new2BC4bass

BTW, if you don't want it I would consider buying it myself if it is in decent shape.

Never handled a 1500. I have the Black Max 1600C. I was able cast a small fluke with (I think) a 3/0 hook directly into a pretty strong wind. Don't know its weight. I was impressed, tho. I felt it handled the weight better than any other reels I had at that time.

The Quantum Escalade sold for $99.99. I bought one at the sale price to give to my sister-in-law. Got out once with it to check it out. Went back and bought another for myself. Feels like a lot of rod for the money. No experience with the Mettle, but it gets good reviews for the most part. I think one of our Moderator's uses a couple so they can't be too bad. It would break the $100 limit a bit, but the Fuego CT got a Best Value Award from TT. It can be found for just under $70 with free shipping. Maybe for less with the President's Day sales coming up.

I checked and apparently there are no spinning rods with a Regular action. However, it seems to me that any rod capable of handling 1/8 oz. or less lures should have a soft enough tip for crankbaits. I will say that up until about a year ago I fished crankbaits on whatever MF casting rods I had with me. I also use my HMG mod fast with treble hooks. Don't have an Aetos with that action. All baitcast rods. My spinning rods almost never see water. This year I plan on using them a lot more. EDIT: I really like my Tatula rods. I think you would too.

Second the welcome. Never handled an E6X rod. I am a fan of the Aetos. Another rod near that price is the Hammer. Want to save some money? Look at a Tatula Regular action....like the 7'2" MHR.

What's your dilemma? A new rod always get a new reel.

Yup. During this time of year one of the first things I look at is the date of the original post. Lots of times they are still good reading, but some are about gear or problems that were no doubt solved years ago. Anyone needing more information should start a new thread. It would make me feel better.

I believe he is asking about "Favorite" brand of rods and reels. Not what our favorite rods and reels are. OP. No experience with either.

Exactly what I would use a 25 for. Great minds think alike.

Or an ALX Deputy for about the same price. Sorry. Haven't been out with mine so can't give a personal opinion. Others claim it to be above its price point in sensitivity.

Casting all the way because I love casting reels. You said no specific brands, but I would get the Hammer 6'9" MH and H. Why? Because smalljaw 67 says they are the best he has used (if I remember correctly) and he has never steered me wrong. I have several rods he has suggested. I like high ratio...a 7 or better. I prefer mono or Co-Polymer....Siege and AN40 being favorites.

Love my Tatula rods. Maybe a Fenwick HMG 7'2" Med.- Moderate Fast?

The rod will be much more important as to what weight lures you can cast. If heavy lures, then you want to make sure the reel has enough line capacity.

Patrick, if you are having problems with coils, do not use XT or Big Game. The softer the line, the less coiling. XL is softer than the other two and is a good line for spinning reels. Elite is a soft line that coils less than Siege. I use a lot of Siege. Although it coils a lot when first starting for the day, it rarely gives me loose line on the spool. Big Game does on occasion, but is fine once wet. As NYW said, try some KVD line conditioner. BTW Patrick, what do you mean "when I put it back on"? Are you removing the line from the spool to use the other end? If that is the case, then I would expect it to have memory as it probably never leaves the spool on the first side

I've been thinking about getting the rod since the above post. The spools aren't that expensive from DIY so maybe one of those too.

Guess I don't have the right equipment yet. That or I am very inept. The ML Crankin' Stick is rated down to 1/16 oz. as is my Falcon Expert Light. On the expensive end I have a PXL Type R and a tuned and upgraded Pixy Airy Red (original spool was replaced...and not mentioned by seller). I can cast a 1/8 oz. spinnerbait, but not as well as I'd like. I also use a tuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H on an older Fenwick HMG 7' ML for #5 Shad Raps. The seller said he went a lot lower with that set up. Not me.

Very nice BaitFinesse. Impressive. My skill is no where near your level yet. I have no problem with a 3/16 oz. (5.33g) Shad Raps. One of the combos I use for that lure cost me $105 total. Used Crankin' Stick and used older Carbonlite.

I'm not feeling heavy. A of some kind lets others know when you are kidding around. What Casitas? I only see one very nice bass. And that's no joke.

I have to wonder if you have ever used a Fuego CT. Or even a Casitas.

Be sure to give us a review.

Rods: Daiwa, Fenwick, Falcon or any nice one I can afford Reels: Daiwa but I like lots of others Line: Sufix and Silver Thread Hooks: Gamakatsu, Owner, Trokar Plastics: Yum, Berkley, Kietech Jigs: Siebert, Strike King Spinnerbaits: Strike King, Booyah, home built Hardbaits: Rapala, Strike King, Yo-Zuri

The majority of my rods were bought with versatility in mind. They have a Fast action. It wasn't until I bought a couple Tatula casting rods with Regular actions that I started to consider any other action being as versatile. I really like these Tatulas. Tyler, I am sure you already know both those models get a lot of praise. I got my Mojo after our longer than usual Indian Summer was over. Been out once with it so I can't really give an opinion of it other than to say I like it so far. As already stated, some feel the Fury is the best rod in its price range. I've not used one, but will most likely have one by this coming season. I would add the Daiwa Tatula to your list. I feel they are very good rods at full MSRP, but you can find them for $110 or less. Jet has the 6'10" MHF for $93.28 with free shipping. A steal. Or if you want longer, the 7'2" MHR is another possibility. Ebay has it for $96.06 with free shipping. Another steal.

Mine is a 6' MH Lightning with Procaster 100HN. Use it for short range spinnerbaits. 1/2 oz. with Colorado blade shakes the whole rod. Can't beat the combo for $47 plus $1.02 tax on the rod. OP, my personal preference...Daiwa/Fury. However, I've never used a Fury or Veritas so I couldn't tell you which is the better rod.

I've been told the Ugly Stick is the most popular rod in Florida. For some reason I would just prefer something else. Personal bias. Definitely tough sticks from what I read.

I have an older Hurricane Redbone casting rod that I really like. These are saltwater rods, but I use mine for bass. List is $99.99. Store had 2 Mediums for $75. Later kicked myself for not buying both. Medium is rated 3/8-3/4 and MH 3/8-1 oz. Don't know how far I can push either end, but my Medium will launch a Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper a loooooonnngg ways. Have no doubt it will cast lighter with no problem.