(Part 3) Best fishing rod & reel combos according to redditors

Well, a good 9ft 9wt is a start and make sure you have a reel that will handle salt water. WF9 line to punch it out and for leader is used to just use straight 8-10lb mono of fluoro - maybe 6ft max.

Flys: Salt water hook - Big clousers both plain and really tarted up colors and half and halfs. That's all you need, IMO.

In the surf or out in a bay against pilings and such, you really don't need to worry much about finesse, IMO. You have bubbles, surf, currents, murky water, debris, etc. Just imitate a bait fish, get it in front of a feeding fish and bam.

As for retrieve, you may want to try the "tuck it under your casting arm" thing: Once fly enters water, tuck your rod at reel end under your arm and strip in the line quickly using both hands. Good way to get a pretty natural saltwater baitfish movement and speed.

*** Always rinse your reel, rod, and line well after saltwater use - especially the reel.

Did a super quick Google and found:

Nice package:
https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Path-990-4-Saltwater-Outfit/dp/B00ISC16K0

That's a perfectly good setup and you could tie yourself some Clousers on stainless hooks in size 2-1/0 or so:

(things like this...mix it up color wise and stay in the 2, 1/0, 2/0 size)

http://www.saltwaterflies.com/minnow.html

Ditto, Reddington Crosswater!
https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Crosswater-590-4-Fly-Outfit/dp/B00ISD2AY0

I fished this rig for 5 years and loved it. Would still probably have it as a back-up/guest rod if it wouldn't have gotten stepped on a couple years back.

If you search around you can probably find one sub $100.

Buy a low end to middle of the road combo (about $100 total). Look for a 7ft rod. Here's one of each. You can search for other rod/reels that are better for the price but a combo is easy

Baitcasting

Spinning

I've got a couple of these:

https://www.amazon.com/PLUSINNO-Fishing-Telescopic-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B018GFYHDG

I own the 10ft and a 6 foot one.

Honestly they are not that bad of rods except for the fact that they are not very sensitive. They pack down fairly small. If you buy one make sure you take apart the reel and oil it good. Thru didn't do a very good job at the factory.

I've only been fishing for a little over a month. My young kids wanted to so finally bought some rods, hit the internet to learn, and we're obsessed. OK, rather I'm obsessed lol, but my kids love it nearly as much. It's great to spend time with them and a blast when they catch one. So what I've learned in this short time...

Step one is to get a license for where you fish! Buy online and you can fish your whole state. Next equipment.

Most of the cheap rods I bought for the kids broke already :(. So I've resorted to buying gear that I'd personally find useful and will hold up. I replaced one with an ugly stick dock runner. Only $15, dinky but it's super strong so my 5 year old won't break it. I use it for bluegill (small fish) but it also held up great when I unwittingly hooked a decent bass! It's a spinning reel which is more prone to tangles. Unfortunately I also spend a lot of time untangling my 5 year old's reel. Alternatively you can get the dock demon spincast which is less prone to tangles.

I'm mentioning these rods because I'm kinda guessing your daughter is young if you want her to fish too but it's still appropriate for an adult to use. Full size ugly stick combos (rod & reel) are around $50 if you're will to spend that much for something super durable. Otherwise you can spend $25 for any combo at a sporting goods store and be able to catch fish no prob. Most popular is medium-fast action 6ft-7ft probably.

Easiest way to start catching fish is exactly what' you'd think, hook and a worm. I'm a fan of jig heads so you don't have to deal with a weight (weight is attached to hook). The improved clinch knot is seems to be the most popular way to tie the hook (but there are other knots). Grab some night crawlers - gas stations, convenient stores, grocery stores will have them by you (I'm in Chicago area so assuming it's the same). Just look for a live bait sign. Cut a small piece of the worm (maybe in half or quarters), stick it on the hook, give it a few wraps then hook it again, cast it (or just drop it from where you're standing), wait for that bobber to move, lift up to set the hook and reel it in. Take care unhooking it and go for that next one! It should be easy to find bluegill in shallow areas or right off of docks next to pillings (he uses slim jims in that video). You don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn either for these small fish and can basically go whenever. They'll magically steal bait of the hook but be persistent and you'll hook one. Oh you might want to bring small scissors and needle nose pliers as well. Not necessary but sure makes things easier when you have to retie a hook or unhook a fish.

This is how we got into fishing because it's just a thrill to catch a fish no matter how small. If you enjoy it you'll probably want to catch bigger or different fish. Each fish has different behaviors so generally you'd target one species, learn what it eats and lives, then fish for it. Largemouth bass is the most popular but of course there's tons of fish out there all with different challenges.

As for places obviously you have Lake Michigan. I've personally never fished it and to be clear my suggestion comes from small lake or pond experience so might be more applicable there. They are everywhere around here though! I literally load up google maps, look for bodies of water, and bam, never realized there are dozens of places to fish within 10min or less. I'm sure it's the same for you.

Youtubers I've been enjoying so far Catfish and Carp, Hey Skipper, KickinTheirBassTV, Flukemaster, TacticalBassin, & just today discovered 1Rod1Reelfishing (probably one of the biggest ?).

Good luck. Even if it doesn't turn into a new hobby, you can spend $30 and have the thrill of catching a fish. Totally worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011LVBLFE/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1519306727&sr=1-12&refinements=p_n_feature_nine_browse-bin%3A6680033011&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&th=1&psc=1

The 7’ 2 piece 4000 would be good to start.

I would go to a local bait store and tell them basically what you are looking for they will set you up. They should have a similar combo. Tell them you want 30lb braid spooled on and 50 lb floro for leader material. You will have to google how to tie the knots and rigs but that will get you started. Use a chicken rig around structure in salt water with shrimp will get you on fish.

Everyone will suggest the Black max combo... it looks cool and it's cheap. The bearings tend to rust out quicker and the cheap plastic parts will give out. It's not an if, but a when. If you're cool with that, then pick one up. It'll last you long enough.

Another option is Lews American Hero Combo for about $80.

This Bass Pro Bionic Combo is the same price-ish, and is built slightly better than the Lews combo.

Another option is to jump on Bass Fishing Yard Sale facebook group, has 100k members with literal tons of good deals. Work something out with people on there and you'll get more bang for your buck.

I try to do my best to be unbiased. Feel free to PM for additional help.

Get a new one. Sale going on now on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N5TOFQI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?tag=slicinc-20&ascsubtag=03a51f90cace11e9b8f226cbd3c933ad0INT&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I'd be careful throwing the Abu around salt water. It's not made to resist corrosion from salt water, so you stand a good chance of ruining a perfectly good bass reel.

The other big issue is that these fish fight hard. I don't know much about shark fishing, but I know that bluefish and jack crevalle fight like hell and definitely stand a chance at spooling a bass reel. A 5 pound bluefish fights five weight classes up from a 5 pound bass, and a 5 pound jack fights about seven weight classes up.

That all being said, get a cheap combo like this Penn setup and get after it!

what about this http://www.amazon.com/Winston-Passport-590-4-Fly-Outfit/dp/B00IS5IMEA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1410249744&sr=8-7&keywords=lamson+konic+combo

https://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Stik-Saltwater-Spinning-Combo/dp/B00MXZD9RG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536340611&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ugly+stick+saltwater+combo&dpPl=1&dpID=31iHtRS3apL&ref=plSrch

there you go.
its solid out of the box, but the top eyelet and reverse catch are prone to breaking. dont knock your reel against any jetties while stupidly trying to climb them like i did and you'll be fine. :)

I was given the Penn Fierce II combo as a birthday gift for my first surf rod. I find it to be a really nice combo for the price! PENN Fierce II Combo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011LVBZZ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_grwqzbD0DC3RG

Sure! 40-ish bucks worth of hooks swivels and weights and braided mainline and mono leader. 5 bucks worth of powerbait(worms are free if you wanna dig) 30 dollars a year for fishing license(depending on what state you live in). Carpool with a couple friends to a lake or river, if one has a boat that's cool but you don't need one. A 30 dollar rod and reel set works. Don't need a 400 dollar rod to catch 2 pound trout. If you go once a week and catch a few fish then you more than break even. Start out cost is low as well as accruing expenses. You only need to keep buying bait and a yearly fishing license

Lines: [braided main line] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OPKT9I0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - [Mono leader line] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T7WAN4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Hooks: [#8 baithooks] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186XEATY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Sinkers: [assorted sinker set] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009V2R2E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Swivels: [These even have swivels, which aren't pictured] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YMJ6ONC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - [heres a picture of the snaps] (http://i.imgur.com/BJeHUso.jpg)

Powerbait: [Take your pick of different colors and scents to see what works where you fish at] (https://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Powerbait-Glitter-Rainblow-1-75-Ounce/dp/B0000AV1L0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478070992&sr=8-1&keywords=powerbait)

Rod and reel:[If you go to an outdoors store you can find even cheaper] (https://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Spinning-Combo-Medium-7-Feet/dp/B00LV00CZG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478070582&sr=8-4&keywords=fishing%2Brod%2Band%2Breel&th=1&psc=1)

All of those one time expenses comes up to 63.30, that includes a rod and reel, lines, hooks, weights, sinkers, snap swivels and a jar of bait. The only thing you need to buy after that is bait every now and again for 4~ dollars

As for the license, it depends where you are, some places it's as cheap at 9 dollars a year, some places its 40.

As for getting my monies worth, I think I do, fresh fish is expensive. That's not even including the experience of it. I love going out into nature and relaxing with friends, catching a few fish and eating them for dinner is pretty fun

Time to buy something like this fishing rod or one of these USB endoscopes with a provided retrival hook made exactly for this type of thing. (Though if it's heavy I'd pipe clamp that hook onto the camera first)

Your best bet might be to go with a 4 piece 8wt fly rod and reel combo. That and an assortment of flies should give you what you are looking for in a fishing kit for both Fresh and Saltwater.

Scientific Anglers 7/8WT Saltwater Fly Fishing Outfit (4 Piece), Green/Tan

I am assuming you meant brown bullhead which is a catfish. I am not familiar with the species but google puts the average weight around 1-2lbs.

I would get a spinning reel in the 1000 to 3000 class and a 6 foot and a half foot medium light rod.

Something like a penn battle 2000 combo is a decent entry level setup that will last a while but isn't too expensive. You could get the Penn fierce if you want to go cheaper.

That setup would be perfect for fish up 2lbs. If the fish you are targeting average more than that then go for the 2500 or 3000 setup.

Your best bet is to look at the Eagle Claw Fiberglass Rods, They are well known and well loved as cheap good rods.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B0031HECBM/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1480429552&sr=1-2&keywords=eagle+claw+fly+rod

I also have this rod, Its a nice little cheap rod with a different feel from the fiberglass. I don't know anything about the reel they offer here. I just have the rod.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C2KTZCY/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Look for an old Martin or other "blue collar" used reel on ebay. That will get you a much more solid setup than some all in one kit.

Would something like this be okay?

https://www.amazon.com/PLUSINNO%C2%AE-Spinning-Telescopic-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B00YOW1U2M/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1468425220&sr=1-4&keywords=fishing+rod

I'm going with people who have been therefore before with gear as well but I didn't want to go empty handed.