Although I use my casting setup 90% of the time now, for me its my Stradic 3000 FK spooled with Sufix Siege 10 pound mono mounted on a Loomis E6X JWR 852S. 

Any 2500 sized Shimano spinning reel works for me, I use everything from the cheapo Sienna to the Stradic Ci4.  I'm not that particular about my spinning reels, I use Shimano because of brand loyalty but it can just as easily be a Diawa or Pflueger.  Rod however I'm fairly particular, Phenix is tops for me, in particular the M1 series, but the new Feather series are also amazing.

If you like the feel of a skeleton reel seat the new version of the Fenwick AETOS is a great rod. The 6'6 weighs 3.5 oz and pairs fantastically with the Stradic CI4+3000 for a 10oz como.  Sensitive and powerful.  Rated 1/8-5/8 although it's sweet spot is more like 1/6-1/2.  This combo is great for occasional light inshore fishing too.

I have four Stella 3000 FJ's paired up on Conquest 842S's with 8lb Tatsu on all of them.

 

Love that set up....!  

8 hours ago, 18RangerZ520L said:

I have four Stella 3000 FJ's paired up on Conquest 842S's with 8lb Tatsu on all of them.

 

Love that set up....!  

 

You win.

5 hours ago, puddlepuncher said:

 

You win.

Didn't know it was a competition, but ok...  

17 hours ago, 18RangerZ520L said:

Didn't know it was a competition, but ok...  

 

Every time I bought gear it was always a step up from what I was replacing.  My most satisfying buys as of late have me feeling l I have the best money can get for my needs.  No more wondering if there is something better.  For me knowing that is winning.

 

I saw you post some beautiful Excenses paired with NRX's and my jaw hit the ground as did many others.  When you posted the Stellas and Conquests I know you felt the same way with those rigs in your hand.  

 

You're right, there is no competition but there is winning.

St Croix Legend 6’10” ML Xfast with a Tatula LT 2000 Great finesse combo

On 8/21/2018 at 5:49 PM, 18RangerZ520L said:

I have four Stella 3000 FJ's paired up on Conquest 842S's with 8lb Tatsu on all of them.

 

Love that set up....!  

That is dedication to a combo!

 

What presentations do you run on them?  

6 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

That is dedication to a combo!

 

What presentations do you run on them?  

Everything spinning.  Very versatile rod and reel combo.

Just got a Daiwa exist 2003 with megabass Addermine for neds, Neko and heavier dropshot. 

Stradic 1000 Ci4/ BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'9" med-light fast(Ned/Dropshot) and a Stradic 2500 Ci4/BPS Carbonlite 2.0 7'6" medium fast(everything else).

On 8/6/2018 at 11:19 PM, A-Jay said:

I have a few but this spring I added a couple of Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rods.

Neko Rig & Drop Shot.

Matched them with a pair of Daiwa Tatula Limited Edition LT SS 3000-CXH reels.

Very Sweet.

A-Jay

 

Love the grip in front of the reel seat on Tatula rods. So comfortable 

On 8/18/2018 at 11:00 PM, fvogel67 said:

6’9” ML First generation Abu Villian with a Tatula 2500 

Insanely light and balanced 

I have this rod, but with a President XT on it.

On 8/19/2018 at 2:57 PM, DogBone_384 said:

My favorite spinning setup is an Abu Garcia Villain ML/F with a Pflueger Supreme XT hung under it.  It has awesome sensitivity and like other Abu rods fishing a little heavier than say, my Fenwick Elite Bass ML.

 

Unfortunately it's buried in the weeds at the bottom of Ponkapog Pond.  I'll save up and grab another one this fall.  Until then my Kistler MG-2 will have to do...

Gen 1 or 2.0?

 

I seldom use a spinning rod.  Probably only had my Villain out once just to try it.  My experience with Abu rods is that they run a bit heavy.  I want to use my spinning rods more this coming season.  What weights do you guys feel are best to use with this rod?  I've read the 2.0 is very sensitive for its price.  Have either of you been able to compare both generations?  Was wondering if the Gen 1 is as sensitive.  Thanks.

Dobyns Champion 702SF with a Stradic Ci 4 2500 =Winner

Favorite now is a Stella 2500 and a NRX 901 followed by a Certate 3000 and a Megabass Flyssa.

Carbonite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf paired with a newly acquired Shimano Stradic FL 2500. 

14 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Gen 1 or 2.0?

It was a 2.0.  I agree that Abu rods run 'heavy', but that's what I like about them.  That ML was not quite a M, but had a little extra in it to pull fish out while not giving up the ability to toss light/finesse baits.

 

I use bait casters most of the time too.  My spinning gear is for light baits and winter fishing because my thumbs get cold/numb and controlling spools becomes difficult.

St. Croix Premier 7' M-F with Supreme XT / Stren mono clear/blue 8#

 

Also have Lew's Carbon Fire Speed Stick 7'2 MF with President XT Stren 8# clear/blue mono.

 

Comments?

Megabass Orochi XX Whipsnake paired with a Stradic ci4+ 2500

 

Megabass Destroyer Addermine paired with a JDM Daiwa Certate 2500S-XH

 

Props to those that use a BG for finesse fishing lol. Picked up one in store, that thing is heavy lol.

#1 St Croix 6'6" LTW ML and Tatula LT 2000

#2 Kuying 6'6" Teton L and Tatula LT 2000

#3 Tatula 6'6" M and Tatula LT 3000 shallow spool

#4 G Loomis  6'3" L Bronzeback and Stradic 1000

I love them all equally for the different  lures they cover.

Favorite: Loomis E6X 842 SJR with a Sahara 2500

 

2nd: Tatula 610MXS with a BG 2500

 

3rd: Dobyns Sierra 692 with a BG 2500

 

All 3 have 15lb J braid 8.