First Two Baitcasters.... In a Long Time.

[Lostime]

Need to know if these setups will work for a beginners arsenal.

Im a little out of date (Garcia 5000 was state of the art when I last owned a BC).

I had a $250 budget for the the two baitcaster reels and rods. Spinning I already had.

1. Spinning (Light Apps) - Okuma Epixor EFS30 / Berkley Bionix 6.5' Medium (I think I spent around $60 on this last year).

2. BC Light - (Most Treble Apps + Smaller SpinnerBaits) - Daiwa Rojo / Cabella's Fish Eagle II C662 6.5' Medium - Fast $90

3. BC Heavy - (Mostly Worms/Jigs, Big Spinnerbaits) - Daiwa Rojo / Fenwick World Class C66MH Medium/Heavy - Fast $160

I was told the Fenwick WC was just an HMG with Alconite Guides and different paint. Not sure if this is true?

Im a little concerend about the Rojos but it was either cut the reel price or Worm/Jig Rod price.

Will this combo handle 90% of the fishing in the N. AL area?

Guntersville Grass excluded (I can borrow a broom stick!).

[cart7t]

If you get the Rojo, I'd be interested to know how the reel is and performs.  It's one of the very few LP reels out there now of quality that has a flippin switch.

[Uncle Leo]

I have a Rojo and of course was leary about the flipping switch performance. I bought it NIB on Ebay for $42.00 so I decided to give it a try. When received it lacked lubrication so I lubed it and gave it a try. So far on two outings it performed well.

[J Francho]

What's there to be concerned about?  The Rojos are part of the Procaster lineup and are fine reels.  I have a few super tuned capricorns that have served me well for a couple years.  As far as getting a dedicated flipping reel, I recommend locating a TD-X HSDL flipping reel.  Its probably the most comfortable reel I've used for F/P.

[MSPbass]

I just got a 7' M World-Class myself. It's not an HMG. The blank is different, the guides are Alconite and the reel seat is like the Techna. I was actually a little surprised at the difference. I've only taken it out once, but I'm really liking the thing. Its definitely lighter than an HMG.

I asked Fenwick about them, in fact. "Same actions, different materials" is what they said. "Cabela's loves the actions that we have in our HMG lineup, which is why you will notice many of the blanks having similar ratings, deflections, etc. As for the construction, we did use a high modulus material similar to that of the HMG, but added a higher ton graphite similar to the old World Class rods."

[Lostime]

...The blank is different, the guides are Alconite and the reel seat is like the Techna...Its definitely lighter than an HMG.

..."Same actions, different material....we did use a high modulus material similar to that of the HMG, but added a higher ton graphite similar to the old World Class rods."

I was told, "Upgraded HMG with better hardware and different color".

Lighter blank with same action and Techna level hardware seems pretty close.

Sounds like a decent rod for $100.

[MSPbass]

Interesting. That was right from Fenwick? The actual question I posed to them was just about: "Is this just a HMG with different guides?" The lady I emailed with was pretty firm in her response. She said "Cabela's loves the action of our HMG", but "It is a World Class series just as stated, not an HMG."

I had mine out again this morning. 7' M for topwaters. I think it's a great rod, even at $150. The sale they have on them now is definitely a good deal.

[Lostime]

Interesting. That was right from Fenwick? The actual question I posed to them was just about: "Is this just a HMG with different guides?" The lady I emailed with was pretty firm in her response. She said "Cabela's loves the action of our HMG", but "It is a World Class series just as stated, not an HMG."

I had mine out again this morning. 7' M for topwaters. I think it's a great rod, even at $150. The sale they have on them now is definitely a good deal.

I asked Fenwick... "How does it compare to the HMG and HMX?". I think we may have gotten the same answer with different wording. By "upgraded HMG" they may have meant the new lighter blank but designed to have the same action as the old HMG. I took it to mean the Hardware since they mentioned it later in the same sentence.

I have now received the reels and rods and do think the WC is very light for the price. Despite being Medium/Heavy with a much stiffer tip it is still a good bit lighter than a Medium Fish Eagle II. It feels as if they both will work well for my intended use but the WC really deserves a lighter reel.

They are now spooled with line and ready to go this weekend.

Medium Spinning - Sufix Elite 6-lb 0.25 mm

Medium Casting - Berkley Big Game 10-lb 0.31 mm

Medium/Heavy Casting - Berkley Big Game 15-lb 0.38 mm