My wife and I love striper fishing on Lake Texoma. She didn't grow up fishing, but I've been able to introduce her to it over the last few years and she really enjoys it now.

We usually go out in the evenings and try to catch them on top. Experience has taught me to keep at least one or two back up rods ready to go in case of backlash or broken line. I've got a couple of 7 footers with Ambassadeurs on them that I will swear by. The wife has been using a Bass Pro model spinning reel on a 7 ft. rod, and last time it got a little frustrating because she had a large one hit right at the boat and snap her line. It's no fun having to tie on a new lure while the fish are boiling the water.

So, I've been looking to get her another backup rod and reel and was wondering if some of you might have some suggestions on a relatively inexpensive combo. I'm working on teaching her to use baitcasters, but right now I'm thinking more along the line of another spinner. I've got some ideas, but thought I would ask. Also, she's a lefty.

Spinning reel handles can be placed on either side of the reel. If she casts with the rod in her left hand,I would place the handle on the right side of the reel. Check out the Shimano spinning reels and Berkley Lightning rods.

Yep, a Shimano Sedona (~$60, had one for 5 years and working nicely) or a Sedona (~$30, bought one for the girlfriend) would do the job nicely. For rods, an Ugly Stik or Lightning Rod would fit the bill - both are around for 30 bucks and have a large selection of lengths strengths and action.

Glad you both mentioned the Lightning Rods. That's one I've been looking at. I will check out the Sedona reels. One reason I'm leaning towards keeping her on a spinner is because they are more versatile for lefties. I can switch the handle and use it too if I need to. Thanks for the suggestions.

NONE! Leave her at home. What's the purpose of fishing, LOL!
K I D D I N G.

Gotta Second the Sedona and a Berkley LR or even an Ugly stick for stripers

I have a few lefty baitcasters I wouldn't mind selling if you want her to make the switch. I won't be fishing much while I'm in college so they can be put to better use than a room decoration.

If you want one very good spinning reel(price/quality)look for DAIWA WHISKER SS TOURNAMENT 1300(LONG CAST SPOOL,FINE DRAG)and you have this reel for ever.

Message me with the details. I'm interested. Thanks.

I will check that one out too. Appreciate the suggestions. Thanks.

LOL! I think I'm pretty lucky to have a wife that enjoys it and doesn't give me a hard time when I go. So, I'm going to try to keep her in good equipment so she doesn't get frustrated.

Got my wife an Okuma Avenger-30 spinning spooled with 30lb power pro on a 7' MH-Ugly stick and she loves it. I think the next set up I get her will be a Plueger President with same Ugly Stick. Won't brake the bank plus she gets pretty rough pulling big fish over piers at times and hasn't broken an Ugly Stick yet. If it were a graphite pole she would have broken it a long time ago. She also has a Quantum Optiplex-60 combo with 30lb Ande that she likes to use for saltwater pier fishing. That's an inexpensive combo.

Originally Posted By: Scagnetti
Which one?

Johnny Morris Signature Series $99

Abu Garcia Orra SX $99

Pflueger Supreme MG $99

Browning Fishing Midas $99

Daiwa Aird $89

Quantum KVD Signature Series $89

Shimano Symetre $85

Any other suggestions?

I always suggest people who is looking for spinning reel to check out Alan Hawk's site. He is the best of the best when it comes to spinning reel.

The following info is from his site. You can also check out his site on Alan Hawk's site


Best general use saltwater reels under $100

#1 Daiwa SS Tournament

#2 Shimano Symetre FJ

#3 Penn Battle

#4 Banax SX

#5 Daiwa Black Gold