different structure and tidal conditions. The previous post about a spinning rod is very good advice. When the fish are on a blitz, a spinning rod with lures is an excellent tool. I also do some fresh/salt fly fishing. It can be a lot of fun but you have to match your tackle to your spots.

The last couple of years I have been fishing with a friend on his Montauk. Day in and day out we do much better anchored or drifting with bait (live or fresh cut). For this, we use a light bait casting rod and a saltwater safe bait casting reel.

For the rod, let me suggest the St. Croix Avid in one of two sizes (1/4 -3/4 oz or 3/8 - 1 oz.), either weight range in 6-1/2 ft. length. I like the swollen handle of the St. Croix bait casters much better than the straight handle of the G. Loomis. I have both.

For a reel, I have settled on the Shimano Calcutta series. If you can afford it, the new Calcutta TE-300 has all the features that one could ask for fishing inshore.

I prefer Momoi mono or braid (Whiplash or Power Pro) with circle hooks. Good fishing!

posted 03-11-2002 02:44 PM ET (US)         

My wife picked up two inexpensive Quantum Baitcasting reels for light offshore use. I've matched them up with 7 ft. Penn Slammer light (15-20) test rods. They're spooled with 20lb. test Stren Green.

These are very light rods that should make for some fun this summer.

posted 03-12-2002 06:14 PM ET (US)            

What are the times and location of the CT fishing show?

posted 03-13-2002 11:44 AM ET (US)            

http://www.floridasportsman.com/cgi-local/Ultimate.cgi

posted 03-13-2002 02:02 PM ET (US)            

LAKE CHAMPLAIN(seperate licenses needed for either side of NY/VT mid point-read the regs!).
A "light/med" rod & reel with 10 pound test.
Lures:
Jointed gold rapalas--larger size
#3 Blue fox spinners-silver
Silver Rapala "Rattlin' Rap"
Larger Johnson Silver Minow Spoon-troll slow for pike. Use and in-line swivel/leader.
First three will catch Large/smallmouth bass,Pike. Spinners also catch Trout but you'll need a downrigger after May 1.

posted 03-16-2002 07:46 PM ET (US)            

I went to the fishing show today in Hartford,Ct. and purchased a 7 Ft. St Croix rod and a Shimano Calcutta reel. I am very satisified with my purchase.

When I started this I figured about $100 for the rod & reel, now close to $400 later i feel that I am very well equipt .

posted 03-17-2002 12:17 AM ET (US)            

Your groove was probably the result of a frozen bearing, though I've never heard of grooves caused from spectra. Try PowerPro spectra. Spectra is a generic term. Stay away from the "fireline", as it's not the same as other superlines. I don't have any "coffeegrinder" reels other than a Penn 4200SS that I use for squid, nor do I think I'd use the spectra on a spinning reel. You'll find that a revolving spool reel will suit all needs better than a spinning reel. No line twist, plus no friction due to line changing direction. Drawback is that they take some practice to learn to cast without backlashing, but overall a much more all-purpose reel.

>>>As far as line choices, half the fun for me is always using lighter than normal line. I love my ultra light and one weight. It really forces you to concentrate on landing the fish and not just reeling it in. The only draw back is the fish are usually more tired and take a little more reviving. I have recently purchased a new Shimano bait caster for Northern Pike. I will take a look at this spectra and even try it for a season. I need all I can for the Pike in Wisconsin, so I'll give it a try. Tight Lines~ck<<<

posted 03-17-2002 10:51 AM ET (US)            

EXACTLY! I've had the Powerpro and Tuf-line on my reels now for over 4 years. It's NOT affected by saltwater or UV rays. I use a mono topshot for tuna and other bigger game fish, straight or with a 20-30 foot mono leader for cod jigging. Spectra seems to be more abrasion resistant than fireline. Probably because fireline is NOT spectra (micro-dyneema, or gel-spun polypropylene, I believe) vs other true "spectra" lines.

posted 03-17-2002 11:19 PM ET (US)            

We are very much in the same boat (figuratively speeking of coarse) I am also not a fisherman, having only been two or three times in my life. Now, with the house and boat in CT, I feel it is definetly something I would like to become more familiar with. At some point we are going to have to meet up and maybe we can figure it out together.

posted 03-17-2002 11:36 PM ET (US)            

I am fishing in the Chesapeake Bay area where the average depth is 23 feet and some of the channels are around 50 feet with some holes going as deep as 125 feet. I have been using 20 lb test and have gone down to 14 lb this year to enjoy the light tackle fight. I just am out there to unwind, enjoy nature and get a thrill when I get a bite, and later have a good meal with some very fresh ingredients! Then life is very good.

I use a Penn Long Beach and a Penn 320 GTI for the troll and the deep bottom fishing with 40 lb mono, I know I should get a better rod. I am slowly moving up in my equipment, as I understand the art of fishing more and more.

posted 03-18-2002 07:41 PM ET (US)            

i fished li sound for ten yrs before i moved
boat from mamaroneck to moriches all the
good fisherman used this rod and reel

anchor in 50' of water drop bunker head
to bottom with 2oz egg sinker and hold on
caught many stripers over 40lbs this way
end of may tru july good luck