LCG

I recently purchased a st Croix mojo bass 6'8" mxf spinning rod and Pflueger president xt 30. Absolutely love it. Very sensitive and perfect for my intended use, finesse. The reel is a good bang for you buck reel and I hear they are very durable, time will tell. So far so good.

I recently purchased a st Croix mojo wacky style spinning rod, 6'8" m xf, and paired it with a Pflueger president xt 30 size and spooled it with 10 lb braid to an 8lb fluorocarbon leader. This combination has blown me away in terms of casting accuracy and distance, sensitivity, the xf action is perfect for me using soft plastics, the medium power is right where I want it, and the overall feel is fantastic. I can't recommend this combination enough. This has become my favourite set up so far. This is also my first st Croix and my first one piece rod, but I know it won't be my last. I also have a fenwick hmg 6'9" ml f, which I also really like but the st Croix has something special to it. I would also like to thank the good people on this forum for recommending the mojo wacky style rod. Some very good advice offered here. Much appreciated.

Spinning, 6'6"-7', ml-m power, f-xf action. Light weighted to weightless plastics and light lure finnese fishing covered. Pick what feels best to you and matches the type of water and cover that you fish.

I really wanted to purchase the elite tech 6'10" ml xf, but I was disappointed that the action was the exact same as the hmg 6'9" ml f that I already have. I also came across two separate rods that had the handle screw broken. I was more impressed with the st Croix mojo bass 6'10" ml xf. The tip is super soft but goes into the backbone very quickly, like an actual xf. Ultimately I ended up with the st Croix mojo but the wacky 6'8" m xf as I wanted a bit more versatility and I already had the hmg ml f. However I love the handle of the elite tech, the hidden reel seat is very comfortable. Just got a bad taste when I saw two that were broken in store. But I am a fenwick fan in general.

I too started the same way. Bought a $20 zebco combo at Walmart to test the whole fishing thing. That was 4 years ago... I went through a few rods before knowing what techniques I preferred and what characteristics I was looking for in a rod. From experience, my opinion is to buy quality. It's cheaper in the end. If you can't afford new then look for a used rod and / or reel that has been well taken care of. Been a big fan of fenwick and most recently picked up a Pflueger president xt spinning reel that I really like. Might be a good starting point especially used. But fishing is about relaxing, learning something new, spending quality time with someone, and having fun. That doesn't require you to have top of the line equipment. It's nice if you can afford it but then again I am sure a Ferrari is nicer than my Ford

Well I bought the mojo wacky 6'8 today. Love the overall feel and can't wait to fish with it. Thank you for your input and help. Very much appreciated.

Thank you all for your time and advice, looks like the mojo wacky 6'8" mxf is the one to buy. Appreciate your help.

I have narrowed down my next rod purchase to a St Croix mojo spinning rod, either the 6'8" mxf or the 6'10"mlxf. Was hoping for some guidance from more experienced anglers. I want to use the rod for various finesse applications using plastics such as drop shot, neko, ned rig, shaky head, wacky, Texas rigged, mojo, tubes, etc. (in that order as far as preference). I fish from shore 99% of the time and target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. I live in Ontario, Canada and fish mainly ponds, rivers, and occasionally great lakes. I know both rods get good reviews and both feel good in the hand, but really wrestling with which one is best suited for the above mentioned finesse techniques without too much sacrifice one way or the other. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Fenwick hmg

Thank you for all of your input. Maybe I will revisit BPS or a smaller local tackle shop to make the purchase.

I went to BPS today to look around and pick up a few things. I also found the st Croix mojo 6'8" mxf spinning rod and I really, really liked it. Want something for plastics (drop shot around weeds and wood, shaky head, and tubes) and it seems to check all the boxes. However, I didn't buy it because of the three they had in Stock all of them had either loose guides or the guide inserts had a rattle to them. My question is whether this is common to the mojo line or if BPS staff may have mishandled them? Any input or experience with this particular model would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

I currently use a fenwick hmg 6'9" ML F. It has a soft tip with a medium backbone. Very comfortable and has worked well for me. They run about $100. Also versatile for other presentations as well but probably not shakey head. I am considering upgrading to a drop shot specific rod myself and narrowed it down to the fenwick elite tech 6'10 ml xf, or st Croix mojo 6'10" ml xf. Just not sure about the xf tip as I use braid to fluorocarbon leader.

I agree that one piece is ideal if you can do it. Between my son and accident prone wife, I prefer a two piece in a case for transportation and protection of equipment. Either way I think you will enjoy your new Hmg. Enjoy and good luck.

I have owned the eagle, hmx, and hmg models. I absolutely love the 6'9" ml fast hmg. I find the ml rating is closer to medium and the comfort of the tac cork is fantastic. I use it for mainly drop shotting but also very versatile for other presentations. The tip is soft and sensitive but plenty of backbone. I recently purchased the hmx 7ft medium fast for more stout applications like shakey head, wacky rig, Texas rigged, etc. I haven't fished with it yet, it feels good but the hmg ml has raised the bar for me personally. The hmx is nicer than the eagle, had an eagle and returned it. Not for me personally. I am really debating getting an elite tech bass 6'10" ml xf. Best handle I have felt on any spinning reel hands down. Absolute grip, comfort, and lightweight.

Update : went to the store and played with a bunch of stuff. Decided to purchase the new 2016 Pflueger president xt and a 7ft medium fast fenwick hmx (new 2016 model as well). Both seemed to be excellent values and hopefully will meet my needs. Thanks for all of your help and suggestions.

Thank you all for guidance and experience. Appreciate the advice. Looks like the Pflueger supreme xt and stradic line gets lots of support so now to wait for the boxing day sales Merry Christmas everyone.

I am looking to upgrade my current spinning reel, abu Garcia orra s30, with either a shimano nasci 2500 or a Pflueger supreme xt 30. I will be pairing this reel with a fenwick hmg 6'9" medium light fast action spinning rod and possibly a fenwick elite tech 6'10" medium light extra fast spinning rod. My main use will be for fresh water drop shotting, in line spinners, and possibly shakey head techniques. I fish in Ontario, Canada and mainly target largemouth and smallmouth bass with the occasional pike, perch, trout, etc. What are your thoughts and/or experience with these spinning reels? Is there a preferred gear ratio or line retrieval amount with the techniques mentioned? Is rod and reel balancing an important part of the equation or will a balancing kit be best? I played with both in store and both felt smooth and a definite upgrade to my current reel. The shimano felt smooth but heavier. The Pflueger felt lighter and equally smooth. Thank you for your time and opinions.