Hi all - I'm looking to pickup my first ever Stradic Ci4+ to be used for ned rigs and drop shots.  Does anyone have suggestions on which model to get and a rod to pair it with? Thanks

It would look nice with a Expride 7' Light + or 6'10" Med Light. Pretty sure you can still get a Dobyns Kaden 711sf also.

Sounds like a wine tasting, lol. 2500 or 3000 size spool. Can’t help you on the rod however. I don’t have those types of rods in my arsenal. That reel might even pair quite well with a bottle of 2007 Merlot from Bordeaux. 

If you can't swing the Expride, the Zodias 7'M is a great rod also. 

3000 series, 10 lb. braid, 8 lb. invisx on the medium 7’ zodias.  Killer Ned setup.

I like the 1000 size, but most would go with the 2500 or 3000.

 

If I were to buy a new rod for those application today, I would get a G Loomis NRX 901S

19 minutes ago, FrankN209 said:

If you can't swing the Expride, the Zodias 7'M is a great rod also. 

 

8 minutes ago, Mr.C in Texas said:

3000 series, 10 lb. braid, 8 lb. invisx on the medium 7’ zodias.  Killer Ned setup.

For both of you - why a medium over a ML?

I've got a 1000 sized paired up with a Dobyns Sierra 702s for my dedicated Ned rig setup.

I have the 1000 & 2500. I use the 1000 on a ML/XF but a ML/F will work as well. I use the 2500 with a M/F on finesse baits when I’m gonna be in vegetation. As for the rod, I’m a fan of St. Croix. They are/tend to be tip heavy but I only pond fish so I just deal with it. 

I have three 2500 and one 3000.  All have 6# fluoro on them.  I also use the 3000 for trout and steelhead for it's extra capacity.  For bass, 2500 is plenty, and you won't have lane management issue with 8# size line or less.

6 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I have three 2500 and one 3000.  All have 6# fluoro on them.  I also use the 3000 for trout and steelhead for it's extra capacity.  For bass, 2500 is plenty, and you won't have lane management issue with 8# size line or less.

What rods do you have the 2500's on?  Which balances the best

They are on SC AVS63mlxf and AVS63mxf.  Balance is on second finger with three fingers forward.  I have not found better setups for DS, flick shake, ned and other light techniques/baits.

 

Also, I don't notice any difference between the 2500 and 3000 on the AVS63mxf.

 

54 minutes ago, PABassFish007 said:

 

For both of you - why a medium over a ML?

The only reason I said M is because I have that same rod. I don't have a ML. Maybe a ML might be better.  

I actually use a custom ml+ rod.  It’s an inshore rod with a softer tip and a stout backbone for larger 10-20lb. fish.  It’s meant to toss 1/8 to 1/2 oz. weights.  I just watched a YouTube video and a guy had both the ml and medium zodias ( I’m looking at buying one) and he said the ml was a little to “wippy” and didn’t have much of a backbone.  He loved the medium.  As for the reel, 3000 size are more friendly to use than the smaller sizes.  The ci4+ 2500 and 3000 are the same reel but different spools.

I have a Stradic Ci4 3000 on a 6'8 ML Zodias and I like it a lot. That being said, if I was going to do it all over again, I would go with the Expride 6'10 ML. I just got a 6'8 MH Expride casting rod and it is amazing.

I went the reverse route. I recently bought an Avid 6’3” ML X-Fast. Using it for the same purpose you are for the most part. The Shimano is on the top of the list but want to compare it to a Daiwa, Abu and a Lew’s first. Taking my rod with me to get the right fit. 

7 minutes ago, Spankey said:

I went the reverse route. I recently bought an Avid 6’3” ML X-Fast. Using it for the same purpose you are for the most part. The Shimano is on the top of the list but want to compare it to a Daiwa, Abu and a Lew’s first. Taking my rod with me to get the right fit. 

Yeah pretty much everything I've read says to go with the Zodias or Avid, so that's what I'll probably do.  Now I just need to figure out whether to go with  a M or ML.  

1 hour ago, Spankey said:

I went the reverse route. I recently bought an Avid 6’3” ML X-Fast. Using it for the same purpose you are for the most part. The Shimano is on the top of the list but want to compare it to a Daiwa, Abu and a Lew’s first. Taking my rod with me to get the right fit. 

What are you going to use this combo for? I'd like to find a 6'3 Avid

Can't go wrong with a Loomis 852 in whichever model you want price wise and the 2500 

8 hours ago, TBAG said:

What are you going to use this combo for? I'd like to find a 6'3 Avid

Z-Man stuff, grubs, tubes, drop shotting, split shotting, lite t-rigs, small creatures, 4"-5" finesse worms.

 

 

I have two 1000 ci4+ on two 6'10" med light exprides.

The combos weight a little over 9 oz. each.

Super lightweight and sensitive.

One for drop shots, one for ned rigs, shakey heads.

On 2/17/2020 at 2:16 PM, FrankN209 said:

If you can't swing the Expride, the Zodias 7'M is a great rod also. 

I've done a lot of research and taking opinions and for the extra money the Exprides seem to be the answer.  Which Rod, in anyones opinion, would match a 2500 stradic ci4+ the best and serve the purpose.  I've been looking at 6'8 M, 6'10 ML and 7' M . Thanks for all your guys helps and sorry for all the questions, but when throwing that much into a setup I want to ensure its awesome!

6'10" ML. I used one all last year and liked it. 

I have a ci4 on a Dobyn's Extreme 702 and an Expride 7ft medium. The 702, with its softer tip, makes a great drop shot rod. It can definitely be used for neds, but I prefer the faster tip of the Expride medium for those j hook style baits. Of the two, the Dobyn's is more sensitive but the Expride is lighter. Hard to pick which one I prefer as they both have their perks and uses. 

I have a CI 4 2500 on a Dobyns Champion 701 SF and am very happy with it, super sensitive and enough backbone to handle larger fish.