I’ve been a member here forever, this is my second account. When I say forever- it’s been a very long time, can’t even remember why I had to create a second account, probably something to do with login trouble. I rarely if ever posted because I’m a fan of speaking when I have something to say rather than when I have to say something and I just did not find a discussion that I could add anything of real value to.

My grandmother and aunt introduced me to wadefishing around Galveston in the very early 80’s and that’s been my passion ever since. When I’m on the coast it feels like a giant exhale, like I’m home. I’m sure others can relate.

I’ve been landlocked in OK for my entire adult life, found stripers in Texoma and hybrids below my local dam when I first arrived, it was as close as I could get to saltwater without driving for 12+hrs or whatever. I just don’t get to go fishing often although I’ve got access to some KILLER bass/catfish/crappie ponds very close to home and that needs to change.

I used to be the guy that others would come to for fishing gear advice. Over the years, I’ve completely lost touch with what is out there today. When I need something new, I ask one of my guide friends or buddies who do this along the coast often. There really isn’t anyone to ask that I can think of for this so I’m here!

I’ve always just used my saltwater stuff here too but it’s now stored in our house in FL now so I need to get a couple of pond setups, primarily for bass but I may fish for crappie/catfish on occasion. I’ve fished exclusively with baitcast setups for most of my life but in the last couple of years have switched to spinning rods/reels and that’s what I want to use going forward. I’m partial to braid- can’t remember the name…it’s blue and it’s slick and I’ve been pretty happy with it.

Cost is not really a concern, quality is but I don’t need the most expensive rod/reel, I’m more interested in a couple of rigs that will work when I grab them, will last for years, has a reliable drag system and are a pleasure to cast/reel. I kind of prefer just large enough to get the job done but I don’t want to be using my hand to provide drag if needed. Maybe 3000 series? I don’t know, that’s why I’m here.

So what rods/reels would you recommend? The more specific the better on both ends- rods/reels- length, model, size, whatever. I’ve got Lew’s saltwater reels and I like them but I’m not at all brand conscious. Heck, I’d buy Doyo brand if they work well and are less expensive than the same reel branded by others. My rods range from a G-Loomis to Mojo to TFO to Penn to whatever- I’ve owned a ton over the years and am not partial to any brand but want quality.

I feel kind of dumb doing this but I live 2.5hrs from the nearest BPS or Academy so I can’t really easily try or feel anything myself, I either buy it at Wal Mart or I order from somewhere online and I don’t know that I want anything from Wal Mart.

Thanks a bunch for your time and trouble.

-Kevin Martin, Woodward OK

kmartinusa welcome back. You have definitely picked the right forum to find gear to start back. I've been buying reels and crankbait's for the last 2 months. I've been out of fishing for to long. Best of luck. We have some great people on here. I would highly recommend Slewfoot for any info. He is in the crappie forum. I've fished with him. No one better to ask for advice.

2500 shimano sustain.. much smoother drag than the stradics and you can use them in the salt to catch bait!

Look up Tactical Bassin’ on YouTube or on the web- Very detailed content.

https://www.tacticalbassin.com/blog/top-5-rods-for-bass-fishing-beginners-and-advanced

vanford is nice