ReggieT Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 Looking to upgrade a bit over my old school do it all Spinning "Ugly Stick" rods. I toss small/medium crank-baits about 40%, spinnerbaits/buzzbaits 30%, and plastics the remainder of the time. I'm blessed to be in a better season of life financially and ready to get more serious about my fishing as well. Here are a few I'm researching & considering: * St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod * Fitzgerald Vursa Series *Fenwick Elite Tech Bass Spin Rod REELS: * Pflueger Summit XT Spinning Reel * Daiwa BG * Pflueger President XT Quote
LCG Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 I have a st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod paired with a Pflueger President XT 30 and its awesome. Does everything I want a spinning combo to do. Mixed feelings on fenwick. I have an hmg medium light that I like but the elite techs I looked at all had loose reel seats, apparently a common problem of that line. 1 Quote
Joshua van Wyk Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 12 hours ago, ReggieT said: Looking to upgrade a bit over my old school do it all Spinning "Ugly Stick" rods. I toss small/medium crank-baits about 40%, spinnerbaits/buzzbaits 30%, and plastics the remainder of the time. I'm blessed to be in a better season of life financially and ready to get more serious about my fishing as well. Here are a few I'm researching & considering: * St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod * Fitzgerald Vursa Series *Fenwick Elite Tech Bass Spin Rod REELS: * Pflueger Summit XT Spinning Reel * Daiwa BG * Pflueger President XT I would get a Dobyns Fury 703 or 704 depending on what weights you're planning on throwing. Paired with either a Daiwa BG or Fuego LT. Mojo Bass is a nice rod but too stiff for my liking, and since you're planning throwing cranks I wouldn't go with the Mojo. 2 Quote
punch Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 The Daiwa Taula Elite spinning rods are FANTASTIC and the non-AGS guide rods can be had for around $150 (or lower) with various coupon codes and sales. They are more for finesse techniques however. 1 Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted January 10, 2019 Super User Posted January 10, 2019 I picked up a St. Croix Avid X 6'9 ML/XF and a Daiwa BG in size 2000 for finesse fishing, opting to spend more on the rod and less on the reel. I'm very happy with both the rod and reel. The BG feels like a much more expensive reel minu the extra weight, but it balances with the Avid X quite nicely (which I hear with a really light reel may feel tip heavy, and I'd believe it). I have a couple of Mojo Bass casting rods as well, they're nice rods too. I would go with the Daiwa BG over the Pflueger President XT unless weight is a big deal for you. The BG has a larger sized spool which will give a better hookset and also lose less loops, which is occasionally an issue on the President. 1 Quote
Super User PhishLI Posted January 10, 2019 Super User Posted January 10, 2019 Bank fishing in a few of my favorite spots means I'm dealing with a lot of low, overhanging trees. Impractical for a rod over 6'6". I went with the Daiwa Tatula XT M. The rod's lure rating covers a pretty wide range. I chose the BG 2500 spooled with 30lb J-Braid. I can change leaders quickly with a blood knot, or go straight braid for heavier cover. I fish lots of techniques with this setup, and with a sling pack I'm traveling light with 4 3600 boxes. I can cover lots of real estate. The BG has a 1st rate gear train. Super smooth, but most reels are these days. Never had a wind knot even when it was spooled with 8lb mono. I pay attention to line management, but things happen. Not with this reel. It's not super light like a Tat LT, but not a brick either. I have a few XT Bass rods and I've whacked branches multiple times. Happens even if you're careful. Haven't lost a guide or broken a rod. They're pretty tough. Oh, and the two biggest, baddest bass I've caught in my life were both on medium spinning Daiwa XT rods, so i have a soft spot for 'em. Good Luck with your search! 1 1 Quote
punch Posted January 11, 2019 Posted January 11, 2019 4 hours ago, Boomstick said: I picked up a St. Croix Avid X 6'9 ML/XF and a Daiwa BG in size 2000 for finesse fishing, opting to spend more on the rod and less on the reel. I'm very happy with both the rod and reel. The BG feels like a much more expensive reel minu the extra weight, but it balances with the Avid X quite nicely (which I hear with a really light reel may feel tip heavy, and I'd believe it). I have a couple of Mojo Bass casting rods as well, they're nice rods too. I would go with the Daiwa BG over the Pflueger President XT unless weight is a big deal for you. The BG has a larger sized spool which will give a better hookset and also lose less loops, which is occasionally an issue on the President. Avid X's are really the only St Croix's that DON'T feel "tip heavy" haha. The micro guides makes them way more balanced than the Legend rods. 2 Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted January 11, 2019 Super User Posted January 11, 2019 2 hours ago, punch said: Avid X's are really the only St Croix's that DON'T feel "tip heavy" haha. The micro guides makes them way more balanced than the Legend rods. Well like I said it feels perfectly balanced with a slightly heavier Daiwa BG... Quote
Turkey sandwich Posted January 11, 2019 Posted January 11, 2019 There's some really great gear in the flea market forum right now that matches your price range. 1 Quote
JLBBass Posted January 12, 2019 Posted January 12, 2019 On 1/10/2019 at 3:22 PM, Boomstick said: I picked up a St. Croix Avid X 6'9 ML/XF and a Daiwa BG in size 2000 for finesse fishing, opting to spend more on the rod and less on the reel. I'm very happy with both the rod and reel. The BG feels like a much more expensive reel minu the extra weight, but it balances with the Avid X quite nicely (which I hear with a really light reel may feel tip heavy, and I'd believe it). I also own a pair of Avid X 6"9' MLXF's, and use a couple size 35 Patriarch XT's (7.2 oz) on them. They seemed to be a "tad" tip heavy, if you are using them "tip up" for presentations. So I use a light rubber butt cap to balance the combo. 3 Quote
ReggieT Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 Hey Guys, I just found this gathering dust in my garage...had forgotten I even had it! Is this a decent bait-caster to learn how to transition some from spinning reels? Bass Pro Shop Extreme - ETX 1000LPHA Mine is at home, but this is a pic of the exact same reel... I also just ordered this online: Berkley Series One® Casting Rod 7' Model#BCX1701MH 1-$40.00 Quote
JLBBass Posted January 12, 2019 Posted January 12, 2019 9 hours ago, ReggieT said: Hey Guys, I just found this gathering dust in my garage...had forgotten I even had it! Is this a decent bait-caster to learn how to transition some from spinning reels? Bass Pro Shop Extreme - ETX 1000LPHA Mine is at home, but this is a pic of the exact same reel... I also just ordered this online: Berkley Series One® Casting Rod 7' Model#BCX1701MH 1-$40.00 Probably not. I'm guessing that reel is well over 10 yrs old, probably more like 20, and baitcasters have come a loooooong way since. The braking systems on many now are soooooo much improved, making it a breeze to learn. I would go to Pfluegers website, and grab a Supreme XT for $59 (regular price is $149), with free shipping, and without breaking the bank, learn on that. It only has a simple centrifugal brakes, but it will be alot better than what you have there. I prefer a multi brake system, that uses magnetic & centrifugal braking. The Pflueger Patriarch & Patriarch XT uses that, and are also in clearance for $79 (regular price of $199) & $99 for the XT (regular price of $249). 1 1 Quote
Super User dodgeguy Posted January 12, 2019 Super User Posted January 12, 2019 Can't beat a BPS Johnny Morris signature series rod in that price range. Put a top of the line Lew's spinning reel on it for $129. Stay away from graphite -carbon framed spinning reels. To much neck flex. 1 Quote
bayvalle Posted January 12, 2019 Posted January 12, 2019 13 hours ago, ReggieT said: Hey Guys, I just found this gathering dust in my garage...had forgotten I even had it! Is this a decent bait-caster to learn how to transition some from spinning reels? Bass Pro Shop Extreme - ETX 1000LPHA Mine is at home, but this is a pic of the exact same reel... I also just ordered this online: Berkley Series One® Casting Rod 7' Model#BCX1701MH 1-$40.00 Enjoy. I have a couple of Dobyns Fury's and a St Croix Mojo Bass which I enjoy but I also enjoy my Berkeley Lightning rod. Berkeley makes a great rod for that price range. I would agree that the new technology makes current reels much easier to use. Piscifun makes a great inexpensive starter baitcast reel ($35), once it's tuned it doesn't backlash. They usually need a little oil out of the box. 1 Quote
waymont Posted January 13, 2019 Posted January 13, 2019 For me it's the Daiwa Tatula 6'6" medium spinning rod. The new version with the awesome cork handles. Super light and sensitive. Very well made rod. Check Ebay, there are some around for around $100.00 too. I have mine paired with Tatula LT 3000 shallow spool reel. Best balanced spinning rig I've ever felt. 1 Quote
ReggieT Posted January 13, 2019 Author Posted January 13, 2019 15 hours ago, PolarKraft195Pro said: Probably not. I'm guessing that reel is well over 10 yrs old, probably more like 20, and baitcasters have come a loooooong way since. The braking systems on many now are soooooo much improved, making it a breeze to learn. I would go to Pfluegers website, and grab a Supreme XT for $59 (regular price is $149), with free shipping, and without breaking the bank, learn on that. It only has a simple centrifugal brakes, but it will be alot better than what you have there. I prefer a multi brake system, that uses magnetic & centrifugal braking. The Pflueger Patriarch & Patriarch XT uses that, and are also in clearance for $79 (regular price of $199) & $99 for the XT (regular price of $249). Thanks for the info. I'm salivating over @ the Pflueger site right now...?? Quote
JLBBass Posted January 14, 2019 Posted January 14, 2019 On 1/13/2019 at 3:27 AM, ReggieT said: Thanks for the info. I'm salivating over @ the Pflueger site right now...?? CRAZY GOOD DEALS RIGHT THERE!!!!? Quote
Super User Deleted account Posted January 14, 2019 Super User Posted January 14, 2019 On 1/12/2019 at 2:32 AM, ReggieT said: Hey Guys, I just found this gathering dust in my garage...had forgotten I even had it! Is this a decent bait-caster to learn how to transition some from spinning reels? Bass Pro Shop Extreme - ETX 1000LPHA Mine is at home, but this is a pic of the exact same reel... I also just ordered this online: Berkley Series One® Casting Rod 7' Model#BCX1701MH 1-$40.00 Yes. That is a rebranded Pinnacle Extant. 6 pin centrifugal made in Korea by Silstar. I have a bunch of it's big brother (all metal, more bearings) and I've had zero issues with them. It has one of the free floatiest (technical term) waffle spool there is. 1 Quote
ReggieT Posted January 15, 2019 Author Posted January 15, 2019 6 hours ago, reason said: Yes. That is a rebranded Pinnacle Extant. 6 pin centrifugal made in Korea by Silstar. I have a bunch of it's big brother (all metal, more bearings) and I've had zero issues with them. It has one of the free floatiest (technical term) waffle spool there is. Thanks. Looks like my bear paws? may have rendered it in-operable though. The plate came off of the area that houses the brakes and when I "finally" got it back on, the reel handle will turn, but the spool no longer turns or moves...something goofy happened!?? Got any trouble shooting ideas? I'm lost on bait casters period.... Quote
ReggieT Posted January 15, 2019 Author Posted January 15, 2019 Had to cancel this order...they refused to give me the discount advertised...after nabbing my email!! Berkley Series One® Casting Rod 7' ? Quote
OnthePotomac Posted January 15, 2019 Posted January 15, 2019 There are several good rods in your stated price range and my favorite has been the BPS Carbonlites for several years, all of which I purchased for $100 on sale, or less. The newest Carbonlite has the Winn gripes and are super comfortable with which to fish. In the end every one has a favorite. 1 Quote
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