Northwest Fishing Reports

Looking for a reasonably priced spinning rod combo for winter steelhead. Recommendations?

What do you consider a reasonable price?
For under $200 you can pair a Pflueger President or Shimano Sahara to a Berkley IM8 or Okuma SST. There are other good pairings as well, but these are the more popular economical choices.

BentRod wrote:What do you consider a reasonable price?
For under $200 you can pair a Pflueger President or Shimano Sahara to a Berkley IM8 or Okuma SST. There are other good pairings as well, but these are the more popular economical choices.

Under 200.00 is exactly what I consider reasonable

X2 on the Pflueger President. I have 3 now, but used 4 on my saltwater charter and even clients couldn't break 'em!

BentRod wrote:What do you consider a reasonable price?
For under $200 you can pair a Pflueger President or Shimano Sahara to a Berkley IM8 or Okuma SST. There are other good pairings as well, but these are the more popular economical choices.

The berkley/pfleuger combo is an excellent choice to start. Get the 9'6" 8-12.

What he said ^^^. Or a Shimano Clarus with the same rod specs

If you can hold off a few weeks the sportsman show is coming up and typically offers some good deals, Outdoor Emporium and Sportco will honor show prices in thier stores as well. I think its in 2-3 weeks.
The suggestions above are good, i've also had good luck with the lami x11 for lower priced rods. Usually pick them up when on sale for $60-70. Almost all my setups have presidents on them now.

Cabelas Fish Eagle (hopefully on sale) 9' or 8.5' around 8-12lb. Shimano FX 2500 reel

I've got a nice Fetha Styx 9'6 8-12 Chrome rod and Penn Battle reel for sale that would work great for you... ;) It's also under $200 for the combo

doubleo6point9 wrote:I've got a nice Fetha Styx 9'6 8-12 Chrome rod and Penn Battle reel for sale that would work great for you... ;) It's also under $200 for the combo

I haven't seen any reviews on the Fetha Styx Chrome, but they seem to be a highly regarded manufacturer by many fisherman...same with the Penn Battle. This sounds like a pretty good deal if you're willing to go "used."

dutchman2858 wrote:

doubleo6point9 wrote:I've got a nice Fetha Styx 9'6 8-12 Chrome rod and Penn Battle reel for sale that would work great for you... ;) It's also under $200 for the combo

I haven't seen any reviews on the Fetha Styx Chrome, but they seem to be a highly regarded manufacturer by many fisherman...same with the Penn Battle. This sounds like a pretty good deal if you're willing to go "used."

I think Im going to stay away from used...Headed up to the big warehouse in Lacey today. Pretty sure Im going to go with the Pflueger President or Shimano Sahara. Havent decided on a rod yet..Thanks

For river fishing, (mainly: coho and steelhead) I use a 9'0 medium action Diawa Acculite rod (8-12lb), and use an okuma avenger and a shimano Sahara reel that I switch back and forth on. The rod is great, you can feel the action with any fish, and only costing around 50$, it's a great buy. The reels range from $40-60 a piece.

I know I might get naysayed for this but there is a huge difference between the Chrome and Homewater series of Rods in my opinion and both are going to push you way over the $200 limit when you add in a good reel.

While nice reels are awesome and nothing beats having a smooth piece of hardware in your hands the Rod is what I have found to be more important in terms of feeling your cast, swing, and action. I would hold out for a stradic and buy something cheap until I was ready to invest.

I have a 9 foot medium 8-14 Berkeley im8 that I really like. Light enough for squid. Strong enough for smaller 10 pound range kings. One of my favorite rods.

Caught a bunch of coho on it in September October 2013. Paired it up with a phleugar president. Works great

I caught a 17#er on a Berkley IM8 light action with 8# leader. The titanium guides are able to handle braid too. Great rod!