New Finesse Spinning Rod

[deep]

Okay folks, I know the topic of finesse spinning set-up has come up quite a few times recently, and I went through most of those.

I'll be throwing 5" senkos, fat ikas, and little finesse jigs. The rod I have, and the one I'm trying to sell, is a Powell Max 7'3" M/ XF, rated upto 0.5 oz.

I want to spend around $200, preferably less, and I want another Powell or a Shimano (crucial or cumara). If I'm not convinced that one of the Shimanos is significantly better than the Powell, I'll probably buy another Powell.

Questions:

Casting distance: I know the issue is over-rated, but it's important to me. My Powell is 7'3", and I've gotten pretty used to it. How much casting distance will a 7' rob me of?

Fast vs extra-fast: Which one? The line will be Daiwa Samurai.

Lure rating: A 5" senko + hook weighs around 0.5 oz, and my Powell throws it without getting over-loaded. What is the higher lure-rating I should be looking at? 0.5 oz? or 5/8 oz?

Thanks.

[Bluebasser86]

Never fished a Powell but I love my Crucial spinning rod. I think for what you're wanting you could try a 7' 2" medium extra fast Crucial. Either that or a step up to the 7' 2" M/H in the drop shot version, it's rated 6-15lb test and 1/8-1/2 oz baits. Then you don't have to worry about dropping down to a rod that is a few inches shorter. I think the extra fast will be better for sensitivity with the baits you're talking about. I have to ask though, what is wrong with the rod you have? Sounds like you like and are used to fishing it, why don't you just keep that one?

[deep]

Never fished a Powell but I love my Crucial spinning rod. I think for what you're wanting you could try a 7' 2" medium extra fast Crucial. Either that or a step up to the 7' 2" M/H in the drop shot version, it's rated 6-15lb test and 1/8-1/2 oz baits. Then you don't have to worry about dropping down to a rod that is a few inches shorter. I think the extra fast will be better for sensitivity with the baits you're talking about. I have to ask though, what is wrong with the rod you have? Sounds like you like and are used to fishing it, why don't you just keep that one?

Nothing much wrong with the Powell, except that I had to replace the tip guide; and it's been a long long time since I bought a new rod

The 7'2" medium Crucial might be a tad underpowered for senkos? It's higher lure-rating is only 3/8 oz.

I'm dying to try out a Powell Endurance, but it seems it's as sensitive, but lighter than the Max series.

[Javelin200]

The Crucial D/S rod would be right direction. Light enough tip to deliver unweighted plastics or small finesse baits, while offering better hooksetting power. Whichever brand you go with, I'd say you'd be better served by a MH power. Lure wt. ratings on rods are just basic guidlines, and each blank behaves differently with like weighted lures. I'm more inclined to choose a rod based on its designation for a specific technique. Generally, it's a better representation of what to expect from the taper, action, and power of any given blank.

[deep]

Javelin200, you say " I'm more inclined to choose a rod based on its designation for a specific technique". But I'm not looking to drop-shot at all, I'm casting lures. Might have to find the cash for a Cumara after all.

If anyone is wondering why I'm considering Powells and Shimanos only, it's because I've handled and fished with their rods a lot, and I'm used to them (lures, power, action etc).

[Javelin200]

Javelin200, you say " I'm more inclined to choose a rod based on its designation for a specific technique". But I'm not looking to drop-shot at all, I'm casting lures. Might have to find the cash for a Cumara after all.

Understood. Maybe a poor analogy on my part. What I was trying to say is that the implied characteristics of a 'technique specific' rod or blank provide a more accurate indication of what that rod or blank will offer in handling different types or sizes of baits. Just because it's a "Drop Shot" rod, doesn't mean that's all you can use it for. To my knowledge, "Drop Shot" rods are typically configured with faster, lighter tips to better load for casting sub 1/2 oz. baits, as well as facilitating a more subtle presentation while sporting enough backbone to hook and land sizeable fish. This makes them excellent options for casting the baits you mentioned. I often use my DS rod for light cranks, and smaller stick baits as well. It's a great smallie rod.

[deep]

Understood. Maybe a poor analogy on my part. What I was trying to say is that the implied characteristics of a 'technique specific' rod or blank provide a more accurate indication of what that rod or blank will offer in handling different types or sizes of baits. Just because it's a "Drop Shot" rod, doesn't mean that's all you can use it for. To my knowledge, "Drop Shot" rods are typically configured with faster, lighter tips to better load for casting sub 1/2 oz. baits, as well as facilitating a more subtle presentation while sporting enough backbone to hook and land sizeable fish. This makes them excellent options for casting the baits you mentioned. I often use my DS rod for light cranks, and smaller stick baits as well. It's a great smallie rod.

Ahhh, got it now. Thanks for the clarification.

[central.PA.bass]

Powell.. I own one and haven't found a flaw with it

[Hooligan]

You might feel the Crucial is a little overloaded with 5" Senko's. It fishes a 4" perfectly, but the 5" is pushing it weight wise. The Crucial is a little off in terms of power, I don't really know why that is, but it feels that way to me. I'd really encourage you to look into the St. Croix Avid 6-8 Med Xfast, too. It's my rod of choice for weightless plastics and shakey heads. The other is the Cumara 7-2 dropshot rod. It's a great dropshot rod, but it does everything else REALLY well, too.

[deep]

Okay, got it. Thanks everyone. I'm making a new thread on a Cumara I'm looking at. Let's see what folks have to say.