Picking up two new rods

[MartyMcFly55]

I am hoping to capitalize on some upcoming holiday sales and I would like to pick up two new rods.  One will be for spinning and will hopefully cover all my finesse fishing.  I’m looking at a 7-7’3” Medium/Fast that will be paired with either a Daiwa Fuego or Shimano NASCI reel. I am currently looking at the Tatula rods and Okuma Psycho Stick.
 

 As for the casting rod I’m looking for a 7-7’3 Medium/Moderate that will be paired with  a Tatula baitcaster.  This will be more for my treble hooked baits. I don’t have my heart set on anything specific yet and I am looking for any input or suggestions for both the spinning and casting rod.  Budget is $400 for both. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

 

[softwateronly]

2 hours ago, MartyMcFly55 said:

I am hoping to capitalize on some upcoming holiday sales and I would like to pick up two new rods.  One will be for spinning and will hopefully cover all my finesse fishing.  I’m looking at a 7-7’3” Medium/Fast that will be paired with either a Daiwa Fuego or Shimano NASCI reel. I am currently looking at the Tatula rods and Okuma Psycho Stick.
 

 As for the casting rod I’m looking for a 7-7’3 Medium/Moderate that will be paired with  a Tatula baitcaster.  This will be more for my treble hooked baits. I don’t have my heart set on anything specific yet and I am looking for any input or suggestions for both the spinning and casting rod.  Budget is $400 for both. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

 

 

My suggestion is to not go 50/50 in cost.  I think spending more on your finesse set up would pay dividends in term of sensitivity.  If the baitcaster is mostly for cranks, you should be able to find something really good <$150.  I might be in the minority, but I'm also happy buying gently used rods from boards/forums/one nameless online retailer.  Most of my rods are shimano, dobyns, and St Croix in this price range and I've been happy.  Best of luck!

 

scott

 

 

[SproDD79]

I recently picked up a psycho stick 7'2 ML spinning,  it is an outstanding choice for finesse presentations.

[WRB]

Take a look at ALX rods.

Tom

[Revival]

ALX IKOS Soul (7 M/F or 73 M/F) and Hustler (MH/M).

 

ALX just started their 3 rod bundle sale yesterday.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Never held an ALX, but Im sure theyre great rods.  Dont have any experience with the Psycho sticks, but I as a general rule, Okuma has some of the best bang for the buck rods Ive ever picked up.  You get sic guides and a 46t blank for under 300$, which is awful hard to beat.

[WRB]

ALX rods are USA made and Alex owner/rod builder is easy to talk to with excellent customer service, try that with Daiwa or Okuma.

Tom

[Woody B]

My most used rod is my Lew's Mach 7'  Med/mod.   It was ~$90.

 

 

I'll look at the ALX rods the next time I'm in the market.  I like buying US made stuff.   I've got an old friend who's started making rods.  I talked to him about one but he's already months behind.  

[Randy Price]

We fisherman are so fortunate today.  There are so many good rods and reels for every taste and price range!  I'm a SC fanboy (like supporting American made products!) primarily but I have owned/ do own Dobyn's, Fenwick and BPS rods that I've been happy with too.  As far as reels I have been pleased with Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia.

[casts_by_fly]

15 hours ago, MartyMcFly55 said:

I am hoping to capitalize on some upcoming holiday sales and I would like to pick up two new rods.  One will be for spinning and will hopefully cover all my finesse fishing.  I’m looking at a 7-7’3” Medium/Fast that will be paired with either a Daiwa Fuego or Shimano NASCI reel. I am currently looking at the Tatula rods and Okuma Psycho Stick.
 

 As for the casting rod I’m looking for a 7-7’3 Medium/Moderate that will be paired with  a Tatula baitcaster.  This will be more for my treble hooked baits. I don’t have my heart set on anything specific yet and I am looking for any input or suggestions for both the spinning and casting rod.  Budget is $400 for both. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

 

 

For the baitcaster, the Falcon Expert 7'3" 'Hudson special' should be on your consideration list.  Its a MH/MF, but is closer to a moderate action than a fast action in the MF spectrum.  Great rod for bigger treble hook baits and I fish ploppers and cranks on it all of the time.  It does other things well too.  MSRP $200.  I'd class it for 1/2-3/4 oz hardbaits and equivalent rigging.  If you're thinking more 1/4-1/2 treble hook baits, then the 7' all-round is a great rod.  I have the Bucoo SR version (trapcaster) but I'd go with the expert to do it again (and I might pick up that rod this spring).

[MartyMcFly55]

18 hours ago, SproDD79 said:

I recently picked up a psycho stick 7'2 ML spinning,  it is an outstanding choice for finesse presentations.

Pleased to hear this

 

8 hours ago, Randy Price said:

We fisherman are so fortunate today.  There are so many good rods and reels for every taste and price range!  I'm a SC fanboy (like supporting American made products!) primarily but I have owned/ do own Dobyn's, Fenwick and BPS rods that I've been happy with too.  As far as reels I have been pleased with Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia.

Can you elaborate on your experience with St. Croix? Which models are you most impressed with?

 

 

Thanks for all the great responses. I will check out Falcon and ALX.  Anyone have any experience with the Tatula Casting rods?

[T-Billy]

Ark Invoker Pro series. Outstanding rods that'll leave you with some cash left over for other stuff. You can easily spend a lot more money and get less rod than these.

[PBBrandon]

19 hours ago, MartyMcFly55 said:

Pleased to hear this

 

Can you elaborate on your experience with St. Croix? Which models are you most impressed with?

 

 

Thanks for all the great responses. I will check out Falcon and ALX.  Anyone have any experience with the Tatula Casting rods?

I have used the Tatula and the Tatula Elites. Very very good rods for the price. I will say if your budget is 400 for both I’d pick up 2 rebellions. Criminally underrated rods. Often overlooked for the Tat elites but I like the rebellion a bit better

[JustBassinThru]

I paired my Tatula 100 with a Tatula rod. These rods are very well thought of and went on sale today for $112 at a certain retailer you cannot mention. 

[MartyMcFly55]

Thanks for all the input

[MartyMcFly55]

So I spent the last few months gathering some gear.  Figured I would update the post regarding my purchases.  After a ton of reading and going back and forth,  I purchased three new combos listed below.  Just started using the gear about a month ago,  I am more than happy with my decisions.  

 

Ark Tharp Series Money Maker 7'3 MH paired with a Tatula SV TW 103HS

Ark Invoker Pro  7'2 M paired with a Tatula SV TW 103HS

Falcon Expert 7' M  paired with a 2500 Fuego