They absolutely are. Go by an Academy and handle one, it’s crisp. To be honest, I thought I was holding one of their $200+ models before I looked at the sticker price.

I highly recommend the Shimano Nexave spinning reels too. I have two and they’ve performed well. So many good choices nowadays.

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Posted by CHEDBALLZ

South Central LA

Member since Dec 2009

23341 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 7:43 am to roll to victory

Hard to beat the Ugly Stick Carbon Elite for the price. Superlight and sensitive.

Ugly Stick Carbon Elite 7' Medium

As far as reels, Diawa, Shimano and Okuma all make great spinning reels.

Okuma Safyre

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Posted by AlxTgr

Kyre Banorg

Member since Oct 2003

87958 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 10:33 am to RandRules

quote:
They absolutely are. Go by an Academy and handle one, it’s crisp.

Oh, I have...multiple time which is why I said that. I was so close to buying one last time I bought a trout rod, but was hoping to find something a tiny bit softer.

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Posted by Flats

Member since Jul 2019

28752 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 11:03 am to AlxTgr

quote:
but was hoping to find something a tiny bit softer.

I started off inshore fishing with bass gear, so the rods were typically 6.5 MF. I tried one ML St Croix for a spinning rig and now my inshore rods are ML or M with a moderate tip (those are hard to find). It's a lot more fun and the flex does help with hook retention if you don't get a great set.

Just don't use them around docks.

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Posted by KemoSabe65

70605

Member since Mar 2018

7520 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 12:41 pm to RandRules

LC academy rod section is a cross between dolla genral an kmarks.
Tx academy stores must have better management than the La stores.

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Posted by Lsutigerturner

Member since Dec 2016

7309 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 3:27 pm to roll to victory

Pfluger president 3500
7’6” ugly stik medium action
15lb braid for Wade fishing

Shimano Saragosa 6000 or any other spinning 5500 equivalent
8’ simano teramar
60lb braid
Or
Avet MXL
7’ jigging and casting special
50lb braid

Avet HXW
6’ trolling bottom fishing combo
110lb braid

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Posted by The Last Coco

On the water

Member since Mar 2009

6997 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 4:26 pm to KemoSabe65

quote:
LC academy rod section is a cross between dolla genral an kmarks.
Tx academy stores must have better management than the La stores.

Its really incredible the variation in fishing tackle quality from one academy to the next. The one in BR on Siegen has finally stocked some newer baits but its still lagging. Their terminal tackle section is frequently bereft of the most basic hooks and weights and their saltwater section is full of stuff no one buys.

Meanwhile the one in Shreveport is usually pretty well stocked with new trends and different options in bass fishing.

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Posted by elprez00

Hammond, LA

Member since Sep 2011

31621 posts

Posted on 8/14/26 at 5:08 pm to roll to victory

My go to rods are a Shimano Stradic 3000 on a Waterloo Salinity rod, and I have a Penn Battle 3 (2500) on a Waterloo Phantom. Both 7’, both MH. I also have a 2500 Stradic on a 7’ M Castaway Skeleton. I typically tie one MH with a popping cork and weightless hook, one MH with a bottom rig, and the M pole with jig head to throw Matrix plastics.

You cannot go wrong with a Penn rig. I’ve caught many Snapper on my FiLs boat with a Penn Fierce combo, and those Battles are bulletproof.

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