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Originally Posted by Clogston29
I'm looking to get my first conventional setup this winter and I'm looking for some advise. I've never fished conventional before. I'm looking for a set up for fishing 1.5 - 3 oz lures and eels since that's what I mainly fish so I'll get the most oppurtunities to get used to it. If I end up really liking conventionals, I'll get a heavier setup later. I'm thinking about a 1202L (I really want a two piece because this is a rod that will end up being left in my truck and only fished on shorter walks until I really get the hang of it) and an abu reel. The reel is what I'm looking for the most advice on. I'm looking to spend around $150 or so and based on the little that I know I was thinking about a 6500 size. The model is the real question. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The ones made in Sweden are the best ones right? Thanks for any input.
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Others may disagree, but if you are new to conventional tackle I'd advise you to start out with something shorter than 10 feet and definitely avoid braid unless you own a tackle store. A 10 foot rod will develop spool speed that is hard to handle and backlashes with braid will result in a lost plug. If you boat fish, I'd start with a 7 foot medium action muskie rod, a standard 6500 or 400, and either 17 Lb Mono or 20 lb fireline. If you beach fish, a Lamiglas GLB108 is a nice parabolic rod that will handle plugs 1-3 oz and handle decent fish comfortably. A slower (and with graphite that's all relative) rod unloads more smoothly and will allow you to learn faster and more enjoyably. I own bigger Lamiglas, Kennedy fisher, and zziplex rods, and lots of different reels, but the little Lamiglas 108 that I built 20+ years ago with a calcutta 400 and 20lb fireline is the outfit I'd choose if I had to pick just one. One final note, when you start stick with aerodynanmic plugs and concentrate on keeping things smooth, don't try to add distance with an extra snap at the end of your stroke and if you are right handed, get a right handed reel. You will want to thumb the reel with your dominant hand.