Rusty Shackelford

Can those be serviced in the US like the Stradic or would it need to be sent somewhere else?

I did watch both of his vids on the FL which is how it got on my radar to begin with, it was new enough where I had only been hearing about/looking at the FK model. So even with the upgrades to the FL over previous Stradics you still feel that the CI4+ performs more smoothly? Is the weight difference very noticeable or negligible when both are held in hand?

That's basically how I was looking at it, I got some great suggestions on here and will most likely take the hour drive to Cabela's and actually handle a few to make my choice. I was strongly leaning toward the CI4+ because if was obviously a big improvement over the FK. I recently saw a tear down on a Stradic FL and it appears to be a huge improvement on the FK and also weighs less but still not as light as the CI4+ however. I believe it's worth the drive to feel and try out both, unless the CI4+ is significantly lighter or better feeling I'll likely go with the FL, it is after all only .3oz heavier than my size 20 Pflueger Presidents I've been using for years and I'm not sure that .9oz is going to be all that noticeable in hand.

The 1000 reels are the smallest that the better Shimanos come in and the spool capacity is listed in 2,4, and 6lb test for them. I use 6lb Sufix 832 and a 4lb fluoro leader and will be using it primarily for trout.

Title says it all, looking for the best bang for my buck in the $150-200 range. I have been using Pflueger President size 20 for the past several years but am now looking to upgrade. I am strongly considering the Stradic CI4+ but I would like to see what yall have to say, I have never owned a Shimano. Their claim to have highly reduced wind knots and the higher gear ratio are great selling points for me.

Yea I saw that rod, it's certainly not for me, if I go with any of the St. Croix rods it would be an Avid.

Thank you for the insight, I had only heard about higher weight models running stiff, it's hard to find info on their ultralight models. May I ask why you chose the TSR over the classic trout & panfish series?

I hear great things about St. Croix and am considering an Avid by them however I have heard that their rods tend to run a bit stiffer than their rating so that paired with the fact the Avid's are a fast action rod I am concerned that I will just have another UL that's too stiff for my taste. The St. Croix trout or panfish rods are out of the question for me due to the guides. I have been trying to find a local place that sells either the IMX or the Avid with no success, likely going to have to just pick one and order it and if it's it's too extreme at either end of the weight/action spectrum send it back.

I considered a rod from this model line however they are vague with info on the blank material as where I can get an IMX blank in the classic series which is a very popular model. I also hate the look of the composite with the cork on the grip in the trout series. Short rods are a must here as the creeks I fish are very densely overgrown with low tree branches and short accurate casts are far more important to me than long casts. I have tried many rods over the years and anything over 5' is awkward for me here.

Hello all, new to the forum and hope someone can help. I occasionally fish for smallmouth bass in my local river that weigh up to ~2-4lbs at most however my true passion is creek fishing for trout. Most of the trout that I get are between 10-16" or ~.5-1.5lbs but occasionally i get one that's 18-22" or 2-4lbs like the smallmouth. I only use small spoons and shallow plugs like the original floating Rapala, both in weight of 1/16-1/10oz with either treble hooks or small/light barbless single hooks (#6-8) with very light gauge wire. I currently own and use an Ugly Stik Elite (4'6"UL) and find it to be far too stiff for my taste/applications, however I don't want a noodle like the classic old glass rods either. I am currently strongly considering the G. Loomis IMX Classic Trout & Panfish rod in the 5' model (SR6010 IMX) which they claim is "slightly softer than their other 1-power rods". Is there anyone that has this rod or has access to one that believes it will be a proper fit for my needs? I don't currently have anywhere local that sells it or the St. Croix rod I have on my maybe list. I have looked into the JDM rods however I am currently not interested in going that route. I need a rod that is 5' max, has a good quality blank, and quality Fuji guides preferably Alconite or better. Sorry for the long post, especially for it being my first however I wanted to give all the relevant info I can think of, If more information is required for a informed answer please ask and I will respond promptly. I also use 6lb braid with a 3' 4lb fluoro leader if that information is relevant.