Blair Wiggons Combo

General Fishing Discussion
1

I was thinking about buying the Blair Wiggons rod/reel combo at DIck’s Sporting Goods and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions good or bad. Should I buy this or should I get some other brand around the same price?

2

I’ve heard decent things about the rods but I don’t know anything about the reels. Chances are, if it breaks, it will be difficult to get replacement parts.

You can’t go wrong with a Penn Battle. They’re only about $100 and if properly cared for, will take the abuse of the saltwater for a long time. When paired with a good rod, you’ll be in business for years to come. I’m personally a jig fan of the Shimano Teramars and Star Stellar Lites as they’d both good mid level rods that have amazing warranties! Personally, I’d rather spend the money on a good rod with a great warranty upfront than to buy a cheap rod now and another cheap rod when it gets broken.

3

I’d put up a little more money and get a 7’3 tfo tactical with a 3000 stradic. Good combo that will last.

4

x2 on the Battles and Star Rods. But, I’ve never fished one of the BWs.

j

5

Go see the guys at Haddrells. Tell them your budget. I have found they are just as competitive on price as most the big boxes. Shimano - 1st and Penn -2nd IMHO. I fished both and the drags on Shimano are simply better and I do not get wind knots with my Stradics.

He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30

6

I second going to Haddrell’s ! Go tell them what you are looking for and let them set you up with a nice combo . Oh and the over the counter warranty on Shimano and star rods are worth it alone !

19’ Cobia bay

7

jeff is right on the money. Shimano has a IM-7 graphite rod starting at $70 with an over the counter lifetime warranty. Trust me it is worth that and then some. Plus you cannot beat the folks at Haddrells.

He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30

8
quote:
Originally posted by C Tackle

jeff is right on the money. Shimano has a IM-7 graphite rod starting at $70</font id=“red”> with an over the counter lifetime warranty. Trust me it is worth that and then some. Plus you cannot beat the folks at Haddrells.

He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30

I think you’re talking about Shimano’s Convergence line. I have a 7’ medium-heavy paired with a Battle 4000. Solid combo for under $200, you can’t go wrong.

“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”

9

Thanks Black Bart you are correct sir. One more thing that I would add is if you go the Shimano route I would not purchase anything below the Sahara for saltwater fishing.

He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30

10

C tackle - I have several of the shimano sienna’s that are $30 I bought 2 as emergency reeks for a trip to Florida a while back. Stoll going strong for over a year! Like them as much as my buddy’s Sahara. But my symetre is an awesome reel! I have the siennas in 4000 and 2500 size, I also have the 19.99$ AX 1000 that I use for trout and largemouth fishing!

11

yakman,

I was not intending to put down the other Shimano reels. You make a valid point. I like the Stratics and that what I fish with and just picked up a couple of Saharas on closeout at Cabalas. For me it boils down to drag and minimizing wind knots. I have fished a number of lower entry reels over the years and the Sahara thru Stratic reel lines have had excellent drags and wind knots have not been an issue when using brad. However, I tend to do alot of artifical fishing vs live bait, so if you live bait alot then wind knots are not as big an issue. That’s the great thing about CF is the sharing of knowledge and experience. Good luck and tight lines!!!

He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30

12

Thanks guys, I’ll be heading back to Chucktown in about a month or so. I will check the guys out at Handrell’s. I didn’t realize the shimano’s were that decently priced. That would be my first choice over anything.

13
quote:
Originally posted by Nowake

I didn’t realize the shimano’s were that decently priced. That would be my first choice over anything.

Some are & some arent IMHO. you can get a shimano for 20 bucks or you can spend over 1000. Shimano stuff is good though. I love the stradics. Also, had a sienna that lasted 5 or 6 years. Proper maintenance and rinsing is the key to getting longer life from you reel.

  • I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.