HuskyKMA Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 I want to finally get some nicer rods and reels for bass fishing. I'm certainly no pro, just a hobbyist who likes nicer gear. Below is what I'm thinking of getting for more technique-specific setups. Please pick it apart and make recommendations where you think something different would be a better fit. I'm fishing largemouths and smallmouths in the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to stick to no more than four rods for now, might add a drop shot rod sometime down the road. I think I'm pretty sure on the crankbait and spinnerbait rods, but would definitely like opinions on the jig and worm casting and spinning rods. G. Loomis CBR864 DF Crankbait Rod Abu Garcia Revo Winch Reel (5.4:1) Lipless and shallow to medium diving crankbaits G. Loomis BCR853 Jig & Worm Rod Abu Garcia Revo STX-HS Reel (7.1:1) 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs (mostly 3/8 oz), weighted plastics, frogs; light to medium cover G. Loomis BSR802 Jig & Worm Rod Shimano Stradic FJ 2500 Reel Unweighted to lightly weighted plastics; light to medium cover G. Loomis SBR812C Spinnerbait Rod Abu Garcia Revo STX Reel (6.4:1) 3/8 oz spinnerbaits; light cover Quote
Super User NorcalBassin Posted February 20, 2012 Super User Posted February 20, 2012 That's a pretty significant upgrade. I'm a big Loomis fan as well, but have you considered any other brands? I've heard mixed results about the Loomis crankbait rods, so it may not be a bad idea to "upgrade" to a Dobyns 705CB or even a Lamiglas 705 if you want to keep your money with an in-state manufacturer. The 802 and Stradic FJ will be a sweet combo... I like my rods a little longer and just about always have a Senko rigged up, so I like the 852 just a little better. As far as the reels go, the STX's are nice and have a $30 rebate right now. I personally like to put Shimanos on my Loomis rods since it's the "same" company (Curado e7's or the new Chronarchs pair up nicely), but $200 reels all perform very well. Quote
Megastink Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Good reel choices. However, I think you should look at Powell rods their Max series runs between $140 and $170 bucks, and are backed by a lifetime warranty. They are super light weight, extremely sensitive, and are, IMHO, the best rods available. I encourage you to research them, read reviews. If you find something negative about them, you're the first! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 21, 2012 Super User Posted February 21, 2012 ** G. Loomis CBR864 DF Crankbait Rod Shimano CTE200GT ** G. Loomis BCR854 Jig & Worm Rod Shimano Curado 50E ** G. Loomis SJR843S Shimano Stradic CI4 ** G. Loomis MBR842C Shimano Curado CH50MG or Curado 50E This is also my favorite rig for soft swimbaits Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted February 21, 2012 Super User Posted February 21, 2012 Too bad Roadwarrior doesn't like Shimano reels. :) Quote
Super User smalljaw67 Posted February 21, 2012 Super User Posted February 21, 2012 May I ask what you're using now? The reason I ask is that is a significant upgrade and probably higher end than most pros use truth be told. I agree though it is nice to use good equipment and if all these are in your price range then by all means go for it. Areas were you can shed some costs however would be the crankbait rod if need be. While it is nice to use a great rod, I found that crankbait rods don't require a ton of feel, I like to have some feel though which is why I like graphite cranking rods instead of glass. The other thing with a 4 power Loomis deep flex is you are going to be limited on the type of cranking you do, that primarily a deep crank rod for open water, you aren't going to be able to fish shallow cranks around weeds or cover with it very effectively so you may want a more universal cranking rod in the Loomis line up. Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 I have fished a lot of G Loomis Rods and here is my humble opinion on which rods I would purchase if I were trying to cover the techniques you described (I am not going to comment on the reels, because I think all your choices are good). "G. Loomis CBR864 DF Crankbait Rod - Lipless and shallow to medium diving crankbaits" I have never fished this rod, but I have the G Loomis CBR896DF and I love it. Even though the CBR896DF is designed for deep diving crankbaits, I have used it for shallow and medium diving crankbaits, which it wasn't too heavy for. I really like the DF series over the regular crankbait series and I think this rod will really serve you well. "G. Loomis BCR853 Jig & Worm Rod - 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs (mostly 3/8 oz), weighted plastics, frogs; light to medium cover" Another perfect choice in my opinion for 3/8 oz. jigs and weighted plastics and could work for toad lures, but I am not sure if this will give you enough juice for frogs (I define "frogs" as Hollow Bodied lures and "toads" as solid plastics that is in the shape of a frog that you can T-Rig). "G. Loomis BSR802 Jig & Worm Rod - Unweighted to lightly weighted plastics; light to medium cover" I think I would go with the BSR852 here. That added length gives you a little more versitility. I have used my BSR852 for the lures you mentioned, but also for Shakyheads and Drop Shot when I was limited in room on the boat. This is by far my number one spinning rod and I really think it is a must have. "G. Loomis SBR812C Spinnerbait Rod - 3/8 oz spinnerbaits; light cover" I have fished the SBR812 and the SBR813, which are both very good rods, but I have found the GLX MBR783 to actually be the best spinnerbait rod of the bunch. The MBR 783 can also handle a much broader range of spinnerbait weights (the SBR812 really caps out at 1/2 oz. and the SBR813 really doesn't load properly when casting anything under 1/2 oz.). Plus, the MBR 783 can really be a goto rod for techniques where you may not have a rod to idealy cover (like topwater or jerkbaits). Though, I will say that if you are planning on getting MBR 783 for spinnerbaits, get the GLX. I don't know what it is, but the IMX version just doesn't seem to load quite right when casting like the GLX does. I would also consider adding a heavier rod to the line-up to cast frogs or paddletail type lures or heavier jigs/Carolina Rigs. Though, if you never use these type of lures, then there is no need to spend the money. Quote
flippin and pitchin Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Clearly, you have done some homework and have an eye for good stuff. It's all personal prefeence. I can't argue on your reel choices. I own or have owned each of your selections. The cranking rod is one rod I would suggest you revisit. I have owned Loomis CB rods and Lamiglas CB rods ( still do ). I would also suggest the Dobyns Champion 705CB Glass. At least research them. It's one of Dobyns' best sellers and for good reason. Welcome to the forum ! I'm 40 miles north of you !!!! PM me anytime. Doug Quote
HuskyKMA Posted February 27, 2012 Author Posted February 27, 2012 The G. Loomis rods are admittingly a little expensive for me, and I'd love more suggestions on ones in the $150-175 range. The Powell rods are right in that price range, but I'm a bit concerned not having ever held one before, even with all your recommendations. The nearest Powell dealer is a 5 hour drive, so that's out of the question, I could just buy the expensive rods for the amount of gas it would take to get there to shake them. Does anyone know if you can return them if ordered online? I've played around with the Lamiglas Excel and St. Croix Mojo Bass rods, and wasn't too thrilled with the weight or sensitivity of either. The G. Loomis and St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass rods on the other hand were very light and sensitive, just d**n expensive. I'd love to find something in the middle. Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted February 27, 2012 Super User Posted February 27, 2012 The G. Loomis rods are admittingly a little expensive for me, and I'd love more suggestions on ones in the $150-175 range. The Powell rods are right in that price range, but I'm a bit concerned not having ever held one before, even with all your recommendations. The nearest Powell dealer is a 5 hour drive, so that's out of the question, I could just buy the expensive rods for the amount of gas it would take to get there to shake them. Does anyone know if you can return them if ordered online? I've played around with the Lamiglas Excel and St. Croix Mojo Bass rods, and wasn't too thrilled with the weight or sensitivity of either. The G. Loomis and St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass rods on the other hand were very light and sensitive, just d**n expensive. I'd love to find something in the middle. St Croix sale still going on $161 each-- LTBC70MM for your crankbaits, LTBS69MLXF for unweighted plastics http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/catalog/Freshwater-23-1.html# Not the latest NSI versions though just so you know. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.