Questions about BPS Products & tips on next rod/reel

[lussardi9614]

Hello,

I have been using this site for a while reading and learning, but I finally decided to create an account and hope to contribute as much as possible when I can. I have been fishing since I was a little kid going maybe 10 to 20 times a year with my dad, but in the last year or so I have really got into Bass fishing I guess you could say I got hooked. Anyways I have been using a Bass Pro Shops Extreme Rod and Reel I got as a gift probably 8 years ago. The Rod is a (XTR70MHT) 7' Med / Hvy. The Reel is a Extreme 7 bearing (ETX20HB) baitcaster. I have never had any problems out of either of them, but due to the age of the setup I am looking to purchase a new Rod & Reel.

Last week I ordered a BPS Johnny Morris Signature Series 2 reel its the 7.1:1 model (JMX10SHD) The main reason I chose this reel was because I never had a problem with my other BPS reel. Recently I discovered that this really isn't a new real Its just a remake of past Johnny Morris reels. So I'm wondering if it is technically up-to-date with other reel manufacturers. This is where I was looking for others opinions I'm open to returning it if necessary. Also I'm looking to buy a new rod some where between 6'6'' to 6'10 long Med/Hvy with a fast action tip. I'm looking to stay at or under $300.00 for both. I would be grateful for any information or suggestions you have to offer. Oh yeah i mainly fish lakes,, rivers, and ponds if that makes a different.

Thanks Again, Michael

 

[roadwarrior]

[lussardi9614]

Thank you for the reply and the links I will surely look over them. Do you have an opinion on BPS reels compared to reels that came out more recently.

[WIGuide]

I've got 7 BPS reels now. 4 of them are different forms of the Johnny Morris series. They are excellent reels. My oldest one is in it's 9th season and has never had an issue. They are built like tanks and are a great workhorse type reel. The only features they lack are in the weight category. Personally, I don't find them to be heavy and won't wear you out. There are some that tell you they will (usually the ones that tell you that the reel that's 0.25 oz lighter feels like a feather compared to the HEAVY reel) so take that for what you will. 

As for a choice of rod, I'd be looking hard at the new version of the St. Croix Mojo Bass. They've upgraded the blank this last year to the same one they use in their Avid line. They've got a 6'8" MH/F that I think you'd like. 

[riverbasser]

I recently changed out all my reels to the BPS pro qualifier. Which IMO is the best real you can get for under a hundred bucks. They do everything I need them too. As for rods I don't get too carried away maybe because I'm cheap or maybe because I know a few tourney guys that do just fine with the cheaper rods. Right now most of my rods are Berkeley cherrywoods ($22 at Walmart). I like using similar equipment for all my setups this way when I switch everything feels the same. 

[lussardi9614]

Thank you for the replys. Sounds like BPS Reels are made with the same quality of parts as other major brand reels. I will most likely be keeping the Bps reel. I will as so look into the mojo bass rob . Thanks for the tips

[*Hootie]

Johnny Morris signature reels and Mojo Bass rods. Perfect,....I just recently purchased 3 Mojos myself. Super rod for the money. Just make sure you get the generation 2 rods. Identifiable by the "IPC" above the Mojo Bass logo. 

Hootie

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Michael!

I don't have experience with BPS reels,
but I'm a big fan of their Carbonlite rods.

I've got both the previous black versions
as well as the current white. Both are 
quality rods with the white feeling maaaybe
a tad crisper.

[Mike L]

Over the years I've owned or fished a BPS Extreme and Carbonlite rods and feel they are excellent rods for the money, on par with most all others in thier price range. 

The same is true about the PQ reel which I end up useing more than any other I have.

The Extreme reel I have is a mag brake only model and only use it for when I need to make long pitch's.

 JM Sig reel is excellent! Yes it's a bit larger if comparing to a Curado I or a Lews but it's smooth as silk and casts a mile. And even a little lighter than the PQ. It's not a very popular reel here, but deserves to be. 

 

Mike

[jhc1]

How do the new BPS Extreme rods compare to the new Carbonlites? Obviously, the carbonlite is lighter, but I'm wondering which is more sensitive? Any preferences towards either? @Darren. @Mike L

[Darren.]

7 minutes ago, jhc1 said:

How do the new BPS Extreme rods compare to the new Carbonlites? Obviously, the carbonlite is lighter, but I'm wondering which is more sensitive? Any preferences towards either? @Darren. @Mike L

My experience with the Extremes are in-store, not
on water, but from in-store comparisons the CL
are not only lighter, but they transmitted little taps
to the tip top a bit more crisply than the Extreme.

Obviously not a field test, but there was a notable
difference. I also had one of my sons help me by gently
ticking the top sections of the graphite on each with
his finger nail. And with eyes closed, again, the CL
felt crisper.

So hey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  

[Mike L]

For me they're different rods for different applications. The Extreme is heavier and not as sensative in my hands. Between the 2, I would use the Carbonlight for bottom contact and maybe for moving baits if I was gonna be casting all day. 

The Extreme would be for heavy cover with a quality flouro or braid in calm conditions to help feel the bite better. However, a lot would depend on the specs of each rod. 

If I was to pair them with a BPS reel, I would put the PQ on the Extreme and the JM on the Carbonlight. 

 

Mike

[jhc1]

6 minutes ago, Mike L said:

For me they're different rods for different applications. The Extreme is heavier and not as sensative in my hands. Between the 2, I would use the Carbonlight for bottom contact and maybe for moving baits if I was gonna be casting all day. 

The Extreme would be for heavy cover with a quality flouro or braid in calm conditions to help feel the bite better. However, a lot would depend on the specs of each rod. 

If I was to pair them with a BPS reel, I would put the PQ on the Extreme and the JM on the Carbonlight. 

 

Mike

Could you clarify something here? You say the CL is more sensitive, but you'd use the Extreme to help feel the bite better. Do you mean you'd use fluoro/braid to feel the bite better in the Extreme? 

 

If I were to keep everything the same (15lb braid, reel, length/action rod (6'6" to 7'0 Med/fast or MH/fast), it seems like the CL would be the best pick. With that being said, I just picked up a 6'6" Fenwick Aetos in Med/Fast, so it may not be necessary to look at one of these rods, correct? 

[Mike L]

5 hours ago, jhc1 said:

Could you clarify something here? You say the CL is more sensitive, but you'd use the Extreme to help feel the bite better. Do you mean you'd use fluoro/braid to feel the bite better in the Extreme? 

 

If I were to keep everything the same (15lb braid, reel, length/action rod (6'6" to 7'0 Med/fast or MH/fast), it seems like the CL would be the best pick. With that being said, I just picked up a 6'6" Fenwick Aetos in Med/Fast, so it may not be necessary to look at one of these rods, correct? 

In my hands the CL is much more lighter and sensative than the Extreme.Thats why I would use it for bottom contact baits where those attributes are critical. And Yes, since the Extreme is heavier and not as sensative that's why I recommended the flouro or braid to help you feel the bite better in heavy cover. If I had to chose it would most definitely be the CL over the Extreme, you could do the same things and being lighter you may like it better for throwing moving baits all day. 

To me where I fish A med/fast rod would work great in open water and light cover..

I have not used a Aetos rod so can't comment on it, but there are lot of folks on here who do. And from what I have read I would agree. 

[jhc1]

Thanks, all. Much appreciated!