Fishing gear for summer

[bigG]

I was just at gander, which is usually a rip off, but picked up a nice GM Virtex cheapie medium action pole for $15. Then I went to Farm n Fleet and picked up two of the cheaper Shimano reels (I've had one of these cheapies for about 10 years now and it's been problem free) for $11 each. Also got one of the better light action reels for another $25. The deals are out there if you want to think summer.

[jeast]

Love Gander!  Favorite store.

My problem with cheaper reels is that they wear out so fast.  I buy a decent, not top of the line but decent reel and within a year, two at the most...it is literally worn out.  Reels don't last long for me.  Although I still own every reel I have ever purchased. (30 or more?)

Shimano makes a decent reel.  I have several.  All worn out. 

Of course most people don't fish for 8 hours straight two or three days a week, all year long either...so I am really not complaining, just stating facts.  Reels don't last too long.  If I can get two good years with no problems, that's a good reel.

[bigG]

They all have plastic gears. I usually buy the Shimano mid-line stuff. I have different reels and rods for different jobs. Love brookie fishin' with ultralights, smallmouth with medium and northern/musky with heavy.

[DrSnide]

They all have plastic gears. I usually buy the Shimano mid-line stuff. I have different reels and rods for different jobs. Love brookie fishin' with ultralights, smallmouth with medium and northern/musky with heavy.

Yeah I'm a Shimano mid line guy also - but I tend to only go once a week at best so it make more sense for me.  Love, just love, my ultralight with 2lb test for panfishing.  Get a nice size gill on there and you can see how those sunnies are in the bass family.  My son caught a good sized northen on his ultralight last years - that was quite the adventure.

[imnofish]

I have had great luck with the long (9 ft.) crappie rod found at Farm and Fleet, a small Mitchell open face reel, and light superlines (Powerpro 10 lb. test, but small diameter).  I have caught plenty of nice crappies, but have easily handled bass up to 5 lbs. and pike up to 12 lbs. on this rig.  Shopping the winter sales made it affordable as heck, too.