Quality multi-purpose setup

[AnglerJake]

I have never had a really good rod and reel. Thinking about getting a St Croix 7' 6" ML 2 pc(better for travel) and a Stradic Ci4 in 2500 size. Would be using for split shotting, rigging, maybe slip bobbering and some jigging. Am I way off base? Thanks for any suggestions. Jake

[Igor Drackenwolf]

I don't know first hand about the Stradic reels, but I've read that they're awesome. Don't think you'll go wrong there.

If you absoluely must go with a split-reel because of travel space, the St. Croix is a pretty good choice. Honestly, there are better rod blanks, but in the $100-$200 range, the St. Croixs are more than decent.

A solid blank obviously transfers the kinetic energy from the line along the shaft of the blank better than a split, which is crucial for walleye fishing or any type of finesse. I've found that my hookup percentages have gone way up since I got rid of my split rods for any kind of "feel" fishing. Obviously for cranking, trolling, etc, where feeling a light-bite is not as important, a split is less of a hinderance.

If you really want to dig in and get the best rod you can, check out the nice brands by holding the grip lightly in one hand while a friend lightly places the tip-eyelet on his voice box and hums. If you can feel the vibration in the grip, that's a quality rod blank perfect for walleye.

[Walleye Guy]

I wouldn't go as big as a 2500 size reel. Overkill and extra weight in my opinion. I think the same reel in a 1500 series would be a better choice for what you plan to do with it.

[fiskyknut]

Not to argue here but I'd say stick with a 25 size. I use a 1pc PS76ML for this and thats and the 25 size balances it about perfect, if I put a 15 size on there it is way tip heavy. Larger spool diameter on the 25 size reel helps with distance on a cast a bit too.

Regards... fiskyknut

[Igor Drackenwolf]

*I meant to say "split-rod" above, not "split-reel".

It's obvious, but just wanted to clarify.