Rod And Reel Matchup Questions.....

[Mitch G.]

So I have alot of rods and reels and most of my stuff is matched up and I feel really confident with certain combos....but I have 2 rods that I am just not happy with the reels I have chosen for them...maybe some of you have these same rods and can offer me your experience using and suggestions...

 

Rod #1)  St. Croix Legend Elite 6'6" MF Spinning Rod....I have tried Quantum Energy PTi20 and have been pretty happy using this reel but recently sold the reel to upgrade to a lighter(weight wise) reel.....I used this rod for Med. Cranks,Senkos, and topwater but something doesn't feel "right"...I think a rod this nice is a waste to throw senkos...I usually use 10 lb mono........thinking about buying either a Smoke or an Exo to replace my Energy(I already own a Smoke 25 and it's excellent, but maybe thinking about an upgrade....Any help appreciated....

 

Rod #2) St Croix Legend Tournament Bass Spinning Rod 6'10" MXF  Rod.....I have a Quantum Tour Edition TE20 on this rod now....spooled w/ 10 lb mono......Most likely will be throwing Poppers,BuzzJet Jr.. 3/8 oz Spinnerbaits, Med. Cranks(like a DT10)....Who has this specific rod and what are you matched with and what baits do you throw with it?......

 

I'm usually really good w/ stuff like this but not feeling 100%......I'm not too proud to ask for suggestions either...I want to learn and I  remain open minded about everything in life......Any suggestions woiud be greatly appreciated....Thanks

[lmbfisherman]

Not sure what is wrong with those setups really.  Don't see an issue?  If you like the Quantums' on those rods just leave them there.  Key thing is, if you like fishing with them who cares if it is a reel that isn't up to snub with the rod.  Kind of silly, but if you still do.  Then I'd say check out the new Shimano Stradic CI4FA that will be coming out later this year. 

[smalljaw67]

When you say something doesn't feel "right" are you sure it isn't the weight difference? I ask this as my first light weight casting reel was an Abu Garcia Revo Premier and I remember putting it on my custom rod and it felt really strange, but after using for a few trips I liked it, I've since added a Quantum Smoke 100 and 150 along with a Lews TP and I';m loving it to the point that when I try to use my Daiwa TD-X103HVA I can't, it is too heavy and just doesn't feel right, I'm so use to the lighter weights that 8 ounce reels now make me feel like I have a lead weight on the butt of my rod, I'm ruined. Try them out for a bit and see if they begin to fit better for you, if they don't you can always go to something else but give the lighter reels a try, you may end up like others who now have to have a light weight reel.

[Mitch G.]

I appreciate the feedback from everyone....I'm gonna try the rod out some more and see if over time it feels more comfortable....thanks again

[roadwarrior]

Both rods deserve a new Stradic Stradic CI4+

 

http://fish.shimano.com/

[MCS]

I have heard the Quantum Energy PTi20 were sweet little reels, I also hear the smoke is great too, I am eyeing the inshore version. But for rod #2 two maybe think about a Pflueger Patriarch or Supreme XT, but if those aren't you taste then smoke all the way.