Would I be happy with a Shimano Ci4+ as an "All Arounder?"

[NETim]

First of all, I am no one's idea of a great/serious/master bass fishin' guy.  In my neck of the woods, LM bass is the dominant predator fish (other than walleyes).   So maybe I need to get with the program.  I do love chasing smallies, but that's a Canada thing and I'm using ML spinning rods to do that work.  

 

Anyway, would a Shimano ci4+ work as an unweighted Senko, frog, spinnerbait "do everything" kind of reel? Provided I had it on the right rod(s) anyway.   

 

I have old Curado 200E5's signed up for pike duty for the Canadian trips.  They have served me well.  Tranx's and Abu7000's do the Muskie'ing.  So I consider myself fairly well acquainted with bait casters.  

 

I'm just really starting to pursue LM bass as again, they're here.  I don't have to drive far to find them.   

 

Thanks!

[MN Fisher]

You'd also have to change out line. What you'd want to use for frogging in cabbage wouldn't be good for weightless Senkos.

[FishTank]

I would think you would be ok with senkos and light spinnerbaits but frogs, to me, is bait casting setup lure, usually with 12-15lb mono or 40-50lb braid and Heavy rod.  

 

My do all set up for spinning gear is a St. Croix Avid MH Fast with a Shimano Stradic FI and 6lb FC. 

 

 

[Spankey]

I have that reel on a St. Croix Avid ML-XF (Plastics). I Love it. How I’m using it may not be as an all-a-rounder but as you said with the correct rod it could be. 

[LCG]

Canadian here, Ontario to be specific. We have tons of largemouth bass here. That reel will do you just fine for more finesse techniques like Ned rigs, weightless plastics, top water poppers, etc. Spinnerbaits and Frogs can be done but that would be a totally different rod.

 

I personally prefer baitcasting setups for spinnerbaits and larger texas rigs. I have caught plenty of 4-6lb smallies and largemouth on my 6'8 M-XF and a Stradic FL. Use that rod for senkos, light texas rigs, and Ned rigs. 20lb braid to 6-8lb leader. 

 

A buddy uses a Stradic Ci4+ for Frogs and spinnerbaits, but on a Medium-Heavy/heavy rod. He does very well with it. 

[Randy Price]

I own 6-8 2500 Ci4+ that are on various St. Croix rods.  I have been very happy with them!