Finally

[hookingem]

Okay so I purchased my final reel today to complete the list. Now I want to upgrade all my rods before the end of summer. I have a 50e, a 200e5, 2 200e7's, and a Citica. Also have 2 Sahara 2500's but both of those are mounted on quality rods already. 1 for shakey heads, and one for dropshoting. My question is what rods would you get for the above 5 baitcast reels to cover all of your bases? I'm thinking about going all crucial rods, but is the step up to the Cumara really worth it? Dobyns maybe? Help these lost reels find new rods!

[Hammer 4]

If I had to choose between the Crucial, and Cumara, I'd definitely choose the later. I also like my Dobyns rods, be a tough call for me comparing those 2. I do like Shimano's warranty better though.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Dobyns or Powells would get my vote!!

[Whets Lines]

It sounds like you are pretty partial to Shimano. I can't say as if I blame you. I've recently add some Curados & Citicas to my arsenal. I do have one Dobyn's rod and so far I'm very pleased with it. It is a heavy action rod which I'm using for flipping and frogs so I can't say how sensitive it is.

However, since you asked for advice in the way of suggestions for rods to pair with your reels I'm going to steer you towards St. Croix Avids. I believe many people will agree with me that the Avids are the best bang for the buck in the St. Croix freshwater lineup. Here is what I would do.

50E - AVC68MXF (6'8" Medium Extra-Fast) - Topwater and/or Jerkbaits

200E5 - AVC70MHM (7' Medium-Heavy Modular) - Crankbaits

200E7 - AVC70MHF (7' Medium-Heavy Fast) - Spinnerbaits, all-purpose

200E7 - AVC70MF (7' Medium Fast) - Buzzbaits, senkos

Citica - AVC66MHF (6'6" Medium-Heavy Fast) - Texas Rigs & Pitching. I like shorter rod for pitching. It could serve for both techniques.

The price points on the Avids are right in between the Crucial & Cumara. Honestly, I've never fished with any of the Shimano rods so I can't say how they compare to the St. Croixs. I use almost exclusively St. Croix rods simply because once I started using them, I couldn't stop. Maybe you use these for a year or two and then you can start sendnig them in to St. Croix as credit towards a higher-end rod. I don't think you can do that with the Shimano rods.

I hope this helps.

Whets

[hookingem]

Thanks whets lines lets keep the suggestions coming!

[hookingem]

What 5 rods would you choose if you were going Crucials or Cumara's? Dobyns?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Why limit yourself to one brand or lineup? If you mix and match you may end up with a better total arsenal plus experience with other brands to refer to in the future.

[scrutch]

It sounds like you are pretty partial to Shimano. I can't say as if I blame you. I've recently add some Curados & Citicas to my arsenal. I do have one Dobyn's rod and so far I'm very pleased with it. It is a heavy action rod which I'm using for flipping and frogs so I can't say how sensitive it is.

However, since you asked for advice in the way of suggestions for rods to pair with your reels I'm going to steer you towards St. Croix Avids. I believe many people will agree with me that the Avids are the best bang for the buck in the St. Croix freshwater lineup. Here is what I would do.

50E - AVC68MXF (6'8" Medium Extra-Fast) - Topwater and/or Jerkbaits

200E5 - AVC70MHM (7' Medium-Heavy Modular) - Crankbaits

200E7 - AVC70MHF (7' Medium-Heavy Fast) - Spinnerbaits, all-purpose

200E7 - AVC70MF (7' Medium Fast) - Buzzbaits, senkos

Citica - AVC66MHF (6'6" Medium-Heavy Fast) - Texas Rigs & Pitching. I like shorter rod for pitching. It could serve for both techniques.

The price points on the Avids are right in between the Crucial & Cumara. Honestly, I've never fished with any of the Shimano rods so I can't say how they compare to the St. Croixs. I use almost exclusively St. Croix rods simply because once I started using them, I couldn't stop. Maybe you use these for a year or two and then you can start sendnig them in to St. Croix as credit towards a higher-end rod. I don't think you can do that with the Shimano rods.

I hope this helps.

Whets

I agree with this setup (although if you have the money I'd suggest Dobyn's). It's an excellent choice for quality rods at a great price. The only thind you might want to add to it IMHO, would be another 50e on an AVC70MM for the lightweight cranks and such. The Avid AVC70MM is nearly as good as it gets for lightweight baits.