I currently have these setups:
Shimano Symetre 3000 on a 7'6 1/8-5/8 Fenwick HMG (dropshot & wacky rod)
Lew's Speed Spin SS4000 5:2:1 on a 6'6 1/4-3/4 Fenwick HMG (swimbait & deep cranking rod)
So right now I think what I'm looking for is a reel for shallow running crankbaits and maybe topwater, maybe jerkbaits too. I mainly use lures 1/8-3/8 with the occasional 1/2 oz. Also a good rod for this purpose would be super helpful! I'd really prefer the smoothest reel because for this usage I like to have a steady retrieve. I'm not sure about the gear ratio, I was thinking maybe a high 5:6:1 to 6:2:1. I'm thinking maybe a mid five to high five gear ratio may be better because the spinning reels usually have way more inches per crank than baitcasters and I mainly just fish in ponds so I don't wana be "burning" the baits. I think the fish are slower in ponds or something they only hit when fished slow and steady. I've thought about using a baitcaster but given that I'm a high school student taking all college level AP courses I only get to fish some weekends and I feel like I'd rather just do some relaxing fishing then messing with a bird's nest. Last summer I got really good (at least I think) at surfcasting a Penn Jigmaster COnventional Reel on the beach but I can't seem to do it with the lighter lures for pond fishing. Now I just prefer spinning reels cuz they are just so dang simple no thumbing.
P.S. From other forums (i.e. 360tuna.com) I've heard good things about the Shimano Stradic CI4+ is lighter but I've heard the Daiwa Ballistic EX is better built because it has Magseal and stronger components. A fellow bassresource member suggested the Quantum Smoke Inshore as well. I'm open to suggestions but I'm leaning towards mainly towards the Stradic CI4+ and secondly towards the Daiwa Ballistic EX. I'm going to try 'em out in the store this weekend.
