Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Hook Set on September 18, 2006, 07:12:38 PM

Title: looking at new rods
Post by: Hook Set on September 18, 2006, 07:12:38 PM
I have been looking into a new rod and rell combo for river fishing for salmon. We are looking at a trophy XL custom 10.5 foot medium heavy for $104.95. The reel we are looking at is a abu garcia 6500C3 for $129.98. I was wordering if these are decent prices for these products. I am looking for a good quality rod that will last me but not break the bank as I am fairly new to drift fishing and and my dads pockets are only so wide.  ;D
 Any info and suggestions would be appreciated
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: small_fish on September 18, 2006, 07:26:19 PM
I just brought my salmon river fishing road, just last week. I brought a shimano convernce 12-20 lb 10"6 Medium action rod.
With a abu garcia 6500C3 For $210 bucks at army and navy. I'm new to fishing, but im basically extremly happy with my setup, I will have the chance to try it out friday  ;D
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Hook Set on September 18, 2006, 07:44:32 PM
sounds good. I am really looking forward to getting a new rod too as have had the same spin casting  rod as long as I can remember
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: cohokid on September 18, 2006, 07:45:51 PM
i personally like the trophy's better then the convergances. trphys have a little more whip to em.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Hook Set on September 18, 2006, 09:37:25 PM
does anybody know if these are reasonable prices for these??  I am looking for a decent rod and reel.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 18, 2006, 09:50:12 PM
I think it's reasonable price
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Eagleye on September 18, 2006, 11:23:06 PM
The Trophy XL rods have good action; slow and quite sensitive (I use the med.light 11'6" for drift fishing)  but don't expect it too last very long.  I have gone through 2 of these rods in less than 2 years (the first was replaced under warranty) but now that replacement is on it's last legs and I'm in the market for a new rod.  The Trophy rods have a problem with the epoxy cracking by the guides which eventually makes them come loose the ceramic inserts have also popped out on both of my rods on more than one guide.  On my first day out with a Trophy XL Heavy action 12' 20-30 lb bar rod every guide had a crack in the epoxy.  The guides are still holding on the rod but the cracks keep getting worse.  I think my next drift fishing rod will be a TFO.  They have nice actions, come with a lifetime warranty and are resonably priced.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on September 18, 2006, 11:57:20 PM
i personally like the trophy's better then the convergances. trphys have a little more whip to em.
I agree I currently have a 9 foot trophy for my rapidex pin, and an 11'3 for my kf, And gonna invest in a medium trophy for my new kf, once i get some more $$$
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: scruffy on September 19, 2006, 12:33:53 AM
i also run a trophy rod it's a 8-17lbs rating and have no problems with it i find that for the $$$$ it's a great starter rod.For that price i would go with the trophy
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Gooey on September 19, 2006, 07:09:18 AM
My first sage cost me $350 for a used 3113mb and an avon royale...Haven't had to replace it EVER and I have probably had it for 8-10 years!  There is a lot to be said for buying a quality tool the first time...not having to replace a rod  every 2+ years ends up saving you in the long run while giving you a better fishing experience than fishing with a cheap rod.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: drift on September 19, 2006, 09:20:24 AM
I like the Trophy's too,not a bad price at all!
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 19, 2006, 09:40:53 AM
Buy the best rod you can afford. It will save you money in the long run.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Headshake on September 19, 2006, 10:12:20 AM
My first rod was a trophy XL. For the price, it's the best value going. I would suggest buying from the local tackle shop though. Since it isn't the most expensive rod out there, it can have problems with cracking, but the service on trophy rods is outstanding. I have had mine for 10 years, and have replaced the bottom twice, and the tip once. all at a total cost of 20 bucks! If you are starting out, the local service, can and will be a big help. Eventually someone sits or steps on your rod, and you can always go to your local store, and they will fix it for you. Most of the time for 20 bucks.

Once you get fishing, you can always upgrade, and use your trophy as a back-up. Then you can really appreciate an expensive rod, once you get familiar with what you like and how you like to fish.

Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: mikethesportsfisher on September 19, 2006, 09:33:15 PM
I just brought my salmon river fishing road, just last week. I brought a shimano convernce 12-20 lb 10"6 Medium action rod.
With a abu garcia 6500C3 For $210 bucks at army and navy. I'm new to fishing, but im basically extremly happy with my setup, I will have the chance to try it out friday  ;D


Good Deal, awsome rod for drift fishing, and a decent reel. Tip, be careful if you use it for BB eyes will get wore out within 1.5 weeks.

Buy the best rod you can afford. It will save you money in the long run.

second that

The Trophy XL rods have good action; slow and quite sensitive (I use the med.light 11'6" for drift fishing)  but don't expect it too last very long.  I have gone through 2 of these rods in less than 2 years (the first was replaced under warranty) but now that replacement is on it's last legs and I'm in the market for a new rod.  The Trophy rods have a problem with the epoxy cracking by the guides which eventually makes them come loose the ceramic inserts have also popped out on both of my rods on more than one guide.  On my first day out with a Trophy XL Heavy action 12' 20-30 lb bar rod every guide had a crack in the epoxy.  The guides are still holding on the rod but the cracks keep getting worse.  I think my next drift fishing rod will be a TFO.  They have nice actions, come with a lifetime warranty and are resonably priced.

weird I have been running 2 trophy bar rods, 1 for 8yrs, and 1 for 4 years, and not one of them have had this problem, as well I know quite a few others who run these rods and swear by them as they have not had any problems, I would suggest writing an angry letter to redl sports distributors now or if it happens again.

Although I must say, they should stick to bar rods and mooching rods, as all their other rods suck!

Mike <")))))><
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Trout Slayer on September 19, 2006, 09:37:18 PM
Why not ask the cashier at the department stores for their opinion on what's a good rod? It pays to shop at local shops. ;) Sure you may be paying a bit more but at a good store your talking to the pro's who use and fish the gear they sell. :)
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Hook Set on September 19, 2006, 10:02:42 PM
thanks for the advice everyone... and mike the sport fisher what are bb eyes??
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: bentrod on September 19, 2006, 10:04:35 PM
cabelas has a tourney trail rod, (past models have been made by G-Loomis) for 59.95. 
Take a trip across the border and you can find places that sell the new C4 6600 for $74.95, I just bought 2 6601's for 74.95 each. 
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: JL on September 19, 2006, 10:07:09 PM
I think he means if you bottom bounce with it...the eyes will wear out quickly
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: mikethesportsfisher on September 20, 2006, 07:26:19 AM
I think he means if you bottom bounce with it...the eyes will wear out quickly

Yes, exactly what I meant.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: dennisK on September 20, 2006, 08:02:51 AM
I think he means if you bottom bounce with it...the eyes will wear out quickly

not if they are high quality guides like hardened alloys or ti-cr.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Gooey on September 20, 2006, 10:23:52 AM
most lower end rods don't come stock with higher end components.  But Denis makes a good point though...you arent just buying a rod, you also need to consider the components too.

Tell the clerk what you will be using the rod for ie fishing the fraser with braid, fishing the vedder with mono...whatever...he should then be able to tell you if that rod will manage that task well.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Muddler on September 20, 2006, 10:52:43 AM
The Trophy XL rods have good action; slow and quite sensitive (I use the med.light 11'6" for drift fishing)  but don't expect it too last very long.  I have gone through 2 of these rods in less than 2 years (the first was replaced under warranty) but now that replacement is on it's last legs and I'm in the market for a new rod.  The Trophy rods have a problem with the epoxy cracking by the guides which eventually makes them come loose the ceramic inserts have also popped out on both of my rods on more than one guide.  On my first day out with a Trophy XL Heavy action 12' 20-30 lb bar rod every guide had a crack in the epoxy.  The guides are still holding on the rod but the cracks keep getting worse.  I think my next drift fishing rod will be a TFO.  They have nice actions, come with a lifetime warranty and are resonably priced.

Eagleye, if you really like the trophy rods, but are having issues with the guides I reccomend buying a blank (they are around $60) and getting it wrapped up with whatever guides you want. Sure it will cost more then $105, but the blanks are really nice and for the price you cant go wrong. you can get a guide set and corks for pretty cheap and then labour on top of that would put you into the $250 price range (for a custom rod). If you like the blank then it is a viable option.

Young Gun, the trophy rods are great and that is a good price. However, I would seriously consider a Quantum Iron Reel. This past sockeye season we must have replaced close to 100 pawls and worm gears (this is what makes your stacker go back and forth) on the Abu garcia's. This is not covered under warranty and costs around $20 a time (for both pieces). The quantum iron is around the $165 range, but is made in Japan, has 4 bearings, a 6.2:1 gear ratio and is fully saltwater capable. For the extra $35 I would seriously consider that. Also, the worm gears on the quantum are really good quality and I only replace the odd pawl ($5) on these reels.
Title: Re: looking at new rods
Post by: Hook Set on September 20, 2006, 03:44:17 PM
thanks I will look into that