Adding to my collection

[Dat_Bass]

So, as of right now I have a Lew's Speed Spool and a St. Croix Mojo Bass. I like this combo for a all-around use. But, my birthday is later in November and I'm thinking about getting a rod and reel more suited for a specific task. The thing is, I'm not sure what I need first. Should I go for a topwater setup or cranking or jig or frog or ...? I'm pretty lost and any ideas or personal stories would help!

[Senko lover]

It would help to understand more about your specific combo. Is it spinning or baitcasting? What action is it (M, MH, etc)?
I've found, for my use and needs, that a Medium-Heavy baitcasting combo has great all-round uses for everything from chatterbaits and spinnerbaits to jigs and soft plastics

[roadwarrior]

[fishnkamp]

What type of water do you fish? Are they small streams or rivers, local ponds, big lakes or major rivers, or even like me, big tidal water like the Potomac River and upper chesapeake Bay.  Do you fish from a boat or shore.  What type of lures do you enjoy fishing? What lures would you like to fish that your current rod does not do well.

You have a nice Lews  reel and a Mojo Bass series rod that works as a good all purpose rod. That is great. Tell me what model the rod is. Do you own a good spinning rod and reel combo.

I own way too much gear, but if I had to start over I would use a 3 or 4 rod strategy.

My first rod would be an all purpose spinning rod. Something like a 6'6" to 7' medium power fast action tipped rod. It would spec as a 1/8 to 3/4. I would throw all of my plastics likes worms, creature baits, crawfish etc. either weightless or as  lightly weighted texas rigs on this rod. Lures like Mepps spinners, small topwaters like Pop Rs, tiny torpedos, jitterbugs etc as well as floating/ diving minnow baits like the Original Rapala minnow would be thrown on this rod.  I would also throw tubes, grubs, Sencos and Ned rigs on this one.

My second rod would be a 6'6 to 7' medium power moderate action baitcaster. If you bend the top of this rod it would easily bend down past the 4th guide. This rod throws all of my treble hooked lures like RattleTraps, crankbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.

My third rod would be a 6'6" to 7'3" medium, heavy fast action rod, so it is definitely stiffer in action. This is my jig rod. I would throw any jig above 5/16 with a plastic trailer on this rod, as well as all of my plastics rigged up with a 5/16 or larger weight, so all of my texas rigs and carolina riggs and lots more,

If I was using my 4 rod approach I would drop my original spinning rod choice in favor of a two spinning rod approach. The first would be a 6'6 to 7' medium light fast action 1/16 to 5/16 rod and the second would be a 6'8 or 6'9" medium power fast action 1/8 to 5/8 rod. These two would handle all of the same baits as the first spinning rod but would handle the lighter baits better.

If the water I fished was all matted grass or lily pads then I would own one spinning rod and my 4th rod would be a big flipping, pitching, frog rod.  If I fished over lots of submerged grass beds I would consider a really nice rattle trap, spinnerbait rod.

These two strategies of course requires lots of money. If I was not going to spend that or if I fished from shore then 4 rods is too much to deal with,  My choice would be one good all purpose medium heavy baitcaster and one good medium spinning rod.

These combos are just tools. When I go to work with my tools I have screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets and hammers. I look at the job to determine the tool that will do it best. Look at fishing the same way. Pay lots of attention to the places you fish and what lures you want to be able to fish,  that will help you decide what rod combo will fit your needs next.

[bigfruits]

if i only had 2 rods -

7' MH power Fast action baitcaster

7' Med power Fast or XF action spinning

 

[The Patriot]

23 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

What type of water do you fish? Are they small streams or rivers, local ponds, big lakes or major rivers, or even like me, big tidal water like the Potomac River and upper chesapeake Bay.  Do you fish from a boat or shore.  What type of lures do you enjoy fishing? What lures would you like to fish that your current rod does not do well.

You have a nice Lews  reel and a Mojo Bass series rod that works as a good all purpose rod. That is great. Tell me what model the rod is. Do you own a good spinning rod and reel combo.

I own way too much gear, but if I had to start over I would use a 3 or 4 rod strategy.

My first rod would be an all purpose spinning rod. Something like a 6'6" to 7' medium power fast action tipped rod. It would spec as a 1/8 to 3/4. I would throw all of my plastics likes worms, creature baits, crawfish etc. either weightless or as  lightly weighted texas rigs on this rod. Lures like Mepps spinners, small topwaters like Pop Rs, tiny torpedos, jitterbugs etc as well as floating/ diving minnow baits like the Original Rapala minnow would be thrown on this rod.  I would also throw tubes, grubs, Sencos and Ned rigs on this one.

My second rod would be a 6'6 to 7' medium power moderate action baitcaster. If you bend the top of this rod it would easily bend down past the 4th guide. This rod throws all of my treble hooked lures like RattleTraps, crankbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.

My third rod would be a 6'6" to 7'3" medium, heavy fast action rod, so it is definitely stiffer in action. This is my jig rod. I would throw any jig above 5/16 with a plastic trailer on this rod, as well as all of my plastics rigged up with a 5/16 or larger weight, so all of my texas rigs and carolina riggs and lots more,

If I was using my 4 rod approach I would drop my original spinning rod choice in favor of a two spinning rod approach. The first would be a 6'6 to 7' medium light fast action 1/16 to 5/16 rod and the second would be a 6'8 or 6'9" medium power fast action 1/8 to 5/8 rod. These two would handle all of the same baits as the first spinning rod but would handle the lighter baits better.

If the water I fished was all matted grass or lily pads then I would own one spinning rod and my 4th rod would be a big flipping, pitching, frog rod.  If I fished over lots of submerged grass beds I would consider a really nice rattle trap, spinnerbait rod.

These two strategies of course requires lots of money. If I was not going to spend that or if I fished from shore then 4 rods is too much to deal with,  My choice would be one good all purpose medium heavy baitcaster and one good medium spinning rod.

These combos are just tools. When I go to work with my tools I have screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets and hammers. I look at the job to determine the tool that will do it best. Look at fishing the same way. Pay lots of attention to the places you fish and what lures you want to be able to fish,  that will help you decide what rod combo will fit your needs next.

This is essentially what I'm going for.  I have a MH/F Lews rod/reel combo at 6'10".  I throw all my senkos that are 5" or more, weighted or weightless, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, frogs and lighter jigs with trailers.  I also throw lipless cranks on this setup and I back off the drag considerably.  I have a M/F 6'6" spinning rod that throws poppers, jitterbugs and smaller plastics.  I dont use this for the cranks because I can cast farther with the b.c.  As I add a couple more rods, I'll have one for just the frogs, jigs, and flipping/pitching cover, a M/M for trebles, and my spinning rod for lighter topwater and finesse tactics. 

[Dat_Bass]

On 11/7/2016 at 0:05 PM, fishnkamp said:

What type of water do you fish? Are they small streams or rivers, local ponds, big lakes or major rivers, or even like me, big tidal water like the Potomac River and upper chesapeake Bay.  Do you fish from a boat or shore.  What type of lures do you enjoy fishing? What lures would you like to fish that your current rod does not do well.

You have a nice Lews  reel and a Mojo Bass series rod that works as a good all purpose rod. That is great. Tell me what model the rod is. Do you own a good spinning rod and reel combo.

I own way too much gear, but if I had to start over I would use a 3 or 4 rod strategy.

My first rod would be an all purpose spinning rod. Something like a 6'6" to 7' medium power fast action tipped rod. It would spec as a 1/8 to 3/4. I would throw all of my plastics likes worms, creature baits, crawfish etc. either weightless or as  lightly weighted texas rigs on this rod. Lures like Mepps spinners, small topwaters like Pop Rs, tiny torpedos, jitterbugs etc as well as floating/ diving minnow baits like the Original Rapala minnow would be thrown on this rod.  I would also throw tubes, grubs, Sencos and Ned rigs on this one.

My second rod would be a 6'6 to 7' medium power moderate action baitcaster. If you bend the top of this rod it would easily bend down past the 4th guide. This rod throws all of my treble hooked lures like RattleTraps, crankbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.

My third rod would be a 6'6" to 7'3" medium, heavy fast action rod, so it is definitely stiffer in action. This is my jig rod. I would throw any jig above 5/16 with a plastic trailer on this rod, as well as all of my plastics rigged up with a 5/16 or larger weight, so all of my texas rigs and carolina riggs and lots more,

If I was using my 4 rod approach I would drop my original spinning rod choice in favor of a two spinning rod approach. The first would be a 6'6 to 7' medium light fast action 1/16 to 5/16 rod and the second would be a 6'8 or 6'9" medium power fast action 1/8 to 5/8 rod. These two would handle all of the same baits as the first spinning rod but would handle the lighter baits better.

If the water I fished was all matted grass or lily pads then I would own one spinning rod and my 4th rod would be a big flipping, pitching, frog rod.  If I fished over lots of submerged grass beds I would consider a really nice rattle trap, spinnerbait rod.

These two strategies of course requires lots of money. If I was not going to spend that or if I fished from shore then 4 rods is too much to deal with,  My choice would be one good all purpose medium heavy baitcaster and one good medium spinning rod.

These combos are just tools. When I go to work with my tools I have screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets and hammers. I look at the job to determine the tool that will do it best. Look at fishing the same way. Pay lots of attention to the places you fish and what lures you want to be able to fish,  that will help you decide what rod combo will fit your needs next.

Ok this helps a lot! I forgot to mention that I fish lots of Texas rigs and I already have a spinning setup and I have the option to fish from my jon boat or the bank. Generally, I stick to smaller local ponds but I may go to a bigger lake every now and then. I like throwing softplastics and jigs and stuff like that. The thing is, I've tried throwing my spinnerbait and it's pulls a lot on my rod and feels incredibly heavy. What is a good recommendation for spinnerbait rods? and what else would you use on that rod? Can you give me like a grouping of what baits go together for what action rod?

[Angry John]

If you have a boat and two fast action rods I would grab a 7'6"cranking rod 4 or 5 power depending on size and depth of baits you use.  I have the dobyns 764rm rod and it's great.

[new2BC4bass]

Well....you still haven't given any specifics on the Mojo rod.  Now you mention having a spinning rod, but gave no information on that either.  You will be given better options if people know what you already have.  That way they can suggest something to compliment those outfits.  I've been visiting Florida the past few years where we fish smaller lakes.  I keep one spinning rod and 4 (5 as of this year) baitcast rods down there.  I didn't get to use the rod I bought this year before returning home.  It is a cranking rod.  Normally I use a MF for that chore.  Works good, but I figured a rod designed for cranking would work better.

The other three baitcast rods are all MHF....a very versatile power/action.  Sorry, but a different rod isn't going to help much with a spinnerbait.  Most people cry about a reel weighing over 6 oz.  I'm 68 and don't mind using a 9 oz baitcast reel.  What does tire me out is doing a lot of casting with one of my favorite lures....a spinnerbait.  A shorter rod should help because all that drag will be closer to your body....easing a bit of strain on your wrist and forearm.  My dedicated spinnerbait rod is a 6' MHF.  Unfortunately it isn't in Florida.    However, I'll throw a spinnerbait on about any rod.

My spinning rod is a MHF.  I much prefer baitcast reels...especially for lures in that weight range,...so it seldom gets used.  A MF spinning rod would be a much better option....for me....and probably for you too.

Even when in a boat, people tend to fish cover rather than open water.  You are often forced to fish cover when fishing from shore.  I don't think you could go wrong with another MHF or a MH-XF rod.  Unless you want to throw frogs.  A MH would work, but a Heavy would work better.  A Heavy would also work well with heavier jigs.

Fishnkamp gave you a lot of good general recommendations.  I'm sure he...and others....would be glad to give more specific recommendations once they know what you want to use the rod for.  And what weight lures.

[fishnkamp]

Alright lets get down to it.

If your spinning rod is a 6'6 to 7" medium fast action ( 1/8 to 1/2 or 5/8,  then you have the finesse world covered at least well enough. If not, then look at getting one that will. Here arefour rod suggestions each from different price categories 

1 Berkley Lightning Shock rod either 6'6 or 7 foot medium This retails for $49 but can often be purchased online for less.

2.Dicks Sporting Goods sells a 6'6" Quantum Escalade rod for $100 but is on sale for $50.

3 Dobyns sells their Fury series rods for $110. Look at a Fury FR 703SF. Powell sells their Inferno 6103 MEF for $99 

4 St Croix Avid X 6'8" medium This sells for $200

Since I read what you said about your Mojo Bass baitcasting rod being too light for your spinnerbaits, then I assume it is a more moderate rod like the 6'8 medium model( I am guessing.)

The next rod to complement that rod would be one of these:

1 Dobyns FR 734C 7 foot 3 inches heavy power- fast action rod. It specs 1/4 to 1 ounce,  This rod should throw your                   spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, some topwaters like Zara Spooks, jigs, buzzbaits etc. It again runs $110.

2 Powell Max3D 683CEF. I own the original rod with these specs. It is a super versatile rod. It runs $159

3 Powell Max3D 734CEF This rod is sorta like the swiss army knife it is a great bottom contact rod but works a spinnerbait or       even a Zara Spook or small to mid sized swim bait.

Now that would give you a good 3 rod arsenal, that is what to cast with, now on to the lures to cast on each.

Here is why I asked so many questions.  See I have to have gear to fish fresh water lakes (big like 60 miles long, small like local ponds and lakes that your boat and a trolling motor can cover, and then large tidal rivers like those on the Chesapeake Bay. These include the Susquehanna River, and The Susquehanna Flats, Middle River and the Potomac River. All of these are so different. You are concentration mostly on small to mid sized lakes,so your tackle choices can be more basic.

On my spinning I would fish lures like the small topwaters, Mepps Spinners, 4 inch Rapala floating/diving minnow baits in silver with black back, silver with blue back back, gold and black. Own some 1/4,1/2,and 3/4 ounce rattle trap baits, Bill Lewis Rattle Traps are good but so are the Red Eye Shads. Go learn about the Z Man TRD Ned riggs. Learn about them and fish them. Also fish Senco style stick worms in all ways possible, unweighted tx rigged, unweighted wacky style as well as weighted both texas style and wacky weighted jig hooks.  Go to Bass Pro. Find the Perfect Finesse Worm hooks. Fish all sots of plastics on these texas style hooks with the weight attached. We use these with Kalin 5 inch Lunker Grubs. Get them in watermelon red flake and bluegill colors.  Find your favorite ring worms or small 4 finesse worms and fish these on the Perfect worm hooks. Small to mid sized creature baits and crawfish can also be fished that way. Next add some stand up shakeyhead jigs. Fish some of these same baits as well as the straight tailed worms like Z Man sells for shakeyhead fishing.. What I have said is a few different pieces of hardware that will let you fish the same baits many different ways. 

On your current baitcaster you can throw the 1/2 and 3 /4 rattle traps, small to mid size diving crankbaits and small 1/8 to 1/4 ounce spinnerbaits. Get some Reaction Innovation Skinny Dippers or Keitech swimbaits. Throw these on lightly belly weighted swimbait hooks. For deeper water throw them on some of the 3/8 to 1/2 ounce swimbait jig heads (these look like a fish;s head). This rod will not be ideal but should throw some mid sized jerkbaits. Say 3 to 5 inches or up to about 5/8 maybe.

Lastly if you get this heavier rod, then I would fish 3/8 to 3/4 ounce spinnerbaits ,jigs with crawfish trailers, heavier plastics both on carolina rigs and texas rigged,  This rod should throw topwater walking baits, chatterbaits , and lots of other baits.

Good Luck let us know what you get and how it works out.