I got into fishing a few months ago and I bought a cheap kit from decathlon but has actually been great. I’m not easy on my gear so it’s kind of beat up already but still using it even though the soft piece of the top eyelet has broke off.
I caught good fish as a beginner with it, chain pickerel 44cm, some mackerel on sabiki rigs, a few small smallmouth bass and a couple small pollocks
I put braided line on the reel and a mono leader, mostly practicing different setups and see what I actually like. Initially I didn’t want to spend money on this hobby but here I am. I even got a kayak lol.
So what would you recommend of an upgrade or just stick to this until it’s more worn out?
I prefer a two piece if telescopic is not great. I like to bike and carry my rod sometimes and don’t want to deal with long rods.
Posted by baderk95
4 Comments
Use it til it breaks m8
The top eyelet is pretty easy to replace
Purelure make some really nice telescopic rods. One of my friends has the fuji ring 1.5m version that collapses down to the size of a school ruler. It comes with a plastic cover to protect the guides when it’s folded and they make them in various price points. It’s shockingly sensitive and nice. I have a 4 piece Purelure Sharpen that collapses down enough to fit in my frame bag when I go bike packing. Absolutely love it.
Gear is made to be used. If you feel like you’re getting your value out of it then who is to say differently.
If you like the reel, keep it and get a St Croix Triumph. I found it to be the best bang for your buck as far as rods go.. Then upgrade the reel later to a Shimano NASCI.
If you’re looking for a more budget option, look for an Abu Garcia rod and reel combo for like $100. Should be solid for a while.
None of these options are telescopic or really portable. So keep that in mind