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Ok I’m tired of crap gear and so I’ve decided to spend the money to finally get something decent and dependable. After much research I’ve decided to get the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000 FB and I’m trying to decide on a rod to pair it with. I’m looking at the St. Croix Avid X Spinning Rod (AXS70MF). My only decision is which model of the Avid X to get? Their site lists several, but I’m partial to the 7ft models. They have medium/fast, medium light/fast and medium heavy/fast. I also want a single piece rod. Anyone have any experience with these Avid X rods? Just looking for some advice on which one to pair with the Stradic.

I purchased a CI4+ in the 1000 size recently, and I took it out for the first time today. I had high expectations, as one may for a 240 dollar reel. But a few casts in I noticed that there seemed to be more resistance than I was expecting. I know most people will say its just because it's because its a 1000 size reel, but I've used a 1000 size sedona for probably 5 year with much heavier and more demanding baits with no similar problems, and thats a 70 dollar reel. Do you guys think this is normal, or something I should contact the store about? Do I maybe just need to break it in a bit to smooth it out?I don't want to continue using this if it isn't a normal thing, given that its a tad expensive. If anyone has had similar problems, tell me what you did. Any ideas or advice is welcome. Thanks!

hey guys, im kinda stuck right now. So i just bought a brand new shimano ci4+ 3000, and i need a nice drop shot rod to compliment it, im stuck between the dobyns sierra, dobyns savvy, shimano crucial, or if i find one in time a fenwick elite tech smallmouth. i preferably want a ml action with a extra fast tip for drop shots and shakeyheads and would like it to be really sensitive. i own a dobyns fury and very much like it but i have never used a savvy or sierra. any advice or other rod suggetions under 200$ would be great, thanks!

Hello, Does anyone have a good suggestions on a good rod to match up with a Ci4+ 3000 that balances well? The reel is so light that I find it a little tip heavy on the rod it's currently on. ( Abdu Garcia Villain) Looking for M at MH rods thx

I fish Florida canals at all time with some lakes. I do like spinning rods for most time and can get away with it. I was going to invest in one nice combo with a shimano Stradic ci4+ 3000 size on a number 8 tackle co. *** medium or medium heavy. I mainly fish light Texas rigs because of all the Lilly's and weeds in the water. I do have a baitcaster I use for a lot of heavier things like jigs and spinner baits. I was just wondering if that rod and reel are good together or for some reason the rod or reel are made for only finesse applications only. I am going to throw most every thing but nothing to heavy. Also don't know what rod size to go with. Thank you all.

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.