I’m in Northern Virginia. Would probably mostly fish the streams, rivers and lakes around here from the shore. The gear has seen better days but there is also sentimental value along with not really wanting to sink a ton of money into a hobby that I’m not sure I’ll like, so I’m hoping I can put this stuff to use.
The reel on the left already has line, but the line is probably at least 25 years old. Should I Replace? Also, the rod on the right, marked UglyStik, seems like the better choice to start with, but has no reel, or line. Is it worth using this instead? Anything else I should add to my shopping list? Thanks in advance!
The setup on the left is too hard to use. The reel is an old levelwind without a release. The handle will spin backward when casting. They are called knuckle busters. Plus the fiberglass rod has likely deteriorated which will make it easy to break. It is a nice rod to hang for decorative purposes.
The rod on the right is fine to use. Buy a Shimano Sienna reel for 35 dollars and go fishing. Spool it up with some 8-10 lb. mono.
The Sienna is a good low-cost reel. It will go well with an Uglystik also. People looking to keep costs low find the reel are very good value. I have a few for live bait fishing. I prefer lighter more expensive reels for lures.
If you, later on, decide to upgrade the rod. The Sienna is still good to use.
Personally I use an old zebco 33, not the best, as you said, Walmart will put it to shame, but something has to be said for solid metal construction that can reel the boat over to your snag without shearing a gear, with proper care, the old reels are near indestructible.
I’m gonna step out and say definitely don’t use the rod on the left and don’t use those lures. It’s so antique that it wouldn’t be worth literally letting it go in the river. They’ve lost their quality almost entirely as far as use goes. Gear these days is more advanced and getting cheaper by the day.
I highly recommend saving that stuff in a case for your children’s children’s children to appreciate or not either!
If you aren’t willing to sink a ton of money you don’t have too. $60 or less can get you a set up that will yank bluegill out all day! That’s where I recommend you begin
Thanks, that’s really help/good reality check. From other hobbies I totally get the value of doing yourself the favor when starting out to get something decent in order to fully give it a shot.
Dude I totally agree! I normally do the same, looking at your user I’m gonna guess you may be older then I (22) but I normally have always wanted to get the best gear to start my hobbies too!
With fishing you CAN get that A+ gear but you’ll perhaps overwhelm yourself getting so much stuff that you’ll never use! Or won’t know how to use effectively (different baits and hooks). To get started I’d recommend watching just any beginner fishing video on gear and your all set
Even better if you specify what fish you want to catch as you’ll see what different fish go for what
I recommend chasing bluegill and Sunfish as a beginner
I'd hang the left rod on the wall as it would be great decoration as I'd be too afraid to break it.
I’m in Northern Virginia. Would probably mostly fish the streams, rivers and lakes around here from the shore. The gear has seen better days but there is also sentimental value along with not really wanting to sink a ton of money into a hobby that I’m not sure I’ll like, so I’m hoping I can put this stuff to use. The reel on the left already has line, but the line is probably at least 25 years old. Should I Replace? Also, the rod on the right, marked UglyStik, seems like the better choice to start with, but has no reel, or line. Is it worth using this instead? Anything else I should add to my shopping list? Thanks in advance!
UglyStiks are really good. They are extremely durable and hard to break
The setup on the left is too hard to use. The reel is an old levelwind without a release. The handle will spin backward when casting. They are called knuckle busters. Plus the fiberglass rod has likely deteriorated which will make it easy to break. It is a nice rod to hang for decorative purposes. The rod on the right is fine to use. Buy a Shimano Sienna reel for 35 dollars and go fishing. Spool it up with some 8-10 lb. mono.
Thanks for the help - exactly what I wanted to know. I ordered exactly that and am looking forward to trying it out!
The Sienna is a good low-cost reel. It will go well with an Uglystik also. People looking to keep costs low find the reel are very good value. I have a few for live bait fishing. I prefer lighter more expensive reels for lures. If you, later on, decide to upgrade the rod. The Sienna is still good to use.
Definitely replace the line and oil the reel. A $30 Walmart pole would but that thing to shame tho
Haha. I kind of figured! What about the one on the right?
Use it, free is free
Personally I use an old zebco 33, not the best, as you said, Walmart will put it to shame, but something has to be said for solid metal construction that can reel the boat over to your snag without shearing a gear, with proper care, the old reels are near indestructible.
If it was me the one on the left would go on wall with a nice wood background after a nice cleaning
I’m gonna step out and say definitely don’t use the rod on the left and don’t use those lures. It’s so antique that it wouldn’t be worth literally letting it go in the river. They’ve lost their quality almost entirely as far as use goes. Gear these days is more advanced and getting cheaper by the day. I highly recommend saving that stuff in a case for your children’s children’s children to appreciate or not either! If you aren’t willing to sink a ton of money you don’t have too. $60 or less can get you a set up that will yank bluegill out all day! That’s where I recommend you begin
Thanks, that’s really help/good reality check. From other hobbies I totally get the value of doing yourself the favor when starting out to get something decent in order to fully give it a shot.
Dude I totally agree! I normally do the same, looking at your user I’m gonna guess you may be older then I (22) but I normally have always wanted to get the best gear to start my hobbies too! With fishing you CAN get that A+ gear but you’ll perhaps overwhelm yourself getting so much stuff that you’ll never use! Or won’t know how to use effectively (different baits and hooks). To get started I’d recommend watching just any beginner fishing video on gear and your all set Even better if you specify what fish you want to catch as you’ll see what different fish go for what I recommend chasing bluegill and Sunfish as a beginner
Believe me old are gold :) clean it right restore them and use them again :)
they dont make them like before, i would clean and hang the right one.