Rod and reel for river stripers/salmon

Hey all, my birthday is coming up and I have the chance to upgrade my gear.  I'd like to get something that I can throw at stripers and/or salmon on my local rivers (Sacramento valley).

I'm looking to spend $100-$150 (maybe to $200 if it really makes sense).

My noobness tells me I'm looking for a reel in the 4000-5000 range (15# line) and a medium heavy, 7' spinning rod (haven't thrown a baitcaster yet).

I can get a Penn Battle 2 combo for just over $100.  Bingle tells me that Penn's are rock solid but "heavy" and not as smooth as say, a Shimano.  My cousin always lets me use his Shimano Sahara reel/Clarus rod, I've caught fish with it.  That combo will be very near $200.

Can I find something that will be able to do both stripers and salmon?  I like throwing lures/worms and trolling.  We're usually in a boat but I'd like to fish the deep water channel too, outta the kayak.  And someday down to the Delta.

Thanks for any direction.  Hopefully no one is annoyed by another "what's the best rod/reel..." topic.  When I searched, most (all?) of the striper rod discussions revolved around the salt.

I have/had a couple of Battle 2 reels, although I do not use them as you intend. They are heavy, but I was OK with that as the reviews all say they’re durable. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience, as one of mine crapped out after just one season, mostly fishing a sabiki plus a few surf outings. I rinse everything after fishing so I was surprised it didn’t hold up better. The other one is still functioning fine but I have not used it much at all.

 

Mike do you like the Daiwa Fuego spinning reel? I saw the 4000 size on sale for $79 at americanlegacy. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/daiwa-fuego-lt-spinning-reels.html
If you’re looking for budget spinning reels, I have had good results with the Okuma Avenger.

Mike do you like the Daiwa Fuego spinning reel? I saw the 4000 size on sale for $79 at americanlegacy. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/daiwa-fuego-lt-spinning-reels.html
If you’re looking for budget spinning reels, I have had good results with the Okuma Avenger.

I have one and I love it.

Sorry Pat, I should explain myself better. I have a Fuego LT 1000 paired with an older 6ft ultra light Shimano Claris I use for Smallmouth , Trout and Shad. The reel is very smooth with plenty of drag. I would buy another.

To address the original posters question. I have a 9ft Claris paired with a Sahara 4000. It is a great set up for Steelhead and Striper. You couldn't go wrong with a similar set up.

For Striped Bass in the Sacramento River up in the Colusa area, I used to use my steelhead rod - 9 footer and an old Mitchell 300 spin reel.  Worked great.  Caught Striped Bass up to 26#s with it.  I still use the same set up now......when I do fish.  My rod now is made of graphite though.  For salmon on the river.....I bought a steelhead casting rod and used a Abu Garcia reel. 

The steelhead rod is light enough to throw smaller types of "bait" out......but will handle 3-4 oz of sinker if needed. 

Caught my first "big" striper (17#) from my old kayak on the Sacramento River.  Many moons ago. 

Old Kayak

I pulled the trigger on the Daiwa Fuego LT on sale, seemed like a good deal.  Now to find a rod to go with it...

I pulled the trigger on the Daiwa Fuego LT on sale, seemed like a good deal.  Now to find a rod to go with it...

I know you already got one, but shimano stradics are great reels for that. Also, if you have an opportunity, try throwing on some baitcasters... im slowly getting rid of my spinning reels.

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Daiwa BG. Great reel strong drag. 4000 for surf 3000 would be fine for river.

Not as conventional, but I use a Dobyns 735 for Salmon, Striper and Black Bass. Paired with a curado it can do just about anything. Even thinking of using it for Halibut next year.

Okuma SST “Salmon” model(unrivaled warranty support  including dozens of instance of accidental breakage I have seen) and Daiwa Fugeo 4000 reel (mag sealed,  some mumbo-jumbo about magnets and magnetic oil but it does check out). If you want something really nice get a G Loomis IMX and Shimano Stradic

Diawa BG 4000..Trust me. You won't regret

Diawa BG 4000..Trust me. You won't regret

+++100
best bang for the buck

Diawa BG 4000..Trust me. You won't regret

I've had them both and IMHO Stradics (all Shimano reels) are over-rated.  These are under-rated.  Great reels.