Bronzefly

One perfect spinnerbait rod would be very tough... I toss spinnerbaits from 1/4 oz. to 2oz. and use several different rods. Overall though, for most 3/8 to 1/2 oz spinnerbaits, I'm a big fan of the MBR 783 GLX or the MBR 843 GLX...

Wow! That 7'1"MHXF and a Core 50... that will be fun! 8-) I'm looking forward to trying one of these out...

I'm glad to hear that!! If it was an Alphas R-edition, I would go in that direction... I'm just not a fan of the alphas ito unless you want it for a collection. The finish on that reel is high maintenance to say the least. It's a great performer on the water though... The Core 50MG7 is one bad little dude though. Easily one of the best reels by Shimano IMHO. So between those two, the Core for me.

If I had to pick JUST ONE, I think i'd crawl under a rock from all the stress! ;D Practically speaking, I'd say a Loomis MBR 843 GLX, Daiwa TD-Z 103H (of some form) and 12lb P-Line CXX would cover a HUGE spectrum.

That is a beautiful rod for sure and my most prized "collectors item" as well! I would have to say the most "meaningful" items would be a few beautiful old balsa crankbaits my late grandpa gave me. They were his favorites.

The 50th is supported by a 4 bearing handle 8-)

I actually like the color of the 50th... I think it's a great reel! I have made a few "upgrades" on mine, but it's sweet out of the box as well. A couple of key differences between it and the standard USDM Zillion 100SHA - the knobs are screwed on and can be replaced with other options, there is a bearing in the levelwind, and of course the blazing 7.3:1 ratio.

Jimzee - sweet Daiwa collection... RLR - stunning stuff man 8-) This thread ROCKS guys, keep it coming!!

I don't know about the Vendetta rod, but I think the Citica E is a "best value" reel for sure. It's well made and packs a ton of performance into a reel at its price point.

Might not be the most "sexy" rod out there, but the Shimano Compre is easily one of the best $100 rods out there IMHO. Lifetime over the counter exchange warranty too!

I have and use both regularly. I use them for very different purposes though. I like the Core 50 as a pitching reel - lighter baits up to 1/2 oz jigs, plastics, etc. It will handle moving baits just fine as well. I tend to use the Curado for larger stuff - football jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, bigger topwaters, spoons, etc...

UL Baitcast Combo?

I've had the best success with Power Pro for 40lb test and over, but for the lighter stuff - 30 and down, I really like Suffix!

Real men can do pink! That reel is beautiful, but a "collectors item" only. ;D ;D ;D You are correct sir... that is a "collectors item" - It's an extremely rare bird and has never even had line on it - nor will it ever while in my posession! ;D This thread is a BLAST guys!! Keep it coming!

They are legendary for a reason... they are that good. They aren't the "sexiest" rods out on the market, but for day in and day out performance, it doesn't get much better. I agree with the other comments - they really shine at the IMX and GLX level. Don't overlook the technique specific series either - there are some absolutely fantastic sticks in that lineup.

It looks sharp, will work great. I prefer a bit smaller, lighter reel on the 803 - I'm using the Aldebaran/Core 50 size reel on the 803 and am VERY happy with the combo.

Sweet combo! I find it fishes very well also 8-)

I've had good results this year from the Berkley 100% Trilene FC in both 17lb and 8lb test. I've used Gamma Edge in 10lb for some time and really liked it as well. The BPS XPS FC is also a good line for a less expensive option.

I have the 853 and 855 both in GLX. The 853 is definitely in the zone with 3/8 oz jigs. I do think it can handle 1/2 oz, but I prefer 3/8 stuff with it. The 855 is one incredible rod. I use mine for everything from big worms in deep water, football jigs in deep water, pitching big jigs and plastics, and even ribbit style toads.

I use a 7:1 for all my spinnerbaiting except for slow rolling in deeper water. There I use a 5.8:1 reel.

Great choice! You picked some fine sticks there... Congrats

Congrats! You have a fine reel there. 8-)

I have that reel and use it for big baits. It is an extremely high quality machine. I've caught big muskies and big stripers on it and couldn't have been happier with its performance under stress! I would highly reccomend this reel!

I'm a graphite cranker even having used a couple of high end glass rods. They just feel better to me - I like the actions and sensitivity of the rods I use for cranking. To each their own of course.

Go with the 100% Trilene FC... you'll be glad you did.