MG-70 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Hi guys! I've mainly flyfished, lots of it wading, for the last 20+ years, but since I just ordered a kayak, I thought I'd buy something a little nicer than the old Ugly Sticks and Shimanos I have from back in the day, even though they all seem to be working, for when conditions aren't ideal for flyfishing. I fish the Potomac river and some lakes around the area; don't discriminate and catch everything from bluegills, to crappie, bass, some nice channel cats, and even carp and eels when using natural baits. Haven't graduated to baitcasting reels, though I did lose a cursed Abu Garcia to a big cat some 10-15 years ago, but do pretty good with spinning reels. I like throwing crankbaits, jigs, grubs, spinners, etc., and tend to use 8-12lb monofilament. In my search for a do-it-all rod, I found a thread here about St. Croix discounting some of their Rage rods and ended up buying a 7'1" MF, after first shaking one at a DSG. In my research for a reel within my budget, I found out about the Pflueger President, which also felt pretty smooth when I handled it (used to be you could tell the reel manufacturer by how it looked but now 95% of them look the same, differing only in the tone of the shiny materials used), but couldn't nail down the best size for the rod above. Anyhow, since I couldn't pair a rod to a reel to feel the difference in weight and balance, I was wondering if someone could tell me if the size 6935 sounds too big for the rod above? When handling them on the rod stubs, the 6940 was definitely too big, but the 6935 felt pretty good, and the line capacities look good "on paper." Another thing I noticed about the Pflueger President is that the color will match the ugly metallic blue used by St. Croix perfectly! So, what do you think about this size reel for the 7'1" MF rod? Thanks in advance! Will have to research lines; seems tastes and offerings have changed. Will probably want to stick to 10lb all around, though I'm willing to experiment with different materials. Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted July 13, 2015 Super User Posted July 13, 2015 A 30 size I think would be a better fit. I have a 30 on my 7'6" M/F croix rod. Quote
k3bass Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 35 size is perfect especially if your using it for an all around setup. More cranking power and better casting distance with the larger diameter spool compared to the 30 size. Quote
S. Sass Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 I have fished with the 6935 and I would say If I had my choice I would purchase a 6930 as ww2farmer suggested. I have actually been thinking of doing exactly like you and picking up one of the discounted Rage rods and a Pflueger President. I had even debated the same 6935 vs 6930. To me I think I would appreciate the slightly lighter reel as far as using it all day. Also a lighter reel to me seems to balance better 90% of the time on the rod. Quote
MG-70 Posted July 14, 2015 Author Posted July 14, 2015 Thanks for the feedback, and keep it coming... I'll probably buy locally in case I need to exchange it. Maybe I'll buy both to test out the balance with the rod and return the one I don't want. I didn't see a 6930 side by side with a 6935. It would be nice to keep it light, since most of the fish aren't that big. Quote
BocaGrande Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 It would be nice to keep it light, since most of the fish aren't that big. I have a 2500 shimano sahara and I like that size a lot. It's not small, but it's not big. Light weight, great casting distance, good power. Spools plenty of any type line. I also have a 20 series pflueger president.. THAT'S sucker is TINY! Lol but a 30 size is good, if you can.. try a 25 Quote
S. Sass Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 You already got you Rage rod? If so how do you like the grip? I have read some negative comments in these forums referring to the grip. The rod was spoken highly of though. That is cool the color will match the reel. I have never had Rage rod to hold and see how it feels. Quote
MG-70 Posted July 14, 2015 Author Posted July 14, 2015 I'll check out the 25 when I look for the others, but I'm pretty sure I don't want anything smaller than a 30 for this rod. I think I have two older Shimanos in the 2500 size and they're fine on shorter rods. Cheers Quote
jbw252 Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 I fish with a 35 size and love it. Like most opinions, the reel size is subjective. You have the right idea - take your rod & check out the different sized reels for yourself. What works for you is important. Enjoy! Quote
MG-70 Posted July 14, 2015 Author Posted July 14, 2015 You already got you Rage rod? If so how do you like the grip? I have read some negative comments in these forums referring to the grip. The rod was spoken highly of though. That is cool the color will match the reel. I have never had Rage rod to hold and see how it feels. I'm a traditional kind of guy, like cork handles and black, marroon, etc., colored rods. I found no problem with the grip, whatsoever, and believe it'll clean a lot better than cork or foam. It's hard to describe it, but it's a hard rubber, with smooth texture, similar to what you would find on some kitchen utensils or office tools. The (front) reel seat is a hard plastic and modern-ey, neither grip nor seat would be my ideal choices, but that's the way things are heading, and as long as it's a good rod, it doesn't bother me that much. The light blue, metallic, paint and the font on the name Rage is just bad taste; can't really say anything else about that. I don't care for the flashiness in these modern reels, either; I'm simply not into bling. Reminds me of those '80's Ranger bass boats, and two tone GMC pickups. ETA, with respects to the aesthetics of the rod, after seeing a couple of other, less expensive, St. Croix rods at DSG; I'd say the Rage looks cheaper than the Triumph and the Mojo. Specs-wise, I believe it's supposed to be superior to those two, but to me it definitely looks cheaper. LASTLY, they sent me a black cap with RAGE on it. 1 Quote
BocaGrande Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 You already got you Rage rod? If so how do you like the grip? I have read some negative comments in these forums referring to the grip. The rod was spoken highly of though. That is cool the color will match the reel. I have never had Rage rod to hold and see how it feels. I've had opportunities to handle a few in some dicks sporting goods near me... they felt heavy and I was not impressed by the handle/grip at all. Color coordinate rod and reel is pretty cool though 1 Quote
Allen Der Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 I really like my Rage rods. I have 2 casting and 2 spinning. also I prefer a 30 size pflueger for a medium rod. 35 is for medium heavy IMO 1 Quote
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