Help With Rod Plastics, Spinning Rod/reel Selection?

[Huntsman]

Thanks for the advice guys, Jigs, how do you like your carbonlite? And what all have you used it for?

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

I have 3 rods at the $100 price point: 7' M St.Croix Mojo, 7' M Abu Veritas, and the 7' M Carbonlite. I prefer the Carbonlite and use it for soft plastics. 

[Huntsman]

What power carbonlite did you use? I was considering looking for something in between 6'6'' and 7'. Is there much of a difference between the two?

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

7 foot medium power fast action is what I have. The 6'6" and the 7' model are the same 1/8-1/2oz, I just prefer 7' rods

[Huntsman]

Hm, the lakes over here are really clear, would that make any difference in power/size selection? As in longer casts? I'm torn between the Medium and Medium Heavy carbonlites for texas rigging. I'll probably be using 1/4 oz bullet weights. I think the Medium Heavy is only rated to throw an extra 1/8 oz though.

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

The medium heavy goes up to 5/8oz. With 1/4oz bullet weights, I'd go medium heavy over the medium. With your plastic and hook, you should be right in the rod's sweet spot 3/8-1/2oz.

[Huntsman]

Hm, do you think a medium heavy would still be able to throw stuff on the lighter side too?

How versatile do you find your medium to be?

Sorry for talking your ear off, just a little inexperienced when it comes to gear/setups.

It'd be easy enough to lower my lure weight if the medium rods have other applications.

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

The medium heavy will give you a wider range of uses. Weightless/t-rigged plastics, spinnerbaits, light jigs, and some hardbaits can be fished effectively on the medium heavy. Plastics and very small jerkbaits/hard baits 3/8oz and under - I'd go medium. If you're looking for more of an all around rod - medium heavy.

[Capt.Bob]

I haven't read all your post but have much experience with BPS rods for single hook jig and live bait rig's for small mouth and Walleye on Lake Erie. As a guide on Erie I furnished Symetre 2500 reel on BPS rods, if you are fishing 25' or deeper water I would suggest a MH, for anything 20' or under I would use a M, for a mix the Medium would be my choice. The rod I furnished was the Bionic Blade, it is a good rod and I believe there most durrable rod, and plenty sensative enough for most finnesse fishing situations. I have said before I believe these rods are compareable to a St. Croix Premier, and quite possible will take more abuse...

[0119]

I think its very hard to find a MH spinning rod that has any amount of tip action.  The best part of using spinning for soft plastics is the ability to use them weightless or nearly so.  I think a MH hampers that and gives you less of a range of things you can do with it.

[bassboy107]

For plastics I use a 6'8 M St. Croix Mojo Wacky Style. I pair this with a 2500 Shimano Sahara FD (Previous Model.). I love fishing this rod with plastics. I also use this rod for other things such as drop shot and weightless plastics. The rod is $100 and the reel used to be about $80, that is my favorite  spinning combo, I am a really big fan of the Sahara, (that is actually the only spinning reel i use) so I dont really kno of any other quality reels for around 50$. Good Luck!

-Jack

[Huntsman]

It looks like I have a tough decision ahead of me ;x

 

Jigs, what's the lightest you're able to throw with your Medium?

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

A Zoom weightless trick worm is lightest bait I throw on a medium powered rod usually. The bait weighs a little under 1/4oz.

[0119]

Jigs are much more compact and aerodynamic than say a weightless soft plastic that catches the wind and can cause grief.  I throw 1/8oz bucktail jigs on Med. rods no problem.  Small spoons fly too.

[Huntsman]

What are the lure ratings for the medium's you normally use?

 

The carbonlite medium 6'6'' has a lure rating of 1/8 - 1/2 oz

While the medium heavy 6'6'' is 1/4 - 5/8 oz.

 

I hear alot of people say they're over rated, as in their medium heavy's are similar

to what other company's would call a medium and such. 

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

 

I hear alot of people say they're over rated, as in their medium heavy's are similar

to what other company's would call a medium and such. 

Yes, this is correct. My medium powered Croix LTB has the same lure rating as a medium heavy Carbonlite.

My medium powered rods range in lure ratings. Loomis NRX maxes out at 3/8oz, Croix LTB 5/8oz, Abu Veritas 1/2oz, pretty much all my BPS rods are 1/2oz.

[Huntsman]

I'm just worried about how stiff the medium heavy's tips may be.

 

I may also use it for lures like this if the action permits it.

 

http://www.sportchalet.com/product/fishing/freshwater+fishing/freshwater+lures/301664_2120380.do

 

Work great for both trout and bass.

 

I intend to try out Yo - Zuri hybrid or ultra soft #6. The line diameter is .010 I believe.

 

The line rating for the medium heavy is 6-17, so I don't think that'd be a problem..

[Jigs 4 Pigs]

You'll be fine with that bait. I throw something similar.

I don't know about Yo-Zuri soft because I've never used it, The regular Yo-Zuri Hybrid is very strong.

Usually a medium heavy is stiffer but not always. Some companys have lots of backbone but still softer tips, some are broomsticks.