new member of shimano posse? need advice

[Dan:]

I'm finally looking to buy a pretty nice spinning setup. I've decided that I'll be going with a St Croix because i get 60% discount on their products. Now, I need advice not only for what type of St Croix I should look at and also I need reel suggestions. I've been looking at the Pflueger Supreme and the Shimano Stradic, mainly. I own a Pflueger already and I would have liked to stay with their brand but after feeling the Supreme and the Stradic, the Stradic is much smoother. What I want to know is if there are any other comparable reels around $120 that I should look at before I pull the trigger.

BTW, I'm looking for a light setup for 6-8 lb test for mainly smallmouth but also a little largemouth fishing and I want to be able to get a rod and reel that can handle multiple types of baits (ie cranks, tubes, worms, spinners, jerks, etc) as best as possible because I do a lot of wade fishing and I can only take one setup with me most times.

So basically I'm looking for any advice about light spinning reels in the $120 range (specifically any info on the Stradic) and some advice on what types and actions of St Croix rods would be good for my situation. Thanks in advance guys.

[burleytog]

If you go with a Premier, I would recommend a PS66MLF.  I've got a PS66MF that is a bit too stiff to throw baits lighter than 1/4 oz.

[Dan:]

Yeah, I was mainly looking at Light or Medium Light actions for just the reason you mentioned but I just wanted to see what people had to say. Thanks.

[Jig Man]

You might look at the Shimano Symmetry for $40 less than the Stradic.

[Cephkiller]

I have this:

AS69MLXF 6' 9"  ML  X-Fast  1  6 - 10 1/8 - 1/2 3.8 4  $160.00

I have used it for two weeks now and it makes me feel like this:  

Seriously.  I have used it for everything from a 1/8 oz Roadrunner to a 1/2 oz LC Gunfish.  Awesome rod.  I am a hardcore baitcaster and since I got this rod, I have been looking for excuses to use it.  I have been using a lot of shakey heads, drop shots, tubes, etc. lately.  The other day I went fishing with my son for 3-4 hours.  When the trip was over I realized that this was the only rod I removed from my locker.  Unheard of!  I usually have 6-8 (casting) rods lying about and use most of them.  OK.  Overenthusiastic endorsement over for now.  Resume normal posting.

[Bud]

Go with the Stradic it is a great reel.  Cannot help on the  St Croix rods  don't own one.

[G3 Fan]

Cabela's has the Stradics on sale, they are about $20.00 off retail.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21404-cat21406-cat601360_TGP&id=0016681117195a&navCount=1&podId=0016681&parentId=cat601360&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=7IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601360&hasJS=true

[fish-fighting-illini]

 Even though you don't need the rod you might consider the BPS Extreme Stradic combo from BPS. You get the rod almost free. You could use the rod as a spare for something else or you could sell the rod via e-bay on this forum. Better yet you could sell it to me cheap! LOL

[roadwarrior]

First of all, the Stradic is a great reel and I think the "Best Value" in the Shimano line-up.

Regarding St. Croix: I have two Avids (AS66MLF & AC66MF) and one Legend Elite (ES70MF). My Legend Elite is my soft plastics rod, but could be used for virtually every technique. With your discount, I would HIGHLY recommend this rod matched with the Stradic 2500FB.

Regarding line: If most of the water you fish is extremely clear, I suggest original formula Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb test). Green matches well with clear water and is almost invisible. Otherwise, I recommend Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test) for all spinning tackle.

[Raul]

First of all, the Stradic is a great reel and I think the "Best Value" in the Shimano line-up.

Regarding St. Croix: I have two Avids (AS66MLF & AC66MF) and one Legend Elite (ES70MF). My Legend Elite is my soft plastics rod, but could be used for virtually every technique. With your discount, I would HIGHLY recommend this rod matched with the Stradic 2500FB.

Regarding line: If most of the water you fish is extremely clear, I suggest original formula Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (8.5 lb test). Green matches well with clear water and is almost invisible. Otherwise, I recommend Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test) for all spinning tackle.

Man, you and I must be tuned in the same frequency right now RW, with THAT discount on StCroix products, hell, go for the most expensive one you can get ( Legend Elite ).

After the Kistler Mag TS bummer I 've been seriously eyeballing a LE/ 2003 Pixy or Sol combo, that woodlike finish on the reel seat and pearlecent brown blank must look killer with an orange reel.

[skillet]

 I own a Symetre (so maybe I'm biased :-/) and am really happy with it. A number of members have said there is not enough difference in the Symetre and the Stradic to justify the extra money...

                                                    As Ever,

                                                     skillet

[5bass]

Pflueger Supreme

[Dan:]

Skillet, I've heard similar reviews about the Stradic being quite similar to the Symetre. Anyone own both or have anything more to say about that comparison?

BTW RW, thanks for the detailed recommendations. I will look at the Legend Elites. It might be hard for me to put up that kind of money in addition to the new reel so I may end up with an Avid or Premier. Either way, I'll have a much nicer rod than I do now (and personalized with my name on it as well)

[TrickyVT1887]

Honestly if it were me and money wasn't and issue i would go with the stradic, i own a symetre and they are a great reel but honestly the stradic is a smoother reel, not saying that i don't like my symetre i love the reel its super smooth but there is a reason the stradic costs $40 more, also or atleast the last time i chekced the symetre is made in malaysia while the stradic is actually made in Japan.

The stradic would pair nicely with a legend elite or even their legend tournament series.

[=Matt 5.0=]

For a comparable reel in the $120 price range, try the Diawa Tierra. My partner Rick has one, as well as LBH, and they both love them. I'm gonna get one for the salt before long!  

Also, FWIW I own two Stradic 2500's and have been completely satisfied.  

[FishTank]

Here is a couple of ideas.

1) Shimano Stradic 2500 ($120) and an Avid AC66MLF (~ $60 w/discount)= $180

2)St. Croix Avid Series AS2000 Spinning reel ($44 w/discount) and a Legend Elite ES66MLF ($120 w/discount)= $166.

I have not fished St. Croix reels but I have talked to a few who have and they really like them.  If it were me, the rod comes first and reel second.  

One things for sure, I am jealous of the discount you can get.  You're very lucky.

[Jig Man]

I own both Stradics and Symmetries.  I also have a couple of Saharas.  You don't really notice much difference until you have them apart.  I don't know about the different materials or the quality of the bearings but I find that Stradic has 1 more bearing than the symmetry.  With bearings costing $30 and up there in could lie the difference in price.

[BigAL]

Symetre cant gio wrong especially for the price

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Don't sell yourself short, go hold some of this stuff.  I can't see anyone picking up a Tierra ($129) and not walking directly to the register.  I've never been so satisfied with a reel.  It has seen both fresh and saltwater time and is flawless to date (owned for 4 months)

[Dan:]

Yeah, the only problem with that is our store doesn't have many Daiwas (including the Tierra) so I have a limited amount of reels I can feel. I think I'm going to go to another Dick's in the area that has a bigger fishing section to see if I can find and feel more reels there.

I'm really leaning towards the Stradic and the Premier or Avid rod though.

And I have to buy the reel from Dick's because I get a 25% employee discount. The St Croix discount is also through Dick's.

[Dan:]

Has anyone heard anything about or tried the Quantum Energy or Catalyst reels?

[magic]

Both the symetre and stradic are very nice reels, either will do the job for you, with the stradic a slight preference (have both), also might consider a stradic mg, it is amazingly light and a great reel (a little pricey though).

For rod, with that discount, go with the best. Premier are nice rods, but don't compare to an avid or legend. I'd look at a 7' med action

[the ohh face]

well i dont have a rod/reel recommendation but i guess i need to make friends with some of those Dicks Sporting Goods employees

[Dan:]

Alright, after checking out the Quantum Energy and not being able to find a Tierra, I went with the Stradic. So far I've been very pleased. Now I just need to get the St Croix order form and in two weeks I'll have a nice setup.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate it.

[roadwarrior]

Woo-hoo!

I'm sure you will be happy with your new set-up.

8-)