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Posts: 346
| Now that I have successfully infected another individual into this wonderful sport, I have to go about getting him set up. He completely understands the need for the highest quality equipment and how necessary and equally important release tools are. In the beginning, he'll be fishing with me, so at the moment, alls I need is his first rod and reel combo.
In my beginning, I started out with 7'0" Loomis MUR844C Medium 1-3oz/Abu 6501C3. I could throw almost everything I wanted with this rod, but it was limited. I have 4 other rods now  and I don't know how I would get by with just one (or four ).
The "What's Your Rod/Reel Combo Compliment?" sticky in the Pro section gives many great choices, but I still want your opinions:
If you had one rod to do it all for a beginner, what would it be? Should I go with the time tested 7'6" St. Croix Premier?
Thanks,
MJB |
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Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Pretty hard to go wrong with the St. Croix Premier, but for a few more bucks the Avid is really good. The Abu's are always a good starter reel, easy to repair if needed. |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | If I could only have one rod there is not a doubt it would be a 7'6" St. Croix Premier. Partner it with a Abu 6500 SSC3 and you have a very good quality rig that won't break the bank. You can throw almost any bait that you want with this set up and it will cost you right around $200. |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | My 1st rod/reel combo was a Premier 6'9" with a 6500c3... It is still my favorite combo today. |
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Posts: 4266
| A lot depends on his size.
6'10", 7', or 7'6" Premier are all good rods.
Pick one that fits him size wise the best.
Beav |
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Location: Contrarian Island | Since when does the size of the person matter? A guide buddy in Madison I know that weighs 150 soaking wet and is 5'8" throws a 9' All Star like nothin...
For a first rod, I don't think you can beat an 8'6" All Star very light to throw and you can toss anything with it. $120
Any decent reel with app. a 5:1 ratio will do.
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | The only thing I dont like about the 7-6 Premier is its "tree trunk" size. It has the largest diameter of any MH I've ever seen. It's kinda bulky, something you dont want a newcomer to have to deal with. A 7-0' stick is probally a better fit.
I'd say if he's looking 7-6, go to the Avid. Lighter and not as cumbersome.
Length of rod does matter when first starting out, Shorter rods are easier to work for new people. As they grow more accustomed to working jerk baits, gliders and twitchers, then they can experiment with lengths. I'm 5-8" and I work 8' sticks a majority of the time. When I first started out, there was no way I could control an 8' correctly.
I'd say reel size and the way it fits is more important. Last thing you want is a reel that doesnt fit your hands correctly while casting 8-10 hr days. Because I'm small, I love the 5500 and 5600 series reels. My favorite is the Abu Morrum, just fits well.
Edited by Gander Mt Guide 10/5/2004 9:06 AM
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Location: Contrarian Island | I have to throw my 2 cents in and disagree....I've taken "newbies" out this year that have never casted before. I had them use an 8'6" Heavy All Star, a bit lighter action than the X Heavy and they all casted with ease, once they got used to that they stepped up to the X Heavy 8'6". I think anything shorter than 7'6" is way to short for a newbie.
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| To make casting easier, I would go with at least a 7'6" Premier or go with an 8' depending on the size of the person. I would start with a c3 6500. A good set up to start, when the first requirements are to cast properly and to learn how to set the hook.
Steve |
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Posts: 459
Location: New Baden IL | I'd suggest a 7'6" St. Croix with a Abu Garcia 6500 C3. Great all around rod, and the reel is hard to beat for the money.
$80 for the reel and $120 for the rod.
Not cheap, but great quality on both.
Rodney LaCaze |
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Posts: 4266
| Since when does size matter?
Ask my 8 year old how easy it would be for her to use an 8 foot rod while twitching the rod tip down while using a glider?
Ask my 5'4" wife how easy it is for her to do the same.
My wife uses an 8' Avid for straight retieve lures, for lures that require the rod to move the lure and give it action, she uses a 7 footer to keep from slashing the rod in the water every time she moves the rod down.
Seems obvious to me. Anybody can use a 9 foot rod to fish bucktails, but they sure as hell aren't gonna use it for jerk baits.
Beav |
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Posts: 346
| I do have two 7'6 rods with blanks identical to St. Croixs (bulky). I'm thinking the best bet is to take my rods out and experiment further with numerous lure types. He is a smaller guy (5'7" or 8"). He seemed to do well with the 6501s. I don't have any 5501's and have never used any, should I take the shot in the dark and get him the smaller reel?
Thanks for the help guys,
MJB |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | Another good musky rod for starters would be a falcon 6'10" xxtra heavy tarpon rod.. My brother got one as his 1st rod, very nice rod.. |
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First rod suggestion?