Gents, looking for some advice on good brands for some saltwater fishing equipment. I’m new to the saltwater fishing game (I currently own no gear). I’m planning a trip down to Bass Pro Shops in Savannah this weekend, just looking for your thoughts on what brands I should be looking at. I’m looking to spend about $100-$150 on a rod/reel combo. I’d like one that could be used for inshore casting (not fly fishing) and bottom feeding, as well as another one that could be used for offshore trolling for larger fish (dolphin, amberjack, etc.). On the website, they seem to push Penn, Offshore Angler, Daiwa, and Shimano. Shimano seems to be out of my price range.
Any thoughts on these brands (or another place to shop, or other brands to look at) would be much appreciated.
Drive north to Charleston and shop at one of the local Tackle shops. They will actually know what they’re talking about and won’t try to sell you camo coffee mugs, camo onesies for babies, or Duck Dynasty gear. For that price, you should be able to pick up some decent combos from Penn or Shimano. I’d stick with one of those two as the parts will be easier to get if you need them. Daiwa makes some quality stuff as well although I’ve never used any of their smaller reels. Offshore Angler is Bass Pro’s house brand. I’d stay away from that as I’d bet that getting parts and service would be difficult if you needed to.
No one ever buys a new car thinking it will break down in a year or three, but there are tons of mechanics out there. Be sure to consider the availability of parts and service when purchasing new fishing stuff.
Thanks a lot, that’s all good advice. Do you have a favorite tackle shop in Charleston that you recommend? I’ve got a couple local tackle shops in Beaufort that I may check out as well.
I don’t know much about the tackle shops in Beaufort but we are lucky to have Haddrell’s Point Tackle here in Charleston. They will give you sound advice and point you in the right direction. Plus, it’s much better to support the local guys over the box stores. I like the Penn products. For inshore, a 3000 or 4000 Penn battle or sargus reel paired with the new Penn Squadron rod should take care of your needs and would be in the 110-140 range. Check out the combos too and possibly save a little more. I just purchased 3 of the squadron rods this week. Havent tried them yet but they appear to have both the fast action and backbone to handle large redfish. Haddrell’s has a bunch in stock and could give you more info. They know their stuff.
Awesome. Did some research on the combos, found the Sargus 5000 paired with a Slammer rod for $86 at Walmart. This is a ‘Medium’ power combo. Do you think this would be a good compromise set up for inshore (casting, bottom fishing) and offshore ‘light’ trolling for Dolphin-type fish?
Go see Scott at Haddrell’s Point West Ashley. I bought 2 Penn Battle 4000 series combos from them last spring. They come with a Penn Battle 7ft rod. They spooled the reels with 20 Power Pro. These are great combos for the money. Just over $100 I think. A good all around inshore combo. If you want something a little lighter, I got a Battle 3000 with a Star Aerial 7ft. light action rod for artificials and lighter tackle. The service at Haddrell’s is 2nd to none.
Awesome. Did some research on the combos, found the Sargus 5000 paired with a Slammer rod for $86 at Walmart. This is a ‘Medium’ power combo. Do you think this would be a good compromise set up for inshore (casting, bottom fishing) and offshore ‘light’ trolling for Dolphin-type fish?
Dan D’Orazio
'08 Sea Hunt Ultra 232
Beaufort, SC
Walmart doesn’t need your money, but the local tackle shops do! I’ve used the Slammer series and while they work, I’m not a huge fan. I’d get a 3-4000 sized reel with 10-20 lb line and a 7 ft medium action rod for inshore, and a 6000ish series reel with 20-40 lb line and a medium heavy action rod for offshore/nearshore.
Jack, I saw those Penn battle combos they have. I think that would be a perfect fit. Vic, a 5000 is more than you need for inshore. a 3000 is all you need. A 4000 could be used for inshore and nearshore bottom fishing as well. You wont find any rod that is well suited for both trolling and inshore fishing. Inshore, you want a soft rod tip (fast action) so you can feel the bites better and be able to set the hook. A trolling rod is very stiff and the fish/boat set’s the hook. If you can make it up this way and talk to the guys at Haddrell’s they can definitely point you in the right direction. They really are good helpful people. And, their prices are very competitive too. Also, Keep an eye on the “Swap Shop” section here for gently used trolling rods.
Jack, I saw those Penn battle combos they have. I think that would be a perfect fit. Vic, a 5000 is more than you need for inshore. a 3000 is all you need. A 4000 could be used for inshore and nearshore bottom fishing as well. You wont find any rod that is well suited for both trolling and inshore fishing. Inshore, you want a soft rod tip (fast action) so you can feel the bites better and be able to set the hook. A trolling rod is very stiff and the fish/boat set’s the hook. If you can make it up this way and talk to the guys at Haddrell’s they can definitely point you in the right direction. They really are good helpful people. And, their prices are very competitive too. Also, Keep an eye on the “Swap Shop” section here for gently used trolling rods.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
X4 on Haddrells in West Ashley. I bought a Battle 3000 combo from them. Excellent inshore combo. I broke the tip off the rod and they replaced it for me free of charge. You don’t get service like that at a big box store. Period. Support small business if you can.
Great, thanks for the info gents. Laying the small business propaganda on pretty thick! It’s tough to pass up $86 compared to $129 at the local shops, especially when you’re on a budget, but I’ll take your advice. Great point J.P., if a rod tries to be good at everything, it’s probably not really good at anything. I think I’ll take a look at the 3000/4000 series for inshore until I get some more saltwater experience, and go with what the local shop recommends.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I’m becoming a big fan of this place.
Lighten up man, it was a joke. I think most rational people who read that would understand. Please don’t be a debbie downer on this forum. I’m still new, and I’m finding this very useful, and I’d like to keep it that way. Have a good one.
Wasn’t meant as propaganda. We’re just fortunate to have some really good local businesses that take care of their customers and have the knowledge staff you cant get at a box store. Regrettably, for convenience reasons, I have purchased stuff at Walmart. With Walmart in particular, you have to be careful. They order in such bulk and have items made specifically for them. For manufacturers to sell to walmart at these prices, they make the items from lesser quality materials. So buying item #XYZ at walmart is often inferior quality to item #XYZ purchased somewhere else (even other box stores). I have no affiliation with any local tackle shop. But, those guys are the lifeblood of the fishing community. They know the areas you fish, have the gear suited for your area and are usually a fun place to visit and talk to other fisherman. I think you will also find that the prices are very similar. Plus the money you spend stays in your community. I wish you luck in your search. If you have any specific questions feel free to shoot me a PM. I’m glad to help.
J.P., thanks for that. I clearly chose the wrong word. My sense of humor doesn’t come through very well with typed words sometimes. I appreciate your input and sensibility, which is clearly based on a lot of experience. I’m a proponent of supporting local businesses, and will include our shops in my gear purchases. Thanks again.
Go to Beaufort Boat and Dock Supply. Good people who can help you and their prices are within a few bucks of Walmart.I always go there first but if they do not have what I want, nothing wrong with going to Walmart or West Marine. Small shop owners know the area, fishermen and generally have better selections than the big box stores.
I lived in Charleston for thirty years before moving to Beaufort and have been to all the tackle shops mentioned, travel there to look around for fun but spend your money in Beaufort if possible since they will can tell you where the fish are biting locally.
I personally would rather have a cheap Shimano than a Penn. Penn has gone downhill in my opinion. Okuma is a good reel as well. I think I have 30 rod and reels at last count so just buy what you need for right now and the rest just seem to show up
I have a Penn Battle 4000, a Penn Spinfisher V SSV4500, and a Penn Conquer 4000. For me, based on my likes and experiences, the Battle is the best of the three followed by the Conquer with the Spinfisher a distant third. If I did not have a reel, I would buy a Battle.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…Proverbs 1:7