Best new tackle set up advice?

[mr_conners]

Hi all.
I bet you get asked this sort of thing all the time but as I have been out of the game for many years I really need a bit of help before I part with my hard earned cash.
I'm after a new float rod and reel and was wondering the best combination for general float fishing would be for around the £100 mark. I'm after roach, bream etc and usually operate on small ponds and lakes. I'm aware that you get what you pay for but my lack of experience makes me wary of diving straight in without a bit of research.
If I can get a decent set up for a bit cheaper then that would be great as it would free up a bit more money for essential extras and consumables (bait etc).

Im a keen mountain biker as well and with bikes the rule goes that you don't touch anything for under £400 then between £400-£600 pounds all the bikes are about the same for the money. Then it jumps to £600-800 all the same, then £800-1200 all the same and anything more than this, is just mental.

Cheers.
mr_conners

[barbelblanker]

The range is just huge and the best suggestion I can make is to call in to your local tackle dealer or read the reviews in places like the anglers mail or times BUT be aware that their reviews are somewhat skewed by the people that pay for advrtising. Personally I would go for Okuma reels and Diawa rods and the good news is that both do gear that is well within your range.

[mr_conners]

Thanks for that. There is a local tackle place about 200 meters from our house, I would rather give him the money than a big on-line place.

mr conners

[barbus maximus]

Originally Posted by mr_conners

Thanks for that. There is a local tackle place about 200 meters from our house, I would rather give him the money than a big on-line place.

mr conners

It is an unfortunate fact that in the present financial climate, it is often the bigger, on-line shops that get you the most for your money. I supported my local shop for years, but it got to the stage where he was charging nearly double the price of the larger retailers, for some tackle. They just don't have the same buying power anymore.
A real shame.

As far as your choice goes, you should be able to get a very good set up for around the £100 mark, from a good quality manufacturer.
It may also be worth ringing one of the larger stores, and try to blag a discount or some free tackle, it often works as there are so many places to spend your money......they want your business!

Good luck with it, and let us know what you end up with.

John

[mr_conners]

Hi John.
I have bought the Daiwa proteus 13ft waggler rod from some guy on e-bay this was £45 including postage and a hard case, should be here this week. I'm also looking at getting the Mitchell avocet 2 copper reel which is coming in at around £25 with a spare spool. As for other bits and bobs I was going to get all my floats etc from the local tackle shop but the more expensive stuff such as bank sticks etc I will probably buy on line.
Any tips for a good on line retailer?

mr_conners

[barbus maximus]

Nice choice mr_conners,

You can't go far wrong with Daiwa quality, I will say though that the customer services side of things, if you ever need a replacement part, leaves a lot to be desired. I have a Daiwa Exceler fly rod, and its excellent, and the vast majority of my tackle as a teenager was Daiwa, and I can't fault the qaulity.

Shop wise, I quite like www.anglingdirect.co.uk (other outlets are available) for a lot of things. They are reasonable on price, and helpful on the phone, and I have never had a problem with them.
At the moment they have some Daiwa reels in to match your rod, starting at around £25, and going up. My personal preference, if at all possible, is to match the rod to reel, or vice versa, but thats just my thing.
Mitchell's used to be the bee's knee's, in my youth everyone wanted to own a Mitchell Match reel, but the quality on these has gone down in my estimations in recent years.

Have a look at the above site and see what you think. You'll be spoilt for choice, but again, let me know how you get on.

All the best

John

[mr_conners]

Thanks for that. Just had a look on the site, loads of stuff on there. I'm looking at shifting from the Mitchell now. It's a shame that companies rest on past glories and start churning out inferior quality stuff, I do a lot of walking and the same happened to Karrimor. Thanks for 'the knowledge'.

mr conners

[barbus maximus]

Daiwa reels are pretty robust bits of kit, even the cheaper ones, and spare part are readily available to service at home etc. Never had a problem with them, and as I am looking for a second Barbel rod and reel myself shortly, they will be the manufacturer of choice. My current Wychwood kit is brilliant, and the same sort of quality, but I do have a soft spot for Daiwa.

John

[mr_conners]

http://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/store...rear-drag-reel

Waddya reckon? Seems ok to me, takes 6lb line. Thought it would go well with the rod and a good price.

[barbus maximus]

Yep, that's what you want mr_connors.
A friend of mine has one, and its a cracking reel for the price, very smooth, good line retrieval and lay, and can give a bit of teddy when required.

Go for it!

John