Need Advice on Rod/Reel Combo for Plastics

[Flapjack]

The lake I do most of my fishing on is a clear deep lake in Canada. I fish a lot of topwater, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, etc., but very very little throwing of plastics, so I'm looking for thoughts and advice on a good rod/reel setup. This lake does not have a lot of cover, but this summer it has been a lot weedier than usual. Not thick heavy matting, but areas here and there with what I think is hydrilla and milfoil. My fishing partner and I found a few spots in about 10 15 feet of water that were weedy near drop-offs and anchored there and dropped wacky worms into the holes between weeds. We actually did quite well pulling in several largemouths in the 3 lb range. It was clear to me though that I need a setup geared for this type of fishing.

My first thoughts were a spinning outfit. Something like a St. Croix AVS68MXF or Loomis BCR803 Mossyback paired with a Stradic 2500 reel. After researching and reading others' comments, I found a lot of people really like the Falcon Cara CC-5-167MH (or CC-5-167S with the split grip) weightless worm rod. I have a couple of Curados that I really like, so I would probably pair this rod with a new Curado. A Shimano 50mg would be nice, but way out of my budget range.

I'm not sure if a baitcasting setup would be an OK way to go, or would that outfit with a Curado not be the best idea? Should I stick to spinning and are those good setups I listed? Or is spinning vs baitcasting for this particular technique just personal preference? I don't foresee any long casting. Just basically pitching while anchored or soft casting while going along the shoreline with the electric trolling motor. I'm thinking mostly wacky worms or Texas-rigged plastics.

What do you think??

- Mark

[roadwarrior]

Spinning: AVS68MXF or SJR843S/ Stradic 2500 CI4/

Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 or InvizX #8

Baitcasting: MBR842C/ Curado 50E7/ Hybrid #12 or

AbrazX #12

8-)

[bigfruits]

personal preference.

i like soft plastics on a spinning rod until im using a weight heavier than 1/4oz (lead not lead and plastic) and always for weightless plastics.

curado E7 is great for bottom baits because of the fast retrieve!

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I've been extremely happy with my Crucial 6'10" MHXF.  Fantastic t-rig rod.  Bought that on advice from an extremely knowledgeable member of the forums.  He can chime in on that if he wants.  The Crucial 7' MXF has made for a fantastic lighter plastics rod for me as well.  Both are casting models.

[smallwatermayhem]

If you're going to do a lot of Wacky Worming, I'd consider a Spinning reel over a Baitcaster. Because Spinning reels have no resistance on the cast, leading into less Senko's being ripped from the hook during a cast. If you're doing T-rigs then a Baitcaster would be better.

Wacky-Worming a lot? Shimano Symetre SY2500FJ ($99.99) with a St. Croix Avid Series, 7' MH rod ($189.99) and 10lb Seaguar InvisX fluorocarbon.

[BassThumb]

If you're going to do a lot of Wacky Worming, I'd consider a Spinning reel over a Baitcaster. Because Spinning reels have no resistance on the cast, leading into less Senko's being ripped from the hook during a cast. If you're doing T-rigs then a Baitcaster would be better.

Wacky-Worming a lot? Shimano Symetre SY2500FJ ($99.99) with a St. Croix Avid Series, 7' MH rod ($189.99) and 10lb Seaguar InvisX fluorocarbon.

I use that rod for wacky worming.  It's a good fit for Senkos, and I use it for light t-rig worm fishing, too.

[Flapjack]

Thanks Guys! I really do appreciate the comments...very helpful.

I could change my mind, but right now I'm leaning to:

Spinning: AVS68MXF / Stradic 2500 CI4

Thanks again,

Mark

[smallwatermayhem]

Yeah, that sounds good. The Ci4 is a very light reel and would work great with plastics.

[BASSclary]

I think you will be very happy with that setup for plastics.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Sounds like a winner to me, no experience with the avid spinning rod but I love my CI4, I think you'll do the same.

[Stasher1]

The AVS68MXF is my primary light t-rig/shaky head rod. I have it paired with a Symetre 2500 and honestly have no complaints at all. It has surprising backbone for a Med., but is capable of casting fairly light lures well. I think you'll be pleased. 

[Flapjack]

Thanks guys. I'm feeling really good about this choice. I'm going for it!

[Beastie Bass]

Yes AVS68MXF is my go-to rod for t-rigs and shakyheads also! I use a symetre on mine. I could fish with this combo for 3 days, its just that comfy. Amazing backbone for a M action.

[Flywatersmallie]

I have the 6'8 mxf in the legend tournament series, both casting and spinning. You will love it! More than enough backbone to drive the hook in a t-rig yet a soft enough tip you won't pull the hook through a fish with a wacky or dropshot rig. Very versitile stick! They fabulous jerkbait rods too