Need help picking my first casting rod/reel

[WRangler506]

This setup is inteneded for shallow and medium crankbaits. Maybe squarebills unless those are better on my spinning setups.

 

I just went to my local box store and handled everything they had, which for rods wasnt much. They had the Mojo MH/MF, the cabelas ZX M/MF, a veritas MH/MF. The veritas was so stiff I thought it was crazy. The mojo blank felt good, stiffer than I wanted but totally do able, but the reel seat and handle, just fair/ok, I have a couple LTW/Avid spinning at home maybe thats why.The cabelas ZX actually felt very nice in hand, maybe a little soft, but felt like a fun rod. They go on sale a lot to 70 bucks. They did not have the Dobyns 705 for 109 that I went to see/purchase. What do you recommend or how does that Dobyns 705 (the cheap one) compare?

 

For reels, Ive only tried the black max casting before. Feels pretty nice, but you can tell its a cheaper reel. Smooth but not super tight or anything. Of all the reels I tried there I wanted to like the Tatula CT type R. It didnt feel as smooth or as tight as the curado K, at all. Not sure if it was an old worn display, but I was surprised. Most of the reels even down to 100 bucks would be fine, but that curado K stood out as the smoothest by far. Should I be looking at magnetic or centrifugal? Im not sure which ones are which.

 

For comparison I have mostly cheap spinning shimanos that are very smooth, a stradic FK, and diawa ballistic. The ballistic wins.

 

Im just amazed at shimanos mid level spinning reels, they are so smooth and just blow away the same priced competitors I tried. Whats the best casting reel around 100-150 bucks?

I guess Im looking for a slower rod for something new to play with too. Most of my spinning rods at St croixs and are XF actions.

[CroakHunter]

I'd suggest a dobyns fury 705 cb and a daiwa fuego. With the deals that can be had on ebay right now that is a great $150 combo. Or if you wanted a higher end reel try a tatula ct, tatula sv, or curado k. I'm not a Shimano fan, although I have one. I prefer my daiwas but Shimano does make quality reels. 

[Angry John]

Do you have a gift card or is this a cash purchase.  Tons of high end reels out there to check out.  Around the 150 dollar range I have seen the old fuego in near new condition.  The tdz is around that price point.  

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Team-Daiwa-FUEGO-Baitcasting-Reel/222904250802?hash=item33e620f1b2:g:YxIAAOSwIzBavk7n

 

https://m.ebay.com/itm/TEAM-DAIWA-FUEGO-Casting-Reel-EXCELLENT/352314719223?hash=item520797fbf7:g:hb4AAOSwfEVauDox

[WRangler506]

On 3/31/2018 at 4:44 PM, CroakHunter said:

I'd suggest a dobyns fury 705 cb and a daiwa fuego. With the deals that can be had on ebay right now that is a great $150 combo. Or if you wanted a higher end reel try a tatula ct, tatula sv, or curado k. I'm not a Shimano fan, although I have one. I prefer my daiwas but Shimano does make quality reels. 

There are some great deals on the Tatulas online. I thought the curado felt a little smoother but could have been the display tatula that was loose. 

Im not finding the Dobyns anywhere local to put my hands on.

 

Anyone have any experience with the cabelas ZX rod and reels? The crankbait rod might work, but I didnt see that reel when I was there. I normally avoid store branded things, but not sure who makes that setup for them.

On 3/31/2018 at 5:50 PM, Angry John said:

Do you have a gift card or is this a cash purchase.  Tons of high end reels out there to check out.  Around the 150 dollar range I have seen the old fuego in near new condition.  The tdz is around that price point.  

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Team-Daiwa-FUEGO-Baitcasting-Reel/222904250802?hash=item33e620f1b2:g:YxIAAOSwIzBavk7n

 

https://m.ebay.com/itm/TEAM-DAIWA-FUEGO-Casting-Reel-EXCELLENT/352314719223?hash=item520797fbf7:g:hb4AAOSwfEVauDox

No gift card, but I was trying to buy local if I can put my hands on something. Im not really very willing to buy a rod and reel on recomnedations only. I want to feel them and make sure I like them in hand.

 

The ZX rod felt comforatble, but a little light. It work work for small cranks I think.

 

The Mojo MH was a little on the stiff side but might still work for small cranks. The blank was great but dont love the handle or seat.

 

Still cant find the Dobyns local...

 

Im in SE michigan.

 

Im really unfamiliar with reels other than the few I tried in person.

[CroakHunter]

I have the 7'5 medium heavy cabelas rod. It's a good rod for the price. The winn grips are nice as well as the the build quality is good for $69 Which is what I bought mine for on sale. 

[TylerT123]

1 hour ago, WRangler506 said:

There are some great deals on the Tatulas online. I thought the curado felt a little smoother but could have been the display tatula that was loose. 

Im not finding the Dobyns anywhere local to put my hands on.

 

Anyone have any experience with the cabelas ZX rod and reels? The crankbait rod might work, but I didnt see that reel when I was there. I normally avoid store branded things, but not sure who makes that setup for them.

No gift card, but I was trying to buy local if I can put my hands on something. Im not really very willing to buy a rod and reel on recomnedations only. I want to feel them and make sure I like them in hand.

 

The ZX rod felt comforatble, but a little light. It work work for small cranks I think.

 

The Mojo MH was a little on the stiff side but might still work for small cranks. The blank was great but dont love the handle or seat.

 

Still cant find the Dobyns local...

 

Im in SE michigan.

 

Im really unfamiliar with reels other than the few I tried in person.

http://dobynsrods.com/dealers/

[Smalls]

On 3/31/2018 at 1:33 PM, WRangler506 said:

 

For reels, Ive only tried the black max casting before. 

 Wanna see a magic trick with a $20 bill? Step up to a pro max. The rod is alright. Not junk, not a Dobyn’s. But for the price it’s the best combo you can pick up and bring to the register. The reel is what’s up, though. It’s my favorite reel. 

[Riazuli]

If this is only for smaller crankbaits (up to 1/2 oz) and shallow diving, along with your concerns over some of the rods being stiff, I would go with a M/moderate glass composite rod designed for cranking.  My main cranker is exactly that, and I love it.  The mh/mf may be better suited for a wider range of applications, including heavier lures and tackling vegetation, but for more open water and mainly cranking, the m/m is the way to go.  The glass allows for a parabolic bend that will help prevent lures from getting ripped out on a hook set and it helps with casting, while the graphite portion allows for backbone for bringing the catch in.   Again, this is primarily for what you mentioned you wanted... With it being your first setup, I personally would suggest something more all around in terms of application (like a M/F given your stiffness concerns or a mh/F depending on what your throwing - such as jigs and spinnerbaits).  Mh/mf is well geared for spinner and chatterbaits and heavier cranks, but every rod mentioned can be used for all applications (provided the lure weight stays within the weight range for the most part) - depends on the individual and fishing conditions. 

[Fishingmickey]

Shimano's in that 100-150 price range would be the Casitas or the Citica. I think that in the 6.3-1 or the 7.2-1 ratios would serve you well if your serious about the smaller sized crank baits I'd go with the 6.3 if you want more versitility the 7.2 would serve better.  I have both and they are both very nice reels.

Fishingmickey

[All about da bass]

Abu Garcia for life!! Abu Garcia Revo x $100http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Abu_Garcia_REVO_X_Gen_4_Casting_Reel/descpage-SSRX.html

 

 

Then a great rod for cranking, the Abu Garcia veritas cranking rodhttp://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Abu_Garcia_Veritas_Winch_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-WNCV.html

 Good luck on finding a good combo

[YaknBassn]

I've got two Cabelas Tourney ZX rods and I love them, especially with the $70 sale price.  Both are finesse spinning m rods though.  

 

I just bought a Dobyns Colt cranking rod.  I haven't used it yet, but it feels great in hand.  I don't do a whole lot of cranking, so the $80 price sold it for me.  

 

Take a look at the Revo X reels.  Great reels at their price point 

[Fishin' Fool]

On 4/2/2018 at 10:54 AM, WRangler506 said:

There are some great deals on the Tatulas online. I thought the curado felt a little smoother but could have been the display tatula that was loose. 

Im not finding the Dobyns anywhere local to put my hands on.

 

Anyone have any experience with the cabelas ZX rod and reels? The crankbait rod might work, but I didnt see that reel when I was there. I normally avoid store branded things, but not sure who makes that setup for them.

No gift card, but I was trying to buy local if I can put my hands on something. Im not really very willing to buy a rod and reel on recomnedations only. I want to feel them and make sure I like them in hand.

 

The ZX rod felt comforatble, but a little light. It work work for small cranks I think.

 

The Mojo MH was a little on the stiff side but might still work for small cranks. The blank was great but dont love the handle or seat.

 

Still cant find the Dobyns local...

 

Im in SE michigan.

 

Im really unfamiliar with reels other than the few I tried in person.

I'm in SE Michigan too you won't find Dobyns locally. I'm not sure how close you are to me to I own 2 Furys the 705cb and a 733. For the price they are great rods. I'm in Macomb, Mi.

 

I also have 4 Daiwa Tatula reels that I've acquired within the last 2 years. I wasn't much of a baitcast guy either.

[WRangler506]

Im in Harltand area, Livingston County. I saw from the dealer map above the closest place in Jays in Clare, roughly. I dont drive south much. Well see but I really wnated to see one, otherwise Im still open to suggestions.

Thanks!

[Happybeerbuzz]

If you insist on shopping local, check out a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock and pair it with either a Shimano Casitas or Lews Speed Spool LFS.  All three are mainstream products and either reel combined with the rod will cost you right at $150 not including tax or line.  My $0.02 is that you shouldn’t go cheaper than $100 on a casting reel especially through brick and mortar.  The drop off in performance and durability is substantial below that.

[ChrisD46]

Dobyns rods / Lew's reels ... There are other good suggestions above as well - but one thing I have learned is : "Buy Once - Cry Once" as you generally get what you pay for .

[WRangler506]

I bought a real (Fuego) so now Im just looking for the rod. 

 

Anyone have any experience with the Premier series crankbait rods?

 

Also, cabelas has the ZX crankbait rod, and also a ZX "crankshaft" rod, both M and MH. Which one are people using? I believe I tried the ZX crankbait M/M. 

 

Does anyone use a fast action for smaller crankbaits? Im not new to fishing, just baitcasting, and dont normally have any issue keeping fish hooked up. I wasnt sure if that was big reason for a moderate action.

 

I found a great deal on the premier in MH/M but Im thinking that is going to be too heavy for smaller cranks.

 

The only ones I really know of that Im considering are:

St Croix Premier M/M

ZX crankbait M/M

Dobyns MH/M (since Im told it fishes lighter than normal MH)

[WRangler506]

Im also still considering the Mojo 7MH/MF, but I didnt really like the handle and reel seat, but the blank felt nice just a tad heavy.

 

How does the premier M/M or MH/M compare to that?

 

Generally as you go up in st croix blanks they get stiffer for the same rating, for my spinning setups. Im wondering if they do the same here and the premier Mh/M would be perfect then, being slighly softer than the mojo.

 

I dont want a glass rod at all. Im trying to keep things light also.