LCG

Had a 6'6" MH-F avid x, which they replaced with the 6'8" model. Loved the rod, great quality, very light and sensitivity, hated the micro guides. I am braid to leader though. Semi micro works for me but the Mico guides are just too small. No experience with the expride though.

Check out the BPS carbonlites. I have a 6'8" M-Xf rod that I really like. Ned, neko, drop shot, and light texas rigs. Paired it with a Stradic FL. Great combo right in your range. Previous had it paired with a Pflueger President XT, which was a good real that gave me no issues, but I can honestly say the stradic is at least twice the reel. Smooth and perfect line lay.

Have two carbonlites 2.0 rods. One spinning and one casting. Love them, they have become my favorite rods so far. Pretty sensitive, really comfortable, and I like their actions.

I chose the Stradic FL when I was debating the same thing in December. Haven't fished it yet as we still have ice, but playing with it, I feel it's very solid, smooth and great line lay. It's heavier than the Tatula Lt, but feels more solid to me. Not saying the Tatula is bad at all.

I use braid 100%, but I also use a leader 100% of the time. Visibility, abrasion, cost, and a little bit of stretch is why I use leaders. I love braid for its sensitivity and lack of memory. I feel this gives the best of both worlds. Wood, rock, vegetation, open water, seems to work well enough for my needs.

May I ask which brand of reel? Seems odd, was the spool fully on the shaft? I had an Abu reel that was finicky, sometimes the spool would not seat fully on the shaft had to wiggle in sort of. I wouldn't think it would hurt anything by removing the washer if the line lay is now proper and even. Might want to return it though just for peace of mind.

June 27th ?

I tried both, I preferred the normal handle of the 2500. To each their own. The reel itself is fantastic though.

What is the promo code? Can't seem to find it.

I agree that the Mexico vs China debate is mute. But I still feel st croix offer more quality. Now their American made rods are very nice, had an avid x that was fantastic minus the micro guides. One day I would love to have a custom made rod with the right power and action I want in the blank but with those elite tech reel seats. A man can dream

I have owned the previous generation HMG and HMX. Liked the HMG, sold the HMX in short order. Also owned the Mojo which was nice and good quality, as was the HMG. I almost bought the same elite tech you mentioned, but both of the rods in the store hand loose reel seats and the action was not xf as stated, a common problem apparently. Shame, because it's the most comfortable reel seat I have ever held. Fenwick is owned by Pure Fishing, which I would not put in the same league as St. Croix. I found the ML-F HMG to be too slow and the St Croix M-XF to be too stout. Found a Carbonlite 2.0 M-XF that is similar to St croix ML-XF, and I love it. I sold both the hmg and st croix. Long story short between the two you mentioned I would take the st croix ml-xf. I also feel Fenwicks quality has dropped as of late.

Take lots of pics with your phone, as in each step. Careful with clips and springs, they go flying easily. I recently cleaned my Daiwa fuego and somehow the pinion yoke spring came loose and got mangled in the gear. Waiting for a replacement spring... I like tinkering but it can be frustrating. YouTube is a great way to learn.

Welcome. Had the same question about two months ago. Went to the store and ended walking out with a Stradic FL.

Thanks for the replies, looks like it's 50/50. Maybe I am just overthinking this, it is still winter after all Appreciate the help.

I have decided to pick up a Shimano Curado K, but I am struggling with the gear ratio / IPT. I am using this reel as an all around reel for texas rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits. I plan on spooling it with 30-40 lb braid. The 6.2 has 26" and the 7.4 has 31" IPT rating. I understand that is based on a full spool and will decrease after a long cast. So what's your opinion 6.2 or 7.4? Would it be best to grab the 7.4 and underspool it a bit as I don't really need 150 yds of line and would drop the IPT to a middle ground of 29" ish? Thanks in advance.

Use braid on both my carbonlites, one spinning and one casting. Always use leaders with a uni to uni knot. No issues at all. I remember the tag said something along the lines that the guides were designed to be braid friendly. I have used both 4 and 8 carrier braids with no issues at all. Love those rods. FYI the guides are semi micro. Good compromise between full size and micro which some say is more accurate for casting.

I really enjoy using braid on both spinning and casting set ups. But I use 10-20lb on spinning rods and 30-50lb on casting rods. I recommend that you try 40lb suffix 832. Good line and won't dig in.

I use a 6'8 M-XF Carbonite 2.0 rod paired with a Shimano stradic fl 2500 and spooled with 10lb - 20lb braid to a 6lb hybrid leader. Love using braid for its sensitivity, lack of line memory, and longevity. The rod is rated 1/8-1/2oz. Using a light wire hook a trout rod should work fine, but I would feel more comfortable with at least a medium light powered rod. I like to use a size 2 ewg hook and texas rig a TRD or the TRD craw. Keeps it from getting hung up all the time. Works well.

I think it depends on the person, how you fish, and where you fish. I am am 5'10" and mainly fish from the bank, a kayak, and sometimes a boat. I have found the sweet spot to be 6'8"-6'10". I think it's more about feel than anything else. YMMV

Me too, been waiting to pick up the K in left hand retrieve and 6:1 for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

Carbonite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf paired with a newly acquired Shimano Stradic FL 2500.

I absolutely love those boxes. In fact I have switched over to using them for everything. As a bank and kayak angler, they offer so much efficiency, its the best I have found yet. Small 3449 model for terminal tackle. Another 3449 for zman Ned baits and terminal tackle for Ned rigs. 3450 for lures and jigs. 3500 for soft plastics.

My BPS usually has a bunch of reels they sell for like $7 right next to the trade in booth. The idea is you buy the cheap new reel and donate it, then they give you a slip for a discounted price on the reel of your choice. The discount depends on the price category. I think it's around 20%.

I have the 2500 FL. The 1000 was a but small for me but it should serve you well. I just always have that thought of not having enough line should you hook into something bigger. But I am a multi species angler. If just going for bass you should be fine. For what it's worth I put on 140 yds of 20lb braid, suffix 832. The reel is quite impressive. My first Shimano and as long as it holds up well, it won't be my last. It really is a beautiful reel, if you care about that.

Before I mangled the springs that grinding sound never happened before. It's my mistake, but I don't think that normal to make that sound when spinning the handle and stopping.