Rod and reel help
 

Hello again everyone. So I have been going through my gear, preparing for spring already :), and have found a Shimano Calcutta 251 paired up with a Penn Power Stick. Now the setup seems a little heavy for FW and that is where my interest is. I was wondering if the reel paired with a lighter rod would be good for freshwater use, mostly just bass and pickerel and usually on the small side. If the reel isn't too much for small freshwater fish, any suggestions on rods? Thanks!

Re: Rod and reel help
 

I have a similar size Daiwa paired with a 6 1/2' St Croix Premier. I've used it for fluke and throwing spinnerbaits for bass.

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Yeah I am guessing my dad used it for fluke and flounder with the rod choice. I will check that out thanks.

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Hey Andy. I dont know if you read it right, I already have a calcutta reel and am just looking for a rod to pair with it. Thanks for the advice though and what you do for NJ

Re: Rod and reel help
 

If you want a good rod without spending a lot check out the Berkley Lightning Rod or Berkley Lighting Shock. Very good rods for the money.

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Thanks Brian. I was under the impression that rounded casting reels like the calcutta might work better with a certain rod but I am guessing they can be used with any casting rod. I was looking to spend under $150. See the berkley comes in at around 50 so I will check it out. Thanks any more advice?

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Check out the lightest shimano teramars. They're sweet factory sticks. Pretty sure they're around $120-140.

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Not that it matters but the 251 is a left handed reel. It's a heavier reel (weight) than all of the non round reels. Keep that in mind. If you're not in a hurry, wait until the "shows" start in Rockland or Somerset or a place near your home. Bring your reel with you and check out the rods to see how they balance. I still have a 250 and use it for saltwater fishing for fluke, seabass, even small stripers. It casts well, and is very durable. Just balance the line to the reel and the rod....whichever one you choose. It would be a good choice for pike but might be a bit too much for bass, again, given the rod you choose and the line test.

Re: Rod and reel help
 

Thanks jigman ill check those out. Bill thanks for all that info. Yeah I only use left handed and figured the 251 might be a little heavy for freshwater but I received it free so want to see what I can do with it. I figured if i pair it was a decent rod, I could throw like 15lb mono on it and use it for spinners for bass. I have never used braid before and have never used heavy leaders so not sure if I could fix it up to go for pike. Might just go with 15lb mono and see what happens. I am not very skilled so whatever happens with the mono to a spinner would have to do. If a pike hits and I get broken so be it but hopefully it wont be too much to target bass. Thanks and any more info or tips are greatly appreciated!