Best Rod For Abu Garcia Stx?

[fish4gold]

In a few weeks, I plan on stepping up my cheap old rod set up to my first good quality set up. I'm making a switch from a spinning setup to a baitcaster. I'm pretty set on the Abu Garcia STX 3 for the reel - heard nothing but good reviews. Now I've always had my eye on the Duckett Micro Magic rod for the combo, but I keep hearing mixed reviews. I'm not going to be fishing any tournaments or anything with this, only recreational fishing. I would like a wide variety of uses from this rod - spinners, swimmers, crankbaits, etc. I mainly use crankbaits and swim baits. I also fish from the shore 99% of the time (if that makes a difference). My price range is ~200$ max for the rod. Is there a better rod I should be looking to invest in over the Duckett? I want take make sure of a good buy that will last awhile so I don't find myself going back to the store to buy another. Thanks!

[BassinLou]

A St.croix Avid tops off your budget, and its a great rod, with great St. Croix warranty. 

[new2BC4bass]

I would want 2 rods for those techniques although you might get away with one if all the cranks you fish are deep running which are best handled by a MH rod.  For maximum versatility I would select a MHF.  Not going to be very good for crankbaits...especially if you fish shallow to medium depth ones.

 

No experience with Duckett rods, but they seem to get good reviews.  I can suggest Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rods at $99.95 from fishusa.   These rods are much better than the price suggests as far as I'm concerned.  Specifically the 6'9" MHF 3/8-1 oz. and the 6'10" MF 1/8-5/8 oz.  Any rod that can load with a 1/8 oz. lure should have enough give to handle shallow to medium crankbaits with aplomb.  I throw crankbaits on my 6'10" MF although I have to admit the fish have not been cooperating with me while using this particular rod. 

[GaterB]

Duckett Micro Magic 7' MH. My most versatile rod. I've thrown t-rigs, jigs, frogs, weightless senkos, flukes, squarebills, spinnerbaits, and topwater baits with it while bank fishing. Yes, other rods will do some of these techniques better, but bank fishing I only take one setup, and the 7' MH does everything I do from the bank well, and excels with bottom contact and spinnerbaits. It has enough tip to throw lighter baits, and plenty of backbone. I have it paired with a lew's tournament pro, which is similar in weight and size to the Gen 3 STX and its a super light combo. If you wanted you could even go with a Medium power Duckett, which will handle your crankbaits better while still being able to handle lighter texas rigs and jigs.

[5fishlimit]

I have the 7'3" MH And the 6'6" MH MicroMagic rods. You'd be surprised how versatile these rods are.

I use them for all the same type things you're looking to do except for cranking. Rattle trap type baits and squarebill, maybe. I'll even throw a jig with them.

I got 2 lengths only because when shore fishing it was easier to cast a shorter rod when there is a lot of vegetation overhead.

On a boat I use the shorter one for 1/4oz to 1/2oz Lures, and the longer rod for 1/2oz to 3/4oz.

You also have a 20 year warranty on the rod. My experience with the customer service has been amazing.

Plus, that STX would look AWESOME on a Duckett! LOL!

Good luck with your decision.

[fish4gold]

So it looks like the Duckett was a good choice. 7' or over seems like a little bit of a hassle for me since I usually keep my rods in the car and my 6'6" just reaches the back of the drivers seat. I'd rather go for a 6'6" or 6'9". Will I lose much versatility for this choice? Also what is the difference between the crankin' and casting rods?

[5fishlimit]

The cranking rod is specifically for crankbaits. IMO you don't loose that much versatility with the shorter rod. You obviously can't throw big 8" Hudds on a short rod, but otherwise your okay for 1/4oz to at most 1/2oz.

[new2BC4bass]

6'6" to 7' MHF rods get the most votes for a versatile all-around rod.  Length of rod is personal.  Only difference should be a slight loss in distance with the shorter rod (provided everything else is the same) and a little less line pick up.

 

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[bass1980]

I have a friend that has a Revo STX gen 3 on a *** 7'1 MH. Balances superb and the color scheme seems like they were meant to be together. It looks sick!!!

[Arv]

St. Croix avid, powell endurance or max, phenix recon or m1

[fish4gold]

I think I'm going to settle on the Duckett micro 6'6" MH casting rod. Thank you all very much!

[Dramer77]

I have a friend that has a Revo STX gen 3 on a *** 7'1 MH. Balances superb and the color scheme seems like they were meant to be together. It looks sick!!!

i have my MGX on the same rod and my STX on the Medium version.. Amazing rods for the money, i actually sold my more expensive rods for the *** black omens, they are MUCH better rods IMO

[duckmaster55]

I think that your right on the money with the duckett micro magic. The only thing i would consider thinking about is whether or not you want the micro guides. I think my next rod isn't going to have them because of those little cotton things that catch in the guides. But anyway, I think that is a great rod to have pairing up with your revo.