opinions welcome - plug setup on a budget

[Clogston29]

I forgot to answer your question about braid, the z series reels will handle it but not especially well. One thing to consider is that braid is alot more expensive than mono.

If I were you I'd start out with mono and put the extra $25 or so that you'll save there into the reel. Then you could spend in the $125 dollar range on the reel which opens up some good options (penn slammer, penn z series, shimano spheros, etc.) to use on the 9' rod that you have now. You get a new rod down the road when you can afford one. A batson rainshadow 9' rod, 1088 or 1089, with a simple black wrap can be bought from mikecc for probably less than $50 more than the new tica dolphins. Something to think about anyway. I sent you a pm.

[Backbeach Jake]

My favorite budget set-up: Tica rod 9' rated 1/2 -3oz. Penn 710z from ebay. Well under 100Bucks and will stop anything. Just use the drag.

[Joe]

What type of fishing do you plan on doing primarily? Surf? Bay? Jetty? Breachway? Cliff? Boat? when do you plan to do most of your fishing? Day? Dusk & Dawn? Night?
Are you new to the sport or getting back into it after some time off?

When people call me looking for stuff - I always query them before making suggestions - but the $100 budget is very pretty low. Its tough to expect to get into this sport for $100 in 2006.

You need to narrowly define the type of fishing you are going to do and then ask around. I suggest writing down all the stuff you need and then place a "wanted" ad in the used tackle forum. You're better off rolling the dice with used stuff than getting a small amount of new. Buy from a reputable member.

[5 String Bass]

Originally Posted by Joe

What type of fishing do you plan on doing primarily? Surf? Bay? Jetty? Breachway? Cliff? Boat? when do you plan to do most of your fishing? Day? Dusk & Dawn? Night?
Are you new to the sport or getting back into it after some time off?

I started fishing last season (first time since I was a kid fishing snappers off the docks with my grandfather). I had bought a cheapie shakespeare alpha rig. The reel didn't make it through the season. It just exploded. I replaced that with an Okuma Avenger. It's ok. I cleaned and lubed it and it seems fine. I fished the surf at Hummarock, a river near that, the jetti in Little Compton, and rocks at Beavertail, and I even tried the ditch (was too late in season though). I guess I'm looking for a versitile rig that I can take a lot of different places at different times. I'd like to keep the alpha-okuma rig as a backup or for staking with live bait and use the new rig for plugging. My 100.00 limit will probably go out the window. I picked up a 710 today with some lures for 40.00. I'm considering a 704z (shopping price) as well and pole for 40- 50. Damn fishing bug....