spinning rod

[crank it]

I got a gift card from gander mountian for xmas and purchased a fenwick hmx 7ft hvy rod .what I would like to know is this rod okay to fish jigs and t rigged plastics on or is the rod tip to stiff for this application. couldnt pass this rod up for 49.99 down from 89.99 the rod is rated for 3/8 to 1 1/4 oz 10-20 lb line also I would like to pair this rod up with my shimano symetere which is the 2500 series or should I use my shakesphere catera 35 series reel for this rod and use the shimano on my basspro woo daves ml 6ft 8inch rod. thanks.

[Hawgin]

This rod will be fine for fishing jigs and plastics, and the tip is not to stiff for this.  I fish all of my plastics on MH fenwick rods and they have great sensitivity to feel even the lightest bite.  

As far as the reels go, I don't fish a lot of spinning tackle so I can't help you much there, but as a recent convert to shimano reels, I say to buy and use as many of them as you can.  You might as well pair a good quality rod with a good quality reel if you can afford to do so.  I think you will really enjoy that combo, and you will see your catch #'s increase with it.

[crank it]

Thanks for the info Hawgin the fenwick brand rod is the first rod I bought 20 years ago and I see there qaulity is still there even today. Im also a recent shimano convert man those reels are smooth im thinking of switching all my reels over to shimano. well thanks again.

[Marty]

I would like to pair this rod up with my shimano symetere which is the 2500 series or should I use my shakesphere catera 35 series reel for this rod and use the shimano on my basspro woo daves ml 6ft 8inch rod. thanks.  

I'm not an authority on either the rods or the reels you mention, but...it seems to me you first ought to decide what size line you want to use with the heavy power rod, then use whichever reel is better suited to that particular line.

[crank it]

Marty my symetre will handle line up to 10lb and the catera will handle 12lb line the rod is rated for 10 to 20lb line but I like to fish with 10 lb line on my spinning gear.  you think may I should try braid say power pro 30lbl instead never have used braid before.I fish a pretty clear lake in northern ILL.

[Hawgin]

tony-

 I would say that it is not necessary to fish with braided line on spinning gear if you are more comfortable with something else.  I've always fished my spinning gear with Trilene XL, although this year I think I am going to switch over to Yo Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #8.   I have used YoZuri on my baitcasters and I really like their line, so I am guessing their ultra soft will be top quality as well.  Since you are fishing clear water I would recommend that you consider that line as well.  I've heard nothing but good things about it, and I know it has a much higher breaking strength than they test pound listed.  I think #8 has a breaking strength of around 14 lbs.

[Marty]

Marty my symetre will handle line up to 10lb and the catera will handle 12lb line the rod is rated for 10 to 20lb line but I like to fish with 10 lb line on my spinning gear.  you think may I should try braid say power pro 30lbl instead never have used braid before.I fish a pretty clear lake in northern ILL.

I figured you got a heavy power rod because you would be fishing in some pretty heavy cover, which might be too much for lines typically used on spinning reels. I'd use the braid if you will actually be fishing heavy cover. If not, then your 10-12# mono ought to be all right.