Rod/Reel Recommendation

[bucky0486]

Hello,

I've been trying to figure out what to get for my next setup, and I'm overwhelmed by the options.  I want this setup to be used for largemouth bass fishing primarily using tubes, but sometimes worms, spinners, and the occasional spoon.  I will use a spinning reel.

From what I can tell, I should be looking for a medium weight rod with a fast action.  Is this correct?

What rod would you recommend?  The previous rod I bought was a 7' St. Croix Mojo and I think I have a Pflueger President reel.  I don't remember the weight or action of the rod, but it is not set up properly and is very tip heavy.  It's hard to use for long periods of time.  I was thinking of a St. Croix Avid this time around, but thought I would ask for your recommendations.

Next, I was thinking of using 832 braided line at 8 or 10 lbs test.

Lastly, I was going to go to Bass Pro and just pick a reel that felt good on whichever rod I picked.  As long as I can get the weight balance right, I might get another President.

Thanks in advance for the comments and recommendations.  I'm pretty excited about getting a properly set up rig.

[j bab]

I think medium fast would work well for that. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, I don't use spinning much.

10lb braid should be an absolute minimum in my opinion. 8lb would be like maybe 2 lb diameter, I just don't see the point in using braid that thin for bass. You'll enjoy using 832 though.

Definitely try the reel on the rod in the store and see how it feels, good idea.

[bucky0486]

Thanks.  I appreciate the sanity check.  I was pretty excited when I bought my Mojo rod and reel setup thinking that it was going to be perfect for the type of fishing I do.  I was very disappointed, so I did some research this time.  I'll use my Mojo for Northern fishing or trolling.  Otherwise, it's too heavy for tube baits and too tip heavy for constant casting.

[Steveo-1969]

Welcome to BR bucky0486. Lots of knowledgeable fisherman on here who will have much more intelligent answers to your questions than I will. With that being said, I'll take a shot...

I've never fished with an Avid but they get great love on here. The new Avid X even more so than the Avid with the full cork handle. DEFINITELY try different reels on the rod you choose for balance, great idea! That would have been suggested so you beat them to it. I've experienced a very tip-heavy rod and I agree that it was very tiring to fish with. I use 10# Sufix 832 on my spinning rod and love it. You can fish the braid with or without a mono or fluorocarbon leader, that's really personal preference.

Let us know what you choose and how you like it.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Bucky!

I think a MF will be fine, although Croix rods
tend to be a tad stiffer than their rating.

I had a MXF Avid thinking it would be great for
what I used it for, didn't like it. Granted a MF
might have been better, but the rod broke and 
I ended up trading up to a MLXF Legend Tourney.

That rod is *awesome*.

I did find the Avid to be more tip-heavy than I like,
have not tried the X series as @Steveo-1969 mentions,
but he's right. It (and the Avid) get a lot of love here.

As for braid, you'll be fine with either.

I use 10# PP which has a 2# diameter, and 15# PPSS8
which has a 4# diameter. I always use a leader to keep
from cutting and retying my braid during a trip too often.

Plus I have 100% confidence in using a leader...

[bucky0486]

Is the Avid X going to be less tip heavy than the Avid?

Also, what do you all recommend for a reel?

[avidone1]

Most of the rods I use are original Avids and they are all excellent rods.  Light, strong, good casting and durable.  I prefer fast actions on all my rods.

I think your over thinking this.  I would suggest that you go to the shops and check out different rods.  See how they feel.  I have a rule of thumb when it comes to power.  If I'm using it primarily for treble hook baits then I use a medium.  If it's going to be used primarily for a single hook bait then I use a MH.  that being said then I would suggest a MH rod since your "primary" bait is tubes, and the only non treble hook bait you intend is a spinnerbait. 

But it's true that there is no industry standard for power ratings.  It's also true that that the same manufacturer with have different power curves with the same power rating for different models.  e.g.  a Loomis M in the mag bass series is more like a ML in the pro green series. So you really have put them in your hand.  

My last suggestion is to the rod you love.....I mean it.  don't just settle.  Try out as many as you can and when one feels just right then that's the one for you.

Trust  your instincts.

[roadwarrior]

[bucky0486]

I went with an Avid X 7' medium fast based on some research.  Without trying different rods by actually casting and reeling them in, it's kind of hard for me to figure out which rod I like best.

I tried just about every spinning reel in the store, and ended up spending a lot more than I expected.  I went with a Stradic CI4+ 2500.  This is by far the most expensive reel I've ever bought, so I'm a bit nervous as to whether it was worth it over the ~$50 President.  I also picked up some Suffix 832 10 lb "vanish" green line.

I haven't had it out on the water yet, but I'm really looking forward to this setup.  This is by FAR this most money I've ever spent on a fishing setup, so I'm expecting big things.  This is also by far my lightest setup (aside from my ultralight), so I think I'll like it.

I'll use this for my lighter gear like worms, tubes, small spinners.  I'll use my 7' MH/F Mojo with thicker braided line for things like Northern and trolling and large lures.

[new2BC4bass]

Very nice combo, my friend.  Congrats.

[buzzed bait]

that's going to be a really nice combo man!  nice choices!

[bucky0486]

Thanks!  I had the opportunity to make only a couple of casts tonight, and so far I'm really pleased with this set up.  First off, without trying I can really launch the lure a long ways.  The light weight rod and reel feel really really nice and the feedback I get is much greater than anything I've used before.  I can't wait to really try it out this summer!