sweept

[LocalGuide]

Dave, your right! Like I said earlier Scheels Guide Series rods are a St.Croix blank, practically the same rods just different name. So sometimes it just like paying the price for the name on the rod.

This fall at Scheels all them Guide Series rods went for around $49 A PIECE! Now that is a awesome deal.

I think most of the Store Brand Rods are a good buy.

But its been said earlier any rod will catch you fish. So just go with what you'd like. Search around and hold and feel some rods and go from there.

[Bushwacker]

I really like a rod in the 6'6" medium light with a fast tip for the techniques you are describing I think that will be the most versatile. I am partial to the St. Croix line of rods because of their quality and warranty. I have had great luck with their blanks and would personally buy the best blank you can afford in a custom rod. With custom rods you get exactly what you want. The right guides, the right handle length, right guide placement, ext..

This is a very interesting thread. Four years ago when I was in college a $45.00 Galyan's rod was too expensive for me. After graduating and getting a little established, I only buy custom made St. Croix SCVs and SCIIIs. After getting one, I was hooked. I enjoy fishing with a high quality rod. You can cast further and have better sensativity. Spending $250 on a rod is worth it to me. On the other hand, I would have trouble buying a used set of golf clubs for $20 like Cory did, way too expensive! I golf less than ten times a year and believe me, the quality of clubs doesn't matter much in my game. I think I am better off with my old Rawling sticks because then my slice doesn't sail quite as far off the fairway. It's all what you put value in and what stage in life you are at. This topic really got me thinking how my equipment has changed throughout my life. Its crazy to look back and think about how much money I would have if I didn't fish

[The Yeti]

I agree. I used to work at Holiday Sports/Gander some years back. It was during that time that I purchased alot of my equipment. It took me a while to collect all my rods and reels, but after fishing with a high quality blank, it's hard to look at the cheaper sticks. Reels are the same way.

Seriously, if one can afford to buy the good stuff, do it. Even if it's once a year. You'll be happy you did.

[walleye_guy18]

dont forget the lifetime warranty on those scheels rods. I once seen a guy carry one in to the store, snapped clean in half, he obviously must have stepped on it, slammed the door on it, etc. anyways they didnt even ask him what happened, they just let him pick out a new one and away he went. pretty good deal if you ask me.

[Tully]

I bought my first G-Loomis rod last year and took it to LOW. My buddy let me try his to see how well balanced and sensitive it was. I was hooked. 6'6" with a Shimano symitre? reel.

Awesome! The rest of my rods are officially "back-ups"

Tully

[rangr]

I think there are alot of things people dont understand about a custom made rod. First you pick out the blank that you think will best fit your needs. Then you decide what you want for guides handle or lack of one, the color of the thread and what you want for a name one the rod. For those of you who have never seen or felt a Midwest rod give Bill or Al a call or go to the Northwest Sports Show and check them out they have alot of things you cannot find on store bought rods.

[Northlander]

I also love St.Croix rods. I have had several rods made by Bill at Midwest Rods and love them. Many are made with St.Croix blanks. The thing I like the most is I get EXACTLY what Im looking for from the handle down to the wrappings. Plus your name can be put on it. Give Bill and Al a holler and see what they can do for you. www.midwestrodandreel.com

[priorbass]

sweept come to the mpls sportshow and see all of the rod models we have...feel them touch them bend them ...see for yourself....see the quality...make-up your own mind...get a quality rod built the way you want