Rod Selection: The Basics

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, Steve S said:

At what point would you bump up to the Medium Heavy?

About the 1/2-5/8 oz mark - total weight...a 3/8 swim jig with skirt and trailer would be about 1/2 oz or so.

[Hook2Jaw]

13 minutes ago, Steve S said:

At what point would you bump up to the Medium Heavy?

3/8oz with my Fuegos that are on my Aird-Xs.

[Steve S]

On 8/28/2014 at 8:47 AM, Kiett said:

Wow no one is a fan of ML rods? Over the years I've slowly moved down from MH rods to ML. I mainly fish everything from senkos, rooster tails, to rattle traps.

 

My current set up is 6.6ft MLF St.Croix Legend Elite 3000/ stradic ci4+ with 20lb PP (gonna put 10lb PP soon)

I really like to fish Ned rigs so like you a Med Light rod would probably be a great choice but a Med Fast spinning rod would probably cover more overall light weight techniques. So far I have a light and Med action spinning rod and just got a Med Heavy baitcaster (starting to understand why people enjoy them so much). The funny part is that the Med and Med heavy rods are twice the price of my light ugly stick but I just really enjoy throwing Ned rigs on it. 

[Steve S]

Anyone have thoughts on the Daiwa Aird-X 6’6” Med light spinning for a Ned rig rod (1/16 jigs)

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, Steve S said:

Anyone have thoughts on the Daiwa Aird-X 6’6” Med light spinning for a Ned rig rod (1/16 jigs)

Considering that by the time the TRD or whatever trailer you're using is on, it's going to be above that 1/8 bottom end of the rod...I think it would do fine.

 

The rod I had been using for finesse - including Ned - was rated 1/8-5/8, so the Aird-X tops out a little lighter...but not an issue,

[West Fishigan]

After buying very basic rod/reel combos in my local Meijer (where I also buy my groceries) for years when I wasn't fishing much, two summers ago I decided to purchase some better gear since I was becoming much more interested in the sport. I didn't have much experience with baitcasters at the time, so I went with the simplicity of a spinning setup, with a shorter rod to better accommodate me as a shore fisherman.

 

Ended up with a Daiwa DXW 661MXC, 6'6" Medium Power, Extra Fast Action Spinning Rod, paired with a Pflueger President PRESSP30 Spinning Reel (5.2:1 ratio). Mostly using this setup with a light braid mainline (no more than 15 lb), with some type of fluoro or mono leader (between 6-10lb), depending on which finesse technique. The Daiwa rod is actually marketed as a "Walleye" rod, but of course the bass don't seem to know that. While this gear is certainly better than supermarket rod/reel combos, it isn't as nice as it some of the higher end rod and reels I've used.

 

Last summer I forced myself to get over my fear of baitcasters and picked up a Fenwick HMG70MH-FC, 7'0' Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action Casting Rod, and paired it with a Daiwa Tatula 100H Baitcasting Reel (7.3:1 ratio). Mostly used as an all-purpose set up (carolina rigs, heavier T-rigs, jigs, topwater frogs, etc.) Again, mostly with a braid mainline (usually 30-40lb) and some type of lighter leader. I am fairly happy with the Fenwick rod, but the Daiwa Tatula reel is rather loud, not very smooth, and the use of leaders causes issues with the T-Wing system because of the knot. Clearly, I should have done more research on an appropriate reel for my "All-Purpose Rod."

 

This year I added a Shimano Curado CDCC72M, 7'2" Medium Power, Moderate Action Casting Rod, paired with a Shimano Curado 200K Baitcasting Reel (6.2:1 ratio) that I intend to use for my treble hook lures. Right now I have that spooled with pure fluorocarbon (10lb) since I primarily use this set up for crankbaits and jerkbaits. While working a baitcaster with fluorocarbon has presented some challenges, with some tweaks to the braking system, I am in love with the smoothness of the Shimano Curado reel. Seriously like butter, at least compared to the Daiwa Tatula. I assume the Curado rods are set for a new model, because I got it on clearance for about $100, down from $160.

 

With the above options, I think I can cover most techniques, though I may be missing a few. Regardless, the bait monkey seems to have his hold on me at the moment, and I have been looking to upgrade my spinning set up to something a little nicer, and also considering replacing the Daiwa Tatula reel because of the aforementioned issues. 

 

Is it worth the money to upgrade my spinning set up? 

 

Any suggestions for a good baitcasting reel to replace the Daiwa Tatula on my all-purpose rig?

 

Am I just letting my desire to have a perfect set up drive me to feed the monkey?

 

Would appreciate any feedback.

[Luke Barnes]

For bass I use 3 setups.

 

7' MH/F 20lb braid straight for t rigs, single hook lures and frogs. Baitcaster

 

6'6 M/M 15lb copolymer fluoro coated for treble hook baits and smaller and lighter single hook baits. Baitcaster

 

6'6 ML/uuhh I think its a fast, i dont remember. 10lb braid to 12lb fluoro leader for finesse, mainly ned rigs.  Spinning.

 

I want more though. A dedicated frog and jig setup and a 6'10 mh/f baitcasters setup. I could make it all work with the three I have, but I hate retying and would just rather bring more setups!!

[PeteFin]

What would you all recommend in this situation?  

• A large multi-generational family of mixed experience anglers of all ages (kids to grandpa)
• Starting from scratch and looking to get ~4 total setups (but probably 2 pairs of the same for companion fishing)
• Setups will "live" at the lake house and be used by each family as they visit so don't need to bring own gear
• Already have a couple of the little tiny kid rods for the toddlers (so think pre-teen to adult)
• Pretty much just targeting large and smallmouth bass on the lake in the Northeast
• Historically mostly using buzzbaits, spinners, chatterbaits, and plastic worms
• Looking for value (have some money...but got it by not wasting it) 

Thinking of getting a pair of spinning rods and a pair of baitcasting rods...but looking for confirmation that is a good approach and for recommendations on durable equipment that will allow for some versatility.  Thanks!

[Teal]

1 hour ago, PeteFin said:

What would you all recommend in this situation?  

• A large multi-generational family of mixed experience anglers of all ages (kids to grandpa)
• Starting from scratch and looking to get ~4 total setups (but probably 2 pairs of the same for companion fishing)
• Setups will "live" at the lake house and be used by each family as they visit so don't need to bring own gear
• Already have a couple of the little tiny kid rods for the toddlers (so think pre-teen to adult)
• Pretty much just targeting large and smallmouth bass on the lake in the Northeast
• Historically mostly using buzzbaits, spinners, chatterbaits, and plastic worms
• Looking for value (have some money...but got it by not wasting it) 

Thinking of getting a pair of spinning rods and a pair of baitcasting rods...but looking for confirmation that is a good approach and for recommendations on durable equipment that will allow for some versatility.  Thanks!

Well... considering they will pretty much be committed community rods with alot of different skill levels of fishing.  I would go with all 4 spinning.  Unless you feel confident that most of the people can successfully use a bait caster without getting frustrated.   I'd personally think about 2 Medium or even Medium Light set ups and 2 MH set ups.  No need to be super specific with them.  If they are for bank fishing, I'd think at least 7 foot in length, to get a long cast if needed.  If yall have a boat, length is entirely up to you.  I'd good with 2000,2500, or even a 3000 series spinning reel.  If you choose baitcasting, get something that will sling lighter lures.  What is your budget for each set up... dang good spinning reels can be found in the 75 range.  Same for rods.  (You can get really good equipment in the 75 to 100 bucks range, per unit) 

[PeteFin]

8 hours ago, Teal said:

Well... considering they will pretty much be committed community rods with alot of different skill levels of fishing.  I would go with all 4 spinning.  Unless you feel confident that most of the people can successfully use a bait caster without getting frustrated.   I'd personally think about 2 Medium or even Medium Light set ups and 2 MH set ups.  No need to be super specific with them.  If they are for bank fishing, I'd think at least 7 foot in length, to get a long cast if needed.  If yall have a boat, length is entirely up to you.  I'd good with 2000,2500, or even a 3000 series spinning reel.  If you choose baitcasting, get something that will sling lighter lures.  What is your budget for each set up... dang good spinning reels can be found in the 75 range.  Same for rods.  (You can get really good equipment in the 75 to 100 bucks range, per unit) 

Thanks. Might be a good call to get all 4 spinning...will need to survey to see if there’s enough comfortable baitcasters to warrant any.  
 

The 75-100 bucks range is probably good for each piece.  Can swing $6-800 if everyone chips in.  
 

And there will be boats but some bank fishing will be had as well.  

 

So maybe 2 7’ MH and 2 shorter M/ML?

[HevyDavy]

On 2/24/2014 at 8:33 AM, roadwarrior said:

Gosh, there is no limit to what you can do with spinning tackle, from bream to yellowfin tuna!

 

For me, spinning tackle is all about finesse. Primarily I fish soft plastics and live bait with spinning

gear. For everything else I like the feel and functionality of baitcasting equipment. My basic rig is

a 2500 size reel, 7' MF rod and #4 or #6 line.

 

Specifically this is my spinning gear:

 

G.Loomis PR844S/ Stella 2500FD/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4  (Mostly live bait)

St. Croix LES70MF/ Stella 2500FB/ Tatsu #6  (This is my primary rig)

St. Croix Avid AVS66MLF/ Stella 1000FA/ Hybrid #4  (Trout, white bass & bream)

 

Looks like the Stella2500FE doesn't exist anymore

 

Is the Stella FJ the new FE's?

 

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/112950

 

Thank you

[roadwarrior]

Typo FB not FE

 

The newest version is the 2500HGFJ

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-STELLA_FJ.html

[TREX1]

On 9/11/2020 at 12:45 PM, roadwarrior said:

Typo FB not FE

 

The newest version is the 2500HGFJ

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-STELLA_FJ.html

Road Warrior we live within a couple miles of each other.

 

Think I still have your hone number will send you a text

[roadwarrior]

Talk with you soon.

 

-Kent

[NALIP0351]

I am new to a multiple rod setup. Need some help with a 4 rod/reel setup. My brain if fried I already have this equipt.Been saving my pennies for years and have been invited to co-angle in my first Bass tournament in a few months on Lake Fork. Any help would be amazing.

- 7' Zbone LMH mod/fast spinning 

- NRX 822s DSR 

- 1 Stella FJ2500

- 2 Metanium DC

 

- 

[Fir3hawk]

Most of my baitcasters are 7’ or 7’1” MHF. I think I have at least one that is MF.

 

Most of my spinning rods are 7’ or 7’1” MF. I think one is a ML. 
 

Am I really missing out by not buying a shorter MF, 7’ MM, or longer MH/H?

 

I’ve only been into bass fishing for about 5-6 years so each a year I tend to buy a more expensive rod so I always tell myself to get a middle ground size and power so it can work with all applications.

 

Last year I bought a 7’1” MH St. Croix Bass-X with a Shimano Curado 200HG. What a fantastic setup but I realize now the Mojo Bass is a lot nicer rod for an extra $20-30. I thought about buying a SLX and putting it on the Bass-X since it will match the blue. Then moving the Curado to the Mojo Bass.

[MN_Bassin24]

Here are the only 3 rods I would use for Bass:

7' MH/F Casting rod for Texas rigs, jigs, chatterbaits, frogs, spooks, poppers, buzzbaits, + spinnerbaits.

7' M/M Casting rod for crankbaits, squarebills, jerkbaits, and lipless crankbaits.

6'6" M/F Spinning rod for shaky heads, ned rigs, wacky rigs, dropshot rigs, light jerkbaits, and jigheads w/ curly tail grubs.

[Benjamin Bunting]

For recreational or hobby fishing, my budget has always been the limiting factor on how many and what type rod or reel possessions I have. Over the years I have accumulated quite a collection of tackle and lures. But when I have made freshwater fishing destination trips in the last , I have developed a satisfaction of having 5 rigs, 3 casting and 2 spinning. If flying I use my rod case that that won't allow 7' one piece rods in it so so I use 6'6" MHF and 6' MF casting rods. Bait casters are 2 6'6" and one 6'. I use 6'6" spinning rods. Line and lures vary for trips but that's my two cents. 

[hawgenvy]

Looking to recommend a casting rod and reel for my friend, together under $300. It's for light lure fishing:  senkos, flukes, wacky rig, shaky head so prob medium power/fast action, 6'6" to 7". He likes his Lew's tournament pro reel on his beefier set up but may go with a less costly reel if it's light. Prob will spool #10 fluoro line. Advice anyone?

[hunterPRO1]

As far as the "3 rod system" goes I have an easier time making a mh/f rod work with trebles than I do using a mh/f in place of a h/f for frogs and heavy cover pitching.

 

But then again, I'm in the south so I'm biased toward the heavy cover setup.

 

my most used rods in order

-------------------------

7'mh/f  (light t-rig and jig/moving and treble baits)

6'6 m/f(spinning) (weightless t-rigs, lures under 1/4 oz)

7'5 h/f (frog / pitching, heavy cover rod)

7' h/f (heavy t rig/jig, swimbaits)

5'6 mh (ugly stik I use with 25lb test for up-close work around overhanging limbs, might sounds goofy but it works)

 

 

The places I fish are borderline swamps and have some double-digit bass in them, so I tend to lean towards heavier equipment. 

 

[newmanme]

On 2/4/2014 at 2:37 PM, roadwarrior said:

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun
to collect. However, three rigs cover all the
basics:

#1 6 1/2' or 7' MHF baitcaster for jigs, some
soft plastics and spinnerbaits

#2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook
lures

#3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a
variety of techniques

 

Great information:

But, why do I need baitcasters over spinning? What can baitcasters #1 and #2 do that a spinning reel like the Vanford C3000XG can't? I feel like baitcasters are being forced on me? 

[MN Fisher]

7 minutes ago, newmanme said:

Great information:

But, why do I need baitcasters over spinning? What can baitcasters #1 and #2 do that a spinning reel like the Vanford C3000XG can't? I feel like baitcasters are being forced on me? 

Actually - you don't. There's plenty of bass hunters out there who exclusively use spinning gear. It's all dependent on what you're comfortable with.

 

Myself - I use both, but for skipping lures I use spinning gear as I can't skip with casting gear to save my life...while others say that only a BC can skip lures properly.

 

Ignore the 'masses' and get what you want...just make sure the rod/reel are capable of handling the line/lure you want to case.

[treble hook]

I’ve been reading about powers and actions. I just bought a 7’ MH F to go with my new Lews Speed Spool LFS.

[JoeAC2RE]

So I am Fairly new at the bass game. Although I have fished plenty of fresh water in the past. My current rods are an Okuma cvx graphite both spinning and vault cast. My reel is a low end shimano. That being said I am looking to update to better rods and reels. I looked at the Lews LHS Seems nice. I am also looking at the St. Croix rods (I have a mojo surf and it’s been a beast never fails me) I know this is an open question but for someone who is looking to get more serious about bass fishing what should I be looking at?  Budget not a concern. I do like quality though. TIA. 

[roadwarrior]