Right now I have a Shimano Schimitar 6'6 M rod with a Bps Pro Qualifier reel, and a 7ft MH Extreme XPS rod with a Shimano Citica reel.

Both rods are not light to say the least, and my arm and hands have been bothering me (I'm 19 and this is pathetic but it's the truth). I've felt like I have tendinitis in my hand and it's getting worse as I fish more. I have used the balancing weights on the Extreme rod and although it's balanced, still just doesn't feel light enough for me.

These are my ONLY TWO Casting combos, and I was thinking about selling both rods only, and getting a Gblanks rod (Very light rod 3.6oz and split grip which I love). I'd put the Citica on that, and then  keep the Schimitar with BPS Qualifier reel as I can't get much for the rod and I like the reel a LOT (Thanks Cart). Or sell just the rod and wait 6 months to get another Gblanks rod (assuming I like them) to pair with the BPS PQ.

I was looking at a 6'10 or 6'9 MH Gblanks rod , I can throw just about anything with it, jigs, frogs, spinnerbaits, etc.. I have my spinning combo that I use for all my plastics.

I'm trying to be budget conscious, but it's tough when my hands are hurting to hold a rod for a few more hours.

Don't "think it" too hard. Get what you need and get rid of stuff that doesn't feel right to you.

Seems simple to me.

Don't "think it" too hard. Get what you need and get rid of stuff that doesn't feel right to you.

Seems simple to me.

As I'm sure you've noticed RW, I over think everything , WAYYY too much.

You think that 6'9 or 6'10 mh gblanks would be a pretty good all around rod if I were to only have one BC ? Jigs / frogs / spinner baits? Or is there something else that's light that I should get if I were to only go with one baitcaster.

Worth selling 2 rods for 1 better quality rod?

In an eyeblink.  

Length is personal preference. I like 7' but I also have two 6 1/2' rods. I think what is important is a firm tip.

Lures and techniques that are better fished with a soft tip (basically all treble hooks) can still be fished adequately with a firm tip, and for jigs and soft plastics, a firm tip is MANDATORY!

Length is personal preference. I like 7' but I also have two 6 1/2' rods. I think what is important is a firm tip.

Lures and techniques that are better fished with a soft tip (basically all treble hooks) can still be fished adequately with a firm tip, and for jigs and soft plastics, a firm tip is MANDATORY!

Yah I use a cheaper spinning combo for my cranks and other treb hook stuff.

I use my Extreme 6'6/ Stradic for plastics

6'6 is a bit small and 7 feels just a bit big, so maybe the 6'10 is perfect.

I'm not sure about the tips on the gblanks, do you know anything about that. Firm? Fast action? The 7ft Extreme rod i've been using is very nice, just not light enough for me, and after fishing this guys Split grip rods at my last tournament, I really want one!!!! ;D

Go for it. Go with the light stuff your body will thank you. I got rid of equipment to go lighter also because my elbow was bugging me when I was about 27. That was 4 years ago and since I have gone light I have been able to fish longer and don't have the pain after fishing like I did before. Now I am always looking to cut the weight down as much as I can.

Go for it. Go with the light stuff your body will thank you. I got rid of equipment to go lighter also because my elbow was bugging me when I was about 27. That was 4 years ago and since I have gone light I have been able to fish longer and don't have the pain after fishing like I did before. Now I am always looking to cut the weight down as much as I can.

Thank you very much. health and feeling well is more important I guess in the end then a couple extra dollars. Although I will have to part with my new rod, and spend a little extra, it'll hopefully be worth it.

Any other suggestions then the 3-4oz Gblank rods? $125 sounds pretty sweet for a split grip custom rod that weighs so little.

I'm curious to know how much the Extreme rod weighs, I can't find that info anywhere :-?

Lemme tell you, if you're 19 and in that much pain when fishing you need to see a doctor.  While reducing the weight of your fishing equipment is a good thing,  I can't imagine you'll be able to cast a snoopy rod when you're 30 if you're having that much trouble now.

i'd definitley sell the rods. i just sold a fly reel so i could afford a baitcaster. but anyway, thats beyond the point. if you dont like them, sell them and use the money to get something you DO like. but im not sure if i'd get a MH, i'd get a M, but thats just me.

Lemme tell you, if you're 19 and in that much pain when fishing you need to see a doctor.  While reducing the weight of your fishing equipment is a good thing,  I can't imagine you'll be able to cast a snoopy rod when you're 30 if you're having that much trouble now.

Eh, It's only on long outings, after 4hours or so is when my hand begins to bother me. It's not terrible pain, but it's a discomfort. I figured a lighter rod would just make things all around easier on me.

i'd definitley sell the rods. i just sold a fly reel so i could afford a baitcaster. but anyway, thats beyond the point. if you dont like them, sell them and use the money to get something you DO like. but im not sure if i'd get a MH, i'd get a M, but thats just me.

Frogs and jigs in heavy weeds in California waters is tough with just a M.

The Extreme is heavy?

Perhaps you should weigh that rod and compare.

Lemme tell you, if you're 19 and in that much pain when fishing you need to see a doctor. While reducing the weight of your fishing equipment is a good thing, I can't imagine you'll be able to cast a snoopy rod when you're 30 if you're having that much trouble now.

Eh, It's only on long outings, after 4hours or so is when my hand begins to bother me. It's not terrible pain, but it's a discomfort. I figured a lighter rod would just make things all around easier on me.

I also think a doctor visit might be in order. But then my fishing trips usually go for 8 to 17 hours and my doctor visits are free (military).

Something else that might help though. I used to have some problems fishing when I spent a LOT of time on the computer. I started using a gel pad in front of my mouse and it helped my fishing problems. You might look at the other things you do in life and see if anything else might be contributing to the problem.

I'm 39 now, and have no problem fishing with my "heavy" gear for 12 hours (I'm also 5' 10" and 135#, so I'm not musclebound). My longer fishing trips are usually for catfish, so I'm not casting constantly.

My dad started having some problems with his shoulder when he turned 65 with his "heavy" gear.

A lot of people think my Ugly Stiks are too heavy, but I don't get tired using them unless I am out practice casting with my 15' and 6 oz of weight. I expect to be worn a bit after that.

just a thought, if you are like me when I was 19 you could use a little extra money. I got a second job at gander mountain the pay wasn't great but the discount is awsome and you will learn so much just being around the stuff all day. when I worked there (i quit two weeks ago after 5 years) I got 20% off every day with three employee shops at 30% off per year and I got 60% off g-loomis rods 55% off st. croix rods and 70% off on kistlers so you can imagine the rods i use

I believe they offer similar rod discounts at most major sporting good retailers.

just a suggestion if you have the time.

just a thought, if you are like me when I was 19 you could use a little extra money. I got a second job at gander mountain the pay wasn't great but the discount is awsome and you will learn so much just being around the stuff all day. when I worked there (i quit two weeks ago after 5 years) I got 20% off every day with three employee shops at 30% off per year and I got 60% off g-loomis rods 55% off st. croix rods and 70% off on kistlers so you can imagine the rods i use

I believe they offer similar rod discounts at most major sporting good retailers.

just a suggestion if you have the time.

That's awesome. There's no places like that near me. No bass pro shop in Northern California, No gander, no dicks, NOTHING.

Ya know, just as you've found out by buying a used reel from me, you can do the same with higher end rods on these forums.  Ebay is another place that carries some of the higher end stuff though I tend to like to purchase rods off these forums vs Ebay.

I decided to keep the Extreme rod and just use it for other things that require less jerking and moving of the rod, and I ordered a Gblanks rod for fishing my jigs and frogs.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

and cart, I too agree, I like buying things over the forums much better, your service was great, but I didn't know about any other forums besides this one. I'll keep that in mind for my next purchase.