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.frenchyI have a lake in my backyard that every year I invite my friends to challenge me to a "bass-off" where we see who can get the biggest bass, but has to be over 1.00lb. I was undefeated last year lol, something like 15-0,
Huck_NorrisI do the same, but loser buys the winner a beer. I don't think I've ever bought one hahaha
So much fun to mix in a little friendly competition.
division.bellIt was nice to try out a bunch of spinning reels to narrow my selection, but I was extremely let down by the lack of spinning rods on display. The search continues in that regard.
Huck_NorrisWhat's your budget for a spinning reel?
division.bellI'm looking at spinning reels between $100-$200 or so; current choices are Pflueger Supreme XT, Pflueger Patriarch, and the Shimano Stradic. The Patriarch and Stradic felt amazing, I wasn't able to get my hands on the Supreme XT as Cabelas didn't have one out on display.
I'm still using a Quantum Kinetic PTI that I bought 10 years ago at least. It gets the job done, but I'd like to upgrade to something smoother.
.Hugo.All 3 of those reels are gonna be amazing. I personally am a shimano guy, I have just always used them and never had a problem, but pflueger is definitely in my top 3 brands for spinning reels. It basically just comes down to how good they feel in your hand (handle, if the bail hits your knuckles) and price. Also the stradic and partriarch have a larger spool so they'll hold more line
division.bellI'm well familiar with Shimano through bikes but I don't have experience with their fishing equipment.
Would you have any insight on the comparison between the Stradic CI4 and the Stradic FJ? I'm looking for a burly and smooth spinning reel to fish for everything from pike to bass to trout and whatever else ends up on my line. I just haven't stayed up to date with current technology and haven't had the time to get all of these reels in my hand for comparison.
.Hugo.Never used a stradic reel (still a poor student), but from what I know about them, they have a different grip on the handle, the ci4 has 1 more bearing, weighs slightly less, and maybe holds a tiny bit more line? I actually just searched it up quick and some people have said the ci4 is almost too light and makes the setup tip heavy.... unless you have a really light rod to go with it. But the general consensus seems that both are kick ass reels
In all honesty if you narrow it down to those two id get the FJ and spend the extra $30-$40 and get a rod thats the next step up from what you'd originally get. You don't need the extra line on the reel for the kind of fishing you're doing, 1 more bearing is not going to make a world of a difference, and unless you're a twig casting heavy baits all day the weight isn't too big of a deal. But, I honestly dont think you can go wrong with either one
division.bellThanks man! I'd like to physically compare both Stradics to the Pfluegers (Patriarch and Supreme XT) but will probably have a hard time doing so around here.
Any suggestions for a 2 piece MH spinning rod 6' - 7' or so? I need to have at least 3/4oz max weight lure capabilty for pike fishing. Currently looking at St. Croix Avids/Premiers; I like made in the usa gear as much as possible, and the lifetime warranty on the Avid series compared to the 5 year warranty on the Premiers. I just can't find what I am looking for in person. I also prefer cork handles which has taken some makes/models out of the running. Ultimately I'm trying to stay under $450 or so for a new rod/reel so nothing too fancy.
I'll be chilling on a few lakes around the greater Mille Lacs area in the middle of July. Looking forward to fishing pike on familiar waters already!
