Rod for Shimano Stradic 2500

[rodney126]

Looking for rod recommendations. I have a Shimano Stradic ci4 2500 spinning reel. I use 12lb braid line because the area I love to fish is heavy in weeds. I use mostly soft plastic worms and other soft finesse baits. I catch mostly 2.5 to 3.5lb bass out of my spot with hopes of catching bigger in same area that I have seen bigger. My budget is about $225. My previous rods have been kast king but have gone through 3 of them, they keep breaking.

[mrpao]

A shimano Zodias would match up to it nicely.

Take your pick of lengths and action.

[Michigander]

I have nothing but good things to say about the Atled series rods, and it looks like they are 15% off for Presidents Day.

 

https://cajunrods.com/collections/atled™-inshore-saltwater-rods 

 

 

[jbsoonerfan]

I would look at the Shimano Zodias or Expride. I like the Expride's better than the Zodias but they are both really good rods. I would probably go with a MH if it is as weedy as you say, otherwise I would go with a M.

[FishTank]

St. Croix Avid 7' MF.  You can do pretty much anything with this rod.   12lb braid will also work fine on this rod.  Depending on the the lures you use, a ML might also be a good choice in the Avid. 

[Jig Man]

The Avid isn’t a bad choice.  I have 2 of them on Shimano 2500 reels.  

[Bakablo1]

I've heard the zodias are a lot stiffer than most rods...any1 with personal experience with them? 

[rodney126]

2 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I would look at the Shimano Zodias or Expride. I like the Expride's better than the Zodias but they are both really good rods. I would probably go with a MH if it is as weedy as you say, otherwise I would go with a M.

Would the Medium power work with 12lb braid even though it says to use between 5-10lb line weight?

[jbsoonerfan]

I use 15lb Sufix 832 with a M Crucial and with a ML Zodias and I haven't had any issues. I let the drag do the work with spinning reels as I am almost always using them in open water.

[rodney126]

44 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I use 15lb Sufix 832 with a M Crucial and with a ML Zodias and I haven't had any issues. I let the drag do the work with spinning reels as I am almost always using them in open water.

I would prefer a medium, I think you answered my question. Thank you. I am going to try the newer model m zodias. By the time july hits there is a floating weed bed 15-20 wide going around the entire reservoir, so when there done spawning they go out past the bed and when I land one that is 3lbs pound it is like reeling in a 10lb when dragging it through the weed bed.

56 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I use 15lb Sufix 832 with a M Crucial and with a ML Zodias and I haven't had any issues. I let the drag do the work with spinning reels as I am almost always using them in open water.

One other question, would you go with the 6'9" or the 7" for inshore bass fishing and is one better than the other for longer casting

[5by3]

Expride 7’ medium. Hard to find in stock but wonderful rod. Haven’t fished the Zodias, but I’d imagine it’s similar for a little bit less $

[jbsoonerfan]

1 hour ago, rodney126 said:

One other question, would you go with the 6'9" or the 7" for inshore bass fishing and is one better than the other for longer casting

I would go 7' for shore fishing unless you fish where there are a lot of trees or other obstacles in the way.

[Scud_Muffin]

Another for the Expride 7’ Medium, it’s an insanely good rod that can do most everything in finesse techniques. I think it’s one of the best Shakyhead rods out there. Plus it actually balances better with that particular model and that particular reel. The Vanford or Tatula models are too light for it but the stradic balances perfectly. 
 

My experience with the Zodias is that they are quite stiff.

[jbsoonerfan]

6 minutes ago, Scud_Mufffin said:

Another for the Expride 7’ Medium, it’s an insanely good rod that can do most everything in finesse techniques. I think it’s one of the best Shakyhead rods out there. Plus it actually balances better with that particular model and that particular reel. The Vanford or Tatula models are too light for it but the stradic balances perfectly. 
 

My experience with the Zodias is that they are quite stiff.

The Stradic weighs 6.7 oz and the Vanford 2500 weighs 6.3, not much difference.

[Scud_Muffin]

16 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

The Stradic weighs 6.7 oz and the Vanford 2500 weighs 6.3, not much difference.

Stradic 2500 weighs 7.9 oz according to their website. My 3000 weighed 8.0.

 

edit: oh that’s on me, went back and looked at OP and saw it was the ci4 stradic not the FL being referred to. 

[jbsoonerfan]

1 minute ago, Scud_Mufffin said:

Stradic 2500 weighs 7.9 oz according to their website. My 3000 weighed 8.0.

Not the Ci4

[Cigarguy]

Double check your technique.  3 rods breaking (over what time period?) while fishing seems a lot to me.  An expensive rod will break as well as a cheap rod if technique is off.  Car doors and tailgates are an equal opportunity heart breaker.  For that reason I have some cheaper rods to abuse.  Under certain conditions I don't need the sensitivity and there is a high likely hood of a broken rod.  So out comes my cheap rods.

[rodney126]

12 minutes ago, Cigarguy said:

Double check your technique.  3 rods breaking (over what time period?) while fishing seems a lot to me.  An expensive rod will break as well as a cheap rod if technique is off.  Car doors and tailgates are an equal opportunity heart breaker.  For that reason I have some cheaper rods to abuse.  Under certain conditions I don't need the sensitivity and there is a high likely hood of a broken rod.  So out comes my cheap rods.

First the tip broke setting hook, I probably was a little rough, but still it happened so easily, second the third guide down from the top got loose over a two week period for no apparent reason, third I just barley knocked the rod guide (one of the bigger ones) against a park bench and it broke right off. all three kast king pedigrees.  I also fish from spring until early fall 4-6 days a week and 4-8hrs a day

Oh all broke in one and a half seasons

[Randy Price]

I agree with @FishTank and @Jig Man.  The Avid is a great rod!

[optimator]

I picked up an Avid X last week. Nice rod. It'll most likely replace my Sierra 692s.