Hi! Great forum here, loads of info

Okay, I'm in a bit of a dilemma here and in need of help....

I have finally decided to upgrade to a premium rod and reel for my river smallie adventures here in NW CT. The Housatonic River is where I go for those that may be members  here who fish there.

I bought a Shimano Sustain FE 2500 Reel which seems pretty nice...not like a Stella nice but nice.

I have decided on a G. Loomis because I really like their actions and feel.

I purchased an SJR721 IMX last week and it felt and responded beautifully however, the handle was installed off center of the guides and creating an odd feel and Loomis told me to return it, which I did.

Only problem, no more and not for quite some time so I picked up a SMR 750S-SP.....not thrilled with that in currents but I love the Tenn. handle and I'm sure it will be great with light jigs and plastics in the summer but the budget will allow one good one this year and this isn't the one.

Sooooo...sorry to be long winded but with so many choices out there today I'm kinda lost.

Here is what I am looking at:

SMR822S-SP GLX Bronzeback..seems to handle alot of variety, longer length, goodline choices( I use 6 and 8lb Yo Zuri Hybrid thanks to you guys here...magnificent line!) and the length/power/action may fit me well. The handle is nice too. I hated the standard IMX handle FWIW but would live with it.

I'm a landlubber(no boat yet) so all fishing is done from shore.

I would greatly appreciate your advice and opinions.

Thanks so much,

Scott 8-)

I own one GLoomis rod. It is Ok but for the price I would rather buy a Shimano Crucial or Shimano Compre.

Hi! Thanks! I looked at those at my local Cabela's but they were out of everything but the super heavy stuff.

What are the models you like in those series?

Forgive my "newbieness" but I am so amazed at the proliferation of rods/techniques/actions that I'm kinda lost for an all around smallie river spinning stick.

The only reason I was looking att Loomis was that's all they had that felt like what I was looking for.

I do think (Loomis) they are very expensive though. Even Cabela's own brand higher end rods were really nice but heavy and seemed a bit heavy feeling.

I'm not stuck on Loomis so keep 'em coming!

Much appreciated!

Scott

heres a review on the bronzeback glx

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewloomisbronzeglx.html

other rods you can look into are the st. croixs. i love my legend elite ML for smallies.

both loomis and st. croix have great lifetime warranties. slammed the car door and broke your rod? get a replacement for $50

What a goof! I actually spoke to Cal who reviewed that rod. He said he hadn't used it on river but said it would probably work well.

What's ironic is that article led me here! Also, it was like the only rod review I could come up with that was that in depth pertaining to what I was looking for.

As with the Loomis stuff, St Croix around here is either the heavy tackle or fly stuff.

I'm going to have to start driving all over and see who has what in stock or wait until they do have inventory.