Fishing School
Rods/Reels
Recommended Equipment
If you aren’t ready to devote much budget to fishing yet, then here’s a link to a very basic setup that’ll at least be good enough to get you started: Entry Level Combo
Note: This entry level combo can allow you to catch a good amount of fish while dropping live/dead shrimp around bridges and docks… if you want success with lures, you’ll need to go with better equipment that’ll help you cast farther and feel strikes much better.
Below are some links to the most popular combos across the Insider Club members for all-purpose inshore setups.
Note: But if you’re just getting started and plan to focus on using live shrimp, then a low price combo from a local tackle shop will be all you need.
Here’s a link to the TFO rod that was shown in this video: TFO Pro PS (7’6″ Medium Power)
How much backing mono do I need to add if spooling 150yds of 10lb braid to 2500 spinning reel?
The specific answer depends on exactly which reel and which line you’re using because they oftentimes have slight differences which can impact the amount of line needed.
But in general, I put on backing until there is a 1/4 inch gap between the top lip of the spool and the line laying around the arbor… with that amount of gap, a 150 yard spool of 10 lb braid will most often top off the spool as if you had gone through the effort to calculate and measure the exact yardage of backing.
When would you recommend a MH vs. M of the TFO rod in this video?
For any brand, the power decision should be based on the typical sized lure/bait that will be used along with the line strength used.
Is the slam stick with the 2500 too light-weight for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay around the bridge pilings? 10-24 ft water. Looking to go for redfish and flounder in that area.
That setup would be good for flounder, but it is a bit light if you’re targeting bull reds… I go up to a MH rod with a 3000 sized reel when fishing spots that are likely to result in a big redfish hookup near hard structure.
I made this mistake. I have now 5 rods and reels (Daiwa, Shimano, Johnny Morris, St Croix, etc.). However, the one that has given me the most success so far is my cheap Ugly Stik haha
I love fishing
Both links to recommended equipment are dead links
Thanks for letting me know about the broken links! I just updated the page with updated links and some extra details that hopefully will help make rod & reel selection easier. Let me know if you have any questions.
How would you know if you’re holding a good rod outside of price? I agree someone who enjoys the sport want a good rod and now seeing a bunch of rods marked between $100.00 to $150.00. Outside of appearance and feeling comfortable and quality most beginners like me won’t even know they are holding a really good rod. Yes, a good rod has many advantages but how do I know? Before I purchase one, I’m definitely going to your store in Winterhaven.
I’ve got several inexpensive retail store combos and they work fine for what I’ve used them for which is mostly fishing from docks with the kids or catching bait offshore. I do think your most popular combo below is a good deal though so I’ll probably think about something like that once I figure out inshore fishing a little better. I can confirm that the cheaper combos are a good place to start.
I’ve been fishing for about 20 years now and started with big box combos, and just recently started buying separate rods & reels. My son is convincing me to spend a little more for decent gear (reasonably priced). You just put it perfectly: put more focus on the rod. I get it now, thanks 🙂
We’re glad to see that you enjoyed this lesson Sara. Yes, I believe you’ll enjoy a custom combo with the nicer rod much more than the big box combos.
I thought there was an in-depth discussion of not needing to spend a bunch of money on gear and tackle. That seems to have disappeared or moved elsewhere. Perhaps getting in the way of the marketing messages?
Hey Rob, I’m a bit confused on why you felt this way after watching the video… I mentioned multiple times that getting an inexpensive combo at a local tackle shop is a great way to save a lot of money.
Note: I don’t recommend getting beginner combos online because the shipping charges often end up being a big percentage of the total order.