Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post - opinions welcome

labrax · 03-04-2006, 07:18 PM

I'd agree with getting a Z series as well - I got a 710z for $28 on eBay for a Christmas gift. I think you would be better looking for a used Penn (Diawa, Shimano, etc.) in good shape rather than spend any money on the Stratus from Okuma. I remember checking the Okuma catalog and I don't remember finding the Stratus - could it be the brand name they make for the #^&#^&#^&#^&'s chain? With the Penn reels at least - there are many places to get replacement parts and people to service the reel. What is going to happen a few years down the road when you want another spool, or need a part for the Stratus - will the closeout reel have a network of dealers with spare parts and spools?

I briefly fondled a Tica Dolfin spinning rod today - I think they are around $85. A Tsunami rod is another cheaper option that many seem to have good things to say about them. I have a Daiwa Sealine-X that I got for $50 new and it is very nice to fish with. I think you can set yourself up pretty well for about $125. You can get something at Wal-Mart, but I think there are some very well regarded sponsors here that offer competitive prices for better equipment than you can find at Wal-Mart.

Good luck - shopping for equipment can be a lot of fun.

03-04-2006, 07:18 PM	#4
labrax Registered User iTrader: (0) Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Mass Posts: 214	I'd agree with getting a Z series as well - I got a 710z for $28 on eBay for a Christmas gift. I think you would be better looking for a used Penn (Diawa, Shimano, etc.) in good shape rather than spend any money on the Stratus from Okuma. I remember checking the Okuma catalog and I don't remember finding the Stratus - could it be the brand name they make for the #^&#^&#^&#^&'s chain? With the Penn reels at least - there are many places to get replacement parts and people to service the reel. What is going to happen a few years down the road when you want another spool, or need a part for the Stratus - will the closeout reel have a network of dealers with spare parts and spools? I briefly fondled a Tica Dolfin spinning rod today - I think they are around $85. A Tsunami rod is another cheaper option that many seem to have good things to say about them. I have a Daiwa Sealine-X that I got for $50 new and it is very nice to fish with. I think you can set yourself up pretty well for about $125. You can get something at Wal-Mart, but I think there are some very well regarded sponsors here that offer competitive prices for better equipment than you can find at Wal-Mart. Good luck - shopping for equipment can be a lot of fun.