Rod selection...

[BucketmouthAngler13]

I'm getting a job next month and I'm already making plans for my money.

I want to get one nice baitcasting combo and one nice spinning combo. Here is what I was thinking:

BC:

Browning Midas (Hi-Speed) $150

Fenwick Techna AV $210 (6'6" Medium Heavy)

for Jigs, Spinnerbaits, C-rigs, Topwater

SPN:

Okuma VSystem (V-40a) $150

Fenwick HMG $120 (7' Medium Heavy)

for Soft Plastics, Light Cranks, Trigs

Then I already have a:

BC

Browning Six Rivers

Okuma Guide Select (7'11" Heavy)

for Swimbaits and possibly frogs

Just wondering, Do you think my spinning rod choice should be Med or Med/Hvy? Recently I've been noticing that my friend's heavier actions are getting much better hook ups when worming. Any reason why I shouldn't get a Med/Hvy? Is a lighter action more sensitive? If someone could list the pro's and con's that would be great.

Thanks

Matt

[Hawgin]

I think with the medium action spinning rod you will be able to cast lighter lures better because the rod has a little better load to it.  With a medium heavy you may not be able to cast and fish with light jig heads, etc.  I think, however, that a medium heavy rod provides a little more sensitivity because the stiffer rod and tip.  The medium action is going to be more fun because the fight is better, but the medium heavy will help you land fish quicker because of the stiffer backbone.  

[roadwarrior]

Neither reel is a Shimano. :

The Techna AV is a nice rod, but the only brand at any pricing point that has raised their retail quote in at least five years. That rod should retail for $160 not $210. I would suggest taking a look at the St. Croix Avid AC66MF or AC66MHF for $160 instead.

I think Medium Power is ideal for spinning gear and for your stated purposes I would also recommend Fast or XF Action. If you save $50 and buy the AC66MF, you can step up and buy a St. Croix AS66MF for your spinning equipment. That would be a nice matching pair for you.

[Grey Wolf]

RW gave you some good advice there.

[.ghoti.]

If you're planning on using your new spinning rig mostly for plastics, go with the MH. Check out the line weight ratings on the rod to help with your decision.

Cheers,

GK

[flechero]

Bucketmouth-

I hate to muddy the waters on this but let me offer a suggestion for you.  IMX.  Spend a couple dollars more and get a MH spinning rod in IMX.  The difference is twofold...  the tip is faster and therefore lighter in the MH so you get the casting advantages of the Med with the backbone of the MH... and you would be hardpressed to find a better soft plastics rod than an IMX.  

If I were in your shoes, I would look at the SJR843 in spinning and the MBR783 or MBR784 in casting before I bought anything.  You are so close to the price of those that I'd hate for you to buy anything without at least looking at those.  

As far as reels go, for BC I'd look at the citica 100D or DSV and the Revo.  I know you are a browning fan but you aren't buying a shotgun or a 9mm...  I'll defer to others on spinning reels, I just don't have enough experience with them... but I don't know if the Okuma can compare to the Stratic or the Stratic MG- especially for the money!!  

[bmadd]

I'm a big fan of Fenwick rods. I have a 7 and a 6'6 MH baitcasting Techna AV and I also have a 7 ft MH spinning HMG. The 7 ft HMG has no problem tossing senkos or any other small lures. I'll second the advice on possibly getting a Revo. They're awesome.  I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Fenwick rods.

[Hot n Tot]

Bucketmouth-

I know you are a browning fan but you aren't buying a shotgun or a 9mm...

That's great! I  love Browning Hi-Powers too! That's the 9mm that all others should be judged by...sorry, off topic.  

[deadeye32.]

On the spinning combo, I have a 7ft. Med. Fenwick HMG and it has plenty of backbone for bigger fish and is perfect IMO.  As far as your Baitcasting Rod, I would spend my 220 on a Kistler Helium LTA.

[roadwarrior]

Bucketmouth-

I hate to muddy the waters on this but let me offer a suggestion for you. IMX. Spend a couple dollars more and get a MH spinning rod in IMX. The difference is twofold... the tip is faster and therefore lighter in the MH so you get the casting advantages of the Med with the backbone of the MH... and you would be hardpressed to find a better soft plastics rod than an IMX.

If I were in your shoes, I would look at the SJR843 in spinning and the MBR783 or MBR784 in casting before I bought anything. You are so close to the price of those that I'd hate for you to buy anything without at least looking at those.

As far as reels go, for BC I'd look at the citica 100D or DSV and the Revo. I know you are a browning fan but you aren't buying a shotgun or a 9mm... I'll defer to others on spinning reels, I just don't have enough experience with them... but I don't know if the Okuma can compare to the Stratic or the Stratic MG- especially for the money!!

I was trying to stick with your pricing target, but if you can afford to step up a bit, I'm in total agreement with flechero.

[flechero]

I was trying to stick with your pricing target, but if you can afford to step up a bit, I'm in total agreement with flechero.

That's why I said I hated to do it... but it's so darn close!!  Wait, I kind of did actually... the revo S or citica, and IMX still falls into the budget as a total combo price.  

[BucketmouthAngler13]

Thanks guys for the info! I'll check out the IMX and the other rods for sure. Its still a couple months away so I have plenty of time to decide.

I'll let you know what I'm doing once I give them a fine tooth comb looking over.

[flyphisher #]

Really need a  6'6-7' MH spinning rod for what you want.Not only will you get better hooksets, it will be more versatile also.......I Second the IMX,nice rod. Not a big fenwick fan, not impressed with what you get for the price.Spinning reelwise, at least get a shimano Sahara or similar 2000 size. You will be alot better off with a Shimano citica or Revo instead of browning. I destroyed several browning spinning reels when I was your age. Didnt fish alot but enough that they didnt last long even w/ service. The BC are a little better, but not worth the money compared to the reels i listed above. Also it will take alot longer for service than it will to send a good reel to Reelmech....dont think he works on browning...Also as far a a T-rig,C-rig, jig rod, I use 6'10-7'0 heavy action rods. I dont feel like i get enough of a hookset with a MH. I only use with Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, most frogs, other big heavy topwaters.... sammies, pop-rs, gunfish,most shallow cranks, I throw on a med. rod w/ a 7:1 reel

[DRat]

Try tackle direct on line. They have about the best price on Loomis rods and free shipping on 200.00 or more.

[cuervoman13]

Bucketmouth-  I just got the same Browning Midas reel you are talking about...  nothing but problems.  I'm taking it back to BPS and getting another Shimano.  I've heard great things about the Citica.  I have a Shimano Curado 200B5 and have never had a problem.  With the Browning, I have tried every barke/friction combo and the thing backlashes mid cast every time.  Good luck.

[cbfishalot]

The advice I will give you is to buy the best you can the first time.  If you don't you will be buying it again before long.  

[BucketmouthAngler13]

Right now I'm looking at the Abu Garcia Revo STX for my baitcasting reel. I'm still looking around for a rod and I'm considering the St Croix Legend Tounament Bass in 6'6" Med/Hvy. Its kinda pricey though.... If I go with that the combo will be well over $400.

So far I'm still planning on the VSystem/HMG spinning combo.

[fishingfrenzy]

Honestly, I would I would skip the legend tournament and get an cheaper rod like the Avid.  I was in your same shoes last year and decided on dropping some money for a nice combo.  I was originally looking at the Quantum Tour Edition reel and either a Kistler magnesium ts or Croix Avid.  I ended up getting none of the ones that i had narrowed down and actually got a totally different combo than I had even anticipated.  I found a Shimano Chronarch 100MG reel for $130, cause it was the year before's model and a GLoomis GL3 for $160 (after a coupon).  I could never be more pleased with my setup and it is a dream to fish with.  If I were you, shop around and see what kind of deals you can get on rods and reels from local stores around your area.  Plus I would rather give the local guys the business over an Internet store.