Suggestions on: Two spinning rods & two reels... 2024

Nattyboh74 reply :

After reading on here and online, Ive now gotten closer. I started a new thread so they can be more fine tuned this time.. Bass fishing from the shore mostly.

Rods:

Im looking at a M and MH both in Fast. Im looking to have a worm/jig etc rod and shallow-ish cranking rod ( if you will ). Here is the conundrum on this: I dont know if I should get two St.Croix Mojo Bass rods ( one in M/F and one MH/F. Both @ 7'1" ) - OR - get a St.Croix Avid in M/F @ 7' and a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock in MH/F @ 7' ( Going with the Shock because Im using braid ). Reason for the Avid/Berkley is the Avid would be better for worm/jig/top water and Id use the Berkley for stuff that doesnt need sensitivity. Suggestions?

Reels & Braid:

So Ive settled on Pflueger Presidents but I dont know with the rod suggestions above, should I go 6930 or 6935s? Then lastly tied into that, what should I go with braid wise? Once again, depending on which reel is chosen I was thinking to use 15# on the M and MH rods. I was thinking 20# but I dont see the need for that, unless noted else where. Hell, maybe even step down to a #10? That seems a bit thin.

I appreciate all of your comments/suggestions etc. I learned a lot on here in the past few days, which helped me to learn it faster than what would've taken, Im sure longer.

Darren. reply :

If you want two quality rods built on the same blank as the

Avid, get the Mojo rods for both.

As for reels, a 2500 size is "standard" for bass fishing, no real

need to go bigger. I actually only use 1000 size for all my bass

fishing. I'm assuming 6925 for Pflueger? Obviously the 30 is

in between and probably fine for your desired use.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thank you Darren. Getting a bit excited here, hopefully going to get this going soon. Looks like Dicks is offering a lot right now discount wise. I can get 25$ off 100+$ orders, plus each reel has a $10 off rebate, free shipping plus I have a first order coupon of 10% off , if it'll allow me to use that.

MIbassyaker reply :

I have presidents in size 25, 30 and 35. I think the 30 is the sweet spot most of the time. 35 for a M or MH rod 7' or more, for better balance and faster retrieve rate. A 25 sacrifices too much for my taste compared to the 30 in spool size and retrieve rate. I have one on a 6' ML rod, but I don't like it on anything bigger or heavier.

Nattyboh74 reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 8:47 AM, MIbassyaker said:

I have presidents in size 25, 30 and 35. I think the 30 is the sweet spot most of the time. 35 for a M or MH rod 7' or more, for better balance and faster retrieve rate. A 25 sacrifices too much for my taste compared to the 30 in spool size and retrieve rate. I have one on a 6' ML rod, but I don't like it on anything bigger or heavier.

So you're saying the 35 would be best on the 7' rods? But then prior to that you said the 30 is the sweet spot. Thanks for the reply.

BTW: Do you have any pictures of the 30 vs the 35?

lmbfisherman reply :

I'd advocate that you get two Avid X's. I think you will be picking up the Avid far more than the Berkley. You'll be yearning in my opinion and kicking yourself for not getting another Avid.

Nattyboh74 reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 8:59 AM, lmbfisherman said:

I'd advocate that you get two Avid X's. I think you will be picking up the Avid far more than the Berkley. You'll be yearning in my opinion and kicking yourself for not getting another Avid.

Thanks for the suggestion, but Im already over my budget I set forth earlier...

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 9:01 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks for the suggestion, but Im already over my budget I set forth earlier...

I understand, but trust me though you will see what I mean. Can you wait to get the 2nd setup?

Nattyboh74 reply :

I can but Id like to at least get running. I can get more later, this is just to get my feet wet again... Are you against the Mojo Bass rods?

MIbassyaker reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 8:55 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

So you're saying the 35 would be best on the 7' rods? But then prior to that you said the 30 is the sweet spot. Thanks for the reply.

BTW: Do you have any pictures of the 30 vs the 35?

I'm not saying the 35 would be best, just that it's to my taste that heavier rods have heavier reels, and that longer rods have reels that take in more line on the retrieve. The 30 is in pieces right now -- here's a 35 on a 7' Fenwick Siverhawk, and size 30 Supreme XT (comparable size to a 30 president) on a 6'8" Avid X:

I tend to think you could make do with a 30 on any spinning rod and not wish you had gotten the 25 or 35 instead, while a 25 may make you wish you could hold more line and retrieve faster, and a 35 may make you wish for something smaller and lighter.

WRB reply :

Dobyns Fury series FR702SF & FR703SF with the same size spinning reel you prefer. Rods are $109 each.

Tom

Fishin' Fool reply :

I'd look into the 7' M Daiwa Tatula from Sportmans Outfitters. That is a great rod at a great price.

http://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/daiwa-tatula-feshwater-spinning-fishing-rods/

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but looking to stay with the options above. If not, id be here all day and end up being indecisive.

That Daiwa is very nice looking though..

Fishin' Fool reply :

If you can get a Tatula for less than a Mojo that's a no brainer.

Nattyboh74 reply :

This is the first Ive seen of that rod recommended to me. Even in the other thread it didnt pop up. I havnet seen it neither much while looking around online... I'll have to see whats what with it.

On that website they only have the M and ML rods. I was recommended to get M and MH. I dont know much to make the decision as of yet, so Im hedging on other's experience to get me there at first.

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 9:04 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

I can but Id like to at least get running. I can get more later, this is just to get my feet wet again... Are you against the Mojo Bass rods?

Well this is based on the previous Mojo vs previous Avid. The Avid was just so much better all around. The Mojo's sensitivity was dead to me as compared to the Avid. I just think it would be best to save your money and not regretting you didn't grabbed another Avid. I use to fish St Croix only, I personally wouldn't go below an Avid. This is my preference though, it may not be the same as others.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thanks for the post, I heard the new Mojo is much much nicer than the older blank. So you fished the old blank, not the new SCIII right? If its the older, than you are mimicking what Ive read many many times about the old rod.

smalljaw67 reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 7:10 AM, Darren. said:

If you want two quality rods built on the same blank as the

Avid, get the Mojo rods for both.

As for reels, a 2500 size is "standard" for bass fishing, no real

need to go bigger. I actually only use 1000 size for all my bass

fishing. I'm assuming 6925 for Pflueger? Obviously the 30 is

in between and probably fine for your desired use.

Just to clarify, the new Mojo Bass is not the same blank as the Avid. It uses the same SCIII material but the resin and tapers are different, there is a noticeable difference between the two.

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 11:26 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks for the post, I heard the new Mojo is much much nicer than the older blank. So you fished the old blank, not the new SCIII right? If its the older, than you are mimicking what Ive read many many times about the old rod.

On 6/4/2017 at 6:51 PM, smalljaw67 said:

Just to clarify, the new Mojo Bass is not the same blank as the Avid. It uses the same SCIII material but the resin and tapers are different, there is a noticeable difference between the two.

What he said. They aren't the same.

Darren. reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 6:51 PM, smalljaw67 said:

Just to clarify, the new Mojo Bass is not the same blank as the Avid. It uses the same SCIII material but the resin and tapers are different, there is a noticeable difference between the two.

Details! Good stuff. Thanks for clarifying.

Looking for the big one reply :

If you buy the cherrywood and avid, I can't see you touching the cherrywood.

Nattyboh74 reply :

So if the mojo bass is such a bad rod, then why was I getting recommendations on cheaper Rods like veritas, hmg etc. Are those better rods than the mojo bass?

Fishin' Fool reply :

The Mojo SCIII blank is supposed to be a good rod for the money. The one thing to keep in mind regarding St Croix their blanks run a bit on the heavier side of power. So if you get a Medium it may feel closer to a MH in another line of rods. Just something to consider as you finalize your selection. If in doubt go put one in your hands. This line of rods is typically carried at most Dicks, Field and Stream, Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas locations.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thanks Fishin'. I was unaware that they are "stiffer" versus other brands. I didnt know that. It seems as if Im back on the drawing board. Ive been out of fishing for years and looking to get back into it. So again, Im using the membership here to get my first set up going and I'll be able to learn from there.

Looking for the big one reply :

My only disliking with the Mojo is how there is nothing covering the reel seat. I prefer a reel seat where the cork goes over the reel, like on the Dobyns Fury. There are a lot of options in the 100$ price range, it will be tough making the choice. Good luck with the purchase.

lmbfisherman reply :

I personally think the Veritas is a better rod than a Mojo. I still have a Veritas 7'3" MH/F. I found these rods were more sensitive than the Mojo line. I would have no problem or have a second thought about using this rod for bottom contact. I just have better rods to do those techniques. GLX, Cumulus, Zodias...etc. Everyone has their own preferences though and these are my preferences.

Have you held the Mojo vs Avid? I think you should do so and numerous other rods. Only you really can answer which you like the best. The reason why I stated get the Avid is because you said you were thinking about getting one with a low end rod. I just think buying a higher quality rod will make the lower quality feel unfishable, I sold off all of my low end bass rods cause I'd never use them. That is what will happen to the Cherrywood. I will always recommend buying the best you can afford and so will many. Having said all of this most of the 100 dollar rods will work and are all very close in quality and performance. They are no nonsense rods, my comfort zone is 200 dollar range rods (mid tier). They are in my opinion the best bang for the buck between high end and low end in comfort, quality, performance and sensitivity.

Nattyboh74 reply :

In the end it's better than a Walmart special... I'm going to take a look at them today. Maybe I'll buy maybe I'll be back to the drawing board. I'm afraid of buying online as if they come broken, that there is that whole process to deal with.

Looking for the big one reply :

Also, have you purchased the reels yet? There's a guy selling two 30 sized limited edition presidents. Might want to check them out.

Nattyboh74 reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 10:56 PM, lmbfisherman said:

I personally think the Veritas is a better rod than a Mojo. I still have a Veritas 7'3" MH/F. I found these rods were more sensitive than the Mojo line. I would have no problem or have a second thought about using this rod for bottom contact. I just have better rods to do those techniques. GLX, Cumulus, Zodias...etc. Everyone has their own preferences though and these are my preferences.

Have you held the Mojo vs Avid? I think you should do so and numerous other rods. Only you really can answer which you like the best. The reason why I stated get the Avid is because you said you were thinking about getting one with a low end rod. I just think buying a higher quality rod will make the lower quality feel unfishable, I sold off all of my low end bass rods cause I'd never use them. That is what will happen to the Cherrywood. I will always recommend buying the best you can afford and so will many. Having said all of this most of the 100 dollar rods will work and are all very close in quality and performance. They are no nonsense rods, my comfort zone is 200 dollar range rods (mid tier). They are in my opinion the best bang for the buck between high end and low end in comfort, quality, performance and sensitivity.

I understand this no doubt. But I'm looking at getting two rods at first. One worm etc and one light cranking. Again as you said that was my mindset for the avid.

If I could get by with the avid and run it for everything for now, then it would work for now. I could go and buy a MH later for cranking

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 10:57 PM, Nattyboh74 said:

In the end it's better than a Walmart special... I'm going to take a look at them today. Maybe I'll buy maybe I'll be back to the drawing board. I'm afraid of buying online as if they come broken, that there is that whole process to deal with.

Maybe just buy one rod first, see if you like it and then purchase a second later. If you don't like it you will not regret buying the 2nd rod.

Nattyboh74 reply :

I contacted that member on those reels.

Thanks

lmbfisherman reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 10:59 PM, Nattyboh74 said:

I understand this no doubt. But I'm looking at getting two rods at first. One worm etc and one light cranking. Again as you said that was my mindset for the avid.

If I could get by with the avid and run it for everything for now, then it would work for now. I could go and buy a MH later for cranking

As long as the lure range is within the specs. What is the lowest range and highest will you use?

Fishin' Fool reply :

On 6/4/2017 at 10:00 PM, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks Fishin'. I was unaware that they are "stiffer" versus other brands. I didnt know that. It seems as if Im back on the drawing board. Ive been out of fishing for years and looking to get back into it. So again, Im using the membership here to get my first set up going and I'll be able to learn from there.

Get a Mojo in a M will feel more like a MH and get the Daiwa Tatula I recommended in the M at that price. Both great rods in that price range. Keep in mind the Tatula retails for $150. See which one you like and expand your arsenal from there.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Hey guys. Just got back from BPS. I see what you were saying about the feel of each rod. There doesnt seem ( as Ive, so its true ) to be a basis for the rod's stiffness. Some in Mh seemed like M and so on... They didnt have nay Mojo's there, few Avids ( were nice ) and some G.Loomis. They felt nice in store.

I may go with the Avids... I did see some of the guides on the casting Mojos were not in line. And there were some random lumps on the pole, under the coating.

Im going to have to think hard about this. I went from 100$ rods, to now 200 $ rods. Is there truly a difference in that big of a price jump? Or should I just go with a Abu vengence?

WRB reply :

If any bass angler keeps buying different rods from different mfr's your learning curve will be reduced with each different rod maker. Why you ask? Because every rod makers makes thier rods a little different, they balance differently, feel and cast differently. There isn't any standards to base your decisions on. M medium fast action 7' rod from 6 different mfr.'s are 6 different rods.

My suggestion was Dobyns Fury because the price point right, the quality is good, the customer service is outstanding and each series offers unique performance for highly skilled tournament anglers to weekend recreational anglers. You can always call and talk to Owner Gary Dobyns, can't do that with any other rods mentioned. ST Croix is also an excellent choice, they have good customer service, just believe they are higher price point for what you get. Just depends on personal choices.

Tom

Fishin' Fool reply :

If you truly want a dedicated CB rod than a Dobyns Fury 705cb rod would be the route to pursue. However that is a casting rod and you mentioned wanting to spinning rods. If you are willing to go that route I'd get the Fury for CB and the Tatula for worms/jigs and you're looking at slightly more than the cost of an Avid for 2 rods.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thanks WRB. I can see your point on your suggestion. From your opinion, are you saying that you think the St.Croix are priced a little higher than should be for the value they present? If I understood you right. How is the Sierra line up, for a few more bucks? Also Why do you recommend the M & ML versus a M & MH?

I dont want to mess with casting rods yet, just spinning.

At this point I think Im at two Avid-X rods. I favor USA made goods and they felt, good in hand. Now if there is something that feels as good as the Avid-x and its cheaper, then Id go that route. Although the Abu Garcia Vengence didnt feel bad neither.

WRB reply :

On 6/5/2017 at 3:24 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks WRB. I can see your point on your suggestion. From your opinion, are you saying that you think the St.Croix are priced a little higher than should be for the value they present? If I understood you right. How is the Sierra line up, for a few more bucks? Also Why do you recommend the M & ML versus a M & MH?

I dont want to mess with casting rods yet, just spinning.

At this point I think Im at two Avid-X rods. I favor USA made goods and they felt, good in hand. Now if there is something that feels as good as the Avid-x and its cheaper, then Id go that route. Although the Abu Garcia Vengence didnt feel bad neither.

SA 703SF is M, SA 704 is MH, Dobyns hasn't offered the Fury in 704 yet and it was my mistake to suggest the ML. The FR 702 & FR 703 are very popular. The SA line of rods are $50 more and excellent rods.

Agree with going 2 ST Croix rods, you will be very happy you did!

Tom

Nattyboh74 reply :

Thanks Tom. Again I appreciate y'all being patient here. There is a lot to learn in a few days. I'm a little upset that the avid x doesn't have a lifetime warranty. Just a 15, but the STD avid has a lifetime.

Will braid work well with the small guides on the avid x?

WRB reply :

Both the SC Avid rods you buy today will be out of production in less than 10'years so I wouldn't be too concerned about a 15 year warranty vs life time. You will more than likely upgrade your rods before the warranty period is over.

Spinning micro guides shouldn't be an issue. Someone who owns or has fished with both rods can answer your question better than I can.

Tom

Darren. reply :

Micro guides on my Legend Tournament Walleye rod do fine

with leader knots, specifically Uni-to-Uni and Alberto in 6-10#

test. It is a small, compact knot when tied well.

LCG reply :

I recently purchased a st Croix mojo bass 6'8" mxf spinning rod and Pflueger president xt 30. Absolutely love it. Very sensitive and perfect for my intended use, finesse.

The reel is a good bang for you buck reel and I hear they are very durable, time will tell. So far so good.

Nattyboh74 reply :

Nice Luke, Did you noticed if your guides were not all in line? There were three at BPS and two had guides, about half way towards the tip, that were not in line.

LCG reply :

The guides on my rod are perfectly in line. No issues with quality at all, in fact I am quite impressed with st Croix.

RoLo reply :

I'd be happy to answer your question, but your pre-selected rod options belong to different cultures.

The Berkley Lightning Shock rod is a superb Bang-For-The-Buck, (I'm on record making that statement).

But I doubt that anyone suggested that a Lightning Shock Rod is equivalent to a St. Croix Avid

or even a Mojo.

I see the same cultural bias in your reel candidates, so I'll reserve my opinion on reels

for fear of being labeled a member of the Shimano posse

Roger

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