Suggestion for Rod and Reel

[horsleyboy]

Hi Raiders, it's been a while since i posted in here, as it's been a while since i've been fishing and upgraded my arsenal. Current outfit is a Pflueger Trion with a Shimano Symtre 2000. Planning another bass kayak trip, which is what i love, as well as the odd saltwater fish, chasing flatties with soft plastics. I've been using this combo for around 5 years i think.

So the question is, what would you suggest as an upgrade for both Rod and Reel. Budget is $200 for each. I don't want too long, as i use it mainly on the kayak. I think the Trion is around 6"4. Will have to double check this.

I've heard good things about the Shimano Jewel and upon research, also the Shimano Zodias and Daiwa Rebellion, which i've seen for $200-220. And from the Reel point of view, the Daiwa BG for the price and pretty keen to try something from a different brand, like the Penn Clash/Battle/Conflict, if anyone has any experience with these.

Ofcourse, there may not be a big enough difference between say a $70 price point and a $200 price point for me to notice, and that's fine. Happy to go even more budget if there are any suggestions.

Thanks all!

[Rebel]

I have the Penn clash 500,also the Conflict 2 5000 & the Battle 2 5000. All great reels. Might be a bit big for a kayak.

You can buy smaller sizes.

The Penn regiment rod is worth a look at.

Not into Shimano, I find Penn gear a lot better especially the last couple of years.

[slothparade]

I use the battle all the time off the kayak, absolutely perfect reel for it. Been dunked and sat in the bottom for a few days and still works like when I first got it. 

[horsleyboy]

Awesome to know. I'm really keen on Penn and the Conflict looked the goods. I found all 3 Penn reels fairly cheap from the states ($80 US). To be honest i dont see enough difference between a cheap $40 Sienna and a $200 Shimano reel. 

How about rods? I actually love the Trion. Would be great to have a 2nd setup though. 

[slothparade]

29 minutes ago, horsleyboy said:

Awesome to know. I'm really keen on Penn and the Conflict looked the goods. I found all 3 Penn reels fairly cheap from the states ($80 US). To be honest i dont see enough difference between a cheap $40 Sienna and a $200 Shimano reel. 

How about rods? I actually love the Trion. Would be great to have a 2nd setup though. 

i use a penn ally, though the regiment is awsome. you can pick up bargins here to. i got a spingisher 6500LL for $20, secondhand though. 

there is a bit of difference between the shimanos but i do find that theyre not as robust as the penns. the bg is also a good compeditor to the battle. if you look around you can pick up a second hand slammer for 100 

[horsleyboy]

Yes the BG peaked my interest. 

I'll jump in to the trade page and see what's around. Good advice, thank you.

[horsleyboy]

Has anyone here heard of or had experience with Dobyns rods out of the US?

[big Neil]

2 hours ago, horsleyboy said:

Has anyone here heard of or had experience with Dobyns rods out of the US?

Dobyns rods are high-end rods. A few people I know who are avid Murray Cod anglers use them and wouldn't use anything else. On a personal level I use Shimano, Daiwa, and a custom-built rod built by Wazathefisherman.

bn

[horsleyboy]

Yes ive heard nothing but good things, and from what i hear, specialise in Bass fishing. I found a combo from a guy locally for $400 including a Dobyns Kayden 711SF and Shimano Vanford 2500, so i might go with that. About $750 value and barely used. 

[Rebel]

Beware of Shimano.

They are not the reel they use to be & they are overpriced. 

You are paying for the name.

Edited February 9, 2023 by Rebel