My dad just bought a new boat (Triton 186) and I'd like to get him a really nice rod and/or reel.

Can someone tell me what the pros use?

budget is maybe 300 or less for each piece so 600 or less for the combo...

thanks!

Nice Boat! The pros use whatever there sponsors give them to use. Some great rods are G-Loomis and St. Croix, there are a few more also. l feel that the best reels are shimanos (unbeatable quality and performance). You can get into those for that price range or even spend more than that.

Who ever their sponsor is, is what equipment they use..or should say what they will publically admit to using.

Get ur dad a rod & reel that suits his fishing style.

Take him with u & let him pick them out, & u pay for them, that way he gets what he wants & not what u think he would like.

With a budget of $300 each l would strongly suggest a Abu Garcia Revo SX ($149.99),http://tacklewarehouse.com/descpageRLCABUGAR-AGRSX.html paired with a Shimano Cumara CUC-72MH 7'2''Medium HeavyFast10 - 171/4 - 3/4 ($219.99) http://tacklewarehouse.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

Here is what l recommend, you buy them online from Bass Pro shop, they ship to your home.

Here is the links on the Rod, reel.

The best Reel on the market is the Shimano Calcutta B Series the reel is $500.00 but it is very worth it l have one & it is great

http://basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?CMID=TOP_SEARCH_GO&langId=-1&searchOption=products&hvarSearchString=21-300-223-00&catalogId=10001&partNumber=51490&storeId=10151&y=0&cmCat=SEARCHRESULTS&x=0&ddkey=SearchResults

Now if u do not want to spend that much on a reel l use a
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Record Round Baitcast & l can say that is is one of the best out there.


item # 38-340-896-00
http://basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_67751____SearchResults


The rod is a Shakespeare Ugly Stik or the Ugly Stik Lite & really he will have to choose witch one he likes but they do not get over $40.

http://basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?CMID=TOP_SEARCH_GO&langId=-1&searchOption=products&hvarSearchString=21-133-617-00&catalogId=10001&partNumber=21815&storeId=10151&y=0&cmCat=SEARCHRESULTS&x=0&ddkey=SearchResults

http://basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_22372____SearchResults

alot of the pros use the items l have here so it is just ur choice

l agree 100 % with Fwlhntr. G-loomis has the top dollar rods in the industry. l will include a couple of links for these rods and reels at cabelas to give you an idea of prices and such.

Shimano reels are also top end reels and yes they can be a bit pricey. however they do make a couple that might meet your price range and still be an awsome gift. personally l like the shimano curado series.

call 1 800 basspro order the fishing catalog & in it every touring pro is promoting his favorite (sponsored) rods & reels.
but u will need several set-ups to fish the different types of baits & lures u will be offering in the upcoming years & the more u know about the sport the better angler u will become. Read books about fishing & tendencies what to use where & how to present it. knowledge comes from the ability to understand that someone who is willing to write it all down for us already has. It is all there (at the library) even what lines work in what waters best.

l have an Uncle that bought a $400 reel & a equally expensive rod. Another Uncle, who typically catches very nice size Bass & other fish & has been fishing for over 40 years, said it is not the cost of the gear but the skill of the angler.

That being said, u should go down to ur local bait & tackle shop tel him what ur price range is & what u typically fish for (not in that particular order) & he should be able to recomend a set up that would work well for what ur father typically catches.