affordable bobber rod

BCFISHON1 · 09-12-2005, 08:56 PM

i'm going to make a real effort this year to do some bobber fishing for nooks.i'm new to the bobber thing but did manage two last year on the backbouncing rod but now its time to go all the way and purchase a couple of setups for the boat.i usually fish with a berkley rod,their a great rod for the price,but i'm not sure what to get for the bobber set up.i'll be needing advice on a reel as well.ok guys let's go spend some money

Uncle Milty · 09-12-2005, 08:58 PM

I think you'd do just fine with a Berkley Buzz 9-foot, 15-50#, on a Garcia 6500 with 65#Tuffline or PowerPro. Hard to beat for the dough, and you do not need a Loomis or custom rod for bobber fishing.

-Milty

fishsticks · 09-12-2005, 09:00 PM

Berkley IM-7 15-50 in either 8' 6" or 9', Abu Garcia 6500 or 6501 with 65# or 80# Tuff-line

PapaHog · 09-12-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

I think you'd do just fine with a Berkley Buzz 9-foot, 15-50#, on a Garcia 6500 with 65#Tuffline or PowerPro. Hard to beat for the dough, and you do not need a Loomis or custom rod for bobber fishing.

-Milty

I agree. This is my setup and I am happy as can be with the hook set and bend in the rod.

FisherJack · 09-12-2005, 09:36 PM

BCFISHON1, You are getting good advice from Uncle Milty, fishsticks, and PapaHog.

KChookem · 09-12-2005, 09:40 PM

I've found a smaller, lighter, 5500 size reel on a Berkley rod works well for me when fishing from a boat. Never have been close to being spooled (oh ya, gotta have a fish on first - sorry about that).

fisherwoman · 09-12-2005, 10:52 PM

9 foot rods work best. They enable you to keep more line off the water. IF possible, have the line coming from your bobber directly to your rod tip, without line in water.
Don't take your eyes off of that bobber. Not even for a second, cause if you do, down it will go. That is almost a guarantee. Good luck boys......

rola76 · 09-13-2005, 07:02 AM

I actually use a 10-foot Shimano Convergence rated 8-15lbs. It's only about $50, but has enough play for a small steelie but enough backbone for a 30lb. nook. I match that with a 5501 w/ braided and I'm good to go. As for overall cost, it's quite minimal...even less than a Berkley/Abu combo. Plus, the extra foot really helps mend the line.

Good luck!!

#1 Okie · 09-13-2005, 07:05 AM

The Berkley is a good rod for the money. Also Fishermans Marine sells a Northriver 9' rod that is reasonable priced and they have a decent warranty also. I bought 2 of these for loaner rods and actually like to use them myself. Any 5500 or 6500 reel works fine. Also the tough line works great too. Fishermans will show you how to rig it and what other tackle is required. If you get a chance go with someone that bobberfishes to pick up a few tricks. Remember good eggs are important also. Lot of decent ones out there but the Ammermans i've been told work great. If they are the eggs Scott Guides with you can't go wrong with them.

River Ranger · 09-13-2005, 07:16 AM

Quote:

The Berkley is a good rod for the money. Also Fishermans Marine sells a Northriver 9' rod that is reasonable priced and they have a decent warranty also. I bought 2 of these for loaner rods and actually like to use them myself. Any 5500 or 6500 reel works fine. Also the tough line works great too. Fishermans will show you how to rig it and what other tackle is required. If you get a chance go with someone that bobberfishes to pick up a few tricks. Remember good eggs are important also. Lot of decent ones out there but the Ammermans i've been told work great. If they are the eggs Scott Guides with you can't go wrong with them.

The difference is that when Scott is guiding he is most likely adding more to the eggs than what you get from the store bought eggs.

RR.

Rippin-lips · 09-13-2005, 07:51 AM

ive got a nice set up a berkley 10.5' rod and an okuma reel used 2 times will sell the whole set up for $75 if your interested email me heyjoe8@hotmail.com

salmonslayer · 09-13-2005, 08:14 AM

Quote:

I think you'd do just fine with a Berkley Buzz 9-foot, 15-50#, on a Garcia 6500 with 65#Tuffline or PowerPro. Hard to beat for the dough, and you do not need a Loomis or custom rod for bobber fishing.

-Milty

I agree. This is my setup and I am happy as can be with the hook set and bend in the rod.

I agree with these guys thats what i have 3 to be exact.

Slayer · 09-13-2005, 11:45 AM

North River 9' rods are a good investment, with a good warranty from Fisherman's. All my Bobber rods are NR. Convergences are good rods but they have a little too much play for me, especially when your casting 3 oz lead. Also when your fishing tidewater you need to be able to direct your fish from going in to the stumps. Depends on where your're going to fish. All suggestions are good choices, just depends on what your willing to spend.

rola76 · 09-13-2005, 11:47 AM

I agree Slayer...pretty soft, but then again I'm a total light-liner.

RiverMan · 09-13-2005, 12:57 PM

Would agree with the rods suggested but look around some at reels. The last three ABU 6501's have performed very poorly for me, lots of troubles! Look instead at the higher end Quantum and Shimano reels.

RM

rola76 · 09-13-2005, 01:12 PM

If $$$ isn't an issue then we're gonna open up a can o' worms!! I agree RiverMan...many better choices than Berkleys and Abus but I kinda thought we were talking budget stuff.

killer · 09-13-2005, 04:08 PM

Elstads has a 9' 20-50 for 30 bucks I've been using it for the past 3 years and its a great bobber rod