Reddit reviews PENN Fierce II Spinning
We found 3 Reddit comments about PENN Fierce II Spinning. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Spinning fishing reel offers premium performance and durability at an exceptional valueDurable construction with full metal body and sideplates plus heavy-duty aluminum bail wireFluid cranking with 4 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearingTechno-Balanced rotor provides superior leverage and torqueSuperline spool requires no backing, is braid ready, and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity
I would look for a spinning combo with a medium power rod and a 2500-3000 size real, that's a good middle ground for starting freshwater fishing... stout enough for larger fish but not so big that you can't cast lighter lures.
For 50, your best bet is probably an Ugly Stik GX2 combo, probably go with model MODEL # USSP662M/35CBO myself.
http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-combos-spinning-combos/ugly-stik-gx2-spinning-combo/1314552.html#specifications
If you want to go up a bit in price, you'll get a bit more out of an Ugly Stik Elite combo version of the above, or a Pflueger President Spinning Combo like model PFLPRES2-70COMBO:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/pflueger-president-spinning-combo-15pflupflprs2spn2com/15pflupflprs2spn2com?recid=nosearch_PageElement_nosearch_rr_1_2564_&rrec=true
If it were me, I would probably save up a bit more and pair a Penn Fierce II 2500 with an Ugly Stik Elite 7' rod, which for the money gives you a versatile combo with will last a long time and a can handle light salt water use as well. Both pieces are about 50 bucks, here's what they look like from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LVCGA8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VS0S1IO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Any of those are pretty comonly available at places like Cabela's, Dicks, Bass Pro, and some even at Walmart if you want to check them out in person. Any of those paired with some 8-10lb mono line like Stren Original or whatever you prefer, or 15lb braid will work well for most freshwater situations.
Other than rod/reel, I would get a decent tackle box, I like the soft side ones with a strap that make hauling your gear around a bit easier... I have a couple of them from Plano that were a bout 50 bucks. I would also get a decent pair of pliers or similar, ideally with a cutter to trim line, so you can unhook fish that took a lure a deeper in their mouth easily, especially toothy fish.
Can't go wrong with the Ugly Sticks for the price, however you might want to go down a weight... medium heavy (MH) is a bit much for the species you're targeting unless you're using really large lures and mostly going for big carp, and heavy is way too much. It'll be pretty stiff and with lighter line result in larger fish being more likely to break you off vs a medium action which will flex more when fighting the fish. You could even go medium light if you're catching more smaller walleye, crappie, and rock bass. I do prefer the Ugly Stik Elite over the GX2 though, they're 10 bucks more but lighter with a nice cork handle. Either way is fine though. Also, you mention casting rods and spinning reels... that won't work, you will need either a spinning rod and spinning reel (which is what I would go with) or a baitcaster reel and a casting rod (which is harder to get used to).
The reel you're looking at is not one I've used personally, but they're quite popular and most people love them here, so from everything I've heard it will be a fine choice. I use mostly Penn reels which I've been very happy with, and the compatible Penn would be the new Fierce II which is also a good choice.
If I were buying a new all around use freshwater setup today, here is what I would buy... I'm posting the Amazon link because it's easy to find, but you can get this stuff most anywhere:
Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel size 2500 or 3000. I use the Battle II line which is just a step up, but the Fierce is reliable and durable as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Penn-FRCII4000-Fierce-Spinning-Reel/dp/B011LVCGA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770336&sr=8-1&keywords=penn%2Bfierce%2B2&th=1&psc=1
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod - this is a matter of preference, but I like a 7' rod for casting out a bit farther, 2 piece for easy transport, in medium power so it has some flex to help with casting and fighting larger fish on lighter line.
https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Elite-Spinning-2-Piece-7-Feet/dp/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770384&sr=8-1&keywords=ugly%2Bstick%2Belite&th=1&psc=1
My choice for line (either way you go reel wise) would probably be 8-10lb mono, like this one, or 15-20 braid. If you get an extra spool for the reel you buy, you can have both.
https://www.amazon.com/Stren-Monofilament-Fishing-10-Pound-Fluorescent/dp/B00LDYHTQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487770474&sr=8-1&keywords=stren%2Bmono%2B10lb&th=1&psc=1
I recommend an Ugly Stik Elite Medium Action rod paired with a Penn Fierce II size 2500 and spooled with 8lb mono line. It's a combo he can use for anything from brim to bass to catfish and even some light saltwater use. It's easy to use, and pretty tough and low maintenance. Here's the items on Amazon that are around your price limit with free prime shipping. The other option would be a Bass Pro / Cabela's / etc. gift card so he can choose his own.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJ4IE6S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LVCGA8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Stren-SOFS4-15-Original/dp/B00MGBG6M2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1491522800&sr=1-1&keywords=stren%2Boriginal&th=1&psc=1