spinning and baitcasting reels

[wknd outdoorsman]

My all around spinning set up is a 2piece 6'6" Uglystik Elite medium action rod and I've got a Shimano Nexave 2500 reel. Both of these I picked up at Canadian Tire on sale. The rod was $55 and the reel was $45.

I really like this set up bc the rod is durable and portable and the reel and its drag are smooth.

For the most part I have 8lb mono on the reel but this year I've decided to try braid so currently I have 20lb spider wire spooled up.

As for Baitcasting I recently purchased a Shimano Caenan 151 reel and I have it paired with a Quantum Accurist Med Heavy 2 piece rod. Keep in mind that This is my first baitcaster and I just took it on its first trip and it worked very well. Only 1 birds nest the entire trip! I have it spoiled up with 15 lb Berkley Trans optic Mono. The rod and reel I picked up at the spring fishing show. The reel was $130(I think) and the Rod was $45. Both were show specials so there was no tax!

So far the set up has been good for the same reasons above (durable portable and smooth). But again, keep in mind I have only used this set up on one cottage / fishing trip.