Need help pairing rod2reel and bait/lure

[slackhouse]

First, I want to thank you guys. I've been fishing for almost 3 years now and have learned a ton as a lurker. Appreciate all the helpfulness around here. 

 

Second, I have zero idea how to pair a rod to a reel and then to a bait/lure with particular line to accomplish different types of fishing.  So, I'll post what I own and see what you guys would do with what I have. Also, I need to buy a 3rd casting rod on about a $170 budget.

 

Casting Reels -

Shimano SLX 8.2:1

Shimano Curado MGL 7.4:1

Shimano Scorpion DC 6.2:1

 

Casting Rods - 

Shimano SLXCX72MH

G Loomis E6X Inshore 843c MF (7ft medium/mod fast)

??? - need to buy a 3rd

 

Spinning -

Daiwa BG2500 on a G Loomis E6X Inshore 843s MF (7ft medium/mod fast)

 

Help please

 

 

[softwateronly]

single hook; t-rig

Shimano SLXCX72MH paired with Shimano Curado MGL 7.4:1

 

trebles; topwater, moving single hook;

G Loomis E6X Inshore 843c MF (7ft medium/mod fast) paired with Shimano Scorpion DC 6.2:1

 

Jig rod/frog rod - what do you fish?

 

I paired your reels up just based on gear ratio/IPT.  I like 7ish:1 reels for most everything, but prefer frog and jig on 8ish:1 if possible.  But flipping them around for feel always ends up dictating which goes where for me.  Being comfortable trumps whether I have to slow down or speed up my reeling. 

 

scott

 

[slackhouse]

Primarily lake/pond fishing for bass, from shore and boat. Occasionally go inshore/marsh for speckled trout, red fish, bass, flounder, etc from boat.

 

I've never fished anywhere that would require a heavy rod. If I did that, I'd be with someone else borrowing gear.

[new2BC4bass]

My first choice at that budget: Lowrider 6'10" HF is more a MH rod (1/4-3/4 oz.) and very versatile from all the reviews I've read.  I really want the Expert model, but wouldn't pass on a Lowrider if I found one at a good price. 

 

Tatula 6'10" MHF, Ark Invoker Pro or Tharp, iRod Genesis III (have a couple IIs).  Another rod I want to try is the Phenix Feather and the new M1 (over your budget unless on sale).

 

So many rods.  So little money and time. 

[slackhouse]

Would it make sense to go with a Moderate to Slow action rod to go along with the fast action and moderate fast action rods I already have? If so, would a M or MH make more sense?

[softwateronly]

20 hours ago, slackhouse said:

Would it make sense to go with a Moderate to Slow action rod to go along with the fast action and moderate fast action rods I already have? If so, would a M or MH make more sense?

 

Slow is a strange and niche action for me.  Moderate is about as parabolic as I go.  For me, I'd get a H/F or H/MF.  I prefer to throw mainly single hook baits and have come to enjoy larger and heavier baits, 1/2oz swim jig with a 5" paddle tail being one of my favorites.  That bait probably weighs just north of 1 oz total.  A Heavy opens up T-rigged swimbaits too if dealing with heavy cover.  There are many modern H power rods that feel light in hand but have the backbone when needed.

 

Side note, ALF has used rods with 15% off right now and if you're new to them you might be able to tack on another 10% off.  I've purchased a few of their used rods and have always received it as described or better.  Falcon, Shimano, Ark, Diawa, Dobyns, Phenix, etc all have really intriguing options at your price point or below.

 

scott

[slackhouse]

I ended up going with a Kayden 610 4cb.  Put the MGL 150 on it for a bit. But, will likely swap the Scorpion DC on it and use it for jerkbaits.

[LionHeart]

Never really understood the idea behind pairing a rod to a reel or visa versa.  You pair the rod with the intended technique or set of lures you intend to through on it.  Same goes for the reel.  I guess the question is, what lures do you throw that you need a rod for.

 

I'd suggest your 8 speed reel for bottom contact with your MH rod.  Your 7 speed reel for your Med Mod-fast rod for spinner baits, lipless, swim jigs.  

 

What you are left with is a 6 speed reel which is also great for spinner baits and big crank baits.  What you need to decide is if you are going to throw big spinner baits and crank baits or little ones.  Choose the rod accordingly.