All Around Finesse Spinning Rod & Reel

[Clint C.]

Hey everyone,

I've read through quite a lot of threads for finesse fishing setups and it seems everyone has different suggestions.

I want to get a rod and reel setup that is all around good for weightless plastics and drop shot fishing.

I've been looking into getting the St. Croix Legend Bass Tournament rod. The longer the better I think. I'm in a wheelchair so longer seems to be a must. Around 7 FT. I really don't want to spend more than $250 on the rod.

Also has anyone used the new Shimano 2500 FJ? I was reading it's specifically made for finesse fishing. Any reviews? What would you suggest around $160 if not the FJ?

Thanks for the help!

[.ghoti.]

You've made a couple of fine choices. I'd suggest also looking at St Croix's Avid series. I have both Avids and LTB's and there's not a nickels worth of difference while fishing.

In either line consider a 6'8" M-XF model. For my money, in the St Croix line, that is is close as it gets to an all around power and action.

Check out a Pfleuger Supreme XT spinning reel. Lighter, smoother and cheaper that the Stradic.

[Clint C.]

You've made a couple of fine choices. I'd suggest also looking at St Croix's Avid series. I have both Avids and LTB's and there's not a nickels worth of difference while fishing.

In either line consider a 6'8" M-XF model. For my money, in the St Croix line, that is is close as it gets to an all around power and action.

Check out a Pfleuger Supreme XT spinning reel. Lighter, smoother and cheaper that the Stradic.

Thanks ghoti appreciate the feedback!

I noticed the Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier® XPS® Spinning Rods are on clearance for $80 and have read some great things for them throwing weightless rigs. Have you had any experience with this rod? Or will it just not even come close to the St. Croix?

[North Ga Hillbilly]

Ive fished an Avid a decemt ammount, and really like it. I feel they under rate the power of them alittle, I feel the M I fished is closer to a MH. They also have a great warranty.

NGaHB

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You've made a couple of fine choices. I'd suggest also looking at St Croix's Avid series. I have both Avids and LTB's and there's not a nickels worth of difference while fishing.

In either line consider a 6'8" M-XF model. For my money, in the St Croix line, that is is close as it gets to an all around power and action.

Check out a Pfleuger Supreme XT spinning reel. Lighter, smoother and cheaper that the Stradic.

I'll second this recommendation adding that you can go ML/XF especially if you're throwing a lot of stuff 1/4 & 1/8 oz

[Clint C.]

Thanks for the feedback. Seems like everyone is really liking the avid rods. I'll have to go check em out.

Yes most lures I throw on this will be weightless or mostly 1/4 oz or less.

[South FLA]

If you want ultra finesse take a look at the Carbonlite rods at BPS and the next step up reel from Pfleuger called the Patriarch, its a super-sweet light weight outfit.

[Canga]

the avid (or LTB) 6'8" MXF or 6'9" MLXF are awesome rods, they are both available in either series. look around a bit, if you are buying online, last years LTB rods are on clearance in places since st croix has "upgraded" them this year (they added NSI, and an ugly reel seat).

as for reels, the supreme xt is an excellent reel, light weight, smooth, good drag, etc. in fact im picking one up for my 6'9" mlxf legend xtreme in the morning, as my local gander mountain has them for $119 and at that price its too hard to pass up.

[Canga]

forgot to add, if you prefer a full handle to the split handle in the LTB series, the legend tournament walleye series also has a 6'8" MXF, with the full handle, but they dont offer the 6'9" mlxf in the walleye series.

good luck

[Clint C.]

Thanks =0)

I may just go to bps tomorrow and see which feels best. what action do you all think is best for the type of fishing I'll be doing? XF?

[South FLA]

Thanks =0)

I may just go to bps tomorrow and see which feels best. what action do you all think is best for the type of fishing I'll be doing? XF?

Drop shot= Med light fast action to extra fast

Soft plastics= Med with a fast action

Ideally you would have a setup for each, but if I were fishing soft plastics more often I would go with medium action if drop shot go with the med light as suggested before.

Avids are nice, but don't turn your nose up at the Carbonlite rod series they were on sale last time I was at BPS they were on sale for $100 and they are a great rod bang for buck. Not sure if BPS carries Kistler, but they also make a nice drop shot rod. While you are try different rod/reel combination and see how they balance and feel.

The Pflueger Patriarch and the Carbonlite setup will run about $300 at BPS and be out of this world light.

Report back and tell us what you liked.

[ChiCityBasser]

I just added the Cabelas XMLTi 6'9" M/F spinning model to my line up after reading some of the post stating to get the best rod you can for this technique. I previously had the Field & Stream Tec Spec 6'9" M/XF but took it back as I didn't feel it was sensitive enough for me after having used the Tec Spec 7' MH/F rig & jig model which was much better to me. The XMLTi is $119 now an normally $200. It will be paired with a Quantum Catalyst PTi-a20.

[Clint C.]

I just added the Cabelas XMLTi 6'9" M/F spinning model to my line up after reading some of the post stating to get the best rod you can for this technique. I previously had the Field & Stream Tec Spec 6'9" M/XF but took it back as I didn't feel it was sensitive enough for me after having used the Tec Spec 7' MH/F rig & jig model which was much better to me. The XMLTi is $119 now an normally $200. It will be paired with a Quantum Catalyst PTi-a20.

So the XMLTi is nice and sensitive? That's a great price on them right now!

[Clint C.]

Drop shot= Med light fast action to extra fast

Soft plastics= Med with a fast action

Ideally you would have a setup for each, but if I were fishing soft plastics more often I would go with medium action if drop shot go with the med light as suggested before.

Avids are nice, but don't turn your nose up at the Carbonlite rod series they were on sale last time I was at BPS they were on sale for $100 and they are a great rod bang for buck. Not sure if BPS carries Kistler, but they also make a nice drop shot rod. While you are try different rod/reel combination and see how they balance and feel.

The Pflueger Patriarch and the Carbonlite setup will run about $300 at BPS and be out of this world light.

Report back and tell us what you liked.

I do a lot more weightless soft plastics (t-rig, wacky rig, slug-go) than drop-shotting. So I would more want the rod suited for that, but would still be "ok" for drop-shot. I have a lot of options to check out! Luckily I have a cabelas 10 minutes away and a bps only 35. Gonna be a busy weekend!

I will for sure report on what I think felt best.

I have a KVD Quantum Spinning Reel I'm going to use on it for the time being. That Patriarch looks like a sweet reel though! Might have to get that too once I'm holding it haha

[ChiCityBasser]

So the XMLTi is nice and sensitive? That's a great price on them right now!

Yes it is and this is my first spinning XMLTi with the previous one I own being a baitcast model but without the split grips. The $119 price is good til saturday 10/1/11 and the cabelas near me had a few casting models and about 10-12 spinning models left. I see you're in Lansing and will probably hit the Cabelas in Hammond like I did. They are worth a look at that price since you could get it on sale and try it and if you don't like it return it.

[Clint C.]

Yes it is and this is my first spinning XMLTi with the previous one I own being a baitcast model but without the split grips. The $119 price is good til saturday 10/1/11 and the cabelas near me had a few casting models and about 10-12 spinning models left. I see you're in Lansing and will probably hit the Cabelas in Hammond like I did. They are worth a look at that price since you could get it on sale and try it and if you don't like it return it.

Sounds great. I'll give em a try. I didn't realize I could return it if I didn't like it!

[ChiCityBasser]

Sounds great. I'll give em a try. I didn't realize I could return it if I didn't like it!

Yes you can as I had previously purchased a Mag Touch Drop shot rod but just didn't like the way it handled after a couple of times out and returned it. The rod was still good as new with no damage or signs of wear.

[SirSnookalot]

Not a bad idea to leave the cellophane wrap on the rod for awhile until you know whether keeping it or returning., I see lots of people that never remove the wrap.

[Clint C.]

Good thinking! I think it's going to end up being between the cabelas rod, avid, or bps carbonlite

[Clint C.]

Well I just got back from Cabelas.

The XMLti was pretty sweet but I'm being really picky with this rod. If anyone is looking to get a great rod at an awesome price get to Cabelas by tomorrow they have it on sale for $120

The rod I really loved the feel of was the St Croix Avid 7'MF. This rod really felt incredible. I had them mount the Pfleuger Patriarch on it (9530X) and wow! So light and balanced. I really loved the combo.

I haven't bought anything yet. I am still going to go to BPS and check out the carbonlite and see how that feels.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

[ChiCityBasser]

Well I just got back from Cabelas.

The XMLti was pretty sweet but I'm being really picky with this rod. If anyone is looking to get a great rod at an awesome price get to Cabelas by tomorrow they have it on sale for $120

The rod I really loved the feel of was the St Croix Avid 7'MF. This rod really felt incredible. I had them mount the Pfleuger Patriarch on it (9530X) and wow! So light and balanced. I really loved the combo.

I haven't bought anything yet. I am still going to go to BPS and check out the carbonlite and see how that feels.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Glad you were able to check them out and good luck with your search and sounds like the Avid combo will be the one for you.

[South FLA]

So Clint, what did you settle on?

[Dockhead]

You may be able to check out a Shimano Crucial at BPS, the drop shot versions are good for more than just that one application. As a matter of fact, I use mine (7'2" - MH - XF) for weightless/lightly weighted soft plastics much more than drop shotting.

(Was planning on trying to drop shot more but that hasn't happened.)

[Clint C.]

I ended up getting the St. Croix LTB 7' MF "Tube Rod"

It was just the best overall feel for me. I am going to pair it up with the Pflueger Patriarch.

Heading out to the lake in an hour, I'll be sure to let you know how I did with it!

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

[Clint C.]

Well nevermind. I won't be testing it out today. Got it in the mail and it was broken in half near the handle. Looks like some moron at UPS stepped on it!