LCG

I have the Carbonite 2.0 MH-XF rod and it throws senkos fine. However, I prefer spinning gear for wacky rigged senkos, a Carbonite 2.0 6'8 M-XF. Now a Zoom Trickworm is too light for the baitcasting set up, but a senko should be no problem at all. I am using a Daiwa Fuego CT and 30 lb braid and a 4/0 EWG as a point of reference. Usually texas rigged, weightless. As for action, I seem to prefer xf, but fast is considered by most to be more universal.

On behalf of members on your site, we appreciate what you do and the knowledge you share. I would still be lost if it wasn't for this forum and your channel. A sincere thank you goes out to you.

I previously owned a st croix 6'8 M-XF Mojo spinning rod. Very nice rod, bur I found it a bit too stout for what I was looking for. I would go with the ML as st croix does fish a bit heavier than their rating. They make great rods though. It was the best senko rod I have ever used. But for lighter finesse techniques I would go with ml if going with st croix.

Use a leader most of the time. It's also about abrasion resistance and stretch factors too. Love the way braid behaves but also like a little stretch in the system. It's more of a personal preference thing.

I was recently in a similar situation, between the Daiwa Tatula Lt and Shimano Stradic FL. Read a lot of reviews and found that the Daiwa reels, while smooth seems to have line lay issues. If I am paying good money for a reel I want it to work well out of the box and last a long time. I went with the Shimano, no regrets at all. I think you made a solid choice and will have a ton of fun with your new combo.

Hello and welcome to the forums. Not sure how long you have been out of fishing, but you will find that power and actions very from manufacturers. Lots of variables to consider but in general terms, a medium powered rod with a fast to extra fast will offer a lot of versatility, length is user preference. Open water, a medium light is a lot of fun, sparse cover a medium power rod is better suited, and heavier cover or around wood a medium heavy is the best bet. My favorite spinning rod for the applications you mentioned is a 6'8" M-Xf carbonlite 2.0 rated of 1/8-1/2oz lures (in st croix, Abu Garcia, Fenwick, and a few other brands this would be a medium light, as they fish a little heavier) . I usually fish from the bank or a kayak in sparse cover area. This may help give you a point of reference. Good luck to you in the search for the perfect rod, it's a lot of personal preference in the end.

Weight of the reel is really not a factor as much as the rod. The most balanced set up I had was a Fenwick HMG 6'9 ML-F which I believe weighed 4.2 oz with a reel that weighed 7.6 oz. The reel weight had little factor, the rod handle has an extra two inches behind the reel seat than other rods. That's what helped balance it. I now use a Carbonite rod which I think is 3.8 oz and a stradic fl which is 7.8 oz, not perfectly balanced, and I don't care at all. The rod has the right feel and action for what I want and that reel is perfection. If I wanted a perfectly balanced set up I would look at full cork rods with longer handle lengths.

Picked up the weekender last year. It's a basic bag (which is what I wanted) and it's held up fine for me. No issues at all. Something light and easy to carry.

Funny, it's the exact opposite for me. Catch them quite often on a senko, never on a ribbon tailed worm.

How about Ned?

TRD

I would find a new place to shop with the poor advice you received at that store. Gloomis, st croix, Shimano, and other high end offerings have quality and customer service that are head and shoulders above favorite products. That sales manager is pushing stock they have Thats all and he is being dishonest with you. I would shop elsewhere.

My first spinning reel was an Abu Garcia Orra s... Meh. Had two pflueger president xt's for a few years, never any issues. Then I went and looked at the new Shimano Stradic FL, was so impressed I bought it and sold the Pfluegers. I know it's above your price point but pretty sure it's worth it. My pflueger reels never gave any trouble but not nearly as smooth nor did they lay line like the stradic does. If you're firm at $100 then probably the nasci will be your best bet.

I keep things simple, two rigs. 95% soft plastics. Carbonite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf spinning rod with a Shimano Stradic FL 2500 and 20lb braid to a 6lb hybrid leader. Carbonite 2.0 6'9" MH-XF casting rod with a Daiwa Fuego CT and 30lb braid to a 14lb mono leader. I am debating about picking up a Shimano Curado K in the spring. Put the Fuego on my trunk set up, an old Shimano compre two piece casting rod, 6'10" MH-XF.

Having recently purchased my first Shimano product, the Stradic FL, I was wondering what the equivalent would be in casting reels? I assume the curado k would be the closest comparable reel. Very impressed with the level of quality of the stradic so thinking of getting a casting reel of the same quality.

What type of line are you using? Something with some stretch may work for you. It's a personal preference either way. I only have xf rods, just prefer the way they feel. I use braid with mono or hybrid leaders. Cast plenty far for my needs and don't lose many fish that get hooked.

You could always get an aftermarket handle. Wait till it arrives you will love it. Enjoy.

I have a buddy with that exact combo and he has no issues casting. Like others said fill the spool just below the rim of the spool, use lighter braid 10-15 lb is plenty, and throw lures in the middle of the rods rating and you should be able to make 40-50 yard cast no problem. Accuracy still trumps distance, but that's another topic.

I just picked up the Stradic FL 2500 to pair with a 6'8 M-XF Carbonite 2.0 rod. Balances well, the reel is my first Shimano. Haven't fished it yet, nor will I until the spring but it seems very smooth and looks great. Feels very high quality and can't wait to break it in. The 1000 just seemed too small for multi species fishing and the 3000 holds a bit more line than I really need.

Thanks for this sheet, I am a visual guy so this will help a lot.

So I just bought a Shimano Stradic FL 2500 reel. Found a good sale and loved the reel, so figured why not. This is replacing a pflueger president xt and I have never owned a reel over $80. I have also never maintained a spinning reel in any way. I don't fish salt water and mainly target bass, trout, pike, some carp and catfish. Does anyone have advice or a link to a video with respect to cleaning, oil, grease, etc. I would like to take care of this reel and hopefully have it last a long time. Also not sure how to handle the felt drag washer ie oil it or leave it alone.

I like kastking yellow braid, 4 carrier, pretty good value.

I bought one spinning and one casting rod from BPS last year, both carbonlites 2.0. They have become my favorite rods. Comfort and sensitivity are what counts for me, don't care who makes it. The signature series is nice as well but I loved the feel of the Winn grips. Never held the platinum model, just not a fan of the red colored blank, just a personal thing.

Size 2, not 2/0. Fits the TRD about the same as a 1/16 oz jig but allows you to fish without getting hung up as much. Also, a weightless senko is my second favorite Finesse technique. Good luck to you and stick around the forums here, lots of good info and tips.

I can't comment on the heavy but I bought the 6'8 M-XF and the 6'9 MH-XF rods and they are my favorite rods now. Feel great, plenty sensitive, good price in sale, love the Winn grips. Stick within the Lure rating and you should be more than happy.