need 2 rods - help me choose

[gators06]

just starting out and have 2 reels (abu C3 & shimano catala) that need a rod to match. will mostly be throwing bucktails, spinners, & some topwaters - but would like 2 different/universal rods for other lures also. looking at the gander guides series right now, just don't know what length, action would be best.

thanks for any input!

[FishingwithJake]

For medium to large bucktails I like a 6'9"HF or 7'6"MHF. Topwaters, I use a 7'0"MHF. You're best all around rod lengths are probably going to be 6'6" and 7'0". Personally, I use St.Croix Avid series rods and I really like them.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Gator,

I like the 7’ to 7’6” for all around. Many to choose from, but it ends up being what feels best for you. Go to Thorne brothers and check them all out. The guys up there have even gone as far as putting a reel on a rod with a big heavy lead weight and let me go out back and cast it a few times. They will take care of you.

I also would like to share my Catala experience with you. I bought one at the same time as one of my friends did and we both had problems with the reels. We both took them back to Thorne’s and they replaced them no problems. I had problems with the second one (same problem each time where it would make all sorts of funny noises on the cast), and once again Thorne’s replaced it. The third one ended up doing the same thing so I took it back and traded it for an Abu-Garcia. Not sure if Shimano has changed anything in the past year to improve them, but if a friend of mine said he was going to buy a Catala, I would encourage him not to. Shimano makes great products, it just seems the Catala was not made to the same standards as their other stuff. My friend also ended up taking his second Catala back for an Abu.

[guideman]

The Catala just can't handle the pounding of the

big baits we use Muskie fishing. It's much better suited as a bass or pike reel. I have one that I use on a bottom bouncer rod, it handles that duty very well.

I also think a 7 or 7.6 medium/heavy makes a good all purpose rod. You could then use your shorter rod for jerkbaits and gliders. It's all about how they feel to you and how well it does the job.

"Ace"

[Gopher_Guy]

I just picked up an 8 footer MH Guide Series musky rod from Gander the other day. Are you guys saying that's too long for all around musky fishing? I'm just getting into musky fishing and don't want to buy several different rods for specific occasions. I also plan on using this rod for catfish. I teamed it up with the Abu 6600 D5 reel. Should I take the rod back and get the 7'6?

[cliffy]

Gopher Guy:

I think its a matter of taste. Most of my musky rods are 7'6 to 8'0 and I love having the longer rods for several reasons. They act like a shock when you have a biggie next to the boat...the longer rod gives you the ability to manipulate your bait further from the boat..either making it change directions or keeping it at length in a figure 8 or L. The longer rod also give you more distance in your casts of smaller lures. The only rod I have under 7'6 is my 7'0 jerk bait rod....and I wouldnt mind trading it up to a 7'6.

One thing to keep in mind is what boat your going to be fishing out of....if it sits low to the water, a longer jerk bait rod will probably end up slapping the water...

Just my two cents worth....

[gators06]

Thanks for the advise guys, i'm going to head over to Thornes tomorrow and check some things out.

Also, thanks for the heads up on the Catala, i've only used it for bass so far so maybe i'll trade it and get another Abu.