MyFishFinder Forum

MFF US Northeast => Maine => Topic started by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 07:13 AM

Title: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 07:13 AM
https://northwoodsoutlet.com/product/eagle-claw-starfire/

8.6 sold out, but have good deals on reels too now.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: JDK on Jun 13, 2018, 08:00 AM
IF the action hasn't changed, I like the 7'6" Starfire with inlines or on downriggers for togue.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 08:11 AM
IF the action hasn't changed, I like the 7'6" Starfire with inlines or on downriggers for togue.

Thoughts on the 7 6 as a lead rod? Too soft maybe?

Frig it, I ordered a pair before they sell out. My newish Okuma rigger rods are fairly stiff compared to my older spin combos. Worst case I swap these out and use on the riggers and my Okumas on lead.

Now the big question, as I’m moving from the multiplier lead reels, what’s the recommendation on a cheap lead reel.

Cabelas depthmaster, Okuma, penn 209s?
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: JDK on Jun 13, 2018, 08:47 AM
I can't see where they won't work but like the 8'6" for lead.  Spread things out better.  I use Penn 209s for leadcore but they are older 209s.

Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 09:30 AM
Depthmaster III reals at Cabela’s are 39.99 - $10 off. FYI
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: fishlessman on Jun 13, 2018, 10:21 AM
i use okumas and 209's.  like has been said, you want old new in box 209's, lots of talk about the new ones being junk. i bought the okuma for copper line and they upgraded the drag before mailing it out.  for lead and downrigger fishing i would rather spread the money out with a couple older 209  setups
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: gamefisher on Jun 13, 2018, 11:05 AM
Thoughts on the 7 6 as a lead rod? Too soft maybe?

Frig it, I ordered a pair before they sell out. My newish Okuma rigger rods are fairly stiff compared to my older spin combos. Worst case I swap these out and use on the riggers and my Okumas on lead.

Now the big question, as I’m moving from the multiplier lead reels, what’s the recommendation on a cheap lead reel.

Cabelas depthmaster, Okuma, penn 209s?

Good price Jeremy.  Many years ago I started with 7'6" for my lead core, didn't like, and got some 8'6" which I much prefer, probably 20 years old now.  Have many , many miles on them and still holding strong, 407A's.  I have a 209 with lead but prefer my shimano triton 200's, noticeably quicker retrieve.

My downrigger rods are the old 8' starfires that were rated 4-8#, 400's.  Can only find vintage now.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 01:00 PM
Good price Jeremy.  Many years ago I started with 7'6" for my lead core, didn't like, and got some 8'6" which I much prefer, probably 20 years old now.  Have many , many miles on them and still holding strong.  I have a 209 with lead but prefer my shimano triton 200's, noticeably quicker retrieve.

My downrigger rods are the old 8' starfires that were rated 4-8#, not sure the model number or even if you can get anymore.

For what may seem like a foolish reason, I’m trying to go with all under 8ft rods. As a fish/ski boat I could use a rod 6 different times in a day and when it’s not in the water it’s in storage. Try to keep the rods from breaking and kids from being hooked. That said, my rod locker won’t hold 8’6” rods without breaking them down which over the course of a day sorta sucks. First world problems I know.....

Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: JDK on Jun 13, 2018, 01:20 PM
I took my father togue fishing Monday morning.  We used a 7'6 Starfire and a 8'3 Ugly stick on riggers.  He mentioned he liked the Starfire better overall (with a Shimano Trition 100).  It had more oooommmmpppphhh than the US.  I cannot imagine that they won't work for your application...... but I don't know how your boat is set up.  You may need to be watchful of leadcore rods located in front of downriggers and rubbing on line. 
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 01:30 PM
I took my father togue fishing Monday morning.  We used a 7'6 Starfire and a 8'3 Ugly stick on riggers.  He mentioned he liked the Starfire better overall (with a Shimano Trition 100).  It had more oooommmmpppphhh than the US.  I cannot imagine that they won't work for your application...... but I don't know how your boat is set up.  You may need to be watchful of leadcore rods located in front of downriggers and rubbing on line.

I don’t believe it will be an issue using the 7’6” for the leadcore from a spacing/clearance issue here. Obviously having a greater spread in general is ideal, but I think this will be ok. If it’s not, I have 8’6” Cabelas Rods here I can swap back to, etc.



Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Jethro on Jun 13, 2018, 01:41 PM
The best lead reel I have used is the Penn Warfare. 28" of line per crank. I have both a 20 and a 15 size and they are fantastic lead reels.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 13, 2018, 01:51 PM
The best lead reel I have used is the Penn Warfare. 28" of line per crank. I have both a 20 and a 15 size and they are fantastic lead reels.

But then I’ll have to drink Miller lite the next two weeks to afford those fancy things...

How many colors get on the 15?
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Slammin_Brookies!! on Jun 14, 2018, 07:36 PM
Thoughts on the 7 6 as a lead rod? Too soft maybe?

Frig it, I ordered a pair before they sell out. My newish Okuma rigger rods are fairly stiff compared to my older spin combos. Worst case I swap these out and use on the riggers and my Okumas on lead.

Now the big question, as I’m moving from the multiplier lead reels, what’s the recommendation on a cheap lead reel.

Cabelas depthmaster, Okuma, penn 209s?


I just picked up a new Starfire 7'6" 2 weeks ago at Dags....put 10 colors of the New Suffix 832 Advance. No issues....got some good togue last weekend on it at 7 colors. That Advance is great....i put 10 colors on a Quest 2 reel with my L.L Bean fly rod and that actually works great....the 12lb line has impressed me.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 15, 2018, 07:04 AM
Rods will be here tomorrow. Had a 10 off coupon and was going to get a depthmaster reel for 30, but they were out in the store. Literally no stock of most models. Guy told me to order one, which I did, then found it was backordered this morning. FYI if anyone was going to order one.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: JDK on Jun 15, 2018, 08:21 AM
My brother stopped late last week on the way up and said they had nothing.  Many bare shelves and the Bargain Cave was empty. 
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 15, 2018, 10:32 AM
My brother stopped late last week on the way up and said they had nothing.  Many bare shelves and the Bargain Cave was empty.

I can confirm that. The entire store was thin. I even noticed the lack of clothing compared to normal where they just spread out the racks in the void.

Not sure if this is fact or not, but the sales guy I was talking to said as we all know Cabelas reels are made elsewhere and rebranded. Some Okuma, some by Shimano, etc.

He mentioned that Bass Pro is making their own proprietary reels and he expects that the Cabelas brand reels will be made sort of in house going forward. Sounds questionable especially at the existing pricepoint. Who knows. 
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: JDK on Jun 15, 2018, 11:04 AM
I have to admit that Cabelas is now an after thought for me. If o am ordering on line I can usually find what I am looking for cheaper and without sales tax/ shipping. Maybe if I lived closer I’d feel different but that last few times I was there I had a hard time using my gift card.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: MarkNFish on Jun 15, 2018, 11:29 AM
Rods will be here tomorrow. Had a 10 off coupon and was going to get a depthmaster reel for 30, but they were out in the store. Literally no stock of most models. Guy told me to order one, which I did, then found it was backordered this morning. FYI if anyone was going to order one.
If you don't mind, I'd love to hear what you think of the reel when you get it.  I have an older one that I like a lot, but I'm not thrilled with a couple newer ones.  There doesn't seem to be many options in the lower price range; and it's a fairly big jump in price to the next level. 
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 15, 2018, 12:27 PM
I have to admit that Cabelas is now an after thought for me. If o am ordering on line I can usually find what I am looking for cheaper and without sales tax/ shipping. Maybe if I lived closer I’d feel different but that last few times I was there I had a hard time using my gift card.

I’m hooked there by their marketing. Years ago I got the Cabelas card that earns Cabelas dollars. We try to put everything on it like groceries, gas, and major purchases. That builds me a little recreational budget down there end of the month. I agree though, not much for real/reel bargains.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 15, 2018, 12:29 PM
If you don't mind, I'd love to hear what you think of the reel when you get it.  I have an older one that I like a lot, but I'm not thrilled with a couple newer ones.  There doesn't seem to be many options in the lower price range; and it's a fairly big jump in price to the next level.

I’ve had one for two years as a leadcore reel. It is what it is. Haven’t had any issues with, everything works as designed, and it was a cheap combo.
Title: Re: Starfire Rods - 14.99 FYI
Post by: Turnbuckle on Jun 18, 2018, 08:45 AM
Got the rods, like them. Good action.
Not sure if I’ll use them for lead or down riggers. I tried one of each yesterday. As it was father’s day, the kids let me actually reel in my first one trolling this year and it happened to be a real solid fish for Sebago. I was tickled.