Spinning Rod Recommendations?

[Coach Dog]

Well I got the itch already and am starting to look into buying a new spinning combo for this year. I would like to get a quality combo that would suit the following bass applications: light jigging, topwater poppers, and small cranks. I will also be using this rod for some walleye fishing. Preferably this rod will be 6'-6" (or 6') and medium or medium-light action. By the way, I like a nice soft tip on my spinning rods.

Since the "Bass" forum is full of experts, I would like some input of which rod(s) you all recommend. I think I have my spinning reel(s) narrowed down to two or three, but am still searching for a rod.

Currently I have a couple Bass Pro Shops Bionic Blade spinning rods. These rods are great, but would like to try something a little different than the Bass Pro line as I have a total of 6 different BPS rods.

I would like to keep the dollar amount between $50 and $150, so the high-end G-Loomis rods are a little out of my range. If there are any Fenwick, St. Croix, Browning, or Shimano (others also) rod owners out there, let me know what you think.

Thanks in an advance for your feedback and I apologize for giving anyone else "the itch" to fish open water.

Coach Dog

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GIT-R-Done!

[andy j]

Go with the St. Croix Avid Series, Great rods, lifetime warrenty, They have a 6'3" extra fast action that I got last year that I love for a worming rod and is great for walleye fishing also. The best rod at the $150 price point hands down. AJ

[Dan Wood]

I'm with Andy. The Avid is an awesome rod for the price. Right around $150 with the lifetime warranty.

I love the 6'8" x-fast Med. action for bass. I plan to pick up another soon...

Otherwise, I use Loomis and Fenwicks mainly. The IMX Loomis rods are great too, but I'm still not sure they are worth the extra money over the Avid series...

[Coach Dog]

DW,
What Fenwick models do you own or recommend?

Coach Dog

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GIT-R-Done!

[Goldenboy]

I too was in the position of looking for new spinning rods last winter and handled just about everything I could at the Northwest SportShow at the Minneapolis convention center. Previously I had a few St Croix rods that worked well, but after alot of looking and comparison I settled on purchasing a pair of Falcon Cara's. I have the 6'2" Med which has a nice light tip that I use for some dock fishing and vertical walleye jigging and additionally have the 6'9" Med which has a bit more backbone throughout the length of the rod that I use for jig worming, drop-shottin' and throwing light cranks. What sold me was the Lifetime Warranty, made in the U.S., and I just really liked the innovative cork handle in my hand since very few rod makers seems to offer the Tennesse handle anymore...

[Dan Wood]

Fenwick makes some great rods and they also have lifetime warranty on certain models now. I have mainly HMG's, which are very nice rods for the money and have a lifetime warranty. The HMX's are pretty good rods as well for a bit cheaper and they carry a 5 yr. warranty. I don't see myself going any higher in price than the HMG's for Fenwicks, It would be tough to beat St. Croix and Loomis for quality on the upper price range.

The St. Croixs Avid and Elite have the lifetime warranty as well as do Loomis.

[Phred52]

Coachdog, Would you drop me an e-mail at; [email protected]

[Guest]

I'd go with the Avid 6'3". Nice Rod.

[Coach Dog]

Are Loomis or St. Croix rods ever on sale? I don't believe I've ever seen them priced below retail. Any hints on where I could save a few bucks would be appreciated. Right now I'm leaning towards a Fenwick HMG or a St. Croix Avid.

Coach Dog

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GIT-R-Done!

[Dan Wood]

Retailers aren't suppose to mark down on Loomis or St. Croix from suggested retail (from what I understand). I have seen them marked down slightly before, but I think they try to keep their product with retailers that will sell at the suggested retail price.

[Guest]

hsolist-you have a shot at a discount on a new rod or maybe even an excellent price on a used one. I shouldn't even be telling anyone this. Just what I need, more bidding competition. But then again, I'm set for rods this year, so. Good Luck

[Wayne Ek]

CoachDog, Look at Quantum Tour (69.99) or PT Tour (149.99) Most top of the line rods do not get marked down, as they ususally have a MAP contract (minimum advertised price). I would suggest that which ever rod you end up purchasing, take the reel that your going to fish with and try it on the rod your thinking of purchasing at the store. Make sure the match is comfortable to your hand ( no high points or pinch points) and the balance is what your looking for. If your going to purchase a new rod and reel, then do not purchase the reel first and find a rod to fit it and you.
Just my suggestions...

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Wayne
Agape Fishing Guides
www.agapefishingguides.com

[DougSpringBay]

Hey Coach-
I use Fenwick rods for all my fishing. I use the Techna AV, several HMG's, and a few HMX. They are now making the HMG in the AV series as well. Personally, I prefer the HMG AV over all the others, and it is a mid-priced rod. The Techna is an upper priced rod, but I belive that the HMG AV is adequate and a fine piece of equipment. Remember that the the rod is what you fish with, not the reel. I would get the best rod that you could and save on the reel if you are having to make that choice.

Doug

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Captain Doug Wintle
Spring Bay Resort & Guide Service
http://www.SpringBayResort.com

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