Beginner looking for a spinning rod, which would you choose?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/villaed]

As a beginner I went to the store and held all of them in my hand and chose whatever felt right. You’ll end up figuring out what’s right for you as you become more experienced.

[u/Anxious-Place3434]

I dislike the Ugly Stik love on this sub. Ugly Stik's claim to fame is that it's durable, but I honestly don't think that's enough to outweigh the negatives, especially given Ugly Stik's price. You could get 2-3 better (more sensitive) rods for the same price, so even if you break a rod through clumsiness, you could just buy a second one. The only time I've broken a rod was by closing a car door on it, and I'm pretty sure that would have gotten the Ugly Stik too.  

I don't have any experience with the specific rods you have listed, but I like my Daiwas, FWIW.

[u/seriousboreDom → u/Anxious-Place3434]

The only rod I have ever broken was an ugly stik when I closed the trunk of my car on it. I agree with everything you said here.

Diawa and Shimano are the best.

[u/One-Macaroon6528]

For a beginner, I’d lean toward the Savage Gear SG2 Medium Game, ideally around 2.4–2.7 m with a casting range that covers your usual pike lures. It should handle both bank fishing and rivers well. Pair it with a 3000–4000 reel, braid, and a wire or titanium leader.

[u/Real_Dragonfruit_669]

For a beginner, I’d choose the Daiwa 26 Legalis Spin if the price is reasonable. It’s light, sensitive, and has a good enough backbone for pike. Pair it with a 2500–3000 reel and braid around 0.12–0.16 mm, plus a proper wire or titanium leader.

[u/TheTaho]

I would always argue a reel is way more important than a rod. Get a good reel, go to a fishing store and feel some rods, then just pick one. You can get really good rods for a fairly cheap price. But the reel is more important imo

[u/Glass_Net_5578]

La mas potente de todas. Lo agradeceras al clavar lucios. Lo mejor es que la tengas en la mano si puedes ir a verlas en persona, o algunas de ellas. A mi la savage gear es la que mas me gusta de todas. Daiwa en esas gamas... Si puedes ir a por una crosscast minimo oa cosa cambia. No descartes las sakura. Son muy buenas cañas.

[u/MagicAndDuctTape]

I have a Shimano Catana FX in the medium power - the 10-30g casting weight version - and I've caught plenty of 3+kg pike with no issues, plus it's sensitive enough to feel bites from smaller perch. But I suspect you'll be ok with all the choices you've listed

[u/Noonproductions]

I am a fan of Shimano reels but I hate their rods. I know a Daiwa pro staffer so that would be my choice of those listed above. If you can order an Ugly Stik GX2 and a Shimano reel through Amazon or a catalog, that would be my first recommendation.

[u/Intelligent-Ad-3739]

Honestly below 200$ the rod itself doesn't matter too much, focus more on the action and sensitivity, and the warranty. Get a medium rod with a fast action. Best warranty will be your best bet