Lucas G.

So the action and application of the rod will suit anything that is within its weight range? Just asking since it’s a specialized rod so I am wondering if it can fulfill that multipurpose role.

I looked at the 7’8 Jr. Swimbait rod and it seems that it is the most fitting out of the other models. Can this rod also handle those bigger Alabama rigs and paddle tails with good sensitivity? If so then it will definitely be my pick then.

I have been having the eagerness to continue into the glide bait realm but since I am not sure I want to fully commit to it. I would like to have a rod that can do Alabama rigs as well as glide baits. Something that can comfortably cast something between 1.5 ounces and 5 ounces in glide baits or Alabama rigs. Also since I do inshore I would like to throw big paddletails if that isn’t too much to ask for in a glide bait or Alabama rig rod. I have been thinking a 7”6 to 8 foot rod that is in that heavy to extra heavy and 100-150 dollar range on sale. If anybody has any suggestions or feedback on this it would be appreciated!

Thanks for the suggestions and explaining further on the BG helping me understand. I’ll see what I can put together with a Dobyns rod and a Daiwa BG!

I heard that the Dobyns Fury’s are pretty stiff and it was true when I held one. I am not sure about it because of it. I was also looking at the tatula and procyon rods from Daiwa which looked good on paper. I have it narrowed between the Nasci, Fuego, and Procyon. I didn’t mention the BG because it is quite heavy and is a fully exclusive saltwater reel.

The rod will do both because the saltwater fishing I do is small 3-4 inch paddletails on weedless or light jig heads for reds and snook. Any bass rod can double for inshore and do great so I am not worried about that. Just a rod that can cast those weightless or light finesse techniques for bass is what I need since it can always double for inshore.

The only problem is that the Shimano Spheros SW is sold out on Tackle Warehouse and it’s hard to find it on sale on other websites. It only comes in a 3000 size and I preferably want a 2500 size.It’s a possibility but I am going to need other suggestions but thanks though.

What do you guys use when it comes to weightless soft plastics or light weighted rigs? I am looking for a spinning combo that has a solid rod and solid reel for a total of a 200 dollar combo. The rod needs to have a solid backbone while having the perfect tip (not too soft or too stiff). The reel also needs to be saltwater approved for my frequent inshore trips that I go on. Also what length, power, and action is preferred for this type of finesse fishing? From what I have seen so far, the Shimano Nasci 2500 has been my best bet while I am still undecided on the rod. Thanks for the suggestions and feedback.

This isn’t necessarily bass and that’s why I put emphasis on the inshore part especially big snook and tarpon. Every yard and pound of drag is life or death when your fighting a big tarpon or snook because the leader can only buy you so much time. That’s why I was wondering if anybody had experience in fighting these big fish with heavier duty baitcasters and I got what I needed.

Apparently the higher gear is to compensate for the slower turn of a power handle and since it’s a higher gear ratio it sacrifices a little bit of drag. That’s why my question was if it was worth it and hoping somebody who has experience with power handles and the way they affect big fish while fighting them would answer.

I recently got the Shimano Tranx 300 with the power handle but it has four pounds less drag than the one with paddle handles. Do you guys think that the power handles are worth less drag especially with saltwater fish like big snook, tarpon and jacks? I bought the reel mainly for big bait applications for bass fishing as well as big bait applications for big saltwater fish. Just a discussion so I am not looking for advice. Just a chance to learn and understand.

All Shimano MGL spools are made of magnesium so that why is there isn’t a Shimano MGL that is rated for saltwater. And I wouldn’t want to test the magnesium frame either.

Only the Curado K not the Curado 150 MGL which is what the Tranx 150 is based on.

I am not saying all their rods are bad but I had a terrible brush up with their new Bass X rods and I am still trying to return it. I got a medium fast and it loads well but for some reason it casts very inaccurately. To add to that it cannot cast light baits to save itself. Very disappointed from it so I will probably end up shying away from St. Croix for the time being.

Yeah but those are the older ones. They are great reels but just a little older. Everybody wants newer versions of the older ones and that’s it.

Yeah but the Curado 150 MGL was an absolute curveball for the Curado series but it payed off and I am very impressed with mine. Hopefully this tranx does well and I might look into buying it later on for some heavy snook and red fishing.

Well with all that being said the ExPride was recommended the most so that is what I will try to shoot for. I was also recommended the Megabass Levante the 2nd most but was told after that price increase it is not as worth it. Looks as if I gotta pull the trigger next time I can get a small little discount off of the ExPride. Thanks guys for all the help and insight!

Yeah that’s agreeable but this means that next year they will have to come out with a completely different frame for the Tranx 300 and 400 series because that is what I heard a lot of people are demanding currently.

They are used primarily for saltwater but this model is a complete copy of them Curado. Well they are still working with the same super compact frame so there isn’t much that I think they can change. The weight barely changed so it was only minor changes. The specs are still the same and the weight hasn’t changed much that it makes it seem like they didn’t do much with it. The real test is to see its performance which I think will be nice but still can’t shy away from the fact it’s almost a complete copy.

I know it’s pretty early to make assumptions about this new reel but based on all the pictures I have seen it says otherwise. First off the reel is an exact carbon copy of the Curado 150 MGL that came out last year. It look like they changed the spool, added some core protect, and called it good to stick out on the market. I wanna know if anybody has opinions on if it will preform the same as the Curado since it’s a carbon copy. I was looking forward to the new Tranx this year but disappointed that they chose the lazy route for this series. They should have advertised this as a Curado with the way it’s the exact same.

What about the 2021 Curado rod? Does anybody have thoughts on that?

Has anybody here tried the G Loomis GCX and recommends it over the Shimano ExPride? Looks as if I may finally pull the trigger on a ExPride when I get one on sale.

I am talking in that general area it could be 20 dollars over and I wouldn’t mind. I am just looking to really gather a firm understanding on what I should look into for a nice higher dollar rod. So far I am happy with the suggestions I have received. I forgot to mention but a key thing for this rod is it must be versatile. It’s got to have a backbone of a meat stick to handle big fish. I caught three double digits and over 10 fish were about 8 or so pounds in the last 8 months. It’s also gotta handle a wider range of lure weights and load pretty well. That being said I am sure you guys can help narrow down some more options for me.

I am looking at new rods and I am not worried about the type of action or power just yet. I have the Zodias, ExPride, and Curado in mind for Shimano. I was also looking at the G Loomis GCX and if anybody has feedback on that then I would like to hear. I also have a TFO Tatical Elite Bass rod and I love it. I am mainly looking for something that can top the TFO rod without being such a significant price increase. Any feedback is appreciated.

I have seen many top US market rods like the Expride and Zodias from Shimano as a JDM version for very cheap. Does anybody have any suggestions on what good rods I can buy as a 1 piece for a good solid rod for a cheaper price than a US market rod. I am looking for mainly Shimano or Daiwa suggestions but I will consider all. I am also looking at rods that are between a medium power and heavy power.