Which rod/which reel and why??

[Smirak]

Just thinking out loud and would like some advice. I’m trying to get a better understanding of technique specific type of stuff vs just throwing what I have. Tell me what you would pair up with what and why. Also, if possible, please let me know what I should be throwing with each combo? I’d appreciate it much folks!
 

Reels (baitcasters):

Lews Speed Spool 6:8.1, 30lb Seaguar Tactix Braid

SLX DC 7:2.1 50lb Seaguar Tactix Braid

SLX DC 8:2.1 50lb Seaguar Tactix Braid

 

Rods:

7’-6” Heavy, extra fast BPS Carbonlite pro or whatever the model

is called

7’-2” St Croix Medium Fast Mojo Bass

7-0” Dobyns Fury Medium Heavy, Fast

 

Thabks,

Kevin

[webertime]

Lews...St croix -slower ratio for moving baits.  Moving baits

8.2 ... Carbonite- high ipt/ratio to get baits back fast and re cast.  Flip/frogs

7.2... Dobyns.- A do it all set up. Basically everything else

[Valvodinho]

SLX DC 8.2:1 + BPS Carbonlite - frogs and punching 

SLX DC 7.2:1 + Mojo Bass - a catchall kind of combo (spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, underspins, light Texas rigs and jigs, etc.)

Lews Speed Spool 6.8:1 + Fury - treble hook baits 

 

I would personally change your lines on the last two combos but that's complete personal preferences... especially if you do opt to use treble hook baits on the Fury, I tend to not like braided line with trebles.

[a1712]

I've never understood these questions. I prefer some completely different setups than alot I see recommended on here. 1 example, I use fast rods for Spinnerbaits and Bladed Jigs, I also prefer fast for Lipless and Squarebills fished in rock/rip rap. Most recommend Moderate/Regular rods for these techniques, but that has never worked for me. Brian. 

[JediAmoeba]

17 hours ago, a1712 said:

I've never understood these questions. I prefer some completely different setups than alot I see recommended on here. 1 example, I use fast rods for Spinnerbaits and Bladed Jigs, I also prefer fast for Lipless and Squarebills fished in rock/rip rap. Most recommend Moderate/Regular rods for these techniques, but that has never worked for me. Brian. 

Overall I agree with you - I prefer a fast action rod for bladed jigs and its hard to get used to that mushy feel from the ones marketed for them. I will say the technique does draw strikes but it's a hard switch...

[Valvodinho]

18 hours ago, Valvodinho said:

SLX DC 8.2:1 + BPS Carbonlite - frogs and punching 

SLX DC 7.2:1 + Mojo Bass - a catchall kind of combo (spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, underspins, light Texas rigs and jigs, etc.)

Lews Speed Spool 6.8:1 + Fury - treble hook baits 

 

I would personally change your lines on the last two combos but that's complete personal preferences... especially if you do opt to use treble hook baits on the Fury, I tend to not like braided line with trebles.

After re-reading this post I realize I misread the specs of the rods. This is what I would actually do:

 

SLX DC 8.2:1 + BPS Carbonlite - frogs and punching 

SLX DC 7.2:1 + Fury - a catchall kind of combo (spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, underspins, light Texas rigs and jigs, etc.)

Lews Speed Spool 6.8:1 + Mojo Bass - treble hook baits

 

Hope this makes more sense

[Smirak]

Thanks all. I actually fished it the way that valvo initially replied. All in all, everything was good with the exception of like 19trillion lbs of eel grass at Lake Guntersville currently…

[Smirak]

To resurrect this thread, I have changed a few things around and am looking for more advice…

 

reels:

curado mgl 7.4

slx dc 7.2

lews SS 6.8

 

rods:

same as above, though the BPS is now a 7’-3” due to a warranty issue

 

I’m looking to add another setup (baitcaster) because of the infamous bait monkey. 
 

what would you get (not specifics, but like “I’d get a 8.1 reel and pair it with a medium moderate or whatever…) 

 

thanks

[Anthony Watson]

I would add a medium moderate rod roughly 7’ with a 6.something gear ratio reel for crank baits, jerkbaits, and even chatterbaits. 6.x gear ratio reels are the most versatile in my opinion because it’s much easier to speed up reeling than it is to slow down reeling, at least for me it is 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The rod I always want 2 of is a 6'10-7'3 M F, especially early in the year when I have either a JB, lipless or squarebill ties on all day.  I like them for crankbaits, JBs, 1/4 jigs, light t/free rigs, 5/16 spinnerbaits and even 1/4oz chatterbaits.  Its been a while since I've had my hands on a MH Fury, but I remember them being a lighter MH with some tip.  The Fury should be able to handle the single hook techniques I use my M Fs for.  Since the fury somewhat overlaps with the mojo I would go with a 7'3 or 7'4 MH F (or a heavy with some tip) that is rated 1/4 or 5/16-1oz.  Once you get to a 7'3 MH F usually the tip section is little longer compared to shorter rod which gives them an action slightly faster then a modF.  That makes those rods really versatile.  I use one for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, t rigs, jigs/swimjigs, buzzbaits and even bigger med depth cranks.    

[Eric 26]

I’m going to suggest the same as @GetFishorDieTryin with the exception of get a 6’-10” medium power rod. I love my Lews Hank Parker speed stick available at Walmart for under $45.00 or go high end or anywhere in between. I have (2) 6’-10” which one has a finesse swim jig on all the time and the other a smaller style square bill crank bait. 

[Smirak]

Thanks all.

 

i think I’ve decided to go with a Lews speed spool lfs in the 5.3:1 gear and then a 13 fishing crankin rod, which I believe is medium moderate (confirmation please?). 
 

This would be a dedicated crank bait rod.

thanks,

Kevin

 

[Eric 26]

@Smirak Although you didn’t specify which model/line you purchased I’ve handled the Defy Black crank bait rods and they are for sure a moderate action. Quite nice for the price also in my opinion.