Help With Rod Plastics, Spinning Rod/reel Selection? 2024
Huntsman reply :
Hello everyone, I was turned onto this site today by an associate at Dick's Sporting Goods, who seems to think the world of you all. Anyhow, I'm relatively new to the bass fishing scene, not too many good spots here in Vegas without access to a boat. However, now that I have an aluminum boat, I'm ready to go! I used to fish primarily with texas rigged plastics, and had moderate success. However, this was years ago.I don't know how to work baitcasters, so I'd be more comfortable getting a spinning rod. I've been advised I should be looking for a Medium to Medium Heavy action 6-1/2 to 7 foot rod with a fast tip, and get the best sensitivity I can. I will most likely be using 10-12# mono on whatever I choose, and would like to experiment with other types of plastics/jigs. As more experienced bass fishermen, what would you suggest in terms of Brand/Price for the rod/reel? Which should I pay more for? My price range for both(total) would probably be up to 150 dollars or so, and my friend offered to let me use his BPS discount if I get a rod/reel from their brand. However this range is flexible. I'd appreciate any help, and look forward to speaking with you all. Let me know if you need any other information to set me on the right track, thanks!
MichiganFishing1997 reply :
If you want to go the Bps route, the Carbonlight is a great rod for the money, and will be even better for your money if you get an employee discounts. I havent used any of their spinning reels, but if you put a pflueger president o it, which is a great bang for your buck reel, you will have an awesome set up and still have money for a little line and tackle. Best of luck!
Christian
Jig Man reply :
Considering your situation I believe MF gave you some very good advice. When fishing spinning gear I like 6.5' MF rods with reels in the 2500 size.
MichiganFishing1997 reply :
Oh right, size wise, I like a 2500 size reel, and a 6'6-7' MF rod for general purpose spinning gear.
Huntsman reply :
Thanks for the tips (: . Looking at the carbonlite series reviews, it seems some people have had trouble with the guides falling out? Do you happen to know if they come with a decent warranty? Also, should I be looking at the regular or micro guide series? Have you had personal experience with these rods? And also in regards to the president, how well does it compare to other spinning reels in that price range? (~ $60). A buddy of mine recommended I go for a shimano reel, as they tend to last.
MichiganFishing1997 reply :
No personal experience with Carbonlight rods from me, but ive owned multiple BPS rods, and have only heard awesome things about the Carbonlight. As for reels I love Shimano spinning reels, but more so in the $80+ range, for $60 I dont think the president has any competition. I love that reel also, I own both brands, but for $60 I dont know if you can beat it unless you find a reel on sale or used.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/13/2014 at 4:43 AM, Huntsman said:Thanks for the tips (: . Looking at the carbonlite series reviews, it seems some people have had trouble with the guides falling out? Do you happen to know if they come with a decent warranty? Also, should I be looking at the regular or micro guide series? Have you had personal experience with these rods? And also in regards to the president, how well does it compare to other spinning reels in that price range? (~ $60). A buddy of mine recommended I go for a shimano reel, as they tend to last.
BPS has awesome warranty I with their products. I have heard/read multiple occasions, usually no questions asked. The Carbonlite gets great reviews here, I haven't read too many complaints.
The Pfleuger President reels are good reels and should be a good buy. if I wasn't a Stradic/Symetere fan, I'd probably would buy a President.
The Fisher reply :
I have a carbonlite 7' med fast with a Shimano Sedona spinning reel I've used for about 3 years with no problem. I use it for light weighted Tx rigs and wacky rigged senkos. I've pulled some 3-4 lb bass with no problem.
The Fisher reply :
Also you might wait until BPS has their Spring sale which I think starts around 2/28. The carbonlites are usually marked down.
Huntsman reply :
Hm, I'll have to run down to Bass Pro later today and check them out how they feel. Looking at the lure rating, they can only manage around 1/2-5/8 oz max load. Should I be concerned when texas rigging with 1/4 oz weights, using 5-7" worms and lizards? I believe I'd be right around 1/2 oz with a 7 inch. Also, thanks for mentioning the sale ^^. Looking at their prices they're between 70-100 dollars or so, but I believe the bass pro discount is around 40%. Any idea if that stacks with instore markdowns? Also, what $80 or so shimanos were you referring to? I may make the step up if I get a good deal on the rod. (:
MichiganFishing1997 reply :
My last Shimano Spinning reel I bought was a Sahara, and I love it, run into BPS and play around with some of the stuff we have mentioned and see what you like. In the end it is what you like the most and feel most confident in. Let us know what you end up with!
Christian
ChiCityBasser reply :
I have a 7' MH/F rig & jig spinning rod from Dicks that I use, it's the Field & Stream Tec Spec edition from a couple of years ago. I have it paired with a Quantum Catalyst PTi 20 series reel with 15# braid. The rod is both durable and sensitive with a great price at the time of around $60. The new series Tec Spec Pro, I believe which is the micro guide series is also very good but I have a casting model in that series.
Arv reply :
If your friend can get you that BPS discount I'd definitely look at getting a carbonlite. It should make a solid rod for what you want to do with it. They have several combos, some with BPS spinning reels and some with others. I'm not sure how the BPS spinning reels stack up, but one combo is offered with a Pflueger MGX which is a great reel for the money. Talk to your friend and see what deal you can get. Good luck!
Huntsman reply :
Appreciate the help guys, I'll do a little inquiring later today (:
One quick question, do you think the rod would hold up to striper? I hear they're a little more aggressive fighters.
Much more striper than largemouth in the lake. My friend regularly pulls out 20-40 lb fish, with the lake record at around 60.
I don't expect to hook anything in that range, and I know it's not what this pole is made for, but would it handle a fish under 15 pounds
fairly well? I already have some MH/H ugly sticks for bait fishing. So it's just a matter of what I hook while casting lures.
0119 reply :
If you set your drag properly a med. rod will handle it fine. I use med. spinning on inshore saltwater and it handles tarpon to that size fine. You might loose a few till you get your drag setting right
Huntsman reply :
I went to Bass Pro tonight, and checked out the carbon series. The signature II series was especially nice. I ended up talking to the employees there for well over an hour, and they ended up giving me baitcaster lessons lol. Terry, (a sales rep) recommended I get a cheaper baitcaster, maybe in the 50 dollar range, with atleast 5 bearings to learn how to use them properly. He insisted that after you learn to use them properly, you'll rarely pick up a spinning rod for plastics again. I may consider picking one up. Has anyone tried out berkley lightning rods? Particularly the Amp series? They look like nice little rods, and I may pick one up from walmart to learn. Even though I see the benefits, I think I'll go with a spinning rod for now. I tried out the presidents while I was there, but I prefer the feel of the sedona in my hand, so I may go with shimano in the end. Gonna wait a couple weeks to see if the carbons go on sale. Anyhow, what are your experiences with spinning vs. baitcasters for plastics and jigging?
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Spinning will work just fine with plastics and jigs.
Arv reply :
I would get the carbonlite pro qualifier combo. It's in your price range and at worst, has resale value.
Huntsman reply :
It does look like a nifty combo, however I'd rather not pay for the baitcaster model just yet, as I still have no experience with them. I also don't know how well bps reels perform in comparison to shimano, penn, or pflueger.
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
I have a Johnny Morris sig series II and a Carbonlite, I'm pretty sure it's the same rod blank 85 million modulus. Sig series uses better guides has a carbon cloth material in the handle for added strength. Unless the sig series is on sale I would just get the Carbonlite.
I also have a Sustain FE, 2 Stradic Ci-4's, Saros FA, and 2 Pflueger Presidents. I like my Shimanos but in all honesty, the Presidents are hard to beat for the price.
And... I forgot to mention, my "fishing buddy" threw my tackle bag from a boat on to a dock right on top of a BPS Bionic Blade, snapped it like a twig right in half. No receipt, BPS did an exchange no questions asked!
Huntsman reply :
Well that's good to hear, if I recall they have 1 year warranties correct? I really like how they feel in the store, it'd be nice to take one for a test drive, haha. On a side note, are you able to purchase a longer warranty? Some of the more expensive rods like shimano have over the counter lifetime warranties. The main reason I'm considering the BPS rods are the employee discount. However, if I think the about the long term, would it be worth it to pay a little more for a more durable rod? As for the reels, I've read quite a few reviews on the presidents, and even the reps their said it was quite popular. But, I didn't really have the option of reeling in any line, or testing the drag for either reel, but the sedona just seemed more comfortable when "reeling."
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
Yes 1 year warranty. I'd be all over that 40% BPS discount if I were you!!
Huntsman reply :
Do you know of any BPS reels that can compete with the President or Sedona? With the discount I should be able to get a 100 dollar BPS reel at about the same price as them.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Stick with the Sedona. You stated it felt comfortable. Got with your gut.
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
No experience with the BPS spinning reels, sorry.
This is my spinning reel rule: If I have alot of extra $ - Daiwa/ Shimano, not a lot of $ - Pflueger.
Huntsman reply :
Thanks for the advice guys, Jigs, how do you like your carbonlite? And what all have you used it for?
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
I have 3 rods at the $100 price point: 7' M St.Croix Mojo, 7' M Abu Veritas, and the 7' M Carbonlite. I prefer the Carbonlite and use it for soft plastics.
Huntsman reply :
What power carbonlite did you use? I was considering looking for something in between 6'6'' and 7'. Is there much of a difference between the two?
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
7 foot medium power fast action is what I have. The 6'6" and the 7' model are the same 1/8-1/2oz, I just prefer 7' rods
Huntsman reply :
Hm, the lakes over here are really clear, would that make any difference in power/size selection? As in longer casts? I'm torn between the Medium and Medium Heavy carbonlites for texas rigging. I'll probably be using 1/4 oz bullet weights. I think the Medium Heavy is only rated to throw an extra 1/8 oz though.
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
The medium heavy goes up to 5/8oz. With 1/4oz bullet weights, I'd go medium heavy over the medium. With your plastic and hook, you should be right in the rod's sweet spot 3/8-1/2oz.
Huntsman reply :
Hm, do you think a medium heavy would still be able to throw stuff on the lighter side too?
How versatile do you find your medium to be?
Sorry for talking your ear off, just a little inexperienced when it comes to gear/setups.
It'd be easy enough to lower my lure weight if the medium rods have other applications.
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
The medium heavy will give you a wider range of uses. Weightless/t-rigged plastics, spinnerbaits, light jigs, and some hardbaits can be fished effectively on the medium heavy. Plastics and very small jerkbaits/hard baits 3/8oz and under - I'd go medium. If you're looking for more of an all around rod - medium heavy.
Capt.Bob reply :
I haven't read all your post but have much experience with BPS rods for single hook jig and live bait rig's for small mouth and Walleye on Lake Erie. As a guide on Erie I furnished Symetre 2500 reel on BPS rods, if you are fishing 25' or deeper water I would suggest a MH, for anything 20' or under I would use a M, for a mix the Medium would be my choice. The rod I furnished was the Bionic Blade, it is a good rod and I believe there most durrable rod, and plenty sensative enough for most finnesse fishing situations. I have said before I believe these rods are compareable to a St. Croix Premier, and quite possible will take more abuse...
0119 reply :
I think its very hard to find a MH spinning rod that has any amount of tip action. The best part of using spinning for soft plastics is the ability to use them weightless or nearly so. I think a MH hampers that and gives you less of a range of things you can do with it.
bassboy107 reply :
For plastics I use a 6'8 M St. Croix Mojo Wacky Style. I pair this with a 2500 Shimano Sahara FD (Previous Model.). I love fishing this rod with plastics. I also use this rod for other things such as drop shot and weightless plastics. The rod is $100 and the reel used to be about $80, that is my favorite spinning combo, I am a really big fan of the Sahara, (that is actually the only spinning reel i use) so I dont really kno of any other quality reels for around 50$. Good Luck!
-Jack
Huntsman reply :
It looks like I have a tough decision ahead of me ;x
Jigs, what's the lightest you're able to throw with your Medium?
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
A Zoom weightless trick worm is lightest bait I throw on a medium powered rod usually. The bait weighs a little under 1/4oz.
0119 reply :
Jigs are much more compact and aerodynamic than say a weightless soft plastic that catches the wind and can cause grief. I throw 1/8oz bucktail jigs on Med. rods no problem. Small spoons fly too.
Huntsman reply :
What are the lure ratings for the medium's you normally use?
The carbonlite medium 6'6'' has a lure rating of 1/8 - 1/2 oz
While the medium heavy 6'6'' is 1/4 - 5/8 oz.
I hear alot of people say they're over rated, as in their medium heavy's are similar
to what other company's would call a medium and such.
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
On 2/16/2014 at 10:49 AM, Huntsman said:
I hear alot of people say they're over rated, as in their medium heavy's are similar
to what other company's would call a medium and such.
Yes, this is correct. My medium powered Croix LTB has the same lure rating as a medium heavy Carbonlite.
My medium powered rods range in lure ratings. Loomis NRX maxes out at 3/8oz, Croix LTB 5/8oz, Abu Veritas 1/2oz, pretty much all my BPS rods are 1/2oz.
Huntsman reply :
I'm just worried about how stiff the medium heavy's tips may be.
I may also use it for lures like this if the action permits it.
http://www.sportchalet.com/product/fishing/freshwater+fishing/freshwater+lures/301664_2120380.do
Work great for both trout and bass.
I intend to try out Yo - Zuri hybrid or ultra soft #6. The line diameter is .010 I believe.
The line rating for the medium heavy is 6-17, so I don't think that'd be a problem..
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
You'll be fine with that bait. I throw something similar.
I don't know about Yo-Zuri soft because I've never used it, The regular Yo-Zuri Hybrid is very strong.
Usually a medium heavy is stiffer but not always. Some companys have lots of backbone but still softer tips, some are broomsticks.
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