I know questions about the Tidemaster may be better suited to a saltwater forum, but I am sure a lot of you guys have experience with this rod that I'd like to hear. I have the 6'6" MHF Casting (1/2- 1 1/4) and absolutely love it! It's a great light inshore rod when you want to throw small diamond jigs and other lures with a LP baitcasting reel, and also doubles as a decent "do all" largemouth rod, especially when pond bank fishing and the 7 footers stay home. The tip is a definitely a bit heavy for a primary largemouth rod, but this is sometimes welcome in NJ when the vegetation gets out of control. The "Fast" action on this series is very unique to me. It is definitely not Avid fast, but I wouldn't say it's a mod-fast either. I like it for casting/football/bladed jigs a lot.
Now that St Croix seems to be phasing out this fan favorite series, I am thinking of picking up one or two more in different lengths/actions/powers etc (spinning and/or casting) just because I like the rod so much. I was hoping to hear from anyone who owns other particular models of the Tidemaster that are worth checking out, or are just gems. I know this is a very broad and general question, but I fish for largemouth, stripers/summer flounder in bays and the surf, and bluefish inshore as well, so I could make use of many different rods in the series.
Here are some models I have been thinking about and their potential applications for me.. (have not had the chance to hold in hand yet):
7'0" Casting M Power, Fast (3/8- 3/4) - Small spoons for smaller bluefish; double as a decent freshwater swimjig rod
8'0" Spinning MH or H, Fast (1/2-2 or 3/4-3) - Light surf rod for lighter plugs/SP minnows/bucktails
Appreciate any insights on the 2-3 specific models I listed above, but more just interested in starting a discussion about this awesome series:
What model Tidemasters to do you have?
What do you use them for?
Which one(s) would you add to your arsenal if this rod became harder to find soon?
