stalled out picking a new rod

[jbmaine]

hi all,

Picking out a new rod doesn't seem to be as simple as I thought it might be. I am looking for a medium heavy spinning rod, kind of a general purpose rod to throw baits like 110 Whopper Ploppers, 1/2 jigs with trailers and so on. Length around 7 ft. My budget is around $ 100. give or take. I have a Dicks, a BPS, a Cabelas, and the Kittery trading Post within reasonable driving distance. I checked all of these places on line and came up with a list of possible candidates. They are / Cabelas fish eagle / abu Garcia vendetta and veritas / Fenwick HMX / st Croix premier series / duckett fishing ghost / falcon bucoo sr / . All of these are rated 3/8 to 3/4 oz. and should handle what I want to throw. I would love to get a hands on each of these, and pick what feels best to me. The problem is with the exception of cabelas fish eagle none of these stores have, or carry any of these rods in stock. So I'm kinda stalled out . What you guys do? Is it just normal these days to buy rods sight unseen ? If so how do you pick. 

                                                                                  Jim

[Steveo-1969]

Sorry, I have no advice on any rods you listed but I noticed you mentioned a St. Croix Premier (costs $140). You may also want to add a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod to the list. They have a 7'1" MHF spinning rod for $130.

[moguy1973]

Take a look at the Lew's TP1 rods.  I bought a Medium one and it's a nice rod.  Has the microwave guides to keep line slap down and it has pretty good action.  $100 on TW and Academy.

[CroakHunter]

I second the tp1 speed stick! I have 4 I suggest the 6'10 Or 7' mh for what you said your main baits will be. 

Pm me if you want to but a couple used tp1s. Lol

[IndianaOutdoors]

If you're looking at Fenwicks skip the hmx and look into the hmg or higher.  I was not impressed by the hmx.

[IndianaOutdoors]

And to answer your other question. Yes I buy most rods sight unseen bc I have nothing local. Closest is Walmart and a Big R store the next county over.  I stop in at Cabela's or Dicks to try things out when I can but that isn't very often. I'm surprised your Cabela's doesn't have what you are looking for.  I'm always dumfounded by the amount of rods they have.

[kstephes033]

I guess I will ask why are you looking at spinning rods for these techniques? All of those are much better suited on a casting setup. 

[WRB]

There isn't a wide choice in mid price range 4 power spinning rods to handle the lures you want effectively. Dobyns SA 704SF is rated as MH for 1/4-1 oz lures, 7' fast for $170. Try calling Gary he may have a used reconditioned rod in your price range.

Tom

[DINK WHISPERER]

Check out the og Tatula 7' 2" MH/XF. Amazing all purpose rod and can be had for about $104 tyd. 

[Cak920]

I love both fenwick and st. Croix. Like the feel and look of fenwick but I typically go with st croix just because fenwicks are made in china

[jbmaine]

Hi all,

   Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I am looking for a spinning rod because that's what I'm good with. casting, not so much. Believe me I've tried. 

 I'll take a look at speed sticks, mogo bass, and tatula.

 

Dink Whisper-- you mentioned Tatula 7ft 2 inch MH/XF for $104. I'm seeing them for around $ 150. Where would I find them at the price you mentioned?

 

Croak Hunter-- PM sent

 

                                              Thanks

                                                         Jim

 

[kstephes033]

Casting combos are for sure something that can be learned, everyone struggles with them at first, but with some mono and some heavier weights like you are fishing it should make for an easier time. They are much more suited to stuff like this as stated. It would be well worth trying again. One thing to keep in mind is cheap casting reels are much more prone to backlash, a decent reel like the tatula ct or fuego ct would be the lowest i would go, and they are very good reels especially for the price. That would allow you to get into a lot better tool for the job for the rod, and opens up a lot more selection. That would be my suggestion truly. The only think i throw 1/2oz on a spinning rod is dropshots, and thats only with major wind to keep feel on the bottom. Otherwise i wouldnt even consider using anything like a jig or texas rig in grass with is spinning combo, you just dont have the power or control like you do with a casting combo. You can get into something like a daiwa fuego ct for 75 and a pretty legit rod for 80-100 and be able to handle everything much more efficiently after a couple outings and practice in the yard.