It's a Game. Match My Reels to My Rods

[Masaccio]

These are my casting rods:

St. Croix Legend Elite Medium, Extra Fast (6'10")

Fenwick HMG, Medium Heavy, Fast (7")

Dobyns Champion XP 765, Medium Heavy, Moderate Fast (7'6")

Shimano Zodias Glass 7' 6", Medium Heavy, Moderate Fast (7'6"

Okuma TCS, Heavy, Fast, 7'3"

Falcon Expert Amistad, EC-7-16, Heavy, Fast (7'3") 

 

Reels: (Line rating is just a spec, not what I actually have loaded on them)

Lews Custom Pro:  6.8 : 1, Max Drag 20 lb. Weight 5.8 oz., 40 lb. braid, 105 yards

Shimano Chronarch: 7.1 : 1, Max Drag 11 lb., Weight 6.5 oz, 40 lb. braid, 105 yards

Daiwa Tatula 200 HS (two of these): 7.3 : 1, Max Drag 13.2, , Weight, 8.1 oz.,, 40 lb. Braid 145 yards.  

 

I figure the Tatulas can do double duty on my punching rods and my cranking rods.  But they are heavy and I'm not sure I'll enjoy them that much.  

 

I'm reel-poor, so suggestions are appreciated.  I'm looking at:

Shimano Zillion SV TW
Shimano Bantam MGL

Shimano Curado 150 MGL

Shimano Curado 200 HG

 

Any other suggests would gratefully be appreciated.  I kind've want to be prepared for anything.  Also have a nice range of spinning rods and reels, but that's another story.  

Thanks!

 

 

And, you know, I billed it at a game, but I'm actually pretty confused muself at the moment.  I dont' think I'm making really stupid decisions, but guidance would be appreciated.

I actually really like the Bantam. I've always liked it, and read that it is an extremely versatile reel.  "Versatile" worked for me.  And I've noticed that everyone is raving about hte Zillion.  I think I mentioned the best model in my post, but not sure.  Thanks again.   

[Masaccio]

Sorry for the typos.  Martinis and the 5th ALS playoff game between the Yankees and the Guardians.  What can I say. Life is good. 

[Masaccio]

I'm thinking the Lews should go on one of the crankbait rods.  And maybe a Bantam on the other crankbait. If that sounds good, then my four heavy and crank rods would be done.

That leaves the Fenwick Medium Heavy, Fast, and the St. Croix Medium, Extra fast.  And probably a Shimano Expride A Medium, Fast, which would be my next choice in rods.   

[Mobasser]

You may be overthinking this. Put some reels on the rods, and go fishing. Some you'll like, some not.

[Triptych]

I usually pair the heavier reels with the longer rods to move the balance point closer to the reel/lock nut. 

 

Balance is more important than overall weight to me.

 

Tatula 200's on the 7'6 rods

 

Lews on the st croix

 

Chronarch on the Fenwick

 

I like and own a zillion SV tw but bang for your buck would be Tatula 103sv Tw. I just ordered one from Asian portal for 140ish. Feels just as good as the zillion which I also ordered from the same site last year.

 

I don't own any shimano reels so I have no input on them.

 

[Woody B]

Match the speed of the reels with the baits used or the conditions you're fishing.

 

Last Saturday I was getting a good crankbait bite but I lost 4 out of the first 5 I hooked.  The 1 that I got in the boat was barely hooked on the rear treble.   I figured my retrieve was too fast.  I tried to slow down but kept going back to the same speed resulting in 2 more fish barely hooked on the rear hook.   I changed my 8.1 reel for a 6.3 reel and ended up with 15 in the boat and no more lost fish.   

[Masaccio]

15 hours ago, Triptych said:

I usually pair the heavier reels with the longer rods to move the balance point closer to the reel/lock nut. 

 

Balance is more important than overall weight to me.

 

Tatula 200's on the 7'6 rods

 

Lews on the st croix

 

Chronarch on the Fenwick

 

I like and own a zillion SV tw but bang for your buck would be Tatula 103sv Tw. I just ordered one from Asian portal for 140ish. Feels just as good as the zillion which I also ordered from the same site last year.

 

I don't own any shimano reels so I have no input on them.

 

I was thinking I'd crank with at least one of the Tatulas.  But it is really topheavy on the rod.  Pretty sure I'm not going to enjoy that.  I'll probably save them for when I get around to the heavier applications mentioned above, if ever.  Thanks for the referral to the Tatula 103,  

10 hours ago, Woody B said:

Match the speed of the reels with the baits used or the conditions you're fishing.

 

Last Saturday I was getting a good crankbait bite but I lost 4 out of the first 5 I hooked.  The 1 that I got in the boat was barely hooked on the rear treble.   I figured my retrieve was too fast.  I tried to slow down but kept going back to the same speed resulting in 2 more fish barely hooked on the rear hook.   I changed my 8.1 reel for a 6.3 reel and ended up with 15 in the boat and no more lost fish.   

Thanks for mentioning this, about the speed.  Hearing real experience like that, very helpful. 

 

21 hours ago, Mobasser said:

You may be overthinking this. Put some reels on the rods, and go fishing. Some you'll like, some not.

I do overthink.  But if I can get it wrong, I usually do.  Getting sick of making bad equipment decisions.  I'm in a small kayak, can't take a lot with me, so homework is kind've important.   

[Deleted account]

Yes, just like that....

[Masaccio]

This actually helped a lot.  Next reel purchase will be the Lews BB1 Pro.  6.2:1  For Zodias glass crank bait rod.