Current setup for the spring

[jpike16]

As I mentioned in the introduction, I am relatively new to the fishing scene even though I am 40 yrs. Most of what I have learned about the hobby has been through youtube vids and online reviews. I currently have 3 rods and 2 reels. 2 of the rods are ultralight for panfish, I have 1 spinning rod for a ned rig, and I am thinking about adding a baitcasting rod (which I will have to learn to use) for crankbaits. Thoughts on the lineup are definitely appreciated!

 

Current setup:

•   St. Croix Panfish 6'0 ultralight
• St. Croix Avid Panfish 6'0 ultralight (received as a gift and looking to pair with my Daiwa Legalis 1000)
• St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'8 Medium, Extra Fast (paired with Daiwa Ragal 2500)

 

Future Plans:

• St Croix Trigon Mojo Bass, 7'1 Medium, Fast (thinking about pairing with Daiwa Tatula MQ LT, not sure about the size)

 

Thoughts? And should I be weighing other options that I have not considered? 

[Junger]

Where do you primarily fish? Ponds, rivers, lakes? Is there a lot of grass cover, pads, or wood? Bank fish or from a vessel? Some more info would give people more data points to help you decide. That being said, I don't see a jig rod for cover. The 7'1 Mojo Bass medium could probably work for light cover jigs. I think you're missing a MH rod that can throw heavier lures, or deal with heavier cover, but again I'm not sure what kind of water you're fishing.

[jpike16]

7 minutes ago, Junger said:

Where do you primarily fish? Ponds, rivers, lakes? Is there a lot of grass cover, pads, or wood? Bank fish or from a vessel? Some more info would give people more data points to help you decide. That being said, I don't see a jig rod for cover. The 7'1 Mojo Bass medium could probably work for light cover jigs. I think you're missing a MH rod that can throw heavier lures, or deal with heavier cover, but again I'm not sure what kind of water you're fishing.

Thanks! Typically we fish small ponds and lakes  around the area. Occasionally we go to Lake of the Ozarks or Mark Twain for the weekend. Not typically much grass cover. Mostly wood and rocks around the lakes.  And almost exclusively bank fishing.

[Bass Rutten]

You’re going to get a lot of recommendations for a MH baitcaster. I personally think the medium/fast power is more versatile (especially a st croix) as you can power fish or finesse fish with it; you can go from shallow/mid cranking, topwaters, and jerkbaits to pitching and casting plastics and jigs, albeit on the lighter side (relative to a MH), not to mention you’ll get more bites with smaller lures, if that’s what you’re going for.

[new2BC4bass]

I don't think you need a MH baitcast rod.  Many Medium power spinning rods can handle to 3/4 oz. weights.  That's a MH casting rod weight.  Even in cover braid in the 20#-30# range should be fine.  On one of my trips to Florida I forgot to bring a baitcast reel with braid.  My only spinning reel had 30# braid on it.  I used it to fish in the lily pads the entire trip with no problem.

[DinkDonkey30]

I would personally look for a medium-medium heavy, moderate-fast rod somewhere between 6’8-7’4. Most rods in that range will have plenty of versatility. Shorter rods are great for limited space, tighter casting areas. Depending on your budget I would look into Lews, 6th sense, or Shimano.I bought a lews 7’4” mh Walmart special 3 years ago and have used the crap out of it. It’s not fancy and a little heavy but it’s reliable and I can toss everything from jigs, cranks, top water on it. I’m a big believer in 6th sense. I’ve caught fish on everything I’ve bought from them. Shipping and packaging is always on time or early. Very well packaged. I have 4 of their rods (mfer series) paired with lews reels and the feel great. I also have a handful of cheep rods and some more expensive stuff as well.Stay away from googan brand. I had 2 of there finesse rods break near the tip both less than 6 months old. I also had a muscle rod have the reel seat come apart after 8 months. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Step up to a MH/F, arguably the most versatile baitcaster rod available. Tie a jig on the MH, a jerkbait on the med/XF and a hair jig or ned on the UL. 

[jpike16]

Ok, so i think I’m set for fishing season! I’ve added 2 new bait casting rods to my arsenal. 1) an FX Custom Xtreme 6’9 M XF with a Daiwa Tatula  for jerkbaits and 2) a St Croix Tournament 7’1 MH XF (thanks A-Jay!) with a Daiwa Steez SV TW reel as an all around rod.

 

 

 

[Eric 26]

@jpike16 

[waymont]

15 hours ago, jpike16 said:

Daiwa Steez SV TW reel

Nice to start at the top. That’s a beautiful reel that will make your life easier. Good choice 

[jpike16]

2 hours ago, waymont said:

Nice to start at the top. That’s a beautiful reel that will make your life easier. Good choice 

Well it is last years model so it was on sale. I was actually just planning to get the zillion but when i saw the Steez was. 30% off at tackle warehouse i convinced myself to get that one lol.

[waymont]

7 minutes ago, jpike16 said:

Well it is last years model so it was on sale. I was actually just planning to get the zillion but when i saw the Steez was. 30% off at tackle warehouse i convinced myself to get that one lol.

I did the same recently. I got two Steez A (old model) and couldn’t be happier.

[PaulVE64]

I throw in rivers for smallies. A 7' MLF spinning rod is amazingly versatile.

[bowhunter63]

7ft 6 mxf spinning rod for the river. 10 lb braid 

[steves191145]

7ft3" st croix LTB Med xf / tatula mq 2500(spinning setup)

7ft2" st croix LTB med mod / zillion sv tw(crankbaits)

7ft3" st croix LTB MH fast / curado 150mgl

(Jigs, tubes, senkos)

7ft 10" st croix mojo bass trigon/ fuego 2500 ( hair jigs, light baits)

 

Mostly river fishing smallmouth.