Equipment Overhaul

[West Fishigan]

After much research on this site, reviews on TackleTour, etc., I completely overhauled my mostly cheapie starter rods and reels with the intention of upgrading while also incorporating the practical 3-rod approach roadwarrior suggested some years ago. Made the final purchases today; feels like freakin Xmas. Here's where I ended up:

 

AVC70MHF paired with Curado DC (7.4:1) - All purpose rod with 30-40lb braid to a 8-12lb leader: heavier T-rigs, carolina rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits, large plastics, large swimbaits, topwater, light pitching/flipping (two techniques I haven't used much yet).

 

 

AVS68MXF paired with Stradic Ci4+ C3000HG (6.0:1) - All purpose finesse rod with straight 8lb invizx: light plastics, light t-rigs, small swimbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits 1/4 oz or less, neds, nekos, wacky-style, shakeyheads, splitshots, but most of all, dropshots.

 

 

CDCC72M paired with Curado 200K (6.4:1) - Primarily a cranking stick with straight 12lb invizx, but really most treble hook applications, jerkbaits over 1/4 oz, etc.

 

 

Went with the Avid over the Avid-X because I prefer the full grip. If the Curado cranking rod doesn't work out, I'll look to replace it.

 

I hesitated on the finesse set up for 2 reasons.

 

Cabelas in my area was sold out of the Ci4+ 2500s by 10AM for the big father's day sale. Sportsmen's Warehouse offers price match, but they only had 3000s. I was concerned about the balance with a sub-7ft medium powered rod, but the weight is actually the same (6.7), so I went with the 3000. I could probably hold out until I can find a 2500 if I had to, but is there a reason to? 

 

Second was length and action of the spinning rod. Knew I wanted medium power, but wavered between fast and x-fast, as well as 6'6", 6'8" or 7', especially because I love to dropshot. Countless discussions and comments on this site about dropshot specific rods versus dropshot capable rod, etc. etc. The AVS68MXF was specifically mentioned a few times and I chose it over an AVS66MF and an AVS70MF. 

 

They all feel great in my hands, balance seems fantastic, and I think they cover the technique spectrum fairly well; I cannot wait to try them out.

 

If there any techniques I'm missing, or you think would be best tried on one of the other rigs, please let me know. Thanks to all out there for sharing their knowledge and experience.

[Columbia Craw]

Now it's time to fork out for a better scratching post.

[West Fishigan]

1 minute ago, Columbia Craw said:

Now it's time to fork out for a better scratching post.

I supply the catnip. I know a guy.

Actual pic of the cat.

 

[jimmyjoe]

   Well, you've got the easy part all finished. Now comes the hard part. Don't worry; it's hard but FUN!

 

   Get used to each rig. Get used to the feel, the balance on off-angle casts, the hookset and the sensitivity. Don't have it set in your mind that you're gonna use this or that setup for this or that technique; experiment and keep an open mind. You've got three excellent rods and three excellent reels there. They'll be capable of many different things, and might just surprise you.

   Be prepared to change lines if you think it might benefit you. If you saved the old supply spool, you won't have to throw your change-out line away. Again, what you're doing is experimenting. You may end up liking a totally different line than what you think right now..... or not.

   Pay attention to YOUR results, and how they compare to YOUR expectations. You're the fisherman, not someone else. Everyone here can give you advice, but ultimately it's gonna be your decision.

   The decision to go with the 3000 spinning reel was fine. Absolutely fine. Don't worry about it.

  

   Two other things: 1) save all your receipts. Accidents can happen, and warranty usually requires a receipt. 2) I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway; keep your reels cleaned and lubed. You'll want to get the best out of them that you can.

   Good luck!    jj

  

[West Fishigan]

10 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   Well, you've got the easy part all finished. Now comes the hard part. Don't worry; it's hard but FUN!

 

   Get used to each rig. Get used to the feel, the balance on off-angle casts, the hookset and the sensitivity. Don't have it set in your mind that you're gonna use this or that setup for this or that technique; experiment and keep an open mind. You've got three excellent rods and three excellent reels there. They'll be capable of many different things, and might just surprise you.

   Be prepared to change lines if you think it might benefit you. If you saved the old supply spool, you won't have to throw your change-out line away. Again, what you're doing is experimenting. You may end up liking a totally different line than what you think right now..... or not.

   Pay attention to YOUR results, and how they compare to YOUR expectations. You're the fisherman, not someone else. Everyone here can give you advice, but ultimately it's gonna be your decision.

   The decision to go with the 3000 spinning reel was fine. Absolutely fine. Don't worry about it.

  

   Two other things: 1) save all your receipts. Accidents can happen, and warranty usually requires a receipt. 2) I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway; keep your reels cleaned and lubed. You'll want to get the best out of them that you can.

   Good luck!    jj

  

Thank you man! I can't even sleep, I'm so excited about the weekend. 

 

Your advice makes a lot of sense. I actually created a fishing log spreadsheet early in the spring (not proud of this level of nerd-dom) so I can track results, see what works, when, where, etc. 

 

The reel maintenance point was even better. When i was rolling with big box store combos, I didn't think about it much. The shimano reels all came with some oil, I'm going to put this insomnia to work and find some reel maintenance vids right now. 

Also, document retention is no problem; still have the bank statements from my first "Young Saver" or whatever account at my local credit union from 25 years back. You know, just in case. Ha!

 

Receipts go in the "Fishing" file folder in my actual file cabinet. Dang things are really adding up to. 

[Scrapiron]

Great advice on this thread- and you made some awesome combos! Those Avid rods have stood the test of time- quality right there. Same with Shimano.

 

As far as cost- I wouldn’t stress. Those combos will last YEARS and still perform well. That’s pennies per day. The ole ‘buy once cry once’ cliche is true... just don’t tell the bait monkey!

 

 

[BrianMDTX]

Very nice rigs. You do have some “fun” work ahead! 

[NavyVet1204]

I am literally in the same phases of experimentation as you right now friend. You seem to be light years ahead in knowing what your doing as far as gear than I do lol. 
 

All I know is that I love T-Rigs and top water techniques so I am building around those two at the moment. Great looking setups you have too!

[West Fishigan]

1 hour ago, Scrapiron said:

Great advice on this thread- and you made some awesome combos! Those Avid rods have stood the test of time- quality right there. Same with Shimano.

 

As far as cost- I wouldn’t stress. Those combos will last YEARS and still perform well. That’s pennies per day. The ole ‘buy once cry once’ cliche is true... just don’t tell the bait monkey!

 

 

Thank you! I can already hear the bait monkey whispering about how a medium light spinning rod would make a great dedicated dropshot rod. He also likes boats, which seems a little out of his bait related territory and is, IMO, just being obnoxious.

 

44 minutes ago, NavyVet1204 said:

I am literally in the same phases of experimentation as you right now friend. You seem to be light years ahead in knowing what your doing as far as gear than I do lol. 
 

All I know is that I love T-Rigs and top water techniques so I am building around those two at the moment. Great looking setups you have too!

Thank you man, I'm so pumped! I started about 2-3 years ago, so I've had a lot of time to absorb knowledge found on the web, especially this site and especially the helpful videos. I honestly think Glenn is one of the best all around presenters in this format out there, and there are a lot to choose from. 

 

One of the first hurdles is just absorbing the terminology so you can understand the dialogue. It's a big hurdle, because there is a lot to take in and sometimes different things are called by different names, ie splitshot rig/mojo rig, not to mention the disagreements between very knowledgeable folks about techniques, equipment, and so on. I find I am hitting a point now where I can understand more than half the conversations going on, so my rate of learning is increasing. You'll get there too.

 

T-rigged stick baits are what really got me going with fishing!

[NavyVet1204]

59 minutes ago, West Fishigan said:

Thank you! I can already hear the bait monkey whispering about how a medium light spinning rod would make a great dedicated dropshot rod. He also likes boats, which seems a little out of his bait related territory and is, IMO, just being obnoxious.

 

Thank you man, I'm so pumped! I started about 2-3 years ago, so I've had a lot of time to absorb knowledge found on the web, especially this site and especially the helpful videos. I honestly think Glenn is one of the best all around presenters in this format out there, and there are a lot to choose from. 

 

One of the first hurdles is just absorbing the terminology so you can understand the dialogue. It's a big hurdle, because there is a lot to take in and sometimes different things are called by different names, ie splitshot rig/mojo rig, not to mention the disagreements between very knowledgeable folks about techniques, equipment, and so on. I find I am hitting a point now where I can understand more than half the conversations going on, so my rate of learning is increasing. You'll get there too.

 

T-rigged stick baits are what really got me going with fishing!

This place is great and the folks here have been awesome and I am very grateful for them!

 

My first shaky head bass this season got me hooked. Then the second one on a 5 inch senko worm and the rest is history. Prior to this season, I didn’t know anything about bass fishing except that curly tail worms looked cool. That’s it. Now I’m progressing as you stated and I can’t get enough!

[WIGuide]

You've got some nice combos there for sure! I think you definitely made the right call on the finesse combo. That 6'8" M/XF is a great finesse rod and very capable of what you're wanting to do with it. The ML/XF is a little better suited for the dropshotting, but I feel the M/XF better suites the rest of what you're wanting to use it for so it's the best choice for you. 

[West Fishigan]

18 minutes ago, WIGuide said:

You've got some nice combos there for sure! I think you definitely made the right call on the finesse combo. That 6'8" M/XF is a great finesse rod and very capable of what you're wanting to do with it. The ML/XF is a little better suited for the dropshotting, but I feel the M/XF better suites the rest of what you're wanting to use it for so it's the best choice for you. 

Thank man! If you are in Wisconsin, I would guess the conditions you fish are fairly similar to mine in West Michigan, ie, lots of clear natural lakes.  Out of curiosity, where do you fall on rod length preference for an ML/XF used for dropshotting? Do you prefer a 7'?

[MIbassyaker]

Niiiice.

[Derek1]

Awesome man, I’m excited for you. Really nice  gear you got to. While your in the process of experimenting don’t forget to switch the reels and rods around. Definitely try the dc on the cranking stick. Have fun you have a great weekend ahead of you. 

[WIGuide]

On 6/12/2020 at 9:06 AM, West Fishigan said:

Thank man! If you are in Wisconsin, I would guess the conditions you fish are fairly similar to mine in West Michigan, ie, lots of clear natural lakes.  Out of curiosity, where do you fall on rod length preference for an ML/XF used for dropshotting? Do you prefer a 7'?

I live in a part of the state blessed with a mix of water colors, but we do have some very clear lakes around here. I love the 6'10" length. It's short enough I can still be accurate if I'm target casting or trying to fish under my transducer, but long enough I chuck it out there a good ways too. I use nanobraid too which ups the casting distance a bit more. 

[West Fishigan]

Post-weekend update:

 

Not many catches (cold front passed through late last week), but my dreams were punctuated by the pleasant whir of the digital braking system. ?

 

Also, the sensitivity of the AVS68MXF is fantastic!! 

 

All in all, very happy. Thanks everyone. 

[Vilas15]

On 6/11/2020 at 9:46 PM, West Fishigan said:

 

Cabelas in my area was sold out of the Ci4+ 2500s by 10AM for the big father's day sale. Sportsmen's Warehouse offers price match, but they only had 3000s. I was concerned about the balance with a sub-7ft medium powered rod, but the weight is actually the same (6.7), so I went with the 3000. I could probably hold out until I can find a 2500 if I had to, but is there a reason to? 

No, especially when its the same frame with a bigger spool resulting in the same weight. The bigger spool means faster retrieve speed and line should come off a bit easier for a small increase in casting distance. I don't believe there's any difference in drag washer size (but someone can correct me if im wrong). With something as light as a Ci4 you run the risk of throwing off the balance with the smaller sizes because they are too light for a 7' rod.

 

All very nice stuff. Youve got all the bases covered with those 3 combos.

[MIbassyaker]

4 hours ago, West Fishigan said:

Post-weekend update:

 

Not many catches (cold front passed through late last week), but my dreams were punctuated by the pleasant whir of the digital braking system. ?

 

Also, the sensitivity of the AVS68MXF is fantastic!! 

 

All in all, very happy. Thanks everyone. 

I have the Avid X version of that same rod... it is really special. You made the right choice. The only thing you mentioned above that I don't typically do with it is drop shot and ned, but it will suffice in a pinch. For those, I use the same as what wiguide suggests above: a 6'10 ML/XF.