Help selecting spinning rod

[Idahoguy]

I'm retired and getting back into fishing, need some advice. I cast 1/4 oz lures a lot, and the rod I bought isn't the best for the purpose. I bought a Fenwick 

Aetos, 6'6" Medium, Fast action. I'm looking for something with a little more action for casting 1/4 oz lures. I love the sensitivity of the rod that I have and don't want to give it up, so I'm wondering if graphite is required. For $100 or less, what would you recommend? Any help appreciated.

[LCG]

I have found that fenwick, and some other companies, Rate the power of their rods differently. 

 

I had a fenwick hmg 6'6" medium that just wouldn't load up for 1/4 Oz lures, sold it and bought a fenwick hmg 6'9 ml-f that does a much better job, but the tip is soft, good for finnese / drop shotting. 

 

I also highly recommend the st Croix mojo spinning rod, 6'8" m-xf. I have no problems at all with 1/4 Oz lures and the action of the rod is perfect. I use it for everything from soft plastics to hard lures with trebles. 

[Chance_Taker4]

Lews Mach Speed Stick fits exactly what you are looking for and its only $80

[PatrickKnight]

7 foot ML HMG or a Dobyns Fury 702 would be great. I think the Dobyns is around $110 though.

 

 

[Lost..]

2 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

7 foot ML HMG or a Dobyns Fury 702 would be great. I think the Dobyns is around $110 though.

 

 

 

Black Friday is coming up. That Dobyns Fury will be under $100 on tacklewarehouse. For under $100, it's an amazing deal.

[new2BC4bass]

Welcome to the forum.  I see you are nearly as old as I am.    Definitely keep the Aetos.  Graphite rods will (should) be more sensitive than glass or composite.  I seldom use a spinning rod anymore, but when I do it is for the lighter stuff.  You may want to consider a ML if heavy cover is not a problem.  I like my HMG rods, and the MLs seem to run 1/8-5/8 oz. so 1/4 oz. should be fine.

 

I have an old (very old) Berkley Lightning spinning rod that would fit the bill.  Has caught more fish than any other rod I own even though it seldom gets used nowadays.

 

I've only got one St. Croix and it is a casting rod.  Their spinning rods get great reviews.  The model Luke suggested is highly regarded.

 

Wish I could be of more help, but I went to casting rods almost exclusively when I got back into fishing in '09.

[Idahoguy]

Thanks for the help so far guys, I'm doing my research. One thing to add, two piece would sure be handier. 

Heavy weed cover, as mentioned, isn't a problem, so medium-light may be a good option.

I'm keeping the Fenwick that I have, it's a good rod, just won't cast as far as I need. My Dad had Fenwicks way back when, and I still remember the feeling of trout bites in streams when I was a kid. 

I just got an old Shimano Bullwhip, 6'6", and that thing's a casting fool. I wish the tip were a little less whippy though, but it's a fun graphite rod. 

[WRB]

Dobyns Colts series CL692SF 6'9" medium light fast 1/8-1/2 oz lures should be right in your ball park at $80.

Tom