I'm starting to get back into fishing after many years out of the game. I have a fairly light rod and reel that I bought 15 years ago for jigging and finesse fishing. As I have spent more time on the water last year I realize this rig is too light for a lot of what I am doing. So I'm looking for something heavier to compliment it. I want to keep things simple, so I just want one other rod to handle a variety of tasks. I intend to use this for heavier crank baits and spinner baits, topwater, sometimes fishing in the slope, and some multi-species fishing, mostly (when I fish up-north I tend to hook as many pike as I do bass). I will almost entirely be fishing from shore or a canoe/kayak.

My current rod is a Fenwick HMX 6'6" medium-fast action, which is rated for 1/8-3/4oz lures, 4-12lbs line with a Shimano Sedona 1500 spinning reel. This rod seems too short and too flimsy for some of the heavier lures I am using spinner baits, Zara spook, whopper popper and 1oz spoons (for pike).

I think what I want is a 3000 series (or 4000 series if necessary) spinning reel (I am loyal to Shimano). With a 7’ (or slightly longer)  medium-heavy, fast action, rod. Does this check out? I'm willing to spend $200-$300 (maybe a touch more) on the rod and reel together, and I am pretty loyal to Shimano... any suggestions?

19 hours ago, 07Rapala said:

.. any suggestions?

I'd suggest going with a baitcasting rig for the techniques you mentioned. If you haven't used one before, don't sweat it. Modern braking systems have shortened the learning curve dramatically. A Shimano Curado MGL 150 would serve you well for years. Pair it with a Dobyns Fury 735 C and you're all set for the techniques and species you mentioned right at the top end of your price range.

My first bait cast setup was a Fenwick HMG with an Abu Garcia Silver Max. It did the trick and taught me how to use a bait caster. 

Like the above posters I much prefer baitcast gear for those weights.  In spinning you could look at a Fenwick HMG 7' MHF (3/8-1 oz.) or HMG Inshore 7' Medium Split (1/2-1 1/2 oz.).

 

I don't know anything about Shimano reels.  Maybe a NASCI FC,   Sedona FI, Sahara FI or Sahara FJ?  Personally a fan of the Daiwa BG.

Thanks for the input so far! So, a couple things I should have mentioned from the offset:

1) By 'getting back into fishing', I'm talking about going from fishing 0-2 times per year to maybe 6-12 outings a year.

2) Though I'm not entirely opposed to a baitcaster, I would strongly prefer a spinning reel.

 

Since I won't be fishing much, I won't have a lot of time to learn a new reel type. I did have a baitcaster with a magnetic brake ~25 years ago, and I remember it being very frustrating, either failing to cast a distance or developing a birds nest. I will need some convincing/reassuring/reeducation. I don't want to be someone set in their ways, but I also want to keep thing simple.

 

Why do they make spinning reels in 4000-series and larger if baitcasters are a better choice?

 

And I should add that the heavier lures mentioned above are just the maximum sized lures I will be using... the ones that have proven to be too much for my current rod. (Though I have to say, other than the small spool, that little 1500 Shimano reel seems to handle whatever I throw at it).

Wow, randomly found a photo of my old baitcasting reel from ~1995... left-hander version and everything. Not sure on the model but it was a Quantum brand.

As I mentioned in another post, I read an article by a famous pro that only uses 4000 size reels because of their superior line handling ability.  Personally I can live with the smaller sizes.  BUT what I like isn't right for everyone else.  Pick your own poison.   You are the one that will be using the reel, not me.