Rate, Rave, and Rant on my Daiwa Tatula All-Encompassing Rod/Reel Setups!

[LeoSolo]

I have decided on investing in the BEST two rod/reel combos that will cover the vast majority of my fishing needs/desires when taking into account: 

1) Value/price     2) Technique/Fishing Versatility     3) User friendliness

 

These rods will be both: 1) Spinning Medium Fast Action  and 2) Baitcasting Medium-Heavy Moderate Action.

 

1) Spinning                                                                           2) Baitcasting:

Rod: St. Croix Premier 6'6 Medium Fast Action ($120)          Rod: Daiwa Tatula Elite Series  7' Medium-Heavy Moderate Action ($150) [TAEL701MHRB-G]

Reel: Daiwa Tatula LT (I own this)                                       Reel: Daiwa Tatula 150 7.3:1 ($100) [TAT150HSL]

Purpose: Finesse, Dropshot, lighter tackle for smaller fish       Purpose: Crank/Jerkbaits/Frog/Topwater for larger fish in heavier cover 

 

What do you guys think? I listed the prices of items I recently purchased (some were on sale). Depending on feedback, I can still return them since they have not been used yet

 

A bit about myself: I am beginner fisherman trying to step up to the intermediate-level. I live in Los Angeles County and fish in these Southern California fresh/salt waters. I only fish from bank, pier/dock, or shore/rock outcropping. No boat access.

 

 Questions: Any recommendations on rod size? I opted for a 6'6 medium because I am 5'8 and I didn't want the rod to be too long

Should I wait and look for a Fast-Action for the MH Baicaster? I could only find the Elite Series in a Moderate Action for that price.

 

Thanks upfront for all your expert fishing advice!  

 

[evo2s197]

Since I own numerous  St. Croix rods, bordering on insanity may I ask.. are you stuck on The Premier line only?

 

And what kind of heavy cover are you talking about? To me heavy cover is the Delta and the back sloughs of Clearlake.

 

[LeoSolo]

5 minutes ago, evo2s197 said:

Since I own numerous  St. Croix rods, bordering on insanity may I ask.. are you stuck on The Premier line only?

 

The Premier was the only one I found on sale. After tax and shipping, the rod was about $120. I know the AVID/Legend are better but, again I was trying to go cost-effective on these two setups...But perhaps I'd consider going up to $150. What do you recommend?

[RoLo]

 

"Cost-effective" and "Best" make strange bedfellows.

Are you looking for open suggestions, or a critique on your selections?

 

Roger

[evo2s197]

I would go with the Mojo Bass casting model# MJC68MHF

 

And the Mojo Bass spinning model# MJS620MLXF

 

Both of these will suit your needs perfectly.

 

PM me and I can give you details on a discount.

 

And change the baitcaster to a Tatula 100

 

A rod that can handle heavy cover and used for crankbaits also, doesn't really exist. You could make it work but you really need a dedicated cranking rod IMO.

[LeoSolo]

1 hour ago, RoLo said:

 

"Cost-effective" and "Best" make strange bedfellows.

Are you looking for open suggestions, or a critique on your selections?

 

Roger

I am definitely open to both suggests and constructive criticism! Fire away  

1 hour ago, evo2s197 said:

I would go with the Mojo Bass casting model# MJC68MHF

 

And the Mojo Bass spinning model# MJS620MLXF

 

Both of these will suit your needs perfectly.

 

PM me and I can give you details on a discount.

 

And change the baitcaster to a Tatula 100

 

A rod that can handle heavy cover and used for crankbaits also, doesn't really exist. You could make it work but you really need a dedicated cranking rod IMO.

I see! I will send you a PM :). 

 

With regard to the Tatula 100...I stupidly thought that a Tatula 150 would be better...Do you mind explaining why the 100 is better than the 150? 

 

The crankbait rod is what I wanted so maybe I should get rid of the need to handle "heavy cover" with my baitcaster. 

[evo2s197]

1 hour ago, LeoSolo said:

I am definitely open to both suggests and constructive criticism! Fire away  

I see! I will send you a PM :). 

 

With regard to the Tatula 100...I stupidly thought that a Tatula 150 would be better...Do you mind explaining why the 100 is better than the 150? 

 

The crankbait rod is what I wanted so maybe I should get rid of the need to handle "heavy cover" with my baitcaster. 

The Tatula 100 will cast better, palm better and its lighter, plus it doesn't have a ultra deep spool that you dont need.

[Bluebasser86]

You will be very disappointed in a M/F Premier for the techniques you intend to use it for IMO.

[LeoSolo]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

You will be very disappointed in a M/F Premier for the techniques you intend to use it for IMO.

I see! I actually understood what I actually want is not cranking...rather I want a fishing rod to fish jerkbaits! Do you have a recommendation for jerkbaits?