Wanted: Reels and Rods

[MuskieBait]

In that case Michael, may I suggest spending a few more dollars to get some Shimano rods? They have Limited Lifetime Warranty, and if you talk to guys on SCSF, Shimano has a very good track record in terms of repairing or replacing broken rods.

The cheapest rod on LeBaron by Shimano with the Limited Lifetime Warranty is the Voltaeus. The 6'6" is $33, the 7" is $40. The only thing I don't like is the stainless steel guides with polished inserts. I've had braid worn grooves into the stainless steel inserts (on an UglyStik no less).

The next up is the new Sellus. The 6'6" is $53, the 7' is $62. This rod has pretty good components, especially the aluminum oxide guide, but I'm not sure what 24 ton graphite means.

If you want to get even better, you can get the Convergence. The 6'6" is $62, the 7' is $73. Good Fuji guides and good IM-7 graphite.

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Or, you can always go the Pflueger Trion way...get a 3500 size Trion reel PLUS a 6'6" Trion IM-8 graphite rod for $64 at LeBaron...that's a good combo to me...plus you've used it and knows how it fishes and how it feels. Just don't dunk the reel...it's not saltwater grade...but I fished it in saltwater before and it held up to light saltwater use...so don't be too worried either. You can replace both the ceased up reel and your broken rod at the same time. It sounds like I'm always pushing this combo, but I do think it is one of the smartest buy for the money (since you're not looking to spend a lot on rods and reels).