Total newbie went looking for a pole/reel today...
I purchased an All-Star graphite rod 7ft, 8-15lb weight, fast to medium light and a Shimano Sedona 4000FD. I also picked up some Trilene 100% fluorocarbon 10lb line.
Now normally I research everything to death and go into purchases with lots of knowledge, but I needed something for Monday morning and I didn't have that luxury. I also wanted to get something that I wouldn't have to replace in the future.
So, is this gear alright or did I screw up?
What are you fishing for?
uh fish...
basically lake trout and bass...
but i might be going up state a couple times for pike/walleye/etc.
Shimmano makes a great reel. I just Googled the 4000fd and it looks good. Looks like a good med/heavy setup. I prefer lighter tackle than a lot of folks, you feel the fight more. Nothing wrong with what you have there. Probably should pick up some 8lb test or some limper line. It will be hard to cast lighter lures with the 10lb line. If you're going after pike you may want to pick up some steel leaders too, otherwise you may loose your lure.
Have fun!
So I went fishing today and it turns out that the line was too heavy and the lures were too light. I couldn't cast more than 30 feet it seems. The line was also twisting like crazy and it wouldn't stay straight at all...
Ended up catching nothing and pulled every bit of line of the spool and trashed it.
Allstars can be VERY good rods, but if you are doing a lot of casting for trout I'd go with 4-6lb line.
Great rod and reel combo....I love it for my area saltwater bay
Fishing here in FL I use Power Pro braided line and use about 30" of Fluorocarbon line as a leader.
Originally Posted By kzx87:
So I went fishing today and it turns out that the line was too heavy and the lures were too light. I couldn't cast more than 30 feet it seems. The line was also twisting like crazy and it wouldn't stay straight at all...
Ended up catching nothing and pulled every bit of line of the spool and trashed it.
There is a right way and a wrong way to put line on a reel, believe it or knot. With a spinning reel, I like to feed the end of the line through the guides and attach it to the reel with the bail open. Don't make a knot on the reel, just wrap the line around the spool and then around itself(the line) twice. Then put the spool of line flat on the ground with the label facing up. Gently turn the crank until you have a few 10 -15 wraps on the reel spool. This will keep the line from spinning with the bail. Then with light pressure hold the line with your fore finger and thumb a foot or two above the reel. As the line passes through your fingers and onto the reel it should have equal pressure the whole time. As you put line on the reel, flip the spool every 10 cranks or so( label up, label down, repeat). Don't fill the spool all the way to the edge. Leave about an eighth of an in of space on the spool. Also try using regular monofilament instead of flouro. It's much easier to use for a beginner. Get yourself a book called"The little red Knot Book". Don't underestimate the importance of the correct knot. Line weight has to be picked for the rod and then the lure weight. It's tough for a beginner to pick the right equipment at first, although you did buy some quality stuff(good job). See if you can find a friend to help you or buy a book. Hope this helps. Gotta go.
Originally Posted By Banditman:
Fishing here in FL I use Power Pro braided line and use about 30" of Fluorocarbon line as a leader.
X2
flourocarbon for you main line pretty much sux...
Originally Posted By truculenity:
Originally Posted By Banditman:
Fishing here in FL I use Power Pro braided line and use about 30" of Fluorocarbon line as a leader.
X2
flourocarbon for you main line pretty much sux...
I've had good experiences with all flourocarbon line, especially in clear water. I love the 4lb Vanish for smallies in the Upper Delaware River. It just takes a little more skill and patience than mono.
Originally Posted By McSull:
Originally Posted By kzx87:
So I went fishing today and it turns out that the line was too heavy and the lures were too light. I couldn't cast more than 30 feet it seems. The line was also twisting like crazy and it wouldn't stay straight at all...
Ended up catching nothing and pulled every bit of line of the spool and trashed it.
There is a right way and a wrong way to put line on a reel, believe it or knot. With a spinning reel, I like to feed the end of the line through the guides and attach it to the reel with the bail open. Don't make a knot on the reel, just wrap the line around the spool and then around itself(the line) twice. Then put the spool of line flat on the ground with the label facing up. Gently turn the crank until you have a few 10 -15 wraps on the reel spool. This will keep the line from spinning with the bail. Then with light pressure hold the line with your fore finger and thumb a foot or two above the reel. As the line passes through your fingers and onto the reel it should have equal pressure the whole time. As you put line on the reel, flip the spool every 10 cranks or so( label up, label down, repeat). Don't fill the spool all the way to the edge. Leave about an eighth of an in of space on the spool. Also try using regular monofilament instead of flouro. It's much easier to use for a beginner. Get yourself a book called"The little red Knot Book". Don't underestimate the importance of the correct knot. Line weight has to be picked for the rod and then the lure weight. It's tough for a beginner to pick the right equipment at first, although you did buy some quality stuff(good job). See if you can find a friend to help you or buy a book. Hope this helps. Gotta go.
This is why baitcasters are all that I will use.
Try Fireline 14lb in smoke. Its a little more expensive, but will last much longer, ties a better knot (palomar), doesnt kink up line mono, and has a much smaller diameter which cast a lot better
Originally Posted By fishstix:
Try Fireline 14lb in smoke. Its a little more expensive, but will last much longer, ties a better knot (palomar), doesnt kink up line mono, and has a much smaller diameter which cast a lot better
I agree w/ 'Stix. I would like to add that you need to be careful of snags. A lot of the time the line is so strong that you risk damaging the rod by trying to unsnag the snag. Sometimes you're better off cutting the line if you can't get to the lure. This aside, the Fireline is great.
One thing about the braided line is that you'll want aluminum oxide guides. There are other options too. I'm not sure, but I'd guess that the Allstar has decent line guides on their rods. Just something to think about if and when you buy another rod.Last thing for now, when you retrieve the line it helps to have some resistance. Sometimes the line will loosen up while retrieving and you'll have some knots and possibly a birds nest or two. If you're a beginner, I would stick with the mono.
Originally Posted By McSull:
Originally Posted By fishstix:
Try Fireline 14lb in smoke. Its a little more expensive, but will last much longer, ties a better knot (palomar), doesnt kink up line mono, and has a much smaller diameter which cast a lot better
I agree w/ 'Stix. I would like to add that you need to be careful of snags. A lot of the time the line is so strong that you risk damaging the rod by trying to unsnag the snag. Sometimes you're better off cutting the line if you can't get to the lure. This aside, the Fireline is great.
One thing about the braided line is that you'll want aluminum oxide guides. There are other options too. I'm not sure, but I'd guess that the Allstar has decent line guides on their rods. Just something to think about if and when you buy another rod.Last thing for now, when you retrieve the line it helps to have some resistance. Sometimes the line will loosen up while retrieving and you'll have some knots and possibly a birds nest or two. If you're a beginner, I would stick with the mono.
If I get a snag that is bending the rod to the point that I'm afraid I will damage it, I will let out some line set the rod down and just pull on the line itself. It will either come free, or snap the line, but you wont damage the rod.
I also agree with the Fireline. I like it with my medium weight setups. You can fit more line on the medium size spools with it, and it behaves better with lighter floating lures and jerk baits than heavier mono line would.
