First High End Setup/Advice

[Skele21]

I have a 7'6  MH Glass Shimano Intenza w/ Daiwa Fuego CT (about $200). I intend to use this setup for cranking (or suggestions)

my 2nd setup is a Lew's Spinning Carbon Fire Speed stick M/F w/ Daiwa Regal Airbail for finesse applications (about $100). 

I have two other cheap casting setups but honestly they probably wont be fished again. 

 

I'm interested in finesse applications so I planned on upgrading. I'm only interested in Ark Rods at the moment, I'd like to give them a try before going with what has the most reviews.

The rod is a 7'1 M/XF casting rated for 1/16-1/2oz lures and 8-14lb line. The techniques are - Finesse Jig, Underspin, Ned Rig, and plastic worm. I know that spinning gear is better for light lures, and I'm not against buying another one but if possible I'd like to stick to a casting setup. I've read that it would require a more expensive reel, which is fine but which reel do you think would do the job? I've heard Daiwa Pixy, or Shimanos aldebaran and antares but is there any other options?

 

Also, what leader brand would you use? (besides seaguar red label).

 

[FishTank]

In the Shimano line up you can go with just about anything that has the MGL spool or is a size 70 reel.  

 

I have not used this one but I think it will do... The JDM Scorpion MGL.  It will be a step up from what you have, cast light lures, and it looks pretty cool.  

 

For the rod, a lot of members here like the Arc rods you mentioned but I am kind of old school so for what you are looking to use I would go with the St. Croix Avid M Fast.  It's a very versatile rod, good warranty, and kind of a no brainer when it comes to quality and price. 

[Cityangler7]

The Shimano Scorpion 70/71 is a winner, I would look at the Dobyns Champion Extreme 742c for the applications you are describing. 

[Ogandrews]

I would strongly consider getting the Shimano expride if you can afford it. It’s mid 200’s but fishes like a rod that costs over 400, truly an unbelievable rod for the money. Id recommend either the 7’2” medium light +, pretty much a medium, or the 6’10” medium. You will be happy you went with the expride if you do I promise you. If you want to step up in price than I would go to the g Loomis glx, don’t need to say how good of a rod they are. Not trying to diss on you wanting to try ark out but there is a reason these rods are so well known for being good. For reels go with Shimano, if it’s in your budget obviously the Aldebaran is a sweet finesse reel. The metanium mgl or dc is another good option, so is the chronarch mgl. If you want to get something cheaper the curado 70 is a good reel but not like the others.

[RichF]

I have 3 Ark Snipers and they're actually pretty nice. They retailed for $200 but I got them all under $100 when they were on closeout on TW.  Don't think I would've paid full price (could get a Zodias for the same price) but they're definitely good rods. Plenty sensitive, light, strong, simple clean build. I really like the guide size (little larger than micros). I will say, I think these rods are stiffer than their ratings so the Medium action you're looking at might be a bit too much for super finesse stuff like neds. What Ark are you looking at anyway?

[Fishes in trees]

Side note to prior posts, I own a Curado 70.  I'm a Shimano guy.  Compared to other iterations of Curados, Chronarch, Calcutta, Calais I find it challenging to adjust in variable winds which happen alot.   I think it is a great reel, once you get it dialed in for that day, but compared to the other Shimano models mentioned, it is challenging to get it adjusted right.  IMO.   I would point out that I'm using it to pitch soft plastics into cover, 15 or 17 lb fluorocarbon line.  I generally start the day with a 3/16 oz tungsten weight and a tx rigged stick bait.

[Skele21]

13 hours ago, FishTank said:

In the Shimano line up you can go with just about anything that has the MGL spool or is a size 70 reel.  

 

I have not used this one but I think it will do... The JDM Scorpion MGL.  It will be a step up from what you have, cast light lures, and it looks pretty cool.  

 

For the rod, a lot of members here like the Arc rods you mentioned but I am kind of old school so for what you are looking to use I would go with the St. Croix Avid M Fast.  It's a very versatile rod, good warranty, and kind of a no brainer when it comes to quality and price. 

Thanks I think I’m going to go with the scorpion MGL, I also thought about the Avid I’ve heard good things and plan to get a St.Croix sooner or later.

 

6 hours ago, RichF said:

I have 3 Ark Snipers and they're actually pretty nice. They retailed for $200 but I got them all under $100 when they were on closeout on TW.  Don't think I would've paid full price (could get a Zodias for the same price) but they're definitely good rods. Plenty sensitive, light, strong, simple clean build. I really like the guide size (little larger than micros). I will say, I think these rods are stiffer than their ratings so the Medium action you're looking at might be a bit too much for super finesse stuff like neds. What Ark are you looking at anyway?

I actually heard the same thing about them being on the stiffer side, the specific rod is the Reinforcer RFC71MXC.

 

Thanks everyone for your help so far, I’m at work so couldn’t respond to everything.

[RichF]

1 hour ago, Skele21 said:

I actually heard the same thing about them being on the stiffer side, the specific rod is the Reinforcer RFC71MXC.

Try searching the forum for more on the Reinforcer.  I know another member did a pretty nice review of one not too long ago.  A flagship rod from a small, lesser know company is a tough sell for most.  There are some REALLY nice rods in that $350 price range.  Definitely not trying to discourage you though.  I would love to see other brands gain some traction in  the market.  Hearing about Loomis, Dobyns, and Shimano gets old (full acknowledgement that these are great brands).  If you decide to get it, please share your review on here!

[Efishin]

12 hours ago, RichF said:

I have 3 Ark Snipers and they're actually pretty nice. They retailed for $200 but I got them all under $100 when they were on closeout on TW.  Don't think I would've paid full price (could get a Zodias for the same price) but they're definitely good rods. Plenty sensitive, light, strong, simple clean build. I really like the guide size (little larger than micros). I will say, I think these rods are stiffer than their ratings so the Medium action you're looking at might be a bit too much for super finesse stuff like neds. What Ark are you looking at anyway?

Have you tried any other Arks?

[RichF]

2 hours ago, Efishin said:

Have you tried any other Arks?

Nope. I'm really interested in the new Invoker Pro series though.

[Skele21]

On 4/10/2020 at 4:54 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I'm with you.  I've asked about other rods with little to no response.  Last time was an iRod Genesis II.  Not one reply.  It is easy to find reviews of the 3 brands you mentioned.  Not so easy for other brands.

 

OP.  You can get a much less expensive reel than an Aldebaran that will cast lighter lures.  How light are you going to be casting?  Two of the reels I learned to cast #5 Shad Raps on cost me $130 for the pair as a package deal.  Used gold colored Carbonlites.  New Aliexpress has a reel they sell for around $50-$60 that supposedly does quite well with lighter lures.

 The lightest I’ll probably throw is 1/16. I see a reel on TW that’s on sale, Daiwa JDM SV Light LTD. I can’t find many reviews but I was wondering if the deal is worth it or can I find better for $300.

[AmSO4]

Not really related to fulfilling the quest for a high end reel, but...

I have an XF-50.  First its a really cheap Chinese reel that may or may not hold up long.  It's not very smooth and feels really cheap.  But, it will cast a 1/16 weight on a true UL BFS rod.  If you are into this kind of stuff, which I am, the Fishband GH-100 is better for a cheap BFS reel.  It a Aldebaren BFS knockoff braking system.  I also have a real Aldebaren BFS.  Tsurinova has a newer, lighter spool version of XF-50 called the Spirit Fox also.  The spools of Spirit Fox and XF-50 are interchangeable.

FWIW, I sometime use a BFS reel with 20lb braid and pitch, skip and rollcast ¼ oz jigs.  The superlight spool makes it really easy and fun.

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, AmSO4 said:

I have an XF-50.  First its a really cheap Chinese reel that may or may not hold up long.  It's not very smooth and feels really cheap.  

Wow  I'm sold!

 

[AmSO4]

Not trying to sell it, just setting any expectations.  It's not an Aldebaren BFS in feel or refinement, but very close in light weight handling performance.  It is really amazing for a $50 reel to throw tiny crankbaits, little spoons or anything else of 2-3 grams a long way.  I use 4 lb line.  Not much else out there less than $200 or so, that can do it.  I have a place for it when I want to play that way.

[Skele21]

Just wanted to do a final update. I appreciate the suggestions and plan to use the info for future purchases.

I went with a Med/Fast Airrus Stargate Casting rod paired with the SLX DC. Throwing a 3/16 ned+bait into winds ranging 10-25mph was no problem. A light flick of the wrist sent her out there on 6lb fluoro. Minimal to 0 backlash (could be I’m better than I thought). I was just fishing a small pond to try it out and caught my PB Bluegill LOL. This is my first really expensive rod so maybe it’s a common trait. But the sensitivity on this stick is insane. It’s supposed to have some special megaphone handle. It felt like that bluegill hit like a truck. After a few more catches I started noticing a slight hum/vibration right before I got a bite, or it would almost feel like a rush of water hit my lure. Again I could be imagining all this to justify the purchase but, I’m a very happy camper. The one negative that I’ve encountered so far is the little piece of material between the reel seat and handle may get annoying unless you palm the reel. Also the rod kinda has a little weight to it, it’s easy to forget that it’s a medium, feels more on the MH side but it hasn’t bothered me so far. The SLX DC is also my first DC reel but I’m loving it. I hope this review helps someone down the line. Tight lines.