Recommend me a Spinning Reel Rod to pair with Stradic CI4+

[Retsynus]

Hi,

 

I’m new to freshwater fishing. I’ve been researching a ton and have narrowed down my selection to the Stradic CI4+ (Probably 10lb braid tied to light leader 4lb?) plus either:

Shimano Expride 6’8 M or 6’10 ML

Shimano Zodias 6’8 M or 6’8 ML

G.Loomis E6X (not sure which one here...I’m seeing mixed reviews.)
 

I plan on using this in Eastern Sierras, Mammoth, Bishop area, plus maybe some local lakes in SoCal.

 

Another thing I’m seeing is that there’s a new Stradic FL in the same price range? Is that a reel I should consider? 

I understand this should be a a finesse setup, I’m hoping I’m in the right direction...also budget around 400-450.

 

Thank you for the help!

 

[LCG]

Hello and welcome. Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you want. The stradic line of reels is very nice, the ci4+ being a bit lighter. The FL looks pretty nice though. 

 

As for rod, it's very personal. Length, materials of the blank, grips, guides, etc. Any of the rods you mentioned would serve you well. Of course depending on what techniques you are wanting to use it for. 

 

Myself personally, I use a Bass Pro Carbonite 2.0 6'8 M-XF as my all around spinning rod. Mainly used for Ned rigs, neko, wacky, drop shot, and weightless texas rigged worms. For reference, the rod is rated for 4-8lbs and lure rating of 1/8-1/2oz lures. I also find this length to be a sweet spot. 

 

I have also used similar spec rods from Fenwick, Shimano, St Croix, and lesser brands. I would recommend going to a local store and holding the rods and seeing their action in person. I actually had no intention of buying the Carbonite until I held it. It's now my favorite spinning rod. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! I agree with @LCG, you seem to have some choices

laid out. I don't have experience with either, so no help there. I can also

recommend BPS Carbonlites. I have earlier versions but would have no

problems recommending the 2.0 as they've maintained their reptutation.

 

As for braid, 10# is fine. I use 10 and 15# Power Pro and Super Slick 8.

Leaders are your choice. I'll go down to 4 and up to 15, but tend to go

with 6, 8, 10 pound tests on average.

 

The FL is getting solid reviews. I love my CI4+ 1000 (I use 1000 size

for all my bass fishing). Tackle Advisors absolutely loves the new FL....

 

 

[Retsynus]

@Darren. @LCG Thank you both so much for providing your feedback. Truly appreciate the help here! I was actually able to snag a great deal (i think) on an Expride Medium! I just pulled the trigger! I haven't been able to hold one in hand, but watched so many videos on youtube and read pretty much every single thread I was able to find in the search bar on BassResource, I feel pretty good about this decision. 

 

I've been freshwater once last year to Mammoth to catch some trout/bass (mostly trout), and picked up a few jigs ranging from 1/8oz - 1/2oz (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Kastmaster, Mepps) but didn't have any success. Wondering if the range of the jigs I currently have will perform well on my rod. I know the line rating says 3/16 - 1/2 oz, but does that mean the sweet spot would be the middle of the weight range for future jigs I should purchase/use? If you guys have any suggestions for further tackle, I'm open to suggestions too! Thank you so much again. Excited to get into the freshwater game!

[LCG]

1 hour ago, Retsynus said:

Wondering if the range of the jigs I currently have will perform well on my rod. I know the line rating says 3/16 - 1/2 oz, but does that mean the sweet spot would be the middle of the weight range for future jigs I should purchase/use?

In my experience the middle is always the sweet spot. But make sure to take the weight of the plastic bait into account along with the weight of the jig or weight.

 

If your looking for Bass and are new to it, then keep it simple to start. Buy a pack of 4/0 Ewg hooks and a bag of 5" senkos, Texas rig it, and let it fall on semi slack line. enjoy :). That expride looks pretty nice hope you enjoy it, heard a lot of good things about it.

 

To learn more techniques, read the forums here, a wealth of information. 

[Retsynus]

@LCG @Darren. I just found a few sweet deals and am torn between rods again  what are your thoughts on the G Loomis IMX Spin Jig SJR720? I also am thinking the Expride Medium Light might be a better option as well vs the Medium I had in mind. Mainly because if I’m looking at Rod lure ratings, all the lures I plan on throwing are .06 oz lighter...I don’t know how much of a difference that makes, but makes me think I should be maybe looking into the Medium Light Expride or should I go even further with finesse and go for the IMX? Only considering cus I found a price of close to $150 for the IMX, but not sure if it fits the profile. Any insight would be appreciated!

[LCG]

It comes down to two things. Technique and cover.

 

Open hook or treble baits in open water with no cover (weeds, grass, wood, etc) a medium light will do fine and it's a good fight. 

 

Larger baits, Texas rigged techniques, jig and worm, spinnerbaits, chatterbait, etc require a stiffer rod and a medium to medium heavy if around cover. 

 

Medium is more versatile. It's not just about casting its about getting the fish out safely, assuming you are catching and releasing.

 

Every rod company is different and with no industry standard for power and action, buying a rod sight unseen is not advised unless you know the rods characteristics. Every person has their own preference as to what they like as well, so take that into account when hearing advice from others.

 

No 1 rod will be perfect for all things, that why people own so many rods and reels. But in general terms a medium power fast action rod will be recommended most frequently for an all purpose rod. 

[Hulkster]

I have my stradic FK on a 2018 model E6X 892S. its an awesome rod. nice and long.

 

the 2018 model E6Xs are very good. the first generation (2015) rods can be hit or miss depending on the particular model. some are great, others not so good.

 

they improved things quite a bit for the second generation. 

 

Having said that, i would give my left arm for one of the new SJR IMX Pro rods that just came out. 

 

I like long rods, and, like the E6X many models are available in 7'5 and 7'6 lengths. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

Expride! It’s a shimano rod too, so all matchy matchy. 

[Randy Price]

I am a fan of the Ci4+'s.  I have four of them on two St. Croix  Legend Elite's and two Legend Xtreme's.  I have never had any issues.

[The Bassman]

Zodias 6'8" ML would be perfect.