Medium spinning rod recommendations

[Drawdown]

Unexpectedly got the dough (~$180) for another spinning rod and reel combo. Been bank fishing creeks lately, so disinclined from getting another baitcaster (though the sales are ***hot*** right now, so it kind of hurts not to).

I’m thinking of getting a Medium action to be able to do slightly “heavier” finesse work (Neko, wacky), 1/8-1/4oz Texas rigs (think worms, thin profile creatures like YUM spine craws), and maybe even get into 1/8-3/8 round head jig swimming baits like those Japanese anglers use.

 

With that said, besides your rod recommendations, I cover your thoughts on:

 

1. Fast vs Xtra Fast taper on a Medium?

2. Line configuration? (I’m leaning toward braid-fluoro leader, but not sure on lb-test)

 

3. Is it worth crossing the $100 mark for the rod, jumping from the Daiwa Aird-X, Shimano Convergence, 13Fishing Fate/Blackout level to St. Croix Triumph/Bass X, Fenwick HMG, etc.?

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

As long as you have like 80$ to get a lighter (about 7oz. Or less) spinning reel with a smooth drag like an Exceler your in decent shape reel wise.  Take the rest of the money and get the best rod you can.  

I have the same kind of rod except its primarily a SH rod because I throw most of my plastics on casting gear.  An XF can be beneficial, especially for weightless/wacky rigs, it's your preference really.

I think braid is the way to go, especially with a F action rod.  Braid actually allows you to get away with a slightly lighter rod then you would be able to if you were using straight FC or Mono.  The sensitivity increase is a big benefit as well.  As long as there are no major abrasion, most 10lb braids have a breaking strength closer to 15lbs.  If you feel like that not enough you can go to a thinner 15lb like x9 and still get excellent casting.  Once you get to 15lb and over with braids like 832 or even PP V2 you really notice a difference with castability/handling compared to the 10lb.  Leader is up to you since it's so easy to change.  I like 8 or 10lb red label, 12 at the absolute heaviest.  It doesn't resist damage or bite offs from pickerel/pike nearly as well as a leader material like Blue Label, but since it's so cheap in cutting and relying doesn't exhaust the spool quickly.  Just be vigilant and check for damage often if your using a mainline FC like red label, invizx, etc.

Like I said earlier your better off putting as much money as you can into the rod so long as you dont go too cheap on the reel that it hurts you in the long run.

I dont have experience with the HMGs, but I have fished a buddy's triumph which isn't bad, but the bass x is the best listed that I've had experience with imo.

I had some minor issues with their customer service, but Ark gives you a great blank at that price point.  The Honey Badger would be the rod to look at.  I dont have a HB but I do have a casting rod that shares the same blank and I really like it.  Theres a guy on here (I think his name is t-Billy) he has that rod and really likes it, he would the 1 to talk to.  Good luck

 

[T-Billy]

Great 40 ton blank, Fuji guides w fazlite rings and a very comfy and secure reel seat. 7' M XF Outstanding rod at $129.

[Mobasser]

I have a Fenwick HMG med action fast, paired with a Shimano Sahara 2500 fi reel. An outfit like this would work in your price range. Both good quality.

[ironbjorn]

Get a 3 power Dobyns Maverick and pair it with a Daiwa Legalis.

[Bankc]

I'd probably go with a fast taper.  It's a good middle ground for what you're wanting to do.  Also, I'd get the best rod you can afford for those baits.  Some of those bites will be oftly subtle, and the more sensitive rod, the better you'll be able to detect them.  A moving bait rod is the place to save money, in my opinion. 

 

As for line, that's up to you.  The more I fish, the more I'm leaning towards all braid, all the time.  But everyone's different.  As for a reel, there are several decent spinning reels out there for not too much money.  I have a Daiwa Regal LT that is pretty nice for $60.  That would leave you $120 minus taxes to get the rod.  

[Drawdown]

9 hours ago, T-Billy said:

Great 40 ton blank, Fuji guides w fazlite rings and a very comfy and secure reel seat. 7' M XF Outstanding rod at $129.

I confess that just from reviews, I’m a bit leery of Ark, because the takeaway (from their cheaper rods anyway) is “awesome blanks, shoddy guides.” I guess this rod crosses the threshold where you get better quality guides, etc.

[Drawdown]

2 hours ago, ironbjorn said:

Get a 3 power Dobyns Maverick and pair it with a Daiwa Legalis.

Is that basically an updated Colt? I can get a new a Colt for $47, but really don’t know anything about it or the Mav

[MN Fisher]

30 minutes ago, Drawdown said:

Is that basically an updated Colt? I can get a new a Colt for $47, but really don’t know anything about it or the Mav

If you don't go for the Maverick - skip the Colt and get a Daiwa Aird-X.

 

I handled the Colt and the Aird-X - and much preferred the Aird...still have two Aird-X rods in my lineup...when I have the spare cash, they're being upgraded to at least Furys.

[Drawdown]

20 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If you don't go for the Maverick - skip the Colt and get a Daiwa Aird-X.

 

I handled the Colt and the Aird-X - and much preferred the Aird...still have two Aird-X rods in my lineup...when I have the spare cash, they're being upgraded to at least Furys.

How does the Aird-X compare to the Shimano Sellus, also at that $50 price point? Also considering the Shimano SLX or 13Fishing Blackout, right under $100.
 

My brother-in-law has an 2-piece Aird-X + Regal as his setup (per my recommendation in Academy one day). It fishes nice, but greedily I want a bit more sensitivity. Wonder if a one-piece would be more sensitive.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, Drawdown said:

How does the Aird-X compare to the Shimano Sellus, also at that $50 price point?

I haven't handled a Sellus - so really can't tell you.

 

What I do know is that my MH/F Aird-X casting rod is sensitive enough that I can feel the vibration of the blades when tossing chatterbaits and larger spinnerbaits...it's currently my moving-bait rod where-as I have a Fury for bottom contact (T-Rigs, Jigs, etc)

 

2 minutes ago, Drawdown said:

Also considering the Shimano SLX or 13Fishing Blackout, right under $100.

In the $100 market - check out the St Croix Bass-X or the Daiwa Tatula XT as well.

[Drawdown]

7 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

in the $100 market - check out the St Croix Bass-X or the Daiwa Tatula XT as well.

That Tatula XT looks really intriguing. Kills me that I cannot find hardly any reviews for spinning models, though plenty of people sing the praises of the casting rods.

[T-Billy]

2 hours ago, Drawdown said:

I confess that just from reviews, I’m a bit leery of Ark, because the takeaway (from their cheaper rods anyway) is “awesome blanks, shoddy guides.” I guess this rod crosses the threshold where you get better quality guides, etc.

Tharp series is the sweet spot with ARK IMO. No compromises made here with hardware. Great rods that fish above their price point.

[FrnkNsteen]

I've handled the St Croix Bass X and it felt decent, but I hated the molded plastic and foam grip. I prefer the Daiwa AirdX ($50) RG ($99), or Tatula ($129) models better. For a little more I really lije the Phenix Feather FTX.

 

I like Spinning rods with a foregrip and I believe all those models have them, except the Feather. I like the unique grip they have. 

 

I usually have 3 fingers in front of spinning reel stem and hate holding threads, which is why I like a foregrip.

[Cdn Angler]

For what it's worth I've been blown away by my M Sellus. No worse than any other spinning rod I've used and I've tried more expensive (double or more) rods by Shimano, Fenwick, 13 fishing. 

 

I use mine mainly for senkos.

[NYWayfarer]

A medium action St Croix Triumph spinning rod is hard to beat. I like them so much I have 3 of them. 1,2 and 4 piece versions.

[PhishLI]

4 hours ago, Drawdown said:

That Tatula XT looks really intriguing.

I've had the 6'6" and 7'0" MF rods for 5 years. Light and tough. Zero issues. Got some great fish on them. Great deals on them right now as the new versions have been announced.

[PaulVE64]

For the sizes the OP mentions on creeks and river bank fishing I'm throwing a 6' mlf Triumph and 6' mlf HMG 

The StC is the better jig rod, the Fenwick is slower

 

Hope that helps

 

Ps - the new Nasci is a great reel at your price

[Drawdown]

Well friends, I pulled the trigger!

 

I got a 2500 Daiwa Exceler on sale (and some lures, terminal tackle) from MidwayUSA. I also got a 7’ M/F Daiwa Tatula XT on sale from Sportsman’s Guide.

 

In the combo itself, I have ~$130 before tax. 
Can’t wait!

[Drawdown]

Rod arrived today. Looks and feels great. Only problem, they sent me a Medium Light. Going to see what SG customer service does in this situation.

[Hammer 4]

On 7/18/2022 at 10:49 AM, Drawdown said:

That Tatula XT looks really intriguing. Kills me that I cannot find hardly any reviews for spinning models, though plenty of people sing the praises of the casting rods.

I have 3 Diawa Tatula XT's. Great rod for about $ 100.00. Very light, pretty dang good action too. I don't have any XT spinning rods, but I'm sure they are just as good as their baitcasters.

[WRB]

Daiwa Tatula XT spinning rod has a comfortable handle design, Daiwa Fuego XT reel makes a good combo around the $200 budget. Daiwa Tatula LT reel increases the budget about $60.

The 1/8 - 3/16 oz lures 7’ MXF rod will cast easier then the MF imo. 

I use Maxima 5# UG Copolymer or Sunline Sniper 7 lb FC line for finesse spinning.

Tom

 

[Boomstick]

I like Sunline SX1 #12 braid a lot. Braid handles better and casts further on spinning gear and The SX1 is pretty abrasion resistant for a thin braid.

 

The Tatula XT isn’t a bad rod, I’m sure you will like the new setup.

 

[Drawdown]

I found the reason I got the wrong rod in the mail: they incorrectly listed the ML model (see the Mfg. #/code in small print) as a Medium action.

 

They’ll let me return it for free, or I can keep it. Doesn’t appear as though they have any Medium action rods. Kind of bummed, kind of wondering if I should just keep it and have 2 ML spinning setups. Just hate to overpower the rod with 1/2 oz weight lures, and besides, I’d probably miss the backbone.

 

 

 

[Drawdown]

Decided I’ll return the Tatula XT. I went ahead and just ordered a Shimano Convergence Medium action from TackleWarehouse. Have absolutely loved that rod in Medium Light since I bought it earlier this summer.