Here are my setups. What am I missing?

[WRangler506]

I just picked up my first real baitcasting rod, and it a dedicated crankbait rod Dobyns Champ 705C (MH/MF). I CANNOT WAIT to try it out!

 

1....Im debating on if I need a M/F or MH/F baitcasting rod also (spinnerbaits,jigs). Is that too similar or would it be useful? I dont really do the extreme heavy cover stuff at all.

 

I currently have spinning setups on:

St Croix   LTB 63 MLXF and MXF (I basically only use for vertical jigging)

St Croix   LTB 610 MLXF             (dropshot and any light plastics)

St Croix Avid X 68 MXF               (jerkbait, jigs, heavy dropshot)

Fenwick ETB 70 MF                     (been using for spinnerbaits and small/med cranks)

 

2....So, the only other rod I find myself wanting usually is more of an all purpose spinning rod, like a 66 or 70 ML/F, just to go general fishing that can do most anything under 1/2 oz. All these XF rods are great for sensitivity, but I prefer fishing and fighting fish on a ML/Fast. Just feels right to me.

 

Do one of these jump out as what is more useful? Maybe I should try some small spinnerbaits and cranks on the 610MLXF. Now that I have some nice specialty rods, I wish I had bought less, but more versatile setups. I guess sometimes its nice to have things pre-rigged though, even if one rod could do them all.

 

If I could start aaaallllll over again, the first rod I bought should have been a 66 ML/F (or 7ft). I just love that rod. Im just not sure I need it now....

 

I swear this is the last rod Im buying....I hope haha

 

[WRangler506]

Sorry meant to post this is The Rods forum... Any way to get this moved?

[Choporoz]

You'll see it written here on BR a LOT - MHF Baitcasting is one of the more versatile rods you can own.  There's a reason...and not just for heavy cover.

 

41 minutes ago, WRangler506 said:

 I dont really do the extreme heavy cover stuff at all

May want to consider it.  Big bass do do the heavy cover stuff.

[NHBull]

MH/F may be the most versatile rod on the planet 

[WRangler506]

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

You'll see it written here on BR a LOT - MHF Baitcasting is one of the more versatile rods you can own.  There's a reason...and not just for heavy cover.

 

May want to consider it.  Big bass do do the heavy cover stuff.

Absolutely. I have been considering it, but was trying not to make my post too long. I grew up fishing that way, with equipment that was not right for the job, but it was fun.

[Dens228]

I agree with the MH/Fast.   In a pinch I will use that for everything except my heavier swimbaits. 

[Vilas15]

Where are you located? Do you fish smallmouth or largemouth? What type of water? Based on the fact that you have two rods for vertical jigging I'd say you fish walleye, and also smallmouth in clear lakes based on the baits you fish and the fact that you've made it this far without a baitcaster.

 

If that's correct then I am in a similar situation. I'm working on getting a crankbait rod but my only other baitcaster is a 7' M/F that I use for jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks. I have no need for a MH/F casting rod since there is very little heavy cover to fish and I don't fish big jigs or heavy plastics.

[WRangler506]

2 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

Where are you located? Do you fish smallmouth or largemouth? What type of water? Based on the fact that you have two rods for vertical jigging I'd say you fish walleye, and also smallmouth in clear lakes based on the baits you fish and the fact that you've made it this far without a baitcaster.

 

If that's correct then I am in a similar situation. I'm working on getting a crankbait rod but my only other baitcaster is a 7' M/F that I use for jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks. I have no need for a MH/F casting rod since there is very little heavy cover to fish and I don't fish big jigs or heavy plastics.

Yes good guess. I fish Michigan and Ontario. Rivers for walleye jigging, and trying to do more in lakes.

 

Bass, mainly smallmouth in clear or stained waters, nothing too dirty at all.

 

If I had a rod and technique in mind maybe I wouldnt steer clear of the weeds and thick stuff. The large mouth just dont have the number like smalls do where I fish normally.

[haggard]

Quote

You'll see it written here on BR a LOT - MHF Baitcasting is one of the more versatile rods you can own.  There's a reason...and not just for heavy cover.

 

Can you elaborate on the reason(s)?

 

To me a MH BC seems slightly too stout as a most versatile; I'd think a M/F BC would be the ticket.

 

 

[Graham]

I’m with everyone on the mh/f. Truly does it all besides 2oz plus baits. It is worth it to get a higher end one with my experience. Some of the cheaper ones don’t do the lighter tackle as well. With my g loomis imx mh/fast I’m able to feel a dink peck at a Ned rig. 

11 minutes ago, haggard said:

To me a MH BC seems slightly too stout as a most versatile; I'd think it a M/F BC would be the ticket

It certainly has backbone, but with a fast tip the backbone is only there for when you need it. I’d say it’s versatility is in the fact that it has that stoutness all while retaining maximum sensitivity. I find a mh/f really shines with medium sized jigs, worms, and t-rigs. It isn’t going to be the perfect rod for everything, but it does MOST things pretty well considering. 

[haggard]

20 minutes ago, Graham said:

I’m with everyone on the mh/f. Truly does it all besides 2oz plus baits. It is worth it to get a higher end one with my experience. Some of the cheaper ones don’t do the lighter tackle as well. With my g loomis imx mh/fast I’m able to feel a dink peck at a Ned rig. 

It certainly has backbone, but with a fast tip the backbone is only there for when you need it. I’d say it’s versatility is in the fact that it has that stoutness all while retaining maximum sensitivity. I find a mh/f really shines with medium sized jigs, worms, and t-rigs. It isn’t going to be the perfect rod for everything, but it does MOST things pretty well considering. 

Thanks for the info. Maybe I haven't given my MH/F a fair chance and I wrongly assume it will be less sensitive than the M/F. I'm so happy with the M/F's versatility that I admit I rarely use the MH/F and reserve that only for heavier lures. In general I tend to fish slightly on the lighter side of things so that could be a factor.

[Graham]

23 minutes ago, haggard said:

Thanks for the info. Maybe I haven't given my MH/F a fair chance and I wrongly assume it will be less sensitive than the M/F. I'm so happy with the M/F's versatility that I admit I rarely use the MH/F and reserve that only for heavier lures. In general I tend to fish slightly on the lighter side of things so that could be a factor.

Absolutely! Fish what is comfortable for you and the situations you find yourself in. Just wanted to let you know why I enjoy the mh/f so much. I for sure know what you mean about enjoying that fight better with some of the smaller fish. That’s where my fly rod or my little ultra light come in!

[Angry John]

If your using a lot of light line in clear water I would choose a specialty rod and be done.  Dont have any idea what your price range is but the lure range on the 71mlf phoenix k2 is amazing.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_K2_Torzite_Casting_Rods/descpage-PK2.html

It really will toss the light baits and a 3/8th jig is no problem.  It might be the king of versitility in its range and is no slouch in the sensitivity department.  A different choice would be the 7mf st Croix le.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Legend_Elite_Casting_Rods/descpage-LE.html

The Croix i's a little more powerful and another favourite.  If I was only to own one casting rod one of those two would be top of my list.

[WRangler506]

I appreciate all the info here. I think Im going to look for a 6'8"-7' M/F or MH/F casting rod. I want to use it for jigs, tubes and spinnerbaits. I dont want to go too heavy, but I havent tried any in this range yet.

 

I think Im set on spinning setups for now.

[WRangler506]

Im looking at the 70 MH/F Avid X, but some reviews say its tip heavy. WHat are some of the good options out there for 68-70 Mh/F?

[Choporoz]

Would be great if you could get to a store and handle a few different ones.  I have 7' MHF rods from four different manufacturers...and they all have very different feels.  Unfortunately all have been recently phased out, so I won't recommend any specific ones.  If I was going to order one right now (max $200) without holding it, I'd base it upon everything I've read, and I'd get a Tatula (not xt), Avid, St. Croix, Kistler, IRod, or Dobyns and be confident in my purchase....or I'd try to find someone familiar with three or more of them and pick their brains.