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Fishing For Beginners

Was I sold the wrong gear?

For context, I fish all across Ontario, but mainly up near Huntsville and Algonquin, mainly targeting pike using spinners and spoons.

I have always fished using my dad's fishing rods and reels from the 80's, and decided that I would get my own rod for when I move out, so im not a fishing beginner, but I am a gear beginner.

I went to Bass pro, told them I was looking to target pike with spinners and spoons, was looking for about a 7-8 foot rod, medium heavy, fast action, but that was the extent of my knowledge. The man that helped me set me up with a Daiwa CDN rod, and a very nice Shimano Nasci c3000HG.

I was initially sold 17 lb fluoro for the entire reel which I was suspicious of, but allowed them to do, which I immediately regretted as it just leapt off the spool and wind knotted constantly.

I returned to pick up some braid, and they were going to sell me 20 lb braid, then upped it to 30 lb braid.

Now I am suspicious of the entire setup. Was I sold a bass fishing setup when I told them I fish for mainly Northern Pike? Can this setup/line/ handle the 30-40 inch pike I am used to catching? I also worry about the cast ability of my 0.5-1.5 oz lures.

I am super uneducated on all this and would like some advice on if I should return anything, and what I should be looking for if I did get "scammed" at the store as I feel this gear might be light for pike fishing.

Budget isn't a huge deal as I was given a decent amount of birthday money that I spent on this setup, but would say 400 CAD is my upper limit.

Posted by FbOTP

4 Comments

  1. According-Whereas661 on

    Your rod is much too light for your purposes. It says lures 1/16 to 1/2 oz. You can’t be trying to cast 1.5 oz. lures on it. Take it back and get the medium- heavy that you asked for in the first place. This rod is more of a medium-light.

  2. xv6rstxbornx on

    Nasci is a nice reel. Have a 2000 and 2500 meself. For pike it’s best to go with at least a medium rod, altho medium heavy should be the safer option.

  3. Jayradfishing on

    Yeah definitely go back and get a MH rod instead. That 3000 size reel should be totally fine.

    I think 17lb fluorocarbon would have been okay since you’re probably tying a steel leader on for pike anyways. I’m surprised it had line memory if they freshly spooled it, that’s strange.

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