Hello everyone. Somehow I managed to go this past summer without buying any new rods or reels (I'm still trying to figure that one out). Now that its almost Christmas, I really want to get a new baitcasting setup. All around kind of deal, mostly for cranks, jerkbaits and swimbaits, maybe some topwater here and there. I do mostly spinning, but a friend of mine has got me interested in casting gear, and I think it would be a nice addition to my lineup.

Anyway...I'm thinking about a Curado E7 for a reel but I'm not sure what rod to get. I'm limited to around 6'6" due to space in my car. The trunk does open to the rest of the car, but the stuff that's in the trunk isn't coming out every time I want to go fishing (20 mins to take out, 20 mins to put back in...not gonna happen). I guess I'd like to keep it to about $200 or so for the rod. I really like the IMX spinning rod I have, so I've been looking at a few Loomises. I liked the feel and action of the SMR753C-JB Bronzeback when I saw it over the weekend, but I mostly go for largemouth.

Anyone have any suggestions for me? I guess I've always preferred G. Loomis and St. Croix, and the shop I'd probably buy from carries both, as well as Shimano and a few other brands.

Thanks in advance.

I'd buy a 783 IMX.  I know you mentioned purchasing it at a local  shop, but you can buy a brand new IMX on Ebay for under $200

So a 783 would be good? I also have been looking at the MBR782C. I was only planning on using 10 pound test, so I was thinking a rod rated for 8-14 pound test would be ideal. I may just be thinking a little too light because I'm so used to spinning gear, though.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I'm not a fan of the split handle style of rods like the Legend Tournament rods. I like cork all the way down, so pretty much any Loomis would satisfy my needs in that department.

Welcome aboard!

The Legend Elite is a tremendous series and is currently

on sale at Reed's. For a great all-around treble hook

rod, the EC66MF is my recommendation. I have the

Avid AVC66MF that fits the niche you're trying to fill,

but for a few extra bucks, picking up the Legend Elite

is a no brainer!

http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=8562

p.s.

I'm a huge G. Loomis fan and The_Natural knows his stuff.

You cannot go wrong with his recommendation either, the

MBR is an exceptional series.

8-)

If you want to get a killa butt kickin combo get  a Leyend Elit from Reeds and...... screw the Curado E7, get a Chronarch Mg at TW for the same price of a Curado E7 ( free shipping also   ).

There you have it a butt kickin killa combo at an awsom price.

If you want to get a killa butt kickin combo get a Leyend Elit from Reeds and...... screw the Curado E7, get a Chronarch Mg at TW for the same price of a Curado E7 ( free shipping also ).

There you have it a butt kickin killa combo at an awsom price.

Ou wee!

Me likes that idear!

8-)

You can fit bigger rods in your car unless you only have a 2 seater. I used to have to do this when shore fishing until I got a truck. Take your rods and go to the passenger side of the vehicle. Open the front passenger side and start by sticking the tips of the rods in angled toward the back drivers side of the car and then set the butt end on the floor of the front passenger side. I can fit all of my rods in a honda accord this way and I have multiple 7' rods. I have a friend who fits 7' rods in his civic this way. Hope this helps get a 7 footer.

Don't overlook Dobyns.

You can fit bigger rods in your car unless you only have a 2 seater. I used to have to do this when shore fishing until I got a truck. Take your rods and go to the passenger side of the vehicle. Open the front passenger side and start by sticking the tips of the rods in angled toward the back drivers side of the car and then set the butt end on the floor of the front passenger side. I can fit all of my rods in a honda accord this way and I have multiple 7' rods. I have a friend who fits 7' rods in his civic this way. Hope this helps get a 7 footer.

x2 I too have 7' rods that my corolla can accomodate. Just don't let the bang around on anything, especially other rods.

My 6'6 Avid is a tight fit in there, but if I play around with how I've got it in there, I might be able to do it. I don't like it being so close to the glass that the tip smacks it when I hit a bump, though.

Anyway...What pound test line should I be using with casting gear? As I had said before, I was planning on going with 10 pound test, hence the 8-14 lb rated rods I had mentioned. Is this too light for casting gear?

I'd like to thank everyone for their suggestions. Unfortunately, I probably won't be buying until after Christmas, so I'm not sure if those sales will still be around...gotta see how things look after those Christmas bills come in. :'( Also, could anyone answer my question about 10 lb test being too light or not for casting? Am I just thinking entirely too light because I'm so used to spinning gear?

Thanks

Also, could anyone answer my question about 10 lb test being too light or not for casting? Am I just thinking entirely too light because I'm so used to spinning gear?

Thanks

10 lb. would be OK if you were fishing in mostly open water or sparse cover. I would bump the size up to 12 lb. or more if you fish in water with alot of thick cover.