Another day, another newbie question

Assuming that the line is limited to 6 lb test and much of my fishing will in fairly open water, what are the tradeoffs between MediumLight and Medium Power (spinning)?

I'm assuming that the MediumLight will be more fun with smaller fish, but Medium might be friendly to a greater number of techniques.

My two examples would be:

St. Croix Premier PS66MLF 4-10# 1/8-1/2oz

St. Croix Premier PS66MF 6-12# 1/4-5/8oz

I don't know has experience with pond & lake where I will be fishing and this year I will be expecting with different techniques so I can't be specific about lure size and style of fishing, yet. I do know that I will be spending some time with a slip bobber catching panfish with my daughter.

Thanks for all of your help

Leon

From all the info you have given me I would go with the ML.

I think your title should read "Limitations of Medium Light Power vs Medium Power". That is what I assume you are asking and what I am replying to.

Well, here is a fairly direct comparison between two St. Croix Avids I own: AS66MLF & AC66MF.

This ML handles small and light weight lures just fine, but working medium weights loads the rod to such a degree that there is very little action left for the hook-set. This means you are setting the hook with the entire rod which is slow and may not transfer enough energy for the hooks to penetrate the fish's mouth.

Secondly, if the fish is of any size, you cannot move it or change direction. In open water this may not be a problem, but it can be.

By comparison, the MF equipment handles a broader range of lures while retaining faster action in the upper portion of the rod. Medium power still allows fish under 5 lbs to be fun to catch, but can handle big fish much better. Power ratings are more about the lures you are going to use then the fish you hope to catch.

ML is the better choice for the type of fishing you expecting.

You got some good advice with the above. The medium light would suit you better. The ML St. Croix compares to medium power in some other brands. Rod manufacturers rate their products differently. I have a ML St. Croix rod that has the same line and lure ratings as a similar 'medium power' rated Loomis rod. This should be a good rod for lures below 3/8 oz, but I consider 1/4 oz about max. for this power. Soft enough tip to toss live baits under floats, but powerful enough to set hooks when working soft plastics in moderate cover.  You really should have two rods if you want to fish for both bass and panfish, but the ML St. Croix would probably serve you well. I'd get the Longer 7' rod if I were you, it will give you better casting and hooksetting capability. Hope this helps.

Oops, and I do know the difference between action & power...  That's the danger of typing before coffee  I edited the subject line...

Does it make sense to step down a level & get 2 rods, such as Shimano Clarus or Cabelas Tourney Trail...  one 6' medium and one 7' ML?

Another question I was thinking about asking was the logic of having 2 rods & one reel.  Since I won't be using a boat this year I wouldn't be carrying 2 setups anyhow.  

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

Leon

I recommend "better" equipment rather than "more." Start with the MLF and later you may want to add a M to the mix. Medium power is generally a better "all-around" choice, but in this instance I would choose the ML.

I recommend "better" equipment rather than "more." Start with the MLF and later you may want to add a M to the mix. Medium power is generally a better "all-around" choice, but in this instance I would choose the ML.

I'll second this.  IMO, it's alot more important to buy better qaulity than qauntity.  Instead of buying a Shimano Clarus (I own one) and a Cabela's Tourny Trail, why not just take that money and step up to a Shimano Compre and buy yourself some flourocarbon to put on that reel.  Go to your local tackle store and feel the difference between a Clarus and Compre.  

Hope this helps in your decision  

Medium Light Spinning -----> noodle

Medium Spinning -----> fishing ROD

I do own a couple of MLs, that I use for panfishing and like RW said, the limitation is the lack of power to make a good hookset in a fish with a more bony mouth like a bass. Not that I don 't catch bass with them while panfishing but most of them get away just because they were not properly hooked even though my hooks are razor sharp there 's not enough stiffness in the rod to penetrate the mouth.

Raul, I think you hit upon my concern.  While I may not be able to spend a lot of time going after big ones, I'd like to be able to set the hook should I connect with a 2-4 (or larger  ) bass.

I do have decent ultra light and light spinning setups, but I've had difficulty setting the hook on larger bass.  It could be me, but I used to be able to set the hook with my now 25yo bass rod.

Thus, I'm in a grey area.  I think the ML would be more fun, but I might have buyer's remorse if I have trouble setting the hook.  I know, many other issues with setting the hook, I'm sure I'll have even more questions then.   ;D

Leon

I have to disagree, I don't think the ML St. Croix rods are noodles. They carry the same lure and line ratings at medium power Loomis rods. It just depends on the lures and techniques used. And if panfishing is going to be done with this rod, I don't see the fun of a more powerful 'bass rod'.

Got me thinking I (instead of working) I have a decent light power outfit

Shimano 5'6" Sensalite and Stradic 1000 (with quick fire) circa 1994. Well suited for lazy panfishing.

I should probably go Medium power so that I have at least on rod with decent backbone. If I know I'm just sitting with a bobber I can use the little Shimano. If the need arises later, I'll have the excuse to add a medium light power

BTW, speaking of a noodle, I found my late 60's 6'6" light power fiberglass rod in the basement the other day. When I was 4 to 6 years old I used it with what was probably about a 4000 size spinning reel. That rod has had more flex than Indiana Jones's bull whip

Just like my first fishing rod, a fiberglass Shakespeare with Shakespeare spinning reel, still have it; no doubt that fishing gear has come a loooooong way.  

Whoa LAO162. You just changed the whole scenario. I thought we were talking slip bobbers and sunnys with a occasional small bass or crappie. You mentioned 2 1/2 - 4lb bass on down the thread. If this is so  and you want a general rod for whatever, be it sunfish or a large bass then you need a medium, fast action rod. You can catch a four pound bass on a UL, but, its not made for that. I think a good all around rod for catching sunnys up to bigger largemouth would be a M. JMO.

On my other thread, it has been virtually unanimous that I look at the Stradic / BPS Extreme combo.  The Extreme MF seems to be rated for lighter lures than most of the other mediums.  Might be a good place to start.  Thanks!!!