New Spinnerbait Setup

[bleedinblu05]

Hey fellas,

I am an occasional reader of the forum, and though you guys might could offer some advice on a new rod and reel setup for me.  I am looking for a new setup to throw a spinnerbait with that is strictly dedicated to that.  I like to fish Kentucky Lake at night, and one of my go to baits is a spinnerbait thrown at the points on the main lake.

My delima is this. I have basically decided on getting a Shimano Curado as the reel in the 6.3:1 retrieve; but the rod choice is more difficult.  I would really like to try the new e6x rods out, but the one that they have denoted for a spinnerbait (the 812c) is only rated for 3/8-1/2 oz baits.  As most of the baits i throw in my situation are 1/2oz or bigger this is probably not the correct rod for me, but i was curious about some other models.  Does anyone have any experience with the e6x and if so, would the 803c or the 853c be a good choice?

 If not, are there any other suggestions?  I would really like to stay under the $200 range.  Thanks for any help!

[ABW]

I bet a lot of guys on here will recommend a Dobyns Savy 734.

[bleedinblu05]

Funny you say that, I was actually looking at the dobyns 733 and 734 as well.  Any preference between the two? Is the 734 very much stiffer than the 733?  I have also consider a falcon cara.? 

[bassbassontherange]

I bet a lot of guys on here will recommend a Dobyns Savy 734.

Yep

[ChrisD46]

Throwing a spinner bait at night here in Georgia means a different set up than a day spinner bait set up : Big single colorado blade "thumpers" weighing upwards of 3/4 to 1 oz. fished deep slow rolling at night while a daytime spinner bait with willow leaf blades won't exceed 1/2 oz. For the night time thumper I would recommend a 7'3" MH rod , 5:4:1 reel with 20lb. FC line while a day time spinner bait can get by with a lighter outfit .

[BassinLou]

I throw the Savvy 703 for my spinnerbait applications. I find this rod tapers just right for this technique. A 733 would serve you just as fine. The 734 or 704 is tad stiffer, but then again its all about the angler's preference. 

[Cgrinder]

The 853c JWR is probably not a good idea, but the 844 MBR might be.

 

I'd also check out the 7'2" H Shimano Zodias rod. It's monstrous for $200. Versatile for a Heavy, too.

[chris55552]

Ive become an avid spinnerbait fisherman in the last two years, what a great lure that is extremely versatile and just flat out works.  I use a 7mh Duckett Micro magic on a Lews Tournament MB, this is a great set up for spinnerbaits.  I really like my duckett micro magic, its a great rod that fishes very well but Im convinced that *** rods are the best value at the 100 price point.  

[kschultz76]

Lots of good options in your price range. St Croix Avid or Avid X, Kistler KLX, Shimano Zodias, Megabass Levante coming out has the Spinnerbait Special and Diablo Spec R...

[EvanT123]

I like a 6'6 medium heavy fast rod. Long enough to get some distance short enough to cast them into tight spots.

[new2BC4bass]

I am a spinnerbait fan.  Other than a short rod for accuracy at close quarters, I don't understand why a spinnerbait rod needs to be technique specific.  I don't think I would use a crankbait rod to throw them since it is a single hook presentation.  Normally the fish is going to hook itself.  Two years ago while visiting Florida, the only big fish caught by my brother-in-law and myself over a 2 week period hooked herself on the drop.  No hookset required.  However, I admit to preferring a Fast action just because it is a single hook, and normally not a fine wire hook, but I don't hesitate to use an XF if that is what I'm holding at the time....or even a Moderate-Fast.

 

I get it that some lures work better with certain actions...or some guys prefer a certain action for a certain type of lure (personal preference).  I don't see the spinnerbait being a lure needing a certain action to work right.  When I am at the river practicing, 99% of the time I will have a spinnerbait on.  1) I hate losing lures, and the spinnerbait is a hard lure to snag, and 2) the few fish I've accidentally caught there were on spinnerbaits.  I use to throw crankbaits, swimbaits, squarbills, etc. (but got tired of losing lures without catching any fish) and still use a top water or shallow jerkbait on occasion (no snagging ), but the spinnerbait is the only lure that has produced at that spot.

 

I throw from 3/16 oz. on ML rods to 3/4 oz. on Heavy rods.  No 1 oz. as even the 3/4 oz. can't be bought locally without special ordering.  My old 7' 6" HF Zillion will throw a 3/4 oz. spinnerbait quite a ways.  It is surprising how well a baitcast reel will work in the dark, and is one more reason why I don't mind the noise of ceramic bearings. 

[bleedinblu05]

Thanks for all the responses. From what I gather from them I need to just forget about the e6x and go with either the 733 or 734. And new2bc4bass, I have to agree that a spinnerbait is not exactly a bait that needs a certain action, and up until this point I have basically throw them on whatever rod didn't already have something tied onto it, but since I'm throwing one quite often and am going to dedicate a rod to it I though I would do my due diligence and get the best one I could for the application. Thanks for all the responses guys, if there are any other opinions keep em coming. Haha

[chris55552]

I wouldnt rule out anything G Loomis makes, they are great rods.  Here is the thing, There are truly alot of great rods out there, fisherman are lucky these days to have so many great options when it comes to fishing gear.  13, Loomis, Duckett, Dobyns, St Croix etc etc, they are all truly great rods and you will not  go wrong with any of these.  My advice is to just find a good deal and a rod that feels right in your hands and you will be happy.  Its kinda like trying to pick between a Cadillac, a mercedes, A BMW, Lexus, or Infiniti, you cant go wrong because they are all superb.

[Zach Dunham]

Spinnerbaits are my world. What rod and line I use depends on whether or not I am fishing in open water or in tight spaces. I normally use a Kistler Magnesium 7'3" MH all purpose rod and 20 lb mono.

[smalljaw67]

Look for a good medium heavy, fast action, that should work well but stay away from jig and worm technique specific rods as they tend to be faster actions and with a spinnerbait you will want a little tip. I am very specific with spinnerbaits, I make my own baits because of it and I have specific rods just for spinnerbaits but they are wildly different models. I have a 6' MH-F custom made for slinging 1/2oz blades under overhanging trees, I have a 6'6" MH-F for most of my spinnerbaits 1/2oz to 3/4oz and I roll or underhand cast to specific targets and then I have a 7' MH-F, this is for burning spinnerbaits along bare banks and clearer water where I need a little extra distance. For your situation I would say you need something 7' to 7'3" MH-F and with that just pick a price point and brand and see what you can find that appeals to you.

[bleedinblu05]

Does anyone have any experience with the Falcon Cara Angler of the Year?  Though it might allow some versatility in throwing lighter spinnerbaits in the day as well but not sure about the moderate fast tip..?

[Jon G]

Hard to beat a St. Croix Avid for that price. Its pretty easy to find a new Dobyns Champion in the $200-230 price range.

[bradc36]

It depends what type of water you're fishing also, I have a 7'4H Glass and a 7'6M Graphite that serve as my SB rods on open, clear water (Lake Erie/Ontario), and a 7'MH when I am largemouth fishing anywhere else. 

[A-Jay]

I am also a regular night time spinner bait angler. 

 

St Croix recently released The Big Sweeper Rod in the Legend Tournament Bass Line.

 

 It's a Mod Fast stick with a lure rating of 3/8 to 3/4 oz.

 

 According to the manufacturer "The resulting 7-foot, medium-heavy powerSweeper Spinnerbait rod (TBC70MHMF) has proven itself for efficiently working large spinnerbaits over rocky points and ledges, picking up line quickly and setting hooks at long distances. “The Sweeper is a perfect Great Lakes smallmouth rod,” Johnston affirms. “It’s big and bad enough to punch bullet casts into a strong headwind. Yet it’s got a nice feathery heft that won’t wear you out after a full day of fishing.”

 

Might be worth a look.  Mine is currently "In The Mail" 

 

A-Jay

 

 

[James Pondscum]

   I would look at the loomis 813 spinner bait rod.  It is a bit more stout.  The 812 I don't believe is rated for more then 3/8 ounce?

[SMITTY0045]

I'm usually throwing 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits on a 6'9" MH Kistler Pro Series rod. This rod handles these baits like a champ, but if you're throwing something heavier, you may want a little longer rod. I'm not really sure what kind of waters you're fishing or if you are making tight or open water cast, but I would look into Kistler rods because they seem to have the right action for me. Since your price range is a little bit higher than what I am typically spending on rods, I would look into a Kistler KLX rod. 

 

I hope this helps!