Shimano Spheros + ...?

[kindude]

I am trying to find something that will compliment the Shimano Spheros well for as little as possible without too much sacrifice.

 

75% of the time saltwater, the other times freshwater. General fish size 15-25 lb with occasional fish size 30-40 lb in same spot.

 

Looking for a spinning rod to pair this beauty with, any suggestions?

 

(I don't even think the ones listed can even handle 30-40 lb... will turn a 1 piece into a 2 piece in a split sec.)

 

Trying to keep the cost of the rod itself under $150 as much as possible.

 

 

Reel specs:

 

Shimano Spheros 4000FB $109.99 (@ BPS)

Gear Ratio: 5.1:1

Line Capacity: 10/200

Braid Capacity: 15/270

Ball Bearings: 3+1

Max Drag: 22 lbs

Recovery: 29.0"

Reel Weight (oz): 12.3

 

Rods I've seen locally that I think might work well with it:

 

All Star Rods AST Series 7' MH-F Freshwater Casting Rod 49.99 (Sale from 69.99 @ Academy)

Action: Fast

Power: Medium Heavy

Lure Weight: 3/8 - 1

Number of Guides: 8 plus tip

Line Weight: 12-25

 

or

 

Shimano Compre Bass Spinning Rods 109.99 (@ BPS)

7'2" Med Hvy

Action: Fast

Power: Medium Heavy

Line Weight: 5-30 lbs

Lure Weight: 3/16 - 5/8 oz

 

or

 

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger Spinning Rods 62.99 (@ BPS)

7' Medium

Power: Medium

Line Weight: 20-50 lb

Lure Weight: 3/4 - 6 oz

 

[SirSnookalot]

I own that reel myself.

What are the target species, boat, shore or pier use, not all 25 lb fish are the same.

I don't own one but if there is rod that more popular than an ugly stick for that reel in South Florida, I don't  know what it is, although I think a 50 lb class rod is too heavy.

I have used that reel with a 7' Hurricane redbone mh 10/20 rod and it's handled that sized fish, with a lure max weight of 1 oz, no problem in exceeding it a bit, may not be my first pick.

 

I have Star steller lights, a mh and and heavy, good rods for the $$ with a more flexible lure range.

 

My sleeper pick is a  7' Quantum Blue Runner about $55, mh 25 lb line and lure weight 1/4 to 2 oz (off the top of my head), this is my barracuda rod, a powerful fish that goes between 15-40 lb, handles them quite nicely.  The casting distance is excellent.  I bought mine at DSG.

 

For me,  the freshwater  rods you mentioned would not be a consideration, do not have enough range for lure weights for a general use rod, for a specific use it's a different story.

[Koofy Smacker]

A tidemaster could fit perfectly into that