Two Spinning Rods

[wordty]

I have a variety of bait casters and have just used one spinning rod in my "arsenal" for the past few years...I got a great deal on another Shimano reel and thought I'd go with another spinning set up for finesse...my question is, my other spinning set up is a 7 M /F carbonlite with 20 lb Power Pro...what spinning rod weight should i go with and what would you use each one for?  Leaning towards another M or MH....

[fishnkamp]

Okay here is my opinion.  I consider a 7' medium power fast action rod a standard weapon in ones arsenal.

Since you have that I would go with a either a 6'8  or 7' light or medium light fast action rod. 

 

I fish a couple of G Loomis IMX spinning rods. I fish baits like Ned rigs, light weight drop shots, Kalin 5 inch Lunker grubs on some finesse texas rig jigheads BPS sells. I love them.  I fish 1/8 and 1/4. This rod also fishes baits like unweighted Reaction Innovation Little Dipper paddle tail swimbaits.  There are lots of other baits like small crappie size spinnerbaits that work well on highly pressured bass.  Mepps spinners work here as well.  This rod rates 1/16 to 5/16.

 

My second G Loomis spinning rod rates 1/8 to 3/8. It handles  heavier texas rigged plastics, tubes heavier weighted grubs, heavier drop shots with minnow style baits instead of small finesse worms, mini carolina rigged plastics, lightly belly weighted Little Dippers and Keitecks, and tons more. This rod also throws the baits like finesse jigs ( think of a Bitsy Bug and a Craw Papi) or a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce spinnerbait and buzzbait used to catch river smallies. One more bait that works well on this rod is original Rapala floater/diver minnow style baits. Many of the smaller version jerkbaits/ minnow baits still catch a lot of fish but since they are old school many have moved on from them.  That is a mistake! They match the hatch of many ponds and small lakes or streams.

 

I find these two rods compliment each other well and do not duplicate each other at all. Often times I will fish an area with say a shakeyhead worm and then use a drop shot just for that extra bass before moving on. It also allows for a quick change to a follow up bait fast if a fish follows your first bait but does not commit.

I hope this makes sense and get you thinking.

 

I have no idea what your budget is but take a look at a rod like a G Loomis Classic  Spin Jig Rod. These have very special actions with a bit faster tips. They are perfect for this kinda fishing. 

Check out a SJR 781 IMX or perhaps a Dobyns Champion DC 702SF. A DC 682 SF would work well as well.

If those are out of your budget look at a Dobyns Fury Fr 702SF.

[wordty]

17 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

Okay here is my opinion.  I consider a 7' medium power fast action rod a standard weapon in ones arsenal.

Since you have that I would go with a either a 6'8  or 7' light or medium light fast action rod. 

 

I fish a couple of G Loomis IMX spinning rods. I fish baits like Ned rigs, light weight drop shots, Kalin 5 inch Lunker grubs on some finesse texas rig jigheads BPS sells. I love them.  I fish 1/8 and 1/4. This rod also fishes baits like unweighted Reaction Innovation Little Dipper paddle tail swimbaits.  There are lots of other baits like small crappie size spinnerbaits that work well on highly pressured bass.  Mepps spinners work here as well.  This rod rates 1/16 to 5/16.

 

My second G Loomis spinning rod rates 1/8 to 3/8. It handles  heavier texas rigged plastics, tubes heavier weighted grubs, heavier drop shots with minnow style baits instead of small finesse worms, mini carolina rigged plastics, lightly belly weighted Little Dippers and Keitecks, and tons more. This rod also throws the baits like finesse jigs ( think of a Bitsy Bug and a Craw Papi) or a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce spinnerbait and buzzbait used to catch river smallies. One more bait that works well on this rod is original Rapala floater/diver minnow style baits. Many of the smaller version jerkbaits/ minnow baits still catch a lot of fish but since they are old school many have moved on from them.  That is a mistake! They match the hatch of many ponds and small lakes or streams.

 

I find these two rods compliment each other well and do not duplicate each other at all. Often times I will fish an area with say a shakeyhead worm and then use a drop shot just for that extra bass before moving on. It also allows for a quick change to a follow up bait fast if a fish follows your first bait but does not commit.

I hope this makes sense and get you thinking.

 

I have no idea what your budget is but take a look at a rod like a G Loomis Classic  Spin Jig Rod. These have very special actions with a bit faster tips. They are perfect for this kinda fishing. 

Check out a SJR 781 IMX or perhaps a Dobyns Champion DC 702SF. A DC 682 SF would work well as well.

If those are out of your budget look at a Dobyns Fury Fr 702SF.

Thanks!  I see your posts  a lot and respect your opinions for sure...The Dobyns Fury is one i have been looking at for sure already...that is pretty much my max budget, the $110'ish range...I appreciate it!

[fishnkamp]

I can tell you this from personal experience, those rods cut cost by doing things like using good quality EVA on the rear. The blanks and other components are of good quality and the balance is terrific. "Balance and feel in your hand" is one of Gary's personal things. They fish much more like some other brands $200 rods. What you do not see is flashy looks.  Well I sorta have to say that with a caveat.  He is releasing a new less expensive rod line called the "Colt" series. They will be a $80 rod, and will be pretty bright and flashy as some younger anglers are demanding.  The Fury will still be a better performing rod, but these new Colts will fit a niche!  You will see them showing up in places like TW in by probably the nest month or so.  Anyway I own some Sierras and Champions but have a good friend that owns 4 Fury rods. I have messed with them and really like them.  For the price their sensitivity is really good.

[PatrickKnight]

I would go down to a ML or a L. St Croix has a 7 foot light power in the Eyecon series that is a great stick for the really light stuff.