Rod For Shimano Calcutta?

[FishTank]

I need some ideas on a rod for a new Shimano Calcutta 251?  I tried the reel out a 6' 6'' Loomis GLX today.  I like this set up but I will probably be just fishing this reel with soft plastic for large and small mouth bass.  So the rod I will be using will also be dedicated to just the single purpose of soft plastic.  The GLX is my all purpose rod that I will be using with my Curado.  

Thanks for any advice

P.S.

I also tried this reel on a BPS Johnny Morris Rod 7' M and it was just OK.  This rod for some reason seems to be best with crankbaits.   Also, on a side note, the Calcutta was difficult at first to set up but once you find the right settings, it is outstanding.  I caught four large mouths and two smallies today despite the 40 degree weather.

[Catt]

Why not get another 6' 6'' Loomis GLX?

[mike bat]

well i found that pairing rod and reel isnt that hard ,,,but when done right can make a killer set up... now id say with the 251 to go with a stout 7ft med-hev .... i just think the 251 would match up better on a bigger rod .... id recomened a 7ft med-hev fast avid /// thats just imo ;D

[flechero]

You said this will be a dedicated soft plastics rod...  There are very few rods that compare to a GLX for that purpose.  

[Guest DavidGreen]

I'm currently building a custom 6'6" MHF for a client with a R40 Garcia, to use on T-rigs. The balance of the combo falls just at the front of the reels foot. I would assume that the 251 (10.2oz) is about the same weight as the R40 (10.9oz) that a 6'6" MHF or HF rod would balance really well for that combo. Going another 6" longer, might just take the combo a little more on the tip forward balance (tip heavy). But it is all PP (personal preference).

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!

[RoLo]

Reel Mechanic makes a very important point, by getting back to basics.

If at all possible, assemble the rod and reel and test the balance point and overall feel.

Though our eyes may run-out-of-stems over that new rod or new reel, when an outfit isn't balanced

we'll usually hear comments like "There's just something about the feel I don't like".

Roger

[Catt]

I will not buy a rod if I can't put my reel on it and string up the lure I plan using on it.

I get some mighty strange looks from the store employees but that's too bad so sad.  

[FishTank]

I went to BPS shop on Friday.  I purchased a G Loomis BCR803.  I took my reel with me, stringed it up on serveral rods and made my wife tap the line.  This drew strange looks and a lot of tongue lashing from my wife but it was worth it.  I tried this combo out today and it seems to be the perfect fit.  I can cast senkos a country mile.  The rod is even more sensitive than my MBR783 GLX and cast further.  

Somebody with an insane mind for fishing and engineering invented this rod.  It is just amazing how it works for what it is designed for. I thought to myself, how different can it be from my MBR783?  

It is way different!!!  Accuracy, distance, and feel are all a step up.  I could go on and on but I wanted to thank all for the suggestion of testing the balance.  The 7' and longer rods I looked at all felt weird.  The 6'8'' length is perfect.  The only other rod that caught my attention was the Senko BCR864 but just was to heavy for the what I fish.