Rod selection help

[Smallie4130]

I bought a St. Croix triumph last year, 7' MLF, and I really havent been that happy with it mainly when fishing faster moving rivers.  Another thing that drives me absolutely crazy is that when popping a lure or "walking the dog" the line will constantly get stuck behind the extra large wrap around piece of the last eyelet.  So Im constantly having to reach out to the end of the rod and untangle it.  So first off, is this just bad technique on my part or the rod?  It didnt happen nearly as much previously but I also purchased a Pflueger Supreme reel at the same time and have no clue if that could somehow effect it.

Now for the main question, what is the consensus on the spinning Shimano Crucial rods?  They have a nice 7' MF at my local store for 140 bucks and I noticed that the tip has a very minimal wrap around.  It also feels great in my hand.  But I was also wondering about the mechanism that secures the reel.  Instead of the normal threaded style, you turn the top cork piece and it makes a ratcheting noise.  I noticed that the nicer Shimano rods did not have this feature making me wonder if its a gimmick.  Thanks for any input and also, if you think that there is something better for 140 or less (never thought I would even spend that much) please let me know.  I mainly fish rivers, small creeks, and occasionally lakes for largemouth and smallmouth using mostly soft plastics and crankbaits.

[Stasher1]

I think you'll have a hard time finding a better handling or more sensitive rod in that price range. The Crucials are very nice rods for the money and come with a lifetime warranty. They had been Shimano's top of the line rod until the release of the Cumara earlier this year.

As far as the ratcheting foregrip, I've had mine for about a year and haven't had a problem yet. I don't even recall having to retighten it.

[Smallie4130]

Thanks for the input.  Mine will spend most of its time in a kayak as well.

[Tokyo Tony]

In my opinion, you won't find a better rod for 140 bucks. I've heard good things about Powell rods in that price range, but I've never tried them. Even if they're comparable, you can't beat the Shimano warrantee.

For smallies in a river, I would recommend a 6'6" or 7' ML fast action. Maybe M power if you're not comfortable with a ML. I've been meaning to get a ML Crucial for a while, and with river smallies, I think that rod would be an absolute blast.

I have two Crucials: 7' casting MH fast for jigs and t-rigs, and the 7'2" spinning dropshot rod. I'm extremely happy with both, and I don't think I've ever heard a single bad review of these rods.

Different companies have different reel seats. As long as they keep the reel firmly on the rod, I'm happy.

Regarding the line wrapping around the rod tip: I don't think it has to do with the rod at all. Do you have line twist? That happens to me when my line gets twisted up, but even when I was using 40 dollar rods, that never happened to me.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide to get  8-)