New setup advice wanted on spinning combo.

[Marc Hufnagel]

Hi there

 

Looking for advice on a new rod/reel combo since my birthday is coming up soon and happen to know I'm getting some gift cards from the in-laws to BPS/Cabela's this year.    

 

I just started fishing again after about a 40 year break and I want to get a really nice setup for bank finesse fishing and small lures for bass, some river fishing down in the southern Ozarks.    What I saw when I was there was some really nice items despite the run on all things outdoors lately.  

 

Here is what I am considering:

 

1. BPS Johnny Morris carbonlite 2.0 7' MF with a carbonlite 2.0 3000 spinning reel, using either stren or trilene xl 8#.

2. St Croix Premier 7' MF with a Pflueger Supreme XT 3000 with the same line.

3. Either rod from above with a Abu Garcia Revo SX 3000 or Pflueger President XT with the same line.

 

I may change out the line after I get used to the setup but feel that it would be a decent line to work with.   I'd really like to stay with the reel choices above unless there is a really good reason why I should not go with them.

 

Thoughts?   Thank you.

[Finessegenics]

All I can say is that St Croix is my favorite and I actually have a mojo bass rigged with a supreme xt.
 

The reel is super super lightweight and has the smoothest drag i’ve seen for that price point. Only thing to beware is that the handle is apparently fragile. Mine is perfectly fine so far and doesn’t feel fragile. It’s just that it is made out of magnesium (which is also why it is so lightweight) rather than aluminium like most other reels. Therefore rather than warping under excessive force, it snaps. Hasn’t been an issue for me but you’ll read reviews concerning that issue online.  
 

And in case you didn’t realize, Pflueger‘s size 30 is actually a standard 2500. The 35 would be a standard 3000. 

[Mr Swim Jig]

Don't think you can go wrong with option 2....

[Eric 26]

Although I don’t own combo 1 I own a casting version of the carbonlite 2.0 Using it for 2 seasons and a 1500 size 2.0 spinning reel (new version) purchased this past spring classic. The rod in my opinion is really sensitive and very comfortable in the hand and when on sale a great option. The reel is made by Daiwa a white colored regal lt i believe and is smooth as butter. I have a st croix premiere ‘6-6” light about 15 years Already and it is still one of my favorite rods for bluegill to bass it casts jigs to cranks to a bobber set up no issues.

[Marc Hufnagel]

11 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

All I can say is that St Croix is my favorite and I actually have a mojo bass rigged with a supreme xt.
 

The reel is super super lightweight and has the smoothest drag i’ve seen for that price point. Only thing to beware is that the handle is apparently fragile. Mine is perfectly fine so far and doesn’t feel fragile. It’s just that it is made out of magnesium (which is also why it is so lightweight) rather than aluminium like most other reels. Therefore rather than warping under excessive force, it snaps. Hasn’t been an issue for me but you’ll read reviews concerning that issue online.  
 

And in case you didn’t realize, Pflueger‘s size 30 is actually a standard 2500. The 35 would be a standard 3000. 

Thank you for your thoughts. I feel that the St Croix feels like a higher quality piece than the others (with a corresponding price).    

 

 I was not aware of the size difference with the Pflueger.    I just checked the line capacity on the President XT and the Supreme XT with 8# and see the president xt is 8/130 and the supreme is 8/190.   Both supposedly a 3000; I was under the impression that the 3000/4000 etc was related only to the line capacity because the spool was larger.   To complicate matters the BPS carbonlite 2.0 reel in 3000 shows 8/160.        So that being said - what does the '3000' actually signify?

11 hours ago, Mr Swim Jig said:

Don't think you can go wrong with option 2....

This combo does look and feel the highest quality in the hand at the store.  thank you.

1 hour ago, Eric 26 said:

Although I don’t own combo 1 I own a casting version of the carbonlite 2.0 Using it for 2 seasons and a 1500 size 2.0 spinning reel (new version) purchased this past spring classic. The rod in my opinion is really sensitive and very comfortable in the hand and when on sale a great option. The reel is made by Daiwa a white colored regal lt i believe and is smooth as butter. I have a st croix premiere ‘6-6” light about 15 years Already and it is still one of my favorite rods for bluegill to bass it casts jigs to cranks to a bobber set up no issues.

 

I like the color scheme here - and I understand if made by Daiwa that is a very good brand.  Any idea who actually builds the rod?

[Eric 26]

Not sure on the rod but the components are of good quality,the guides are Fuji not sure about reel seat and I’m a big fan of Winn grips.

[Marc Hufnagel]

2 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

Not sure on the rod but the components are of good quality,the guides are Fuji not sure about reel seat and I’m a big fan of Winn grips.

I've now seen them on a lew's at dicks and on the BPS, they seem nice and grippy.

[Eric 26]

I have 2 lews carbon fire rods with the solid red Winn grips and I really like them but overall the carbonlite rod is much better quality in my opinion.

[MIbassyaker]

41 minutes ago, Marc Hufnagel said:

Thank you for your thoughts. I feel that the St Croix feels like a higher quality piece than the others (with a corresponding price).    

 

 I was not aware of the size difference with the Pflueger.    I just checked the line capacity on the President XT and the Supreme XT with 8# and see the president xt is 8/130 and the supreme is 8/190.   Both supposedly a 3000; I was under the impression that the 3000/4000 etc was related only to the line capacity because the spool was larger.   To complicate matters the BPS carbonlite 2.0 reel in 3000 shows 8/160.        So that being said - what does the '3000' actually signify?

This combo does look and feel the highest quality in the hand at the store.  thank you.

 

I like the color scheme here - and I understand if made by Daiwa that is a very good brand.  Any idea who actually builds the rod?

 

The answer is unsatisfying:  The numbers signify nothing in absolute terms, only relative size compared to other models in the same line of reels by the same company.  There is no standard ...it is just that what Pflueger calls "30" is closest to the "2500" of other companies.  You are better served by ignoring the number and selecting a reel based on line capacity, drag strength, line pick-up (inches-per-turn), and weight.  However, much of the choice comes down to personal taste (what factors are you more willing to sacrifice for others), and it's hard to know what works best for you individually without some trial and error.  I can tell you that for Pflueger reels, I have settled on size 30 for rods under 7', and size 35 for rods 7' & up. 

[Eric 26]

I believe there is bps thread on hare referencing the bps patriot rod being made by tfo ,so maybe they make the carbonlite also?

[Fishes in trees]

For spinning rigs, you have many options out there - depending on what you want to do.  For me - a 7' rod might be a little long for finesse bank fishing.  Yeah - I know that the length might help you reach out over some stuff, but the length might also interfere with overhead stuff.  I don't know.  Back in the day I used to carry a machete when bank fishing, just in case a spot needed to be carved out a little bit.

 

For floating small Ozark rivers, I've found 6'6" or less to be best when floating, either from a float boat or a canoe or a tube.  Current personal favorite is a 5'9" Fenwick HMG Medium/extra fast tip.  I generally use 1000 size reels, either Shimano or Pflueger.  With a medium weight nano-fil ( 10 -12 lbs ) I can throw a 1/8 or 1/16 oz soft plastic as far as I need to.  I generally start out with a fluorocarbon leader but by the middle of the day and I've broke off the leader, using straight nanofil doesn't seem to hurt any.

 

I've been reading in In-fisherman about fishing semi weedy- fairly shallow, clear water main lake flats and they write about using 8' sometimes longer Medium/ Medium light rods to throw 1/16 oz jigs a long ways using 6 lb nanofil.   I want one of those rigs.

 

Oops - sorry - got off topic.  Back to the original post.  IMO - 7' is a little long for finesse bank fishing work, but I suppose you could make it work.   Not a fan in general of BPS rods.  Don't know anything in particular about the BPS rods being discussed.  Big fan of St Croix rods.  All for now.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I've never owned a BPS reel.  A buddy of mine had a few pro qualifiers a while back.  The line lay was really bad and caused constant wind knots.  I love finesse fishing I do a ton of DS, ned rigging and throw small keitechs all year.  Since your looking to use it for finesse bass I would recommend the St Croix Mojo Bass 6'10 ML XF.  The Mojos are made in Mexico instead of the US and sometimes the quality in workmanship isn't up to par with the US made rods.  Other than that its got a higher quality graphite blank that is lighter and more sensitive then the premier.   I can throw 1/32 close to 60 feet with the right line and soft plastic.  On the other end of the spectrum I throw a 1/2oz. kastmaster at cocktail blues with the same rod so it has a good range.  At first I didn't like the look of the split grip, but allows for a lighter rod and is the perfect place for a Fuji hook keeper if you don't want to scratch the blank.  As for a reel, Daiwa is the way to go.  For the money I don't think the Daiwa can be beat.  Light with smooth retrieve and drag.  I have 2, I have used 1 heavily for everything from crappie to surf fishing for taylor blues the other has been babied and they both feel identical.  They go for $100-$120, but you can get them on ebay for $80 if you look.  Long story short-

St Croix Mojo Bass 6'10 ML XF/Daiwa Fuego 2500D 

 

[dodgeguy]

I'd go with rod 1 and put a Lews spinning reel on it. Carbonlite 2.0 has a 10 year warranty. I've used bps rods since the 90s and they are great.

[Hower08]

I seen on another forum someone thinks KVD is just taking it easy to let other people feel what it's like to win. 

 

Ironically enough. This is what I do at most of our weeknight Derby's 

?

[Marc Hufnagel]

22 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

 

The answer is unsatisfying:  The numbers signify nothing in absolute terms, only relative size compared to other models in the same line of reels by the same company.  There is no standard ...it is just that what Pflueger calls "30" is closest to the "2500" of other companies.  You are better served by ignoring the number and selecting a reel based on line capacity, drag strength, line pick-up (inches-per-turn), and weight.  However, much of the choice comes down to personal taste (what factors are you more willing to sacrifice for others), and it's hard to know what works best for you individually without some trial and error.  I can tell you that for Pflueger reels, I have settled on size 30 for rods under 7', and size 35 for rods 7' & up. 

thanks for going in a bit on this, I think I follow what you are saying here.  I'll definitely try to look at other factors besides the spool size number.  I have noticed the IPT can vary quite a bit and it's more than one item coming into play there.   thank you!

17 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

I've never owned a BPS reel.  A buddy of mine had a few pro qualifiers a while back.  The line lay was really bad and caused constant wind knots.  I love finesse fishing I do a ton of DS, ned rigging and throw small keitechs all year.  Since your looking to use it for finesse bass I would recommend the St Croix Mojo Bass 6'10 ML XF.  The Mojos are made in Mexico instead of the US and sometimes the quality in workmanship isn't up to par with the US made rods.  Other than that its got a higher quality graphite blank that is lighter and more sensitive then the premier.   I can throw 1/32 close to 60 feet with the right line and soft plastic.  On the other end of the spectrum I throw a 1/2oz. kastmaster at cocktail blues with the same rod so it has a good range.  At first I didn't like the look of the split grip, but allows for a lighter rod and is the perfect place for a Fuji hook keeper if you don't want to scratch the blank.  As for a reel, Daiwa is the way to go.  For the money I don't think the Daiwa can be beat.  Light with smooth retrieve and drag.  I have 2, I have used 1 heavily for everything from crappie to surf fishing for taylor blues the other has been babied and they both feel identical.  They go for $100-$120, but you can get them on ebay for $80 if you look.  Long story short-

St Croix Mojo Bass 6'10 ML XF/Daiwa Fuego 2500D 

 

Other places in the forum I've found a lot of talk about the mojo bass rod.   Being a better blank can't be bad and only can help.    I see the BPS reel I mentioned is most likely just a relabeled Daiwa Regal LT.     I'll lookinto that combo and see if that's a possible way for me as well.  thanks for the idea.

[MIbassyaker]

1 hour ago, Marc Hufnagel said:

thanks for going in a bit on this, I think I follow what you are saying here.  I'll definitely try to look at other factors besides the spool size number.  I have noticed the IPT can vary quite a bit and it's more than one item coming into play there.   thank you!

Other places in the forum I've found a lot of talk about the mojo bass rod.   Being a better blank can't be bad and only can help.    I see the BPS reel I mentioned is most likely just a relabeled Daiwa Regal LT.     I'll lookinto that combo and see if that's a possible way for me as well.  thanks for the idea.

 

If you're looking at the mojo, check out the 6'8" M-XF (the "wacky style" model).  That particular length, power, and action for St. Croix is really special, and makes for a superb all-around spinning rod.  It is ideal for weightless (or lightly-weighted) plastics like senkos and flukes, but also excels at tubes, grubs, jigworms/shakyheads, as well as smaller topwaters and jerkbaits.

[Marc Hufnagel]

On 7/12/2020 at 12:03 PM, MIbassyaker said:

 

If you're looking at the mojo, check out the 6'8" M-XF (the "wacky style" model).  That particular length, power, and action for St. Croix is really special, and makes for a superb all-around spinning rod.  It is ideal for weightless (or lightly-weighted) plastics like senkos and flukes, but also excels at tubes, grubs, jigworms/shakyheads, as well as smaller topwaters and jerkbaits.

So the XF model would be a better all-around rod (vs F) if I could only have one then?

Ok my birthday is coming in about 2 weeksout now and I focused a little more and my wife after seeing some of the YT videos about the two reels I finally settled on -- I have to pick one to get it ordered since they are OOS at BPS and Cabela's.

 

Will use a st croix 6'8" M/XF mojo bass, would you rather a:

 

Shimano Stradic CI4+ or a Daiwa Tatula LT?    Mainly finesse bank fishing with senko/wacky/ some jerkbaits/topwater frog/jigworms etc.

[LCG]

I had a st croix Mojo 6'8" M-Xf. Great rod but fished a but heavy for my liking. Replaced it with a 6'8" M-Xf Carbonlite 2.0 spinning rod paired with a Shimano stradic FL. Could not be happier, it's exactly what I wanted and would buy another in a heartbeat if anything happened to it. Prior to pairing the rod with the Stradic, I used a pflueger president xt which was a decent reel for the money and never gave me any issues. 

[Derek1]

I have the carbonlite 2.0  M/f with a 2500 shimano nasci. It’s been great for everything I’ve used it for.