kschultz76

All depends on how heavy though rigs are and what rod manufacturer you're looking at, they all rate their rods differently. All ST Croix M spinning rods are 3/16-5/16 oz lure rating, as are some others like the BPS Carbonlite I believe. But other brands would call that a MH. But in general I'd agree a M or MH, fast action rod is where you want to be.

How much line did you pull off and respool to get rid of the dig in? Sounds simple but you may want either completely respool if its not cost prohibitive, or tie your line off to a tree in the yard and walk three cast lengths off the spool and respool with proper tension. My guess is that either you still have line dug in deeper in your spool, you've got some loose wraps or a knot buried from the line coiling when you pulled it off, or you didn't get enough tension on your line when respooling what you pulled off initially. I've done exactly what you did to break off snags often, after reading the recommendation here I'm going to start using a piece of dowel instead of my reel. But please don't use your hand, that's a great way to get some nasty lacerations from the line.

If you didn't have the 1/4 oz spinnerbaits in there as a requirement I'd suggest a St Croix Avid or above in the 6'8" M/XF. You can find many posts with positive feedback on that rod through out the forum. For me the taper is perfect for a well rounded soft plastics spinning rod that would also handle some really finesse sized jigs. For me it is the rod for fishing Senkos, period. I have this blank in the previous version of the Legend Extreme and I will never give it up. Given your desire to throw spinnerbaits I'd suggest a St Croix Avid in a M/F taper of your prefered length - 6'6" or 7'0". An LTB would also be excellent if its in your price range and like the reel seat. I have a 6'6" m/f Avid and it's my 'all purpose' spinning rod that throws soft plastics, small cranks, small top water, small jerkbaits, etc. If I only have room for one spinning rod on a trip this is the one I take bc it is more multi purpose in my view. I know someone mentioned the ML vs M power in a Croix, and they act about a half power heavier then say a comparable Loomis. However I have an LTB 6'6" ML/F and I find it too soft for anything but really light finesse weightless worms, light drop shots, etc. I wouldn't use it as an all purpose rod, and definitely not with 1/4 oz spinnerbaits. There are lots of great options out there, but that's what I can share about my experience with my St Croix rods. Just do some research and find what's comfortable for you. Good luck

Stradic FJ is a great reel and I'd jump on it at that price. I've had mine for 1.5 seasons and love em. Can't speak to longevity yet. No evidence out there of them being discontinued so I wouldn't worry about that.

That LTB Shakeyhead rod is seemingly very technique specific. The 6'8" will be more versatile for your needs. I have a couple LTBs from the previous model that have the full reel seat. I've not yet held a current model LTB with the new reel seat, but it doesn't look like it would be comfortable for me. I think you'll be very pleased with the Avid, especially the 6'8" MXF.

I'd suggest you check out the 6'8" M/XF blank for finesse jigs. Great rod for top water, Senkos, tubes as well.

I would recommend if you're considering the price of the Premier see if you can find an Avid on sale. The extra investment is really worth it. Make sure you handle one before you, the MH Croix baitcasting rods are pretty stout. I'd think the H would be extremely stout and only needed for some very specific purposes.

The XF would handle the top waters and spinners fine, especially if you're going to use mono with this rig. I use a M/XF Croix LTB top water rod for my top waters and the fast accurate tip is great for popping/spitting baits without moving them far on slack line. I have a M/F Avid spinning rod that is great as well and also versatile. I line the XF better for soft plastics but all comes down to your preference and comfort.

Avid all the way. What techniques and lure weights do you intend to fish on this rod? I love the St Croix 6'8" M/XF blanks for any kind of Senko, Shakeyhead, or other weighted soft plastic. I don't really Dropshot much right now but I'd say this rod is a little stout for really lightweight finesse techniques. For those presentations you'd likely want to look at the 6'9" ML/XF. Whatever actions you choose the Avid is well worth the investment.

If your budget can stretch the Stradic FJ in my opinion would be the best bang for your buck. If you become interested in Daiwas then I'd suggest you check out the Cabelas Verano spinning reel that's made by Daiwa - has all the same features as the Ballistic but cheaper. I've not used or held one but looks good on paper. But you can't get it at BPS.

I would highly recommend a Shimano Stradic FJ 2500 if you can get one on sale in your price range. I've been very happy and very impressed with the two I have. The line management on the Shimano's just works, I don't think I've had a wind knot to date on either of them. I would also recommend the Stradic CI4+, I love how lightweight mine is on top of being as smooth and solid as my FJs. But it's a fair bit above your price range. While I have no direct experience with the the Pflueger Supreme and Supreme XT are also well regarded reels in your price range. You could also look at the Saros, same features and such as the FJ but an all graphite body and 40 bucks cheaper.

Wait for a sale at TW and consider a St Croix Avid in appropriate length and taper. Depending on the weights you're looking to throw I'd suggest the M/F and MH/F. Croix's usually feel and fish about a half power or bit more heavier then others.

If your budget allows it check out the Megabass Orochi XX rods, they have unique tapers and blank construction that makes them pretty versatile. I'd think for you purpose the Extreme Mission Type F, Spinnerbait Special, or tour Versatile would fit the bill. Look at the Spinnerbait first it's med fast taper I think will be good for you, still fast and stiff enough for jigs, but forgiving enough for reaction and blade lures. I have the Spinnerbait and Tour Versatile. Good luck!

Can anyone share direct experience and feedback about the Fenwick Methods Spinning system? Looking for a gift for a family member who prefers two piece or travel rods. Looking to get him something of a higher quality that he wouldn't buy himself. He fishes for a lot of smallies in the river, lmb in ponds and lakes, sometimes walleye or pickerel. Also considering a St Croix Avid 2 piece. If we go 1 piece likely will be an Avid 6'3" M/XF. Thanks for any info anyone can share.

Wait all I have to do to get a lefty reel is look at a righty in a mirror?!?!

Yep I assumed the addl bearings would be in the handle as well. Just curious that Bantam1 said they were the same reel when there are these kinds of differences.

Bantam1 stated on another forum that the Scorpion is the same reel as the new Curado at a higher price. However what's interesting is the Scorpion appears to be advertised with 2 more bearings then the new Curado. Also interesting that they will have two different points of origin for manufacturing. Also interesting is that the Scorpion in that pic is a lefty, but JapanTackle doesn't seem to be taking pre orders in the lefty.

It is my understanding that Megabass enforces their pricing agreements very strictly and those kinds of sales cannot be applied to them. If you're looking at a Megabass I'd really encourage you to contact the Tackle Trap. They are a fantastic shop to work with and very experienced with Megabass rods, especially the Orochi XX series. Www.thetackletrap.com is their website.

I've not used or handled that one. There's a review of it on TackleTour. I do have two other Orochi XX rods, the build quality and finish on them is immaculate. Both are casting rods, I have the Spinnerbait Special and Tour Versatile. I just got the Tour so have no time with it, the Spinnerbait is light, balanced, and casts beautifully. The feel and tapers of these rods is unique and you have to hold them to really appreciate it. I'd suggest you contact The Tackle Trap, they carry all the Orochi XX line there and have a lot of on water experience with them. I'm sure they could answer any questions you have and help you determine if its the right rod for you. They aren't pushy, no pressure, and want to ensure you get the right product. Good luck, and if you get it let us know what you think.

X2 Not all M or MH ratings are the same among rod manufacturers. St Croix rods labeled a M act more like a MH or something between M and MH of other brands. Look more closely at the lure and line weight ratings of the rods to ensure you are comparing them correctly and getting a rod rated appropriately for your lure selection. If I need anything heavier then a St Croix M spinning rod I'm using a baitcaster.

A couple months ago I got the Spinnerbait Special from Gary. Trying to fill out my collection with very versatile rods that can compliment each other. We talked about the EMTF and I may be tempted by it some day, but as silly as it sounds 7'2" is the longest I can comfortably transport and use on our small boat with other occupants. That extra 3" would likely end up snapped off in my Explorers seat belts or center console. I'm considering future purchase of the Perfect Pitch, Jerkbaits Special, and either the Drop Shot it Shakeyhead. The build quality and feel on these rods are just that good. I wasn't sure about the guides at first, but they will pass a leader knot if need be. Primary purpose for this rod is jigs and other bottom contact - trigs and occasional crig over 3/8. But Gary said it will handle much more for times I can only take a few rods out due to space limitations. I wanted to branch out and try another brand, but just didn't work for me. Still like my St Croix's but there's room in my garage for more then one brand.

The new rod Gary helped me select is a Megabass Orochi XX Tour Versatile. I'm psyched can't wait to see it and hold. Funny you mentioned the U40, had him send me some of that too!

All I just wanted to share a great experience I've had with a great tackle shop you all may not know about, The Tackle Trap. I learned about them on another forum and am glad I did. For Christmas my wife purchased a rod for me from The Tackle Trap which I had selected. Unfortunately after getting two different rods shipped from the manufacturer both had clear coat issues I couldn't overlook in a premium rod for the price. Gary at TTT was awesome in working to get me the second rod after I found the issue on the first. As soon as I received the second rod with a similar issue I contacted Gary. First and foremost Gary cared, and agreed the issues were disappointing and not acceptable, he understood my concern. At this point Gary could have just made me deal with the manufacturer or helped me get a third replacement, but he wanted me to be totally happy with the products I bought from him. Going the extra mile Gary is letting me exchange for a different rod from a different manufacturer and handling the return and credit from the original rod. This was outstanding service to me, and will make me a dedicated Tackle Trap customer going forward. Besides getting his customers a good deal on great gear Gary clearly wants us to be happy not just with his shop's service, but with any products he sells regardless of who made them. And Gary took time out of his busy day twice for at least 30 min each time to talk to me to ensure we selected the right model rod for my needs. If you've not worked with The Tackle Trap I encourage you to call them up, awesome people to do business with who clearly have the passion we all do for our sport.

You're considering very expensive reels and limiting your rod budget to a much lower limit. I'd suggest that you consider scaling back to less expensive reels and put extra money int your rods, especially for any rods used for bottom contact or finesse tactics where sensitivity counts. If you can work it in your budget to get something like a St Croix Avid or Legend Tournament Bass for those techniques I feel it would be a better investment then their 100 dollar offerings. Look for good reels that are on sale now or will be shortly as new reels come on the market.

That's awesome. I love my CI4+ but am a bit afraid to lose that little side plate. Fortunately it doesn't have to come off much.