Shimano Expride or Poison Adrena spinning rod for TR weightless Senko

[TBAG]

I currently have a spinning setup that I only use for 4" or 5" texas rigged or wacky rigged weightless Senkos. It's a St. Croix Avid X 68MXF paired with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500.

 

It's been great and I've landed some nice fish on the setup, but the reel seat hurts my hand after a long period of time.

 

I'd like to upgrade to a Shimano Expride or Poison Adrena but would like some advice from those in the know.

 

I'm looking at shorter rods which I prefer for this technique so I think the Expride 68mxf would be best. Now, on the Adrena, I'm confused, what is the best length and power rod for weightless Senkos? 611mh?

[bwjay]

I had the Expride and found it comfortable with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500. It was a decently stiff rod, definitely earned its XF taper rating. I would have preferred a slightly softer tip to help cast lighter baits (like a 1/6oz Ned), but it was very sensitive as a result. I don't remember how many 5" Senkos I threw on it, but at ~3/8oz they should be in the sweet spot for that rod. I'd think the 6'7MLRF Poison Adrena to be good for 5" Senkos as well, if only a little bit underpowered.

[thunderblack]

You will certainly want the 6'11 MH for 5" worms. The 6-7 is a sweet little rod but very finesse oriented. The specs are odd on the rod but I think you'll need more power.

[TBAG]

1 hour ago, bwjay said:

I had the Expride and found it comfortable with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500. It was a decently stiff rod, definitely earned its XF taper rating. I would have preferred a slightly softer tip to help cast lighter baits (like a 1/6oz Ned), but it was very sensitive as a result. I don't remember how many 5" Senkos I threw on it, but at ~3/8oz they should be in the sweet spot for that rod. I'd think the 6'7MLRF Poison Adrena to be good for 5" Senkos as well, if only a little bit underpowered.

 

Thank you sir! Have you fished both the Expride and Poison? I'm curious if it's worth the extra $ for the Poison.

 

Yes, the 6'7 ML looks like it would be underpowered for a 5" senko and the 4/0 EWG I use.

 

1 hour ago, thunderblack said:

You will certainly want the 6'11 MH for 5" worms. The 6-7 is a sweet little rod but very finesse oriented. The specs are odd on the rod but I think you'll need more power.

 

Thanks, have you fished both the Expride and Poison? Yes, I agree, if I go with the Poison I'll be going with the 6'11 MH.

[bwjay]

44 minutes ago, TBAG said:

 

Thank you sir! Have you fished both the Expride and Poison? I'm curious if it's worth the extra $ for the Poison.

 

Yes, the 6'7 ML looks like it would be underpowered for a 5" senko and the 4/0 EWG I use.

 

 

Thanks, have you fished both the Expride and Poison? Yes, I agree, if I go with the Poison I'll be going with the 6'11 MH.

I have not fished any Poison Adrenas (unfortunately). Based on what I've read, you do get what you pay for, with the premium over the Expride. I will say that I think a MH is overpowered for a weightless 5" Senko (if you're not dragging fish through dense vegetation) but there's no M to fit in the middle so you kind of have to go to the MH if you want the PA.

[thunderblack]

58 minutes ago, TBAG said:

Thanks, have you fished both the Expride and Poison? Yes, I agree, if I go with the Poison I'll be going with the 6'11 MH.

I did own the poison 6'-7" briefly and returned it. Probably should have gave it a chance but handle seemed small to me. Also like longer length rods than 6'-7". Own an expride caster and have handled the spinners in most models but have not fished one in spinning. They are a great value for sure. I also would recommend the Daiwa BLX in spinning. Its a very nice option as well.

[TBAG]

I'm now throwing the new Zodias in the mix, looking at the 69MF.

 

I'll probably order this weekend to take advantage of the sale.

[Mat_ski]

I know you are asking for a spinning rod, but 611 M+ casting adrena is ideal for weigthless trig senkos.

Otherwise, I would definitely go with the heavier spinning for trig. 

[TBAG]

3 hours ago, Mat_ski said:

I know you are asking for a spinning rod, but 611 M+ casting adrena is ideal for weigthless trig senkos.

Otherwise, I would definitely go with the heavier spinning for trig. 

I only fish Senkos and Ned with spinning gear, and won't ever change that.....

 

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Mastermarsh]

Recently purchased the Expride 68MXF and have it paired with a Stradic 2500 Ci4. It's sole function is senko fishing and I couldn't be happier. Feels great in hand, It has enough backbone to pull bigger fish out from under docks, and a fast enough tip to accurately skip senkos a mile. 

 

Have used the adrena, but not the new zodias. Still think the expride is best suited for what you want.

[TBAG]

4 hours ago, Mastermarsh said:

Recently purchased the Expride 68MXF and have it paired with a Stradic 2500 Ci4. It's sole function is senko fishing and I couldn't be happier. Feels great in hand, It has enough backbone to pull bigger fish out from under docks, and a fast enough tip to accurately skip senkos a mile. 

 

Have used the adrena, but not the new zodias. Still think the expride is best suited for what you want.

Nice, thanks for the help. I'm seriously leaning towards the Expride. Especially since it has pretty much the same specs as my current Avid X which I love everything about but the reel seat makes my hand hurt. 

[thunderblack]

Hey TBAG, I would say I am a shimano fan boy and I have fished expride, BLX, GLX, and adrena and a few others. Not to throw another in the mix but if you want a comfortable handle and good quality rod check out the Daiwa tatula too. Impressive rod for the $ and the handle is a great design. Expride is an impressive rod too. Daiwa handle is better in my opinion.