I wasnt a fan of the mojo rods, I really liked the crucials out of all the rods ive owned. I am gonna get the new crucials or try the new phenix recon rods.

Thanks for having me, I know its out of my range that I was thinking, but i can get a 3000 shimano stradic FJ for about 140.00, I think for the extra 40$ might be worth it, I am trying to find a nice rod for it, something with split handle, 7 ft, but been reading reviews

It's your budget. I just mentioned the Saros as an option because I really like mine and got the Saros for 97.00 FJ for 127.00 (new) and coud not pass that up. The rod question will get about 600 responses.....the first hour:) Good luck.

I am a Shimano casting reel guy, but I like Diawa spinning reels better. I have a couple Excelers, a 2000 and 2500 that are going into thre 6th season this spring. Both have been used 125+ times a year for the past 5 years, been out in the rain/snow/heat/cold umpteen times. And I have never so much as cracked one open for maint. Back the drags off in the winter, and a few drops of oil where the handle shaft goes in the spring, thats it. Still smooth and like new. Best "junk" reels I have ever owned.

I went to bass pro at lunch time today, well the stradic fj 3000 feels very good, and the saros was very close second, picked up the shara and symetre, but after picking up a stradic

they did not have the carbonlight spinning rod in 7ft medium how i want it, so i ventured over to the saltwater section and seen a ugly stick inshore select rod which was impressive for only 49.00$ , half of the price of a carbonlight, I have few ugly sticks and there not the nicest or fancy but they dont brake, I cant stand fancy rods snapping from hard cast, I have read allot of people snapping expensive rods on the market now, falcon, saint croix, mojo bass, abu garcia etc.

Thanks for having me, I know its out of my range that I was thinking, but i can get a 3000 shimano stradic FJ for about 140.00, I think for the extra 40$ might be worth it, I am trying to find a nice rod for it, something with split handle, 7 ft, but been reading reviews

The Stradic, IMO, is a nicer reel than the Soros. As for a rod, how about micro guides? I don't seem to be able to get the link to work, but Tackle Warehouse has a Lew's Tournament SL HM60 Micro Guide Spinning Rod for $119.

I see lots of ugly sticks used for various types of saltwater fishing, that coupled with a Penn reel is probably the most popular. However your emphasis seems to be more on bass fishing with the occasional saltwater outing, I don't think an ugly stick is the best choice. A stradic deserves a better rod and there is a lot to choose from at a reasonable price. All that being said I use an inshore saltwater rod for my bass fishing and I could easily use this outfit in the surf as well (rod was only $54).

Stradic 2500FI on sale at Cabelas for $119.99. Check out their web site in the " bargin cave".

If you are looking for some great, affordable rods, check out these options from Shimano

http://www.***.com/Shimano_Crucial_Spinning_Rods/descpage-SCRS.html or for a little less

http://www.***.com/Shimano_Compre_Spinning_Rods/descpage-SCSS.html

Links not working

Sorry about that. If you go to Tackle Warehouse, then to spinning rods, they have a great selection. The links I gave were to the Shimano Crucial Spinning rod and the Shimano Compre spinning rod, which costs a little less.

Dick's = Stradic FJ + tech spec rod $99

You should look at a Shimano Volteus, for a rod. They're not that expensive (40.00 I think). I have one and I think they're great rods! Very strong, and sensitive.