Retiring a rod/the search begins.

[rtwvumtneer6]

I've finally got to the point where I am strongly considering retiring my first ever baitcast combo (at least from tournament fishing).

 

The setup is a BPS JM Titanium 8 7'2 MH/F paired with a 6.8:1 Carbonite reel.

 

The gasket in the butt of the rod is constantly coming out, exposing a sharp edge.  Gorilla glue works for a short time, but on the water repair is frustrating. The grip is worn down to next-to-nothing, and one of the line guides is held on by a wrap of braid and adhesive.  The reel, though it has never completely failed, makes a wonderful grinding/buzzing noise even after a thorough cleaning, and feels like it could seize up at any time. 

 

The reel, sure I can replace that.  I'll welcome the opportunity to add another Curado to the collection.  

But, the rod... Which I found out of dumb luck (and on sale... I had a $200 combo budget at the time) was discontinued a while ago.  

 

When this was my only casting combo, it did anything I needed it to.  Jigs and Texas rigs, poppers and buzzbaits, lipless, etc. But, the bread and butter... The sweet spot... This became my ideal spinnerbait rod.

 

If you've made it this far, thanks for sticking around.  You've already realized that I need to replace a rod which is no longer available.  And so the search begins.  It is my goal to find a replacement by next spring.  The rod selection in the stores in my area is limited so what I'm asking is for a few suggestions of your favorite spinnerbait rods.  Primarily throwing 3/8-1/2oz in shallow water.  I am not going to set any particular price, length, power or action.  Just asking for your personal preference and I'll take it from there.

 

All the best,

RT 

[FishTank]

I have been using a St. Croix Avid 7' MH Fast with an older Shimano Curado G for spinner baits but I tend to use the 1/2oz and above spinners baits.  If I went smaller, I would use the same rod in a Medium but I have not purchased one yet.   

 

On a side note, this rod can be used for just about anything except small crankbaits.  It's my go to general purpose rod.  

 

[Big Rick]

St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy

MJC70MHMF - Spinnerbait. A perfect rod for searching open water with big spinnerbaits for active fish. The moderate fast action on the rod is perfect!

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-STCROIXRODS.html?from=basres

[Derek1]

If you like the bps rods try the carbon light 2.0. Great rod for the $. When it was my only casting rod it did everything. I didn’t feel wanting while throwing Spinnerbaits. Now I throw them on my fury 705 cb. I feel it does a great job with them. There both $120. Good luck in your search. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

On 9/26/2019 at 8:27 PM, Derek1 said:

If you like the bps rods try the carbon light 2.0. Great rod for the $. When it was my only casting rod it did everything. I didn’t feel wanting while throwing Spinnerbaits. Now I throw them on my fury 705 cb. I feel it does a great job with them. There both $120. Good luck in your search. 

I own a few BPS products.  I tend to only buy them when they are on a significant sale.  Closest BPS is 3 hours for me, but I have handled the Carbonlite. I believe 7'3 MH/XF.  Nice rod, but it's not going to make the cut here.  I'll be sure to check out the dobyns when I can.  Thx.

On 9/26/2019 at 4:42 PM, Big Rick said:

St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy

MJC70MHMF - Spinnerbait. A perfect rod for searching open water with big spinnerbaits for active fish. The moderate fast action on the rod is perfect!

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Mojo_Bass_Casting_Rods/descpage-CMB.html

Thanks.  I think Gander might carry these... I hope.  Especially if that 40% "sale" hits my store.

[rtwvumtneer6]

@Derek1 I picked up a Fury 734 today.  Seems like it's going to make for a pretty good spinnerbait rod.  I'll find out for sure tomorrow.  

 

[Derek1]

Cool, hope you like it. 

[Fishes in trees]

I got my latest spinnerbait rod at Academy Sports.   They are the sole distributor for All Star Rods ( so they claim & I've no reason to doubt them).  They make several different levels of rods, all reasonably priced (to me at least).  The Academy store in Kansas City currently carries 3 lines.  The basic one ( blueish grey ) and then a purple one and then a neon chartreuse one.  Can't handle the neon chartreuse color, so I haven't bought any of them.  They market a 6'10"  Spinnerbait rod that compares very favorably to the old All Star Zell Rowland spinnerbait special that they marketed when the All Stars were made in Texas.

 

On the subject of discontinued rods, the AETOS line of Fenwick rods used to contain a 6'8" MH rod that worked great for spinnerbaits & square bills , again in my opinion.  Keep looking, and you'll find one that you like.

[rtwvumtneer6]

@Fishes in trees I'm in PA so no academy for me.  I picked up a Dobyns Fury 734 at Field and Stream and took it out yesterday.  It's going to work well.  I actually prefer a little length on my spinnerbait rods.  But, thanks for the recommendation.  

 

I'm traveling to Texas at the end of the month and hope to check out an academy while I'm there.