Tons of Bluegill at Merill Creek

[Odin908]

Went out this morning and fished from shore at merill creek for about 2 hours. I caught 19 bluegill, most of which were nice sized and they were still biting when i went home. Didn't even have a chance to sip my coffee. I know they're just bluegill, but its fun to go out and catch fish after fish sometimes. On a separate note, i have about $150, maybe a little more to spare. I want to get set up with some heavier tackle so i can target bigger fish. I would greatly appreciate some advice. I want to start fishing bass and walleye. I don't have a boat, so outside of tagging along with people who do, all of my fishing will be done from shore.

[Jigman13]

Daiwa BG 2500/3000 + st croix triumph in the 6'6 variety might do ya some good.

[Odin908]

Daiwa BG 2500/3000 + st croix triumph in the 6'6 variety might do ya some good.

thanks

[Hookmanski]

I want to get set up with some heavier tackle so i can target bigger fish. I would greatly appreciate some advice. I want to start fishing bass and walleye. I don't have a boat, so outside of tagging along with people who do, all of my fishing will be done from shore.

I'm a huge fan of the Shimano Clarus spinning series. Very reasonably priced for the quality. I have a medium-heavy and it works great for bass.

[Chrisper4694]

i'd start saving for a kayak or something to get you off the shore.

[Odin908]

I'm a huge fan of the Shimano Clarus spinning series. Very reasonably priced for the quality. I have a medium-heavy and it works great for bass.


I think for the price, I'm going to go with a 7' Medium heavy Uglystik GX2 spinning rod. My dad is going to send me a couple reels and ill get set up.

i'd start saving for a kayak or something to get you off the shore.

I am in the process of selling my house, then buying a new one. Already told the wife i am going to buy a small boat and trailer when we get settled.

[kcritch]

I think for the price, I'm going to go with a 7' Medium heavy Uglystik GX2 spinning rod. My dad is going to send me a couple reels and ill get set up.

I'd recommend Medium rather than Med Heavy just for the ability to throw a lighter/wider range of lures better. In my experience Medium with a fast Action (tip) is plenty for Bass/Walleye here in our little state and still let's you down size effectively when needed. Right line and drag setting and you can handle the big ones easy yet still not feel like you are using a pool cue. Manufacturer does make a difference so just a general guideline for sure.

[Odin908]

Took my 4 year old to this little spot this morning. He landed about 10 or 11 fish. All bluegill. Something bigger grabbed his hook at one point, but his little zebco splash spincaster couldn't take it lol. Lost the hook real quick. I tell you what though, fishing is the only thing that gets him out of bed early without being cranky about it. Any other time you wake him up he turns into a grouchy little punk.

http://www.njfishing.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=43&pictureid=312

[HBird11]

The look and smile on his face says it all!!! PRICELESS!!!!! Ain’t nothing better than that keep him fishing it will be days like this he will never forget!!!

[Odin908]

The look and smile on his face says it all!!! PRICELESS!!!!! Ain’t nothing better than that keep him fishing it will be days like this he will never forget!!!

Absolutely. I'll certainly never forget them.

[henro]

I'd recommend Medium rather than Med Heavy just for the ability to throw a lighter/wider range of lures better. In my experience Medium with a fast Action (tip) is plenty for Bass/Walleye here in our little state and still let's you down size effectively when needed. Right line and drag setting and you can handle the big ones easy yet still not feel like you are using a pool cue. Manufacturer does make a difference so just a general guideline for sure.

I agree with this. For the price range you mentioned I'd spend my money on a St. Croix Triump 6'6" M TRS66MF(one piece) or TRS66MF2(two piece) with a Shimano Sedona 2500 SE2500HGFI. You'll be spending around $170 and won't look back for the money. If you want to save a little money on the reel you could go with the Okuma Avenger ABF-30B Baitfeeder and have a little more versatility with the baitfeeder switch and save money since that reel is about $45. The Shimano is definitely much smoother though. I have both and much more high end models but would recommend either of these.

[briansnat]

I'd recommend Medium rather than Med Heavy just for the ability to throw a lighter/wider range of lures better. In my experience Medium with a fast Action (tip) is plenty for Bass/Walleye here in our little state and still let's you down size effectively when needed. Right line and drag setting and you can handle the big ones easy yet still not feel like you are using a pool cue. Manufacturer does make a difference so just a general guideline for sure.

Good recommendation. The medium is more versatile than a MH. You may have some difficulty casting finesse plastics and unweighted plastics, as well as smaller in-line spinners and light crankbaits with the MH. The medium still provides enough backbone to bring in the big ones.

As far as rods, the previously mentioned Shimano Clarus is a very good rod for the money as are the Fenwick HMG and HMX series. All are under $100. But the best rods for the money I think are the Berkley Lightning and Lightning Shock rods. They are under $50 and sometimes under $40 and you get a darn good rod for that money. For reels it's hard to beat the Pfleuger President line for the money or if you are looking for a baitcaster, Lew's Tournament MB.

[HBird11]

Okuma ABF series Bait Runner reals have been absolutely nothing short of awesome for the cost of them $45-$75 depending on the size! I’ve been abusing my ABF-50 catching a lot of Stripers out of the Delaware and as of last weekend I’ve landed 68 Musky’s with it over the last 8 years!!! Sure there’s definitely better quality reels on the market but the day mine finally decides it’s had enough I will give that bitch the proper burial it greatly earned and you can bet your ass the only thing I will replace it with is the brand new one that’s been in my closet for 3 years just waiting to kick some fishes ass! Everyone has there own thoughts and opinions on poles and reels and this is just mine! It’s all about preference and what works and feels best to you. I have lots of different rods from ultralights to Saltwater surf rods but depending on the area I’m fishing in the Delaware bare minimum I use is 7 foot medium heavy! Good luck I hope you find something that is a good all around pole that fits your needs unfortunately sometimes it is trial and error because what works for me you may not like