Hi guys,

I am in the market for a Spinning set up. I have two Bait caster right now that I am using for frogs and swimmbaits/crankbaits.

I would like to add to my arsenal a good all around spinning set up that I can use for:

* Finesse (Drop shot, worms in general)
* Smaller crankbaits/ small spinning lures and jigs

I was thinking of something like a 7 foot rod, medium-heavy action with a fast/ extra fast tip. Line wise I was thinking to put 15-20 braid on it and then vary the leader based on my fishing:

* Finesse: 8 pound fluro
* Jigs: straight braid
* Crankbaits: 10-12 fluro
* /spinnerbaits: 8-10 mono or direct to braid.


There is a new Bass Pro shop opening in San Jose next week which I want to go to and take advantage of some sales.

By budget is around 150 USD.

What would you recommend me?

Thank you for your help!

Best,
Seb.
 

I'm partial to st croix and medium lights spinning rods for the applications you listed. A medium would probably suit you better than a mh though.

I agree with Evan, don't go MH. A M would be a better fit for what you have listed. Can't help out with the brands, I think plenty of folks will weigh on there.

Get a medium power, fast action carbonlite from BPS, the MH is going to be overkill for the finesse stuff.

I'd say go for the new St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" M/XF. It should be able to handle all your finesse presentations. 

My current set up is a 7' M/F micro magic w/ 15lb braid. I adjust the leader accordingly. 8-12lb test for shakey heads, senkos, etc straight braid for finesse jigs and then lighter line for drop shot.

I use it for all the techniques you listed. I'd go with a medium rather than a MH for finesse stuff.

MH extra fast spinning ? ...... well I have one of those, a Shimano Clarus and I wouldn´t consider an extra fast as an "all around", that rod is as forgiving as a pool cue, of course that for spinner baiting, worming/jigging is fantastic, you don´t have to "set the hook", it´s so stiff that the fish literally hook themselves just by striking the bait.

I know its much cheaper than you want....but save some money and buy something else

Berkley Cherrywood Series is my go to...$25 that performs much much greater.

http://t.basspro.com/Berkley-Cherrywood-Spinning-Rod/product/12101705270749/

I use a 7'2" Phenix M1 M/XF as my primary "all around" spinning rod.  Everything you mentioned in your original post I've thrown on it.  I find Shimano rods fairly stiff for their ratings (i.e. I have a M rated Scimitar and that thing is more like a MH)  I only use spinning gear for smaller sized crankbaits (roughly the KVD 1.5 squarebills and smaller).  it's out of your budget for a combo but I'd start with a M/XF in whatever brand you're looking at.

LEWS

Have a ML/XF fenwick elite tech coming in the mail. Gonna use it as an all around spinning rod for dropshotting, weightless senkos, maybe a shakeyhead.

To be honest though I guess I was just focused on the fact that it was a ML, I hope having it be a XF action won't ruin its ability as an all around rod

Thanks guys for your feedback and ideas.


What are you guys thinking about the following options:


Rods:

Option 1

Option 2

 

Option 3

Reels:

Option 1   Model :6925



 

Model: PRESLESP25X

 

Option 3

 

I'd get the 6'9" ML Johnny Morris Carbonlite - option 2

The Villian is listed as a MH and might be too stout for lighter finesse presentations, the Verdict would be the better option between the two.  If you're considering the BPS rod, look into the St. Croix Rage spinning rods which are marked down 40% ($89 flat, plus free shipping and a free hat) they have a 6'10" M/XF and a 7'1" M/F model still available that would work well for an all around spinning outfit.

 

For a reel I'd go with one of the Pflueger spinning reels.  I use Shimano myself but I've felt the Plueger's in-store and they feel great, and all the comments people post here on the Pluegers have been very positive.

I have a Pflueger 6940 lying around at home. Do you think that reel is too big/ heavy for such a spinning set up?

I have a Pflueger 6940 lying around at home. Do you think that reel is too big/ heavy for such a spinning set up?

The only way to find that out, really, is to get the rod you want, put it on and go fishing.  I have a bunch of Pflueger spinning reels.  I use XX25s on my ML spinning rods and XX30s on my M and MH/s.

If I were you, I wouldn't spend that much on a rod versus a reel. Also, wait for Tackle Warehouse to have a 20% off sale so you can really stretch that budget. For the reel I'd go with anything Shimano and the rod, like most people are saying, the Mojo. Good luck.

I'd say go for the new St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" M/XF. It should be able to handle all your finesse presentations. 

X2.......Have it, like it.

The Villian is listed as a MH and might be too stout for lighter finesse presentations, the Verdict would be the better option between the two.  If you're considering the BPS rod, look into the St. Croix Rage spinning rods which are marked down 40% ($89 flat, plus free shipping and a free hat) they have a 6'10" M/XF and a 7'1" M/F model still available that would work well for an all around spinning outfit.

 

For a reel I'd go with one of the Pflueger spinning reels.  I use Shimano myself but I've felt the Plueger's in-store and they feel great, and all the comments people post here on the Pluegers have been very positive.

Who has the Rage marked down to $89?

Who has the Rage marked down to $89?

You can get them straight from St. Croix's website for $89 and I believe they come with a rage hat and decal as well. To get to them, you click on shop on their home page (top right), then bargain room (again top right) and then finally on freshwater rods. They have the old Legend Elites, the old Mojo's and the discontinued Rage rods there. 

Thanks WI, it so happens I'm in the market!

Just bought the 71MH/F...............Thanks again.