Replacing my spinning gear

[GeorgianBayBassin]

I'm looking to upgrade my spinning gear and have a few models narrowed down, looking for some user feedback or comparisons.  I'm looking to buy a 7' +/- M and 7'+/- ML I'd like to stay with the same make and series to avoid having two set ups labeled different but feel the same.  As I am in Canada the pricing on rods is quite a bit more and the availability isn't as good.  Based on availability I am planning on going with Daiwa Fuego 2500 LT reels they seem to be the best quality for money I can find and can get them locally, if I want to spend a little more I could go to the Shimano Nasci's.  The rod's that I'm torn between are:

- Daiwa Tatula

- St. Croix Mojo

- Shimano Intenza (Slightly above what I'd like to spend)

 

I've done some research and they all seem like good rods, however I haven't found much comparing these to each other.  If I've missed any others feel free to include them.

 

I'm planning on expanding my casting gear later this year/next year as well.  I don't care if my rods are matching but this would most likely be the makes and series I would be looking into as well so experience with these is welcomed too.
 

[LCG]

Fellow Canadian here, I have 3 carbonlite 2.0 rods from Bass Pro Shops and I really like their 6'8" M-Xf spinning rod. Might be worth checking out. 

[WRB]

Back in the 90’s Aaron Martens was sponsored by Megabass rods, expensive back in those! Aaron designed a new style handle for spinning rods with a tapered cork longer fore grip.

I remember thinking hat a strange design until picking the up with a reel mounted and instantly sold on this design, not the rod price.

Fast forward to around 5 years ago fishing with Don Iovino who always used Phenix rods, then Lamiglas after Phenix was sold. Don had prototype Japanese rods by Major Craft the spinning rod incorporated Aaron’s rod handle design. The handle wasn’t cork but performance was top quality.

Major Craft spinning rods are excellent choice for under $130.

If you like St Croix the Victory series spinning rods have Aaron’s handle design in cork! A little over your price point and the MLXF is too wimpy imo. The 7’1” MF is very good.

Tom 

[ironbjorn]

If you can get them in Canada, the Dobyns Sierra line might be the best rods for Smallies in the sub $200 price range ($160). 

 

[K1500]

I can’t help you with the rods, but I have two Daiwa Fuego reels in 2500 and 2500XT. While I like them, I believe I like the Daiwa BG better. I think they are within $10 of each other.
 

The BG is aluminum framed and a bit heavier, but it doesn’t have the stem flex of the Fuego. The Fuego is lighter and mag sealed, but it has a lot of stem flex. It probably doesn’t matter for function, but I find it kind of annoying. I fished one for almost a year before buying another, and I would swear that it didn’t have as much flex when new as it did after a year or two. 

 

Both are great reels and you would likely be happy with both, but I’ll be buying the BG moving forward.  

[Luke Barnes]

3 hours ago, LCG said:

Fellow Canadian here, I have 3 carbonlite 2.0 rods from Bass Pro Shops and I really like their 6'8" M-Xf spinning rod. Might be worth checking out. 

Curious what you use the M/XF for.

[JustJames]

Daiwa Fuego is good for its price. You shouldn’t  be disappointed at all or if you don’t need Magseal you can even get exceler for a little bit cheaper.

The rod, I love my Tatula Rod (original Eva foam handle) it is light weight and sensitivity is exceptional. It is versatile rod from finesse all the way to Senko. The new Tatula (cork handle) should handle the same. 
I don’t have St. croix in spinning but got Avid X in casting. Pretty light and nice bend.

Shimano Intenza this is the rod I wanna try in 7’6 Light but if it anything like Curado. I would pass. I actually sold mine M/F (rated for shakey head) a little bit heavier than Tatula, stiffer and stronger tip. It is good for wacky rig Senko, Shakey head, Texas rig and all, I sold it because I want a little less power for Finesse fishing. 
Majorcraft Nanoace. the one @WRBmentioned is nice too. Softer of them all but good balance, comfortable and sensitive. It might feel a little bit overload with 5” Senko but 4” Senko, 1/8oz Taxas rig this rod would perform exceptional well.

 

[LCG]

19 hours ago, Luke Barnes said:

Curious what you use the M/XF for.

I have it paired with a Shimano stradic FL 2500, spooled with 20lb braid to 6lb mono leader. I use this combo for Ned rigs, neko rigs, weightless trick worms, wacky rigged senkos, pretty much anything finness. Have used it with light cranks, inline spinner, and really light spinnerbaits if I don't have one of my other rods with me. If the cover is thicker, then I get rid of the leader and fish straight braid. I adjust my drag accordingly. 

 

It's a medium power so the xf action isn't super stiff, it gets to the power part of the blank quick but loads well from there. I have landed some nice size fish, up to 6lbs, with this set up. It's rated for 1/8 - 1/2oz and I tend to stay in the middle range 3/16-3/8oz. 

 

I have become a huge fan of the Carbonite rods. Their durable, sensitive, super comfortable, and decently affordable. 

[Finessegenics]

I can’t compare it to the others on your list but you’re looking in the right direction with the mojo. I own 4, 2 spinning and 2 casting. They fish great, I love the tapers on them. I’d highly recommend the 6’10 ML/XF. I have 7’1 M/F as well. I’ve heard great things about the 6’8 M/XF too.

[MiceNReets]

On 5/30/2021 at 7:41 PM, ironbjorn said:

If you can get them in Canada, the Dobyns Sierra line might be the best rods for Smallies in the sub $200 price range ($160). 

 

Unfortunately there is no longer a Canadian distributor for Dobyns rods in Canada.  ? 

[walleyecrazy]

I haven’t used the others, but you really can’t go wrong with the Tatulas in my opinion. I own the 7’ MF and the 7’6” MLF and they are both great rods for the money. 

[Michigander]

Intenzas are quite nice. Tatulas are fine. No experience with Mojos.

[Luke Barnes]

5 hours ago, LCG said:

I have it paired with a Shimano stradic FL 2500, spooled with 20lb braid to 6lb mono leader. I use this combo for Ned rigs, neko rigs, weightless trick worms, wacky rigged senkos, pretty much anything finness. Have used it with light cranks, inline spinner, and really light spinnerbaits if I don't have one of my other rods with me. If the cover is thicker, then I get rid of the leader and fish straight braid. I adjust my drag accordingly. 

 

It's a medium power so the xf action isn't super stiff, it gets to the power part of the blank quick but loads well from there. I have landed some nice size fish, up to 6lbs, with this set up. It's rated for 1/8 - 1/2oz and I tend to stay in the middle range 3/16-3/8oz. 

 

I have become a huge fan of the Carbonite rods. Their durable, sensitive, super comfortable, and decently affordable. 

I was sent a 6'10 M/XF casting rod by mistake and really liked the action on it and considered one for a while. Seems really versatile. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! ?? Good luck with your choice(s)!

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/30/2021 at 7:03 PM, GeorgianBayBassin said:

- Daiwa Tatula

- St. Croix Mojo

- Shimano Intenza (Slightly above what I'd like to spend)

I suspect you mean Zodias instead of Intenza?

All 3 are great, but I got a Tatula last fall and its probably my favorite all around finesse rod.  The ergonomics and design is what sets it apart for me.  The handle and locking nut are a 9.9 of 10, the locking nut doesn't back down and keeps the reel secure.  The weight of the longer handle is more then worth it.  Not only is it comfortable especially if you choke up, it accommodates a wider range of weight reels then most other rods without throwing the balance off, all you have to do is choke up or down a bit and you barley feel any weight at all from the 6'+ of blank above the grip.  The tip of the 7'1 ML is a little softer then a similar actioned SC, but it has a stout spine so setting hooks isnt an issue.  I have a Fuego 2500 on mine and the balance is great.  

 

[ErieCan]

I own a Fuego LT 2500D-XH (high speed), three Tatula bait caster rods and an Intenza spinning rod. 

 

The Fuego is a great reel at that price. The XH version is like 34" per turn so be aware of that model. 

 

The Tatula rods are great. Tough and sensitive rods and I do want one of their spinning rods. 

 

The Intenza I ordered online. It's a 7' med-light, x-fast model. These rods tend to feel stiffer than their rating. The tip isn't as soft as my St.Croix x-fast mediums.  Very light in weight though. 

[GeorgianBayBassin]

Hi everyone,

 

Thank you for all your input, I was working in a remote area over the week and wasn't able to respond to anyone.  I came across a great deal on the Tatula rods and they felt great.  I went with the 7' MF and 7'1" MLF and paired them with Fuego 2500 LT's.  The balance seems perfect and it was exactly what I was looking for.  There is a noticeable difference in the actions and should work great for the applications I plan on using each rod for.