Scrapiron

I've been using the Loomis E6x Inshore series rods and I like the actions better than my IMXs for trout. The 843c Medium /Mod Fast with a Curado 70 and 20# Sufix 832. I'm actually inshore fishing, but the rods load up nice and are perfect for landing fish with soft mouths. You might even look at the ML instead of the Med.

I've got the IMX Reaction rod - 802c TWR. It's for topwater and is excellent for that technique. I'll typically throw a heavier lure than its rated with no noticeable effect. With a Curado 70 and 20# sufix 832, casts a mile and is easy to use all day catching good size Stripers. It's got more flex in the tip than a "fast" rod, maybe leaning more towards a mod fast. The other rod is a MH and probably more versatile.

I'm in total agreement with that... IMX casting and Avid X spinning is how I'm setup.

I have the new Ci4+ FB on an Avid X and it's worth it over the Stradic FK. It's such a great match.

I've got two Curado 70 XG's- one is about 2 months older and has been fished more, but not that much more. The older one has a distinct grinding feeling when retrieving and doesn't cast as far as the newer one. The newer one is smooth as glass. Smooth/smoother than my Curado 200s- which are smooth. What should I do to resolve? Lube or grease, and where? I've lubed the brake ring (or whatever it's called). Thanks-

I have a Mag 2 and it's a fantastic rod (it's my "if I could only have 1 rod..."). It was also my first Winn grip handle and it's very comfortable. I would have no worries ordering another one. I can't speak to the difference between that and a KLX- for 20% I'd get the Mag2, for regular price, I'd probably find the extra scratch.

What Deep said (steps 0-4). Works like a champ and let's me get to fishing.

I would want any bottom contact rod (light or not) to be sensitive...a Carolina Rig comes to mind.

Re: St. the Avid/X and above series are made in the USA. As far as Loomis- I've got rods in the E6X, IMX, and GLX series. In the store, I always thought the Avid X and LTB felt better than the E6X. Then I fished my E6Xs- they did great and put a smile on my face. These are the Inshore series, everyone who cast them came away very impressed. I've fished IMX and the sensitively was impressive. The GLX- just fantastic.. I can feel fish breathe on my line. I sold my St. Croix baitcasters, but have my spinning rods (Avid X) from them. Another strong contender are ALX rods- they fish above their price tag IMHO.

Mike L- what's your favorite rod if the GLX MBR843 is your second favorite?

I think you're right again NHBull! The 853 was an impulse purchase- I seem to have a weakness for Loomis rods on sale. Although I have a GLX 845 CBR for CB, I can rig it for lighter presentations (vs. the 844).

Seems so far a resounding yes to keep the 844. Thanks! Now, do I keep the JWR or is it just too close to the 844? NHBull made a good case for having an additional rod (and it was priced more than 55% off in the store).

I read it and got "depends on what you're doing". I understand the basics of geometry and what/why a longer rod can benefit (or not). Anyway, not a huge time sink reading it.

I picked up an IMX MBR 844c (7' Heavy Fast) and on the way to a fishing trip snagged a great deal on an IMX JWR 853c (7'1" Med Heavy Extra Fast). I'm not sure there is enough difference between the two to keep both. I havent fished with the 844 yet. The 844 feels a tad lighter, more crisp. The 853 has a little softer tip and is very sensitive. I think the MBR could cover what the JWR does, but hey, who doesn't love a smoking deal. No problem keeping both, just trying to see if I'm missing something.

^^^ this for spinning. For casting, the MBR is good, but so is the Avid X. Definitely put both rods in your hand to see what feels right to you. If you're talking about the Avid... hmmm, probably same suggestion to hold each rod. ]

I have with both rods and reels. Moved from Daiwa reels to Shimano and St. Croix to Loomis. Still have some SC spinning rods cause they're just solid.

I have sold all my EVA / foam rods- I have one Winn grip rod and it's awesome. I've been moving to full handle cork.

I use a BC for inshore as well as a spinning reel. I'm more accurate with a BC and I prefer to use a BC for topwater. I bring both to allow me to throw different weights/lures and it gives my hand a break from the BC.

.I'm planning to put a Curado hg on a MBR844c. If you have a Chronach, I'd use that. There's something to be said for having similar equipment that you know and are comfortable with. Of course, new and different gear is fun.

I had been moving towards 6'9" or 6'8" rods- selling several 7' rods. However, Fishing an IMX 853c and an e6x 843c the last two days, I'm back to the 7 footers. In fact, I used the 843c for topwaters today and preferred that over my shorter top water rod. I would go with your gut- 843c. ?

This has been a timely thread for me as well. I have a IMX 844C MBR headed to me via the mail, and on the way to a fishing trip, I picked up an IMX 853C JWR. Fished with the JWR today and was surprised how sensitive it was with bottom contact baits. I was using Sufix 832 braid with a FC leader and it was transmitting everything. However, my concern is that the 844 MBR isn't needed. Now the 853 is a MH Xtra Fast vs. the 844 Heavy Fast and I was planning to use the MBR for Trigs and Crigs. Reading this thread has helped me with understanding the tapers and different uses of each rod. So perhaps I'm still a bit confused. Or perhaps I keep both and use the MBR for the "jack of all trades".

I use homemade leashes on all rods on my kayak. I do unleash the one rod I am using, since I don't like the leash (paracord) when fishing. I've dumped and lost a rod/reel, so lesson learned. I may try to pipe insulation thing however.

I posed this similar question a couple of months ago (3 rods instead of 2 on a kayak). I would take the spinning rod but spool it with 10# braid. That would give you a larger variance of weights/lures to use. It also, depending on whether you use a RH or LH baitcaster, would allow you to switch reeling hands- which I find beneficial during a long day on the water.

I did look at a St. Croix Premier 7' ML Mod yestetday and you're right- it was pretty darn good! Nice action, weight. However I went with the E6X Med- as it felt just a shade lighter, softer, and more sensitive.

Thanks Wet. I've got a couple of Avid X spinning and they're great, but I want a soft tip for loading light lures/live bait and those delicate speck mouths. That 843c tip is seductive. The Greenwater and Avid are just out of my reach $ wise.