Bronzefly

Wow! That is an amazing deal! Congrats 8-)

With that kind of attitude, you're missing out! The fact remains, GLX rods can be purchased for less than $300 on a regular basis in the flea market. These rods carry a full lifetime warranty - even if they're used. I would argue that the value achieved at that price point is substantial and would be very difficult to beat. The GLX rods are legendary for a reason. They are that good, period. The company stands behind their products, no questions asked if necessary. I suppose it's a matter of how each of us perceive "value."

The Curado E7 is a fine reel - they pop up for sale in the flea market for around $135 used in great shape from time to time. Unless you're looking for a crankbait reel, I'd go with the Curado.

I haven't used a new Premier, but I use the Chronarch D's regularly. It's a great reel - very palmable, very smooth, and gives me a very connected feel when using it. I actually like this reel much better than the Core 100 series even though they're based on the same frame design. Good luck!

The MBR series are great "all purpose" rods. Select your blank material based on your budget - but go with either IMX or GLX for sure. I would go with these three casting rods - since you said you fish areas with alot of cover, I would skip the medium or "2" power Loomis rods and go with the "3" and "4" power models. 1. MBR 783 - (insert Curado E7 here) 2. MBR 843 - revo 3. MBR 844 - calcutta

Since you said "all purpose" I would highly reccomend the G Loomis MBR 783 GLX. It's great for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jigs, worms, topwaters... and you can find one in your price range if you know where to look Good luck!

The Calais 100a is one sweet reel for sure. My favorite use is for tossing larger wide wobbling shallow cranks. I have mine paired with a Loomis CBR 756 and use it for "combat cranking" in heavier cover. 8-)

I would take a look at a Shimano Clarus Medium action spinning rod in your favorite length - they have a lifetime warranty - and consider pairing it up with a Shimano Symetere 2500. That would make a nice combo for you for about $170 TYD retail.

I agree. The new Curado E series is fantastic. Shimano did a great job with these reels. The E7 is very versatile - buzzbaits, topwaters, spinnerbaits, jigs, plastics...

Hey Kev-O The bandit 300 isn't really a heavy resistance crank, so it would be fine with them. I toss my 300's with a TD-Z Type R+ but on occasion I'll use the 50mg and it's been fine. I just don't like higher resistance baits with the 50mg.

Hey Matt - I also really like the Curado 300 - that's what I have on my 955. I use round reels for heavier duty stuff. The Pluton is a super sweet reel and will make a FINE swimbait reel. Big, round, heavy, whatever - so are the Calcutta TE's, but they're amazing as well. "All around" is hard when you talk about "swimbaits" - swimbaits can be anything from a paddletail to an Armageddon. Without knowing the range of baits, it's hard to make a reccomendation - but the 955 would be one to suit most guys needs who are getting into hard swimbaits. It's great for your hard gill too!

I would go with the 955 over the 904. I use the 904 for smaller swimbaits like the 3:16 Baby Wake. It also makes a wicked super spook rod! The 955 is much more versatile and the Pluton would make a sweet match. I use the 956 for the 3:16 Wake Jr. as I find the 955 slightly underpowered for it. Swimbaiters are a funny bunch and we all have our own preferences for tossing the big baits! Either way, enjoy the endeavor as it's an addiction within an addiction for sure!

GREAT advice!

I'm a big fan of the CBR 845 - For me, it's perfect for baits like the Deep Little N, DT 10, RC 2.5DD, etc. I think it's best suited to cranking the 6 to 12 foot range. I tend to prefer a little more stout cranking rods than most though and find the 3 power Loomis crankbait rods a little whippy for my tastes. Everyone has their own preferences and like FBL, I have friends who love the CBR 843 and 783 as well. A DT 10 for example, feels to me like it overpowers the 843...

It's one of my go to reels for smaller shallow cranks and jerkbaits. I don't toss anything larger than say a RC 1.5 or a bandit 200 series. It's definitely a favorite of mine for these techniques.

I agree that a breakdown, cleaning, and re-lubing is a great way to start. A set of quality spool bearings is the only other "upgrade" in my Curado Es. The Boca OS are very nice - but as you said, pricey. The Big Green Fish SS ABEC 7's are quality bearings at a very good price. I have them in my Curado Es. On the drag system, I have developed confidence in the stock dartanium drag. It has proven itself worthy in my book so I leave it alone.

I had the standard SHR 822 and now have the GLX version - the standard version is a very nice shakey head rod. It is definitely sensitive and a great option if fundinig the GLX is an issue. However, the GLX SHR 822 is one amazing rod. I use 8 to 10lb FC and sometimes even use a braid w/ FC leader.

All around cranking? Deep or shallow? Just curious. But I agree - for mid-deeper cranking, the Curado E5 is a great choice and can be had for a great price if you look around!

I enjoy both the 50mg and the Curado E7. I view these as very different animals - the Curado is much more a power fishing reel for me whereas the 50mg is more finesse oriented. I toss small cranks and topwaters with my 50mgs most often. I throw bigger stuff - buzzbaits, large topwaters, big jigs and worms, etc. with my Curado E's.

When I "flip" I use a 7'11"H action rod. When I "pitch", I use anything from a 6'8" to a 7'3" rod depending on the bait and the cover.

Do you actually "flip" more than you "pitch?" Either way, Loomis really starts to shine at the IMX level. I'm not a big fan of the GL2 and GL3 models for bottom contact baits. For that kind of money, I'd look at the Shimano Crucial flipping sticks, the Powell flipping sticks, or the Daiwa Zillion flipping stick is nice as well - just a bit over $200 - but you can't go wrong with the Crucial or the Powell IMHO.

Yes, the Loomis GLX line is my favorite for sure but that doesn't mean I don't like other stuff too!! 8-) But interesting you should mention Loomis... the 6'3" heavy cumara reaction feels VERY similar to my beloved CBR 756, also a 6'3"H cranking rod. Two of the "spinnerbait specific models," the 6'9"M cumara feels like the SBR 812, and the 6'9" feels like the SBR 813. It's no secret that Shimano owns Loomis and it's clear that at least these three models are eerily similar to their Loomis counterparts. The reaction series now actually have a hook hanger instead of the "hole in the handle" on the original Cumara series. The warranty on these rods can't be beat and they offer alot to like in this entire series now.

I like the Berkley 100% Trilene FC as well. Vanish just stinks - almost as bad as Ironsilk... I use 8lb on alot of my spinning gear and light casting setups, then I use 17lb for lots of pitching, football jigs, etc. It's pretty tough stuff.

Most of them are, yes. They did design a couple models specifically for spinnerbaits. I've had the chance to play around with a couple of these now and I like them. I think they've done a great job with this series and now offer a rod to cover most moving bait applications.

I haven't had the opportunity to try one of these out yet, but I am definitely interested in a couple models. They're so new that only a few shops have started stocking them... I'd guess by spring, we'll know alot more about these new cranking rods. I hope to grab one fairly soon