San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

I’m in the market to purchase my first fishing rod, and the general research I’ve done so far suggests I start with a rod and reel combo.

Budget is ~$100 but can be flexible.

Interested in fishing Mission and SD Bays and maybe lakes as well. Particularly interested in California Halibut. I also plan to get a crate for my SUP.

Is something like a spinning reel Ugly Stik GX2 7’ medium heavy in the right ball park?

Thanks in advance!

Check out the Penn Fierce combos. Under budget and will work for bays and freshwater. If you’re willing to spend a few bucks over budget, you could easily get a cheaper spinning reel around $50, and a rod for $70-ish and that will be a better setup than most “combos” you’ll find

I’d be willing to invest more in separates. Would you have any recommendations?

Is 7’ a good length? I’m 6’ and would like to use it for shore and SUP.

Yeah I’d go with something 7’-7’4” depending on what you settle on. Although I’ve never fished from an SUP, a lot of companies have a 6’9” model. Really it’s all about what feels good in your hands. Nowadays there are tons of options. Check out tackle warehouse online. Bass pro shops has good stuff but many other brands offer longer warranties. Brands aside, IMO rod sensitivity is much more important in freshwater, and with spinning gear the reel is far less important than the rod

I would say 2500-3000 size on the reel

Went with the Penn fierce III LE combo from basspro. Now to do some fishing!

bwiphlsan wrote: Sun May 21, 2023 9:58 pm Went with the Penn fierce III LE combo from basspro. Now to do some fishing!

Good reel

Hello everyone I’m new to fishing and loved the trout season. I went and pull the trigger on buying a Phenix elixir 7.6 rod and was gunna ask you guys what reel you guys recommend to lap on it. I have a Sedona 1000 on another rod just want something better and smother any suggestions??

Tony6469 wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:23 pm Hello everyone I’m new to fishing and loved the trout season. I went and pull the trigger on buying a Phenix elixir 7.6 rod and was gunna ask you guys what reel you guys recommend to lap on it. I have a Sedona 1000 on another rod just want something better and smother any suggestions??

Tony... I replied on your other post...
Butch

I don't know if Ugly sticks or shakespere products have improved over the years.
I think you might be able to do a bit better for the budget however. Check the specials at big 5, they're usually quite good for low end tackle. The cheap daiwas in particular.

For 100 I'd look at a lightning rod and and a good spinning reel on sale. Just picked up a legalis 2500 xd for cheap and paired it with a lightning rod for under 100, I'm going to test it jigging for flounders and salmons.

The ugly stick inshore select rods are very well made and feel great. I bought a couple a few years back because of a big sale they had. They are listed at $69 right now.

Combos are $100 with a 7 year warranty

https://www.uglystik.com/ugly-tuff-spin ... bo-1285981

https://www.uglystik.com/elite-spinning-combo-1347948

camobass wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2024 7:50 am The ugly stick inshore select rods are very well made and feel great. I bought a couple a few years back because of a big sale they had. They are listed at $69 right now.

Combos are $100 with a 7 year warranty

https://www.uglystik.com/ugly-tuff-spin ... bo-1285981

https://www.uglystik.com/elite-spinning-combo-1347948

7 year warranty, but with non-ceramic guides you're limited in line choices.
I wouldn't recommend non PE line to anyone except those who lack dexterity or caution, and children.