Spring Rod and Reel Help needed

[RI Plugger]

Trying to get ready for the spring, and planning my spring setup.

Thinking:

12 pound test mono
Cocahoe Min. on a Casting egg.

7 or 8 foot Rod, Medium, 12 to 20
Casting Reel that holds 200 of 12 Pound Mono.

This will be my first Casting Reel. I would like to try a casting reel and feel that is a good place to start., also I plan to be on a jetty/ wall.

What rod and Reel should I buy? Trying to keep the combo under $275.

Thanks.

[steve]

I'd go with a Ambassedeur 5500 or 6500 and a rod of either 8 or 9 feet. 12 lb test is good and there is no need for the casting egg unless distance is needed. I'd just fish cocohoe on a 3/4 or 1 oz. jig head. That will cast fine WITHOUT the egg. By the way, the cocohoe in pearl is the best schoolie lure in the spring particularly in RI, along Matunuck. I presntly use a conv setup, and use a 9 ft Lami inshore classic which is a little pricey but a graet rod. It can be use later when the big fish showbut with 25 lb. test.

[Saltheart]

Although all my other set ups are conventional , I think a spinner is better for what you describe.

Anyway ,if it has to be conventional I agree an ABU 5500 would be good.

Steelhead rod blanks work well for schoolie rods. i have a lami GSH 108-2MH. had it for more than 15 years , maybe 20. I use it in the fall and spring for the small schoolies. I have mine built spinner though.

A loomis 965 is also a great blank for what you are planning.

[slow eddie]

i use a 5600 d5 abu i bought of e-bay. i use a 9ft. 2piece penn conv. rod i bought from a yard sale. been using this combination for 4 yrs. now no troubles withfish up to 15 lbs. a nice set-up. i'm in rhoday also so give me a p.m. if you want to try it out.

[sean curry]

I have the 5500 and 6500's. If you are only getting one reel, you may want to go with a 6500. It is more versatile than the 5500.

sean

[Rob Rockcrawler]

abu 6500tcst and a rainshadow 1088, can go light, but can turn a big girl too. Right in your price range and can be used year round. It can chuck a 4" storm shad nicely, as well as a cocahoe with a 1/2-3/4 oz jig head, no need for a casing egg as previously stated. It will get a schoolie in very quick for a good release and has the backbone to keep them out of the rocks. When the big girls arrive you can whip a 25-30 pound fish without a problem, very versatile. Cape Cod tackle "check the sponsors page" sells the reels for 94.00 and the rod will run around 170.00 or so. I wonder what wall your going to be on?

[Rocco34520]

Steve is 3/4 and 1 ounce to heavy for the jig head? I was told 3/8 or 1/4 at SWE for my pearl Cocahoe minnows.

[RI Plugger]

Thanks, for the advice guys.

[steve]

I use 1/2 oz. to 1 oz jig heads and do pretty well. Those that you mentioned are pretty light .

[Rocco34520]

Steve do you use the 3'' pearl?

[steve]

Yes, that's the killer. There is no need to use anything else in the spring, at least in RI!