Hi Everyone, My first post.

I am getting started with Baitcasting.

I bought a MBR844C rod and looking at a CTE200GT reel for it.

I plan on using it for deep cranks or when this spring I am planning a trip to Santee Cooper fishing in the weeds.

What do you guys think of this combo?

Thanks

Paul

Happy New Year!

Welcome To The Forum!!

While that reel is a good performer. Your looking at deeps cranks IMPO with the wrong rod. That 844 you have is a great pitchin, CR, and close quarters flipping heavy cover type rod. Now for the weeds on Cooper it will be a great setup, but I would go with a little more IPC for moving the fish. I personally would look into a LP reel for that rod, but if your into round reels, then I would save a few bucks and back off to the CT200B it moves more line.

CT200B - 27" IPC

CTE200GT - 23" IPC

That's 4" of line per crank difference.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!

That rod is less than ideal for cranking as ReelMech has said, granted you need a heavy action rod to throw the large cranks, but one with a moderate fast action.  Other than that, your new rod is surprisingly versatile for a heavy action rod, and should work well for light plastics all the way up to pitching/flippin' heavy jigs.  I use mine for heavy spinnerbaits as well.

WELCOME AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That may be the best soft plastic and light jig rod ever made, but I would go to a softer action rod for cranking. JMHO

Ronnie

pcmc19057,

Welcome aboard!

I happen to have that EXACT set up. So, as you might expect, I think you have the PERFECT all around rig. For technique specific applications, I agree with ReelMech that greater IPC might be desirable. I also agree with Alpster that for cranking (and for all treble hooks for that matter) a softer tip, moderate or even slow action would be an attribute.

However, there is NOTHING you can't do with your rod and reel combination. (Okay, maybe buzzbaits and light lures). I have used the MBR844C/ CTE200GT for a number of years as my go-to rod, you will, too. If I could only have one rod and reel, this is the one.