Second Spinning Outfit Help!!

[HoosierHawgs]

I've come into some decent windfall in terms of cash, and then sales on rods online have been excellent. I'm going to use this as a general spinning setup, probably fishing braid, but maybe a light fluorocarbon. I plan to fish drop shot, shakes head, and weightless worms on this setup most likely. I'm stuck between a No. ***: 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/No8_Tackle_Co_BlackOut_Spinning_Rods/descpage-NES.html

And a Daiwa DX:

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_DX-Bass_Spinning_Rods/descpage-DXS.html

I'm thinking spending the extra money would be good because a good rod is nice, and I like the cork grip better. I would usually never by a rod sight unseen, so I'm reaching out. Also should I go with a Medium or Medium Light power? Both rods are rated differently, just as a side note. 

Thanks!

[bigfruits]

i cant help with those particular rods but a M will be more versatile. the only rigs i use ML for when LMB fishing are DS and ned rig. for creek and stream fishing, ill throw small inline spinners and cranks on a ML.

[MickD]

Agree go with medium power, much more versatile.  Medium can do just about anything a ML can do.  There are a lot of things that ML cannot do.  I would go Daiwa.  I have not used skeleton seats on spin rods, but cannot believe they would be as comfortable for a long day of fishing as the Daiwa grip.  The possible sensitivity gain of the skeleton would not, IMHO, offset its loss in comfort/ergonomics.  Maybe a skeleton would make sense on an ultra light, but not on a medium power rod.

[The Bassman]

I don't know how close you are to a GM but they had Hellbents the other day for 30.00! Even at regular price they feel much higher quality.  There's a 6'8" ML that feels real good.  Personally, I don't like the reel seat on the Blackout.  Too skeletal for me.

[HoosierHawgs]

I have one rod that is a Medium, it is a Fenwick SilverHawk, but it's not graphite and has a lot of give and is not as fast as I would like for plastics and single hook, so I've garrisoned it for light spinners or treble baits. 

[HoosierHawgs]

21 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

I don't know how close you are to a GM but they had Hellbents the other day for 30.00! Even at regular price they feel much higher quality.  There's a 6'8" ML that feels real good.  Personally, I don't like the reel seat on the Blackout.  Too skeletal for me.

I am fairly close and I may have to go take a look. A 6'8" would actually be a nice change in pace from a typical 6'6" or 7' too.

22 minutes ago, MickD said:

Agree go with medium power, much more versatile.  Medium can do just about anything a ML can do.  There are a lot of things that ML cannot do.  I would go Daiwa.  I have not used skeleton seats on spin rods, but cannot believe they would be as comfortable for a long day of fishing as the Daiwa grip.  The possible sensitivity gain of the skeleton would not, IMHO, offset its loss in comfort/ergonomics.  Maybe a skeleton would make sense on an ultra light, but not on a medium power rod.

I figured I'd like to full cork a little better. Also, thanks for the advice in the power. What sort of things would you do with a Medium that you wouldn't be able to do with a Medium Light and vice verses just for concrete examples. 

[The Bassman]

20 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

I don't know how close you are to a GM but they had Hellbents the other day for 30.00! Even at regular price they feel much higher quality.  There's a 6'8" ML that feels real good.  Personally, I don't like the reel seat on the Blackout.  Too skeletal for me.

 

I told you wrong.  That rod's a 6'6".  Sorry about  that.

[HoosierHawgs]

1 minute ago, The Bassman said:

 

I told you wrong.  That rod's a 6'6".  Sorry about  that.

All good! I still might go check it out 

[fvogel67]

If you have a decent "WINDFALL" ,I'm thinking St Croix,GLoomis,Shimano or Diawa.Why are you online asking obvious questions

[MickD]

ML is not powerful enough for much jigging, swim jigs, tubes, hard jerks, senko type lures.  In some cases they are too heavy, in others there just isn't enough power to properly set the hooks.  I was using a ML popping rod with 1/4 oz bullet head jig and 4 inch swim baits and was missing a lot of fish, changed to a medium fast and my hook rate about doubled.

 

Medium light would be good for ned rigs and light cranks, but a medium power, while not ideal, would still do it.  My opinion.

[HoosierHawgs]

14 hours ago, MickD said:

ML is not powerful enough for much jigging, swim jigs, tubes, hard jerks, senko type lures.  In some cases they are too heavy, in others there just isn't enough power to properly set the hooks.  I was using a ML popping rod with 1/4 oz bullet head jig and 4 inch swim baits and was missing a lot of fish, changed to a medium fast and my hook rate about doubled.

 

Medium light would be good for ned rigs and light cranks, but a medium power, while not ideal, would still do it.  My opinion.

Ok thanks! Do you throw braid or fluorocarbon on your spinning setups? 

[MickD]

On 12/26/2016 at 0:31 PM, HoosierHawgs said:

Ok thanks! Do you throw braid or fluorocarbon on your spinning setups? 

I use braid with FC for most setups, braid + mono for surface.  FC sinks and screws up surface lure action.  It gets dragged under.  I seldom go over 15 pound test braid, sometimes 20, 30 for saltwater inshore.  But I think unless one has to really stop a fish, like wreck fishing, 20 will do fine.

[burrows]

I have the blackout mf 7 its a great rod for it being so cheap now it's strong and has nice sensitivity. I still use it often I like it Ive beaten this rod up pretty good over the past year and it still looks new.

[HoosierHawgs]

Update: Found a Fenwick HMG in my local tackle store: $65. Went 7' Medium Power Fast taper so I could have a good backbone for hooksets. 

[HoosierHawgs]

3 hours ago, 5965derek said:

I think those hmg rods are really sweet. I love the tac cork grips!

I also like that a lot. I like cork or tactical cork, but I've never been a fan of a full foam handle. Feels cheap.