Need Rod and Reel Recommendations

[Keith/MN]

I'm looking for recommendations for a good rod and reel set-up for walleye fishing - mostly rigging and jigging. I would like to stay in the $150 ballpark. Unfortunately I can't justify $200 on a GLoomis rod (plus the cost of a good open face reel). I like to use fireline when fishing if this makes a difference.
Thanks in advance for all the advice.

[REW]

For the money, it is tough to beat the Walleye rods by Parsons and k. that are in Bass pro. They have been selling for about $50 each.

A nice way to do it is to get their jigging rod, and also their rigging rod.

You can also pick up one of the "reasonable" bass pro reels for about $30 each. Then you will have two setups - one for rigging and one for jigging for about $150.

Lots of satisfied users with this combo.

You can spend lots more, but this rig will catch you lots of fish.

Take care

REW

[Phil T.]

Another alternative is the Berkely Select Series rods. These are the rods that first had Gary Roach's name on them. The price is about the same as the Bass Pro rods mentioned above, but may be found at your local tackle shop.
As for reels, I like them simple and durable. Check out the Penn 4300 SS reel. It's the right weight for jigging, and the interior is built like an ultralight salt water reel. Cabela's carries them.

[MN]

I have heard this for many years and believe in it. It's most important to get a good stick and a lower end reel if your are trying to save money. I myself love the fenwicks which i team with a shimanno stradic or the sustain. But if i was looking to save money it would be by buying a cheaper reel and getting a higher end rod. So in the end i would recommend a fenwick hmg/av in the 6'6 variety for jigging and light rigging and a cheaper reel. Hope this helps.

[Honest John]

You might be real pleased with Cabela's XML rod. The rod alone is about $140, but they have a couple of combos you might consider:

1. XML w/ Shimano Stradic $180 for the both. You could try the CLS663 ML 6 and a half foot rod for your rigging and jigging. The only size reel in this combo is the 2000 which may be a little large and heavy for your purposes.

2. XML w/ Shimano Symetre something like $140 ?? With this lesser reel you have the choice of getting the SY1000 which is probably the right size for your purposes.

[Lund_Dude]

Don't forget to have a look at StCroix. They make a good stick and the prices are pretty reasonable (for the quality). Their service is second to none!

[Dave in Mpls]

I'll second the St. Croixs. Take a look at something in their Premier line, such as the PS66MLF. this is a 6'6" medium lite fast action. Couple that with a Shimano Symetry 1000 or 2000 (whatever one "feels" best to you) and you'll be set. Another reel choise would be the Diawa Tournament (SS) series, which you can find for the same $$ as the Shimano. You'll be looking at 79.99 for the rod and 84.99 for the reel, so a bit more than you want to spend (isn't that always the case!). The other suggestions are all good, but I prefer to by a rod/reel setup that I can actually hold and feel before purchase.

Regards

[cmb]

I recently purchased a diawa regal-S reel for $30 from dic ks. (retail is $60) can't beat that for the price. couple that with a St.Croix stick and you will have top rate equipment at a good price. If they are out of the regal-s they have a similar diawa that retails for $35 and blows away all but the top end shimanos.. smothe drag, smothe woble free spinning, instant anti-rev... best bang for the buck that I have found

[JKJ]

I've got to agree with Phil. The Berkley are pretty nice....

If you can get to Joe's Sporting goods in St. Paul, Mn. they had these on sale for 39 bucks. Combo that with a Shimano Sahara for another 39 and you got one decent set up.