Seeking your expertise - Shimano SLX or St. Croix Bass X (Spinning rods)

[WaskaCrank12]

Hello - I am new to the forum and new to fishing (I'm not young, but in Feb. 23' I bought my first boat and in the summer of 23' I attempted to throw lures into the water and catch some fish). I currently have 5 rods/reels that I bought at yard sales (4 are South Bend spinning rods/reels, 1 is an old Shimano spinning rod/reel).

 

I have watched many videos over the past month to gain knowledge (as well as reading this and other forums) and also to look at potentially purchasing a few new spinning rods/reels. I am looking to stay under $200 for the combo, yet in todays world I might need to go slightly over that. No doubt whatever I will purchase will be a massive upgrade from the gear I used this summer (although the Shimano spinning rod/reel I currently have - they must be 30 years old and many thousands of casts taken on them - worked pretty well).

 

Specifically, with this post, I am looking to get feedback from those much more experienced than I am on the two rods mentioned above (I believe I will be going with a Shimano NASCI spinning reel as I was able to try one from a fellow fisherman this summer and it felt smooth/a good fit for me and it would fit my budget). Certainly rods/reels seem a "personal choice" (what is excellent for one person is not the best for another, I understand that) yet if people on the forum have had experiences with these rods (good or bad experiences) it would help me in the search process.

 

I would be looking for the spinning rod (Shimano SLX 7' ML or St. Croix Bass X 6'10" ML) to be used as a rod for drop shot/ned rig/neko rig/micro crankbait type fishing. These are two spinning rods that were mentioned quite a bit in the videos I watched.  

 

Thank you in advance for your time/efforts.

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Bass X for sure

[Hulkster]

I would think the BassX as well. They redesigned them for 2023 because the last generation had reel seats that would fall apart. the new ones are red and black with cork 

[WaskaCrank12]

Thank you @Hulksterand @GetFishorDieTryin

for your feedback ! 

 

Today I went to Cabela's and looked at/held the St. Croix Bass X ($124) and I also did the same with a St. Croix Mojo Bass (since it was available in the same size and on clearance for $119). I had not considered the Mojo Bass as it generally goes for $149 and that would have put me well over my budget of $200 when I purchase the Shimano NASCI at $99 (hopefully less if I can find it on sale !)  -- yet with the Mojo Bass coming in at the clearance price of $119 and it feeling better in my hands I made that as my rod purchase. 

 

They both seemed like nice quality rods.  This rod will be a significant upgrade over the current rods I have. 

 

Thank you again for your feedback as that helped me eliminate the SLX and focus on the St. Croix.

[Dwight Hottle]

Keep your eyes peeled for black Friday sales. Tackle warehouse has St Croix rods on sale Dec 13-20 including other rod brands unless you already bought one. 

[FrnkNsteen]

Good choice! I agree that the clearance Mojo rods are better than either the SLX or the BassX and cheaper right now.

 

I think you will like it!

[WaskaCrank12]

Thank you

 @Dwight Hottle for the heads up on the up coming sales. As a person new to fishing this is excellent info. to have ! I will take a look at the Black Friday sales and the Tackle Warehouse sales as I will be looking for a reel to go with the St. Croix Mojo Bass (6'10" Medium/Lite/XFast) rod I purchased. 

I am continuing to read and watch videos and it seems getting a 7' (or so) medium or medium/heavy rod might be a good all around rod for me to purchase as I look to upgrade from the very basic "yard sale" rods I currently have. With the Tackle Warehouse sale being in December it gives me time to save up some $$ for that potential purchase. I will again be looking to stay in the $200 range for the rod/reel and these sales may allow me to that. 

[Eric 26]

@WaskaCrank12 Here’s a must watch website in my opinion and I’m sure others, Midway USA im going to include 2 examples of why although I’m not suggesting either reel just the prices. They at times offer “open box” deals which are spectacular deals for mint condition equipment.

[WaskaCrank12]

Hello @Eric 26 -- Thank you for sharing the info. on the midwayusa.com site -- I had not ever heard of it before -- and thank you for providing examples of items as well.

 

As someone new to the world of fishing I am learning -- by the hour -- new things.

 

I have also found that people like yourself, people at the boat docks and people out on the water are willing and happy to share info. -- a nice positive/helpful feel to the fishing community !

 

Thank you again - I am going to take a look at the midwayusa.com site now. 

[River City Rambler]

Another rod that I think gets overlooked is the Daiwa Tatula XT. I have a med/fast 2pc 7' with a Tatula 2500 LT MQ on it. 

 

Love this setup as my primary go to for everything from bass to walleye. 

 

I have bigger stuff for muskie, gar, cats, blah blah blah.

 

Good choice on tbe St. Croix. 

 

Very nice rod.