roadwarrior

I see your point and understand your thinking, but it seems to me that the initial give in a soft rod would significantly reduce the transfer of energy when setting the hook. Perhaps this is offset by extending the arc and exerting greater force when using a rod with Moderate Action.

My collection of Spooks includes most colors and tinted "clears". I really don't think it makes much difference and I like green! I probably haven't actually fished anything but a Frog Pattern in years. As a matter-of-fact, ever since I started fishing Sammys, I rarely fish a spook. Oddly, the Sammy I fish almost exclusively is Aurora Black (blue). (Isn't it crazy that we own all this stuff and never use it?)

Current, wind, depth and the buoyancy of the bait. I also like my weight to appear to "match" the bait.

For treble hook lures, I recommend Moderate Action, Slow Action or sometimes, Fast Action with a soft tip (especially for jerkbaits). However, for single hook applications, a firm tip is needed for the "snap-set". Soft rods will not drive the hook point and will often result in missing a bite or because of the delayed reaction, gut hooking the fish. I STRONGLY recommend Fast Action, firm tipped rods when fishing single hooks.

Hey texas_boy! That took some digging (May 2005) . This is fine, but for future reference, you are always welcome to start a new thread! Anyhow, I'll play. Here's my update: Spinning: 2 Stella 2500FB 1 Stella 1000FA 1 Sustain 2500 Casting: 1 Calais 200 1 Chronarch 100 1 Metanium MG 2 CTE200GT Reels other than Shimano -0-

Traitor! : 8-)

Reed's has had these liquidation sales before. I think they may have a deal with St. Croix, otherwise they wouldn't stock so many or be able to discount the entire stock so dramatically. However, the Avids, or at least this series, are being discontiued. So, chances are, when they are out, that's it!

Did you consider the Lamiglas SR705R?

+1

If he already has everything, buy a VERY technique specific rod: 7' MH or Heavy Power/ Moderate or Slow Action for big, treble hook lures (especially deep cranking).

Just took advantage of the sale going on at Reed's. Ordered a St. Croix Legend Elite EC70MHF which I plan to match up whith a Shimano Chronarch 100. MSRP is $340, bought mine for $204, no sales tax and free shipping. This will be my dedicated spinnerbait rod. The rod I have used for several years is a Avid AC66MF. You can get it right now at Reed's for about $100.This stick has a soft tip and has also been my "treble hook" rod. With a few recent acquisitions, this will now be used almost exclusively as my jerkbait rod. I have it saddled with a Shimano Calais 200.

It's 3:30 in the morning on a workday. You get up for a drink of water and pee, but instead of going back to bed for a couple of hours, you check into BassResource.com to see if anything's going on!

75% healthier? The problem with socialized medicine is the rationing of services or the unavailability of services in a timely manner: http://www.amatecon.com/etext/dosm/dosm-toc.html

HEY GUYS! LISTEN UP! I bought a EC70MHF this morning...NOW, it's NO LONGER on sale! So... Don't wait around too long if you're planning on buying something. Whatever inventory they have on hand is all they're going to sell. When it's gone... It's gone!

You should be able to find the Symetre on sale right now, so the prices are about the same. I'm sure you will be happy with either reel. As has already been suggested, saddle 'em up with your new rod and decide for yourself.

Send them back to Bobby's attention, he will see that you get taken care of: http://www.megastrike.com/

Welcome aboard!

Raul, The link IS an on-line store. Little_Minnow, Raul always has good advice. I'm sure you would be pleased with his suggestions, too.

Welcome aboard! The Legend Elite is St. Croix's answer to the G.Loomis GLX series. I have one (ES70MF) but it is from the first series (green), not the current models. The components and craftmanship are of equivalent quality and the blank is comparable. So, I have a GLX bias, but the St. Croix is at least on par with IMX rods.

First of all, if you're just looking at a few trips per year, guided outings are a great value. No investment and if you select the right guide, you will probably catch some nice fish! The cost should be more like $200-$350 for TWO people for a full day. (Plan to add a 10-20% tip, it's expected). My partner guides for smallmouth this time of year, but striper during the summer. For $300 he furnishes all equipment, bait, soft drinks and that includes gas!

Welcome aboard! Just buy one rod to get started. After fishing for awhile you will have a better feel for what else you want. Spinning is (generally) easier for most people to use. Reed's Family Outdoor Outfitters are having a TREMENDOUS sale on St. Croix Avid rods. I suggest getting a AS68MXF ($96) and a Shimano Stradic ST2500FH (also on sale!). For line I would recommend Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test). http://www.reedssports.com/

I just bought the Legend Elite EC70MHF for $204. The Avids are $100 cheaper. GREAT prices on some fine equipment. p.s. No sales tax and FREE shipping!

Well George, At least you knew how to handle the situation. Some of us might still be floating on the lake waiting for someone to help us!

It didn't come up for me on the link that was posted. Try this: http://www.reedssports.com/ Note: This works so I deleted the other link. Go get 'em! 8-)

Welcome aboard! The SJR843 is a better choice for an "all-around" rod. I'm a Shimano fan, but whatever brand you choose, mount a couple of different sizes on your rod at the store and see what feels better to you. My choice whould be the Shimano Stradic 2500. (The current models are on sale at several retailers). Regarding line: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test) is what I use on spinning tackle.