Ok here is my situation I recently had all of my gear stolen. I ordered a fenwick MLF 6"9 elite tech spinning rod to try it out. But I to need to order like 6-7 new rods and reels. I want to get good stuff but I dont want to get crazy either. I typically spend 600 or less on combo. Wife has okyayed 3000.00 for gear not including tackle . I would like to come in uder that but have a combo for all baits. My fishing habits are Carolina rig,Texas rig,Jig,Spro frog I highly recomend this. spinner baits, Buzz bait ,cankbait. The dropshot&whacky small jigs I think the Phluger supreme will handle this with the fenwick rod metioned above It was a deal on ebay a kind member here posted for me. So question is where is the best bang for the buck in rods. Reels I can handle I dislike Shimano for their poor cutomer service but my brother has been letting me fish his Shimano only gear and to tell ya the truth I miss Shimano I may give it another go. I am not loyal to any brand except spro frogs... So which comboshould recieve the most money If you could kindly put them in order and give your recomendations for a light balanced combo with ballpark figure in price.
I would go to your local tackle shop and start "feeling around" the members on here can recommend things to you all day, but in the end it's going to be what feels good in your hand and what feels good on your wallet. As a general guideline though, St. Croix, Dobyns, Falcon, Shimano, and Abu Garcia all have great values in their lines. If you can find a G. Loomis in your price range they're outstanding. As for power and actions, a MH power with a fast or extra fast action will work for plastics, jigs, and spinnerbaits. A M power with a fast action will handle your topwaters, buzz baits, and all your general purpose stuff. A M or MH with a moderate action will handle all your crank baits; and a ML or a M with a fast action will handle most of your finess presentations. I hope this helps you a little, if you have anything else just ask. I do have a M fast rod for sale in the market too, if your interested.
Tight lines
- Alex
edit: Oh and for reels, you really can't go wrong with an E series Shimano! Abu makes some quality reels, they just don't feel as refined unless you pay a lot for their higher end reels.
Ok thanks I guess is what I am really looking to get answered is dobyns loomis croix where is it you start to see the value at which model I know i went to dicks yesterday and I was not impressed by any of their rods. I have a BPS about 40miles away so I could always go there is there a place online that has better prices?
On 6/8/2012 at 11:27 PM, cfout4050 said:Ok thanks I guess is what I am really looking to get answered is dobyns loomis croix where is it you start to see the value at which model I know i went to dicks yesterday and I was not impressed by any of their rods. I have a BPS about 40miles away so I could always go there is there a place online that has better prices?
The Dobyns Savvy and Champion series are probably their best bang for the buck rods, Loomis really doesn't get amazing till their IMX line, I've heard good things about the St. Croix Premiers as far as value priced, but I haven't used anything below their Avid line (which is a great value in itself); Falcon's Bucoo rod line is great and only $100. As far as an online store, I usually use Tackle Warehouse, great prices, free shipping on orders over $50, and they do military discounts.
TW has the cumaras on sale for $140 you absolutely will not find a better rod for that price.
Thanks I just ordered some huddelston swim baits from them first time ordering from them. How do you feel about the carbonlight rods? I really was amazed at how light it was but i passed on it because at the time I had all I needed. I know their cheaper than I probally want for some but other applicatons it may fit the bill or should i just stick to fenwick smallmouth series for the cheaper end rods?On 6/8/2012 at 11:48 PM, Dr. Watson said:The Dobyns Savvy and Champion series are probably their best bang for the buck rods, Loomis really doesn't get amazing till their IMX line, I've heard good things about the St. Croix Premiers as far as value priced, but I haven't used anything below their Avid line (which is a great value in itself); Falcon's Bucoo rod line is great and only $100. As far as an online store, I usually use Tackle Warehouse, great prices, free shipping on orders over $50, and they do military discounts.
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I just ordered 1 mY brother was begging me to he said those rods are sweet. He told me he would trade his croix premier to me if I did not like it.On 6/8/2012 at 11:51 PM, NYBASSIN36 said:TW has the cumaras on sale for $140 you absolutely will not find a better rod for that price.
On 6/8/2012 at 11:52 PM, cfout4050 said:Thanks I just ordered some huddelston swim baits from them first time ordering from them. How do you feel about the carbonlight rods? I really was amazed at how light it was but i passed on it because at the time I had all I needed. I know their cheaper than I probally want for some but other applicatons it may fit the bill or should i just stick to fenwick smallmouth series for the cheaper end rods?
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I haven't used the Carbonlite rods more than just picking them up at the store, I prefer the Bucoo, it feels just about as light and it isn't made overseas. Haven't used the Duckett rods either but have heard great things about them.
Thats pretty much how I felt about them I think I will try something else.On 6/9/2012 at 12:04 AM, Dr. Watson said:I haven't used the Carbonlite rods more than just picking them up at the store, I prefer the Bucoo, it feels just about as light and it isn't made overseas. Haven't used the Duckett rods either but have heard great things about them.
On 6/9/2012 at 12:06 AM, cfout4050 said:Thats pretty much how I felt about them I think I will try something else.
I would do some research on the Falcon Bucoos i really like my spinning setup and at $100 they really are a great value, plus their made in the US, which I like. They compare to my St. Croix Avid pretty easily.
Yes I will do that. I hope that Cumaras gets here soon and i like it I will buy a few more at that price..
Or if you want to go extreme I love my NRX, LOL :-p
I think a Nrx is in my future at least one.. I have to probally for my jig and carolina rig rod.
Jigs & weighted soft plastics: NRX 854C/ Core 50MG
"Moving" baits, especially small swimbaits: GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG
Medium weight crankbaits: St. Croix Avid AVC66MM/ Curado 50E
Jerkbaits & topwater: Avid AVC66MF/ Curado 50E
Deep cranks: Lamiglas SR705R/ CTE200GT
Spinning tackle: St. Croix LES 70MF/ Stradic CI4
So I was looking at those cores50mg thats a good performing reel that will hold up? Want something that is smooth and does not need upgrades before its awsome. I just hope they have a lefthand retrieve. The curado I had a older one it was great so stay with the e series? Thanks so much for your and others I have not bought gear in a while I was just not hip on the newer stuff I heard alot of bad about some of the other curados . But not the E . But really thank you all for all your suggestions it really is helping me out. My garage was broken into while we were away for the weekend. Insurance is helping alot but some stuff you just can not replace. On a good note they tried to get into my house and well that did not fair well for them. My 4yr old female rott was home and tore a chunk out of somebody. I was so proud of that dog my wife always said shes harmless never hurt anybody. The dog my brother was caring for her while we were away I guess he just missed them or something because he was there 5 times that day . I am thankful that the house was not destroyed or anything missing from there.On 6/9/2012 at 2:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Jigs & weighted soft plastics: NRX 854C/ Core 50MG
"Moving" baits, especially small swimbaits: GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG
Medium weight crankbaits: St. Croix Avid AVC66MM/ Curado 50E
Jerkbaits & topwater: Avid AVC66MF/ Curado 50E
Deep cranks: Lamiglas SR705R/ CTE200GT
Spinning tackle: St. Croix LES 70MF/ Stradic CI4
Yes the Curado Es are nice, the left hand models are denoted by a one at the end. 51E(6.4), 201E(7.1), 301E(6.2 I think)
I love my Dobyns rods I have a champion 734c and a 705cb glass crankbait rod and a savvy 735c i love all of my Dobyns rods and those will not be my last ones i actually plan on ordering more this summer i would defiantly take a look at their rods i don't think you would be disappointed. As far as reels go i would also take a look at the lew's line they are really nice reels for a really good price.
Thanks that helps alot..On 6/9/2012 at 3:12 AM, Tom D. said:Yes the Curado Es are nice, the left hand models are denoted by a one at the end. 51E(6.4), 201E(7.1), 301E(6.2 I think)
On 6/9/2012 at 3:32 AM, bassinKS said:I love my Dobyns rods I have a champion 734c and a 705cb glass crankbait rod and a savvy 735c i love all of my Dobyns rods and those will not be my last ones i actually plan on ordering more this summer i would defiantly take a look at their rods i don't think you would be disappointed. As far as reels go i would also take a look at the lew's line they are really nice reels for a really good price.
x2, love my dobyns rods and lews tourney pro.
This is a sweet rod for the price (discounted) http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/products/Legend_Tournament_Bass_Casting_Rod_LTBC70MHF-329-23.html
I use it for many techniques
They dont have a lot styles left but you can look to see if something's the power/action you want
http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/catalog/Freshwater-23-1.html#
On 6/9/2012 at 2:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Jigs & weighted soft plastics: NRX 854C/ Core 50MG
"Moving" baits, especially small swimbaits: GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG
Medium weight crankbaits: St. Croix Avid AVC66MM/ Curado 50E
Jerkbaits & topwater: Avid AVC66MF/ Curado 50E
Deep cranks: Lamiglas SR705R/ CTE200GT
Spinning tackle: St. Croix LES 70MF/ Stradic CI4
Were On the same wave length there roadwarrior, but I would guess my preference is because of doubleing my species for Bass and Walleye!! And like you find I can't go wrong with St. Coix Rods as a great platform to mount my Shimano's and "LEWS" reels.
1) Lews Tournament Pro 7.2:1 on an Avid AVCMF for most rigging deep jigging and soft baits I use the same rod for jerkbaits and topwater.
2) Lews Tournament Pro 6.4:1 on an Avid AVC70MM for small and medium crankbaits spiner baits and swimbaits
3) Lews Team 6.4:1 on an Avid AVC70MHF for flipin jigin and kind of work in heavy salad and timber.
4) Shimano 1000 Sustain FG on a Legend Elite LES63MXF for a super lightweight finess spinning outfit
5) Callcuta 200B on an Avid AVC70MHM for your deep crankin duties
I love the Lews reels SUPER SMOOTH and extra tough with big drags, and think the street price for the Tournament Pro is under $150.00 and the Avids $180.00 well under you usuall as you stated, as for my pick of the 200B plenty of power with a 5;1 gear ratio, and half the price of the faster more refined CTE200GT with a 6:1 gear. leaving lots of extra cash for tackle! I assure you that you will not be under gunned with any of these outfits, all around $400.00 or less, I like your style roadwarior, solid suggestions, I just thought I'd tweek em a little??
right on RWOn 6/9/2012 at 2:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Jigs & weighted soft plastics: NRX 854C/ Core 50MG
"Moving" baits, especially small swimbaits: GLX MBR 842C/ Core 50MG
Medium weight crankbaits: St. Croix Avid AVC66MM/ Curado 50E
Jerkbaits & topwater: Avid AVC66MF/ Curado 50E
Deep cranks: Lamiglas SR705R/ CTE200GT
Spinning tackle: St. Croix LES 70MF/ Stradic CI4
On 6/9/2012 at 2:50 AM, cfout4050 said:So I was looking at those cores50mg thats a good performing reel that will hold up? Want something that is smooth and does not need upgrades before its awsome. I just hope they have a lefthand retrieve. The curado I had a older one it was great so stay with the e series? Thanks so much for your and others I have not bought gear in a while I was just not hip on the newer stuff I heard alot of bad about some of the other curados . But not the E . But really thank you all for all your suggestions it really is helping me out. My garage was broken into while we were away for the weekend. Insurance is helping alot but some stuff you just can not replace. On a good note they tried to get into my house and well that did not fair well for them. My 4yr old female rott was home and tore a chunk out of somebody. I was so proud of that dog my wife always said shes harmless never hurt anybody. The dog my brother was caring for her while we were away I guess he just missed them or something because he was there 5 times that day . I am thankful that the house was not destroyed or anything missing from there.
I have the Core 50 MG7, it is probably the smoothest reel I have and probably casts the furthest with the least amount of effort, If you look though this forum hard enough you'll find the review I did of this reel compared to my MGX. The Curado E is another great reel.
Ok so far I got 2 core 50 1 Curado 51e 1 Cumara rod 7ft4 heavy 1 st croix 7ft mh legend tournament 1 phluger supreme with fenwick smallmouth 7ftml Im working on nrx and some more legend tournament rods to finish out and I think I wIll add a Lews Tournament to see what the hype is. Ebay has saved a boat load of money so far I am only 1,687.82 in this thanks to dealer samples and sales I caught. Thanks to all you have been fantastic and helped make this a better experience than i could have expected. Now if going to keep searching for deals AND Tackle.
On 6/11/2012 at 10:42 PM, cfout4050 said:Ok so far I got 2 core 50 1 Curado 51e 1 Cumara rod 7ft4 heavy 1 st croix 7ft mh legend tournament 1 phluger supreme with fenwick smallmouth 7ftml Im working on nrx and some more legend tournament rods to finish out and I think I wIll add a Lews Tournament to see what the hype is. Ebay has saved a boat load of money so far I am only 1,687.82 in this thanks to dealer samples and sales I caught. Thanks to all you have been fantastic and helped make this a better experience than i could have expected. Now if going to keep searching for deals AND Tackle.
If you get an NRX, I'm sure you'll love it, I find myself just holding this rod even when watching tv in the house and not even near the lake. I don't have one of the Green ones mine is the original blue, but it is absolutely perfect; blank is straight, guides are perfect, wraps are tight, and the epoxy is not cracked or overly done. Just make sure if you do get an NRX to get it in person and not order it over the internet' so that you can carefully inspect it. For some reason some of them that are out in the retail world got past QC with some flaws and defects and there are some fakes out there too, so be careful and buy from a Loomis authorized retailer. Also, I have the 802C, but in the back of my head I kinda wish I went with the 803C, either way it is my best rod that I have ever used and if you get one and pair it with one of those Core 50's, I'm sure you'll fall in love too.
On 6/12/2012 at 2:53 AM, Dr. Watson said:If you get an NRX, I'm sure you'll love it, I find myself just holding this rod even when watching tv in the house and not even near the lake. I don't have one of the Green ones mine is the original blue, but it is absolutely perfect; blank is straight, guides are perfect, wraps are tight, and the epoxy is not cracked or overly done. Just make sure if you do get an NRX to get it in person and not order it over the internet' so that you can carefully inspect it. For some reason some of them that are out in the retail world got past QC with some flaws and defects and there are some fakes out there too, so be careful and buy from a Loomis authorized retailer. Also, I have the 802C, but in the back of my head I kinda wish I went with the 803C, either way it is my best rod that I have ever used and if you get one and pair it with one of those Core 50's, I'm sure you'll fall in love too. Yes I will do I have a couple of dealers close that have some. I am for sure going to grab one or two I am way under budget at the moment so its a sure thing...
On 6/9/2012 at 2:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Jigs & weighted soft plastics: NRX 854C/ Core 50MG
I have to ask a question on this. I'm looking to buy a dedicated jig set up and was wondering why have a reel with such a fast retrieve for jigs? This reel is out of my price range anyways, but is this pairing more about the weight of the reel, its retrieve speed, or both?
On 6/15/2012 at 3:08 AM, Busy said:I have to ask a question on this. I'm looking to buy a dedicated jig set up and was wondering why have a reel with such a fast retrieve for jigs? This reel is out of my price range anyways, but is this pairing more about the weight of the reel, its retrieve speed, or both?
The one piece of advice that I always stuck with when I asked that same question was "you can always slow down with a high gear ratio, but you can only reel so fast with a lower gear ratio" I find this to be pretty true.
Well pretty simple really to reel line in fast like if the fish comes towards you and believe me they do. Oh and buy the way I thought that was fast to about 2 years ago when I saw guys buying fast reels for pitchin. Also I bought one Core 50 for 265. shipped normaly run 360.00On 6/15/2012 at 3:08 AM, Busy said:I have to ask a question on this. I'm looking to buy a dedicated jig set up and was wondering why have a reel with such a fast retrieve for jigs? This reel is out of my price range anyways, but is this pairing more about the weight of the reel, its retrieve speed, or both?
On 6/16/2012 at 12:38 AM, cfout4050 said:Well pretty simple really to reel line in fast like if the fish comes towards you and believe me they do. Oh and buy the way I thought that was fast to about 2 years ago when I saw guys buying fast reels for pitchin. Also I bought one Core 50 for 265. shipped normaly run 360.00
Thank you for the responses. I was looking at the Okuma Helios reel ($219) which I can find for $160 and the Okuma Helios Hs-Cm-701H ($175) which I can find for $140. The retrieve speed is 6.2:1, which is what I use for senkos as well. Never spent that much on a combo before and I want to get it right, plus I want to try out Okumas stuff because I never hear about them or see anyone using their stuff so I want to give them a shot. I might have to look at faster reels just worried about changing the retrieve because I feel my muscle memory is pretty set in stone with 6.1-6.4 speed.
Edit: I don't pitch or flip, never tried but I'd like to learn. I have a lazy man method with an underhand cast I use to flick the bait along the top of the water lol. I don't burn baits back to the boat either, I always fish them the whole way. Good point point about the fish wheeling to the boat though.
On 6/16/2012 at 12:51 AM, Busy said:Thank you for the responses. I was looking at the Okuma Helios reel ($219) which I can find for $160 and the Okuma Helios Hs-Cm-701H ($175) which I can find for $140. The retrieve speed is 6.2:1, which is what I use for senkos as well. Never spent that much on a combo before and I want to get it right, plus I want to try out Okumas stuff because I never hear about them or see anyone using their stuff so I want to give them a shot. I might have to look at faster reels just worried about changing the retrieve because I feel my muscle memory is pretty set in stone with 6.1-6.4 speed.
Edit: I don't pitch or flip, never tried but I'd like to learn. I have a lazy man method with an underhand cast I use to flick the bait along the top of the water lol. I don't burn baits back to the boat either, I always fish them the whole way. Good point point about the fish wheeling to the boat though. Well I have no experience with Okuma. I do have experience with fater vs slower I like my cranks slow carolina rig I want long rod and fast reel Texas rig I usally use fast again I think I like fast reels because I have had a lot of fish surge towards me and I like knowing the speed is there when I need it. I mostly control the speed with how fast or how far I turn the handle. The only baits I burn is spinnerbaits and thats very rare that I do that. Even buzzbaits it ideal to fish them slow the longer your bait is in the strike zone the better off you will be. I hope this kida helps the biggest thing that helped get my catch ratio up was paying very close attention to my presentation I fish slow and use varying retrieve till I find what they want and some times its a fast retrieve and other times it slow vice versa. I think the biggest thing to look at is your presentation. You can buy a porche but never drive it above 25mph same with reels. But 6.1 - 6.4 Is average and not bad go with it if you think its best for you . I do like that speed for cranks alot.