Starting Fresh

[panhardbar]

Looking to put together 5 new combos for this season of smallmouth fishing. Thanks to eBay I have a 4 new Chronarch 51E series reels and a new Stradic 2500FJ. Committing my self to all G-Loomis for rods in ether the NRX or GLX or a combination of both. I have read opinions that the new GLX balances better then the NRX? Personally I like the GLX handle better then the NRX but I want to know what you guys think. Which models do you guys recommend for these applications?

Spinnerbaits: I generally only fish 3/8 and 1/2oz spinner baits, ether in double willow or willow/colorado combination.

Crankbaits: I throw a wide range of cranks from shallow square bills to smaller deep divers and rattletraps on occasion.

Jerkbait/top water: Looking for a rod that will work great for throwing mostly pointer 78's and 100's as well as poppers and surface walk the dog style baits. I'm 6' tall.

tube/jigs: looking for a casting rod that will be ideal for throwing bottom baits from 1/4 to 5/8oz.

Dropshot/shaky head: This will be the sole spinning rod, pretty much for throwing finesse stuff under 1/4oz.

PS: Planning on adding more spinning combos in the future.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Might want to look into the new IMX series too.

[panhardbar]

Might want to look into the new IMX series too.

I really like all the options and love the non-split grip handle on the new IMX but hate the reel seat and it's a definate deal breaker for me.

[kickerfish1]

Forgive me here, but I would not spend NRX and GLX money on reaction rods. The first 3 rods you listed... spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and cranks all fish fine on any sub $250 rod. The dobyns champion series is a great place to find rods that match up with these techniques though you could go a bit cheaper as well.

Also a big part of smallie fishing for me incorporates both Texas rigged baits and jigs. I would consider swapping one of the three reaction rods above for a 2nd bottom contact rod. Something like the NRX 893 would be ideal. The 854 or 894 would be good for baits around 1/2 oz. The 893 would take care of everything up to 1/2 oz. If it was me I would buy the 893 and 894 and call it good.

The NRX 822 SYR is the most versatile spinning rod in the line up. Smaller tubes, dropshots, and shakeyheads, etc.. all fish nicely on it. A solid buy until you want a dedicated drop shot rod.

For contact baits go NRX or GLX Rep sample rods from reputable dealers. Call Ron at Valley Sports to get you set up with some Dobyns rods for your reaction baits. He will give you sound advice and great pricing.

If you are set on GLX reaction rods I am sorry I am of no help here...