new spinning setup need rod suggestions

[mikeeyyd]

Saturday i managed to break my spinning reel and decided to treat myself to a whole new spinning setup

i have pretty much decided i will be getting the Shimano Stradic CI4 but i am drawing a huge blank with what rod to match it up with so im looking for any suggestions

i will be using this rod 99% for largemouth and smallmouth both in the river and lake, my main baits i plan on using are finesse worms, soft plastics, and topwater walking baits. however at the end of summer i always go on a pike fishing trip which i would also like to use this setup for, i was thinking a nice 6'6''-7' M rod

any suggestions? i am trying to keep the rod around $200 but will spend $300 if needed

[roadwarrior]

St. Croix Avid AVS68MXF

G.Loomis IMX SJR843S

8-)

[CWilliams]

Cumara

[zerofivenismo]

Sheemano Koomara 6'8" Med Xfast. 

[tbird]

Sheemano Koomara 6'8" Med Xfast.

This is the one I would go with , perfect match with the CI4.

    T

[mikeeyyd]

thanks for the recommendations so far i was also meaning to ask do you think the stradic Ci is worth the additional money as compared to the stradic FI? i haven't acutally handled the Ci yet but i know i like the FI

[roadwarrior]

Yes.

The 2500CI4 has features that in the past

were only available on the Stella. The CI4

is an exceptional reel.

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Stradic_MgFB.html

8-)

[Diablos]

Yes.

The 2500CI4 has features that in the past

were only available on the Stella. The CI4

is an exceptional reel.

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Stradic_MgFB.html

8-)

I just picked up the 2500CI4 last week and it is very light. Make sure you pick up a light rod to go with it to appreciate it's lack of weight.

[Beastie Bass]

St. Croix Avid AVS68MXF

Listen to RW, and have money to spare!

[maineman]

St. Croix Avid AVS68MXF

Listen to RW, and have money to spare! [/qu9x20  9x20

[bryand82487]

Mikey go with the CI4 and the G.Loomis IMX SJR843S as RW suggested. I have this setup and it is great. The CI4 is definitely worth the money. I liked mine so much I bought another one a week later and I'm more of a baitcaster guy, but had to have another.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I have my CI4 on a 7'M Damik Dark Angel and couldn't be happier.  Really light, sensitive, and balance...plus it doesnt hurt that the colors match perfectly.

[bandsr4me20]

powell spinning rod  $140

[adclem]

St. Croix Avid AVS68MXF

Listen to RW, and have money to spare!

I agree, he suggested I try this rod last year and it has been AMAZING!!!

Later,

[mikeeyyd]

would you say the avid compares pretty well to the g loomis? i have two premiers and had troubles with one and st croix fixed free of charge

also what is the difference between the avid and the legend tournament do they have the same blanks and just a split handle on the legend?

you guys are being a huge help this is a big purchase for me and i want to make sure i get a setup i really love

[bigfruits]

go avid or loomis IMX and CI4.

i think avid is a great value for the money. very sensitive, but not quite as much as IMX (or so i've read). id buy IMX and GLX on sale only. if you take your time you should find a GLX for under $300 and IMX for close to $200.

i love the SJR783 GLX for making accurate casts with a 5/16oz eakins jig.

BSR852 would be great for small jigs/worms but they dont make an IMX version.

[0119]

I picked up my CI4 in November, the first one to hit town.  I wasnt able to fish it till Christmas when Mama Santa let me have it. It was on a 7'2" Cumara.  They are made for each other and balance like no other combo. Its an incredible soft plastic outfit.

[Flywatersmallie]

Legend Tournament.

[steezy]

Go upscale and get a Daiwa Steez CompileX 6'8" spinning rod.  You won't regret it !