Sorry to bump this, but how about the 7' M/M Carbonlite? Anybody have experience with it? It is more reasonably priced than the G Loomis and Dobyns and could be on sale for the Spring Classic. I've spent the bigger bucks on my bottom contact rods and would like to save some $ on the reaction type rod. I apologize, I should have mentioned this beforehand.

Edit: Nevermind. Really lots of good looking rods in that $100 range. I think I'll just wait and see what the Spring Classic brings before deciding.

First things first; send or take the Sol to a good reel technician and have it cleand and tuned, change the bearings to C05's. Next choose a good casting line. Premium mono's cast better than FC or hybrids. Line size is important, 6-8#, for light weight lures.

The rod will make or break this outfit and needs to be a slower action then most those mentioned IMO. A rod rated moderate fast is a term for slower action. Shimano rods tend to be slower actions, so you might want to check out a medium/ light crankbait rod. If you want a very good medium action small crankbait rod look for Loomis PR843C GL2, 7' , 3 power popping rod designed for casting live bait long distance for bone fish. I use this rod for small crankbaits, high wind resistance lures and structure spoons. Not your typical "bass" rod, good match for the Sol.

Tom

First things first; send or take the Sol to a good reel technician and have it cleand and tuned, change the bearings to C05's. Next choose a good casting line. Premium mono's cast better than FC or hybrids. Line size is important, 6-8#, for light weight lures.

The rod will make or break this outfit and needs to be a slower action then most those mentioned IMO. A rod rated moderate fast is a term for slower action. Shimano rods tend to be slower actions, so you might want to check out a medium/ light crankbait rod. If you want a very good medium action small crankbait rod look for Loomis PR843C GL2, 7' , 3 power popping rod designed for casting live bait long distance for bone fish. I use this rod for small crankbaits, high wind resistance lures and structure spoons. Not your typical "bass" rod, good match for the Sol.

Tom

Tom, thanks for the detailed response.  The Sol and some other reels will definitely be going in for a cleaning/tuning before the season gets here.

 

On to the rod - I've looked at the Loomis', but they are not within my budget.  Going to keep it near the $100 range for this as it will be mostly for reaction baits.  The M/MF Shimano Compre (rated for 1/4 to 5/8) looks intriguing as does the M/M Mojo Bass Glass (1/4 to 3/4) which I had previously dismissed when initially looking for a crankbait rod.  I've never owned a fiberglass rod but certainly would not be opposed to them.  Is there a benefit with glass vs. graphite when casting with lighter baits?  Will glass load better?  I know all about the parabolic bend and such, but don't know much about how well they cast.  The other oddity I've run across before is when rod action is described as Med-Fast as compared to the usual Mod-Fast.  My ignorant mind has always considered these the same, but I've never really looked it up.  It was brought to my attention as the Compre is listed as Med-Fast action.  Can't find the weight on the Compre, but I assume it's lighter than the 4.4 oz Mojo.