Help me decide which rod brand...

[Rebel9921]

I am currently in market for more rods... So far I have narrowed my choices down to Shimano Compre and Pro Edge (Edge Series)... I have talked to Keith himself about his rods and I am intrigued...

But at the same time, I am equally intrigued about Shimano Compre rods... I know that they're worth every cent of the price tag... same goes for Pro Edge...

My choices would be the following:

Shimano Compre: 2 8'0 Heavy, 1 8'0 EHeavy, 1 7'6 Heavy

or

Pro Edge Edge Series: 3 8'0 Heavy, 1 7'6 Heavy

I do know that the total for 4 Shimano Compres is half less than the total for 4 Pro Edge... Right now... my thinking is that both would perform excellently...

If anybody has a feedback on Shimano or the Pro Edge rods that I need to "read" or know about... please post it up!!!

Thanks!!!

[cjac]

Hey Rebel,

Not a bad position to be in first off, the idea of 4 new rods has most of us green with envy!!!

I'm not going to push you either way, Keith is really excited about the new Edge series, but since Shimano did a revamp of the Compres they made some real nice sticks.

Few pieces of advice:

1: What I did is start a "rod fund". I throw change in there, a couple bucks every time I get a water instead of a coffee or soda, every time I bring my lunch to work, or when I pass up buying something I really don't need. It adds up suprisingly quicky!

2: Consider one Medium action rod, I picked up a 8' M from Keith last year for the Mrs but I've basically taken it over (hope she doesn't see this). Bigger is not always better, and it will help you become a better muskie angler. Tourneys have been won on Mille Lacs throwing 5 and 6 inch little single blade bucktails.

3: Look at one longer rod, I have an 8'6" and am adding a 9'. Opinions differ on how long is enough and boardering on overkill, but when it comes to spinning a figure 8 the length helps a ton.

Again, do what suits your wallet and your needs the best!

Chris

[RuKiddingMe]

as always cjac provides great advice.

If I were to add anything, I would go away from buying multiples of the same rod (ie. length and action) and get 4 different rods.

My most recent purchase was a 7'6" St.Croix Premier MH last year, and that single rod acted as a main stay for me pretty much all year and handled just about every thing I throw big and small, wasn't the best for real big stuff. For the bigger stuff I'm going to look at adding an 8' heavy rod this year.

I think with the multiples of the same thing you won't get your monies worth.

RU

[Andrew Erickson]

have you given any thought to the bull dawg rods?I have never used them but heard they are really nice for the bigger bucktails and obviously bull dawgs.I almost saved up for one this summer but bought a bass reel instead.

[Grogan]

I agree with not getting all heavy. I have a medium heavy fast action that has done real well for me. It had no problem pulling a 54.5" muskie up. Plus a little more feel.

[Rebel9921]

Chris... Yeah... Pat Smith at Thorne Bros said that the Shimano Compre is one of the best bang for the buck... Thats what led me to seriously consider Compre line... as for money... I'll be having a budget of $1200 for the Expo (Does that make you more greener? LOL)... Maybe I can go for 1 8'6, 2 8'0, and 1 7'6... reason for 7'6 is that I have a brand new 5600C3 that I plan to mate with... I have few female friends who seems intrigued about muskie fishing so this rod would come in handy... perfect for showgirls n regular bulldawgs if you ask me... I could be wrong...

The budget also includes those things I really need such as Beckman net (I need one BAD), another Abu Garcia 7000iC3 reel or two, Flambeau Maximizer for lure storage (2 boxes), Folding Bump Board for measuring, hookpick, and MORRRRRRRRE lures including topwaters, Super DCGs, Showgirls, DCGs, ... so Im just trying to get as many things I can from the budget of $1200... I already have 7'3 EH Grandt Rod, 7'6 MH Cabela Fish Eagle rod... problem is that Shimano's MH is up to 7'0 anything over 7'0 is either Heavy or EH...

RU... I agree with you about how Chris always comes up with great advices... My brother has few 7'0 and 7'3 St. Croix and I find them too short to my taste I rarely used those when I borrowed them from my brother... So I dont see any harm in buying all Shimano Compres... Maybe after buying all I need and want minus the rods, I could then figure out the remaining budget and buy 2-3 Compres and buy 1 or 2 from Pro Edge... that could work...

Rinc... Yes I have considered Bulldawg rods but found that the pricing is similar to Pro Edge... custom rods... Frankly... I'd rather go Pro Edge than Bulldawgs... Pro Edge has more choices in length and action... plus... you can customize your own color and Pro Edge's handle is 1 1/2" thats awesome...

Grogan... I used the 7'6 MH maybe 90% of the time when I was fishing for muskies... I loved that rod... I also use DCGs and DC-10 almost all the times thru-out the summer/fall... so H and EH in 8'0 or longer would be whole lot easier on my arms, mated with 7000iC3 would make the reeling a breeze...

So if you happen to see a guy like Dagwood after Blondie's shopping spree... thats probably me... feel free to say hello! and no I wont be carrying any tissue papers for you to use to clean up your drools... ;-)

[RuKiddingMe]

Rebel9921, the to be clear I certainly didn't mean same brand, I meant different sizes and action, heck all st.croix or all loomis or whatever, I was just recommending different situational rods, and not all the same.

[Rebel9921]

Sorry, RU, you explained that earlier... I wasnt thinking correctly... Yeah I got what you mean... Im still thinking it out...

[RuKiddingMe]

no problem Rebel just wanted to be sure you I wasn't misleading you.

I have 5 rods

1 St.Croix Premier 7'6" MH - Abu 6500C3

1 St.Croix Avid 6'9" XH Custom - Abu 6500C4

1 St.Croix Legend (original) 7' M - Abu Morrum 5600

1 Rapala 6'9" H (guest rod) - Abu 6500 C3

1 Rapala 6'6" XH (guest rod) - Older Diawa Millioniare

I bought the 2 rapala's first getting started. Moved on to 2 of the St.Croix's a year later and picked up the 7'6" last year.

I will get one more this year, an 8' H to pair up with the Abu 7000 HSN I bought from Luke with Muskie Mojo, should go great with the Thumper I won over on the NUT board.

Being I fish with my friends in their boats most often I usually only bring 2 rods with me to keep the clutter down. Simple fact is the 7'6" sees the most action. It's an excellent ALL AROUND rod.

RU

[MuskieMojoTackle]

I haven't fished with a Compre since they redesigned them, but I have quite a few rods that Keith has built and I love every one of them.

What I like about them...

Fat Cork - It's amazing how much less fatigue you experience in your hands when using the larger cork.

Custom - You get exactly what you want. Right down to thread color on the wraps, guide size, foregrip and butt length, etc. Personally, I like an extended butt section so I have Keith do this to each of my rods. Sure, you can have an extension put on a stock rod, but why not get it right the first time?

Keith - Nothing like talking directly to the guy that is building the rod for you. Keith always take the time to steer you in the right direction, even if it may cost him a sale.

I would also suggest against buying three of the exact same rod action. You can really throw just about everything in your box with that 8' H.

If I were you, I would go with at least one longer than 8'...you'll love it. Keith can now build the Edge out to around 9'6". If you aren't comfortable with that length, I would go with at least 8'6".

[Huey]

Here'a another vote for Keith and Pro Edge.

I don't know anything about the Compres. I do have a 8'MH and a 8.5'M diamondback from Pro Edge. I would agree with everything Mojo had to say. IMO, extra cost of a Pro Edge is well worth the money. Best thing about them is that I simply do not get as fatigued fishing Pro Edge rods as I did with my old rods. This means longer, more enjoyable days casting.

fyi My wife's favorite is the 8'6". Both her and her (female) friend landed a muskie with it last summer. I think the extra length, more shock absorption, helped them as rookies when the fish were thrashing near the boat.

My $.02, Huey

[cjac]

Hey Rebel,

Lot's of great info above.......

If I were to spend your money I'd mix it up a bit. I have several rods, but more often than not it's two that are used most. I can say that just by looking at handle wear/dirt/grime, it shows me what's used most.

If you can, based on budget, set up on a couple as primary rods and do the other two as secondary rods.

By primary I'd honestly go Pro Edge, like Mojo said, you can get it right the first time. Do one longer heavy action rod, either Edge Series or Dback, and you will not regret it. For the second one: couple options, either a lighter action or a jerkbait/topwater rod. If lighter, look at the length again, or with a jerkbait Pro Edge has a sweet jerkbait rod built on a Dback blank. Handles lighter baits like Suicks and heavier topside stuff like a Weagle all the same.

Secondary: Here's where you can save some $$ and go Compre, based on what your primary choices are. This is where you could do a lighter action rod, or a topwater rod, options galore.

If you go this route, talk to Keith again, he'll set up up with the two main rods and the secondary ones will fall into place, based on those selections.

Another benefit of doing this is reduced fatigue, the Pro Edge rods are lighter, even with the fat cork, which is awesome by the way. That said, sometimes I like to switch rods just to get different grips and muscles being used.

Over the last couple years of off-loading rods( too short and stiff) and reels to family/friends I've learned the lesson of "do it right the first time".....

Hope this helps, Chris

[_FearNoFish4:20_]

Go with the G-Loomis! nothing but the best!

[Rebel9921]

Thanks everybody... I truly appreciate all the information and all the help I've gotten in this forum...

Yep I took the advice... and I talked to Keith again some more... and I've already placed an order for two rods... based on what lures I've thrown the most... so that means I would be using either rod very OFTEN regardless... As for two other rods that I need, I'll worry about that at the Expo and see what sweet deals I can get myself for those...

I've ordered 2 KT Pro Edge Edge series... both are 8'6 and will have 9 guides plus the tip... Cant wait to pick it up once its done... Im excited!!! This means I'll have to pick up another 7000iC3 or so... actually Im deliberating between 7000iC3 or 7000iHSN... but thats whole other posting LOL...

again... I really appreciate all of this information from you... Cant wait to see you guys at the Blaine Expo!!! Only 30 days left... LOL Many thanks!!!

[MuskieMojoTackle]

 Originally Posted By: Rebel9921

actually Im deliberating between 7000iC3 or 7000iHSN... but thats whole other posting LOL...

Defintely go with the iC3. The iHSN has not proven itself very reliable for most that have used it. I actually have a brand new 7000i (no box) that I would give you a decent deal on.

Good choice on the rods!!

[Rebel9921]

Im surprised that the iHSN reel hasnt proven itself very reliable... Thanks for the heads up... I guess I'll stick to getting other 7000iC3 at the show...

Mojo... The reel you're talking about... is it the "i" or the "iC3"??? If its the "i", I think I'll pass up on that but dont worry... I'll make it up to you... I definitely got couple Weagles on my wish list and am purchasing those at the Expo... So its all good LOL

[NCLaker]

Rebel, came across your post while trying to figure out my rod/reel situation. I'm just starting out and went out a couple times last fall. I'm hooked enough to seriously get fully equip'ed.

I'm curious about what you all ended up with after the musky show/summer of shopping. After a year using the new gear, what are some of your lessons learned/feeling about all your decisions on combos (rods-length/power, reels, and line) for the various fishing presentions/lures.

As for me, I've got the following for my combo's:

- Jerkbait/WTD: Compre 6'8" XH, Shimano 300DSV (no line yet - combo new this winter)

- Smaller cranks, bucktails, spinners, topwater: Rapala XLT 7'3", Shimano 300DSV, 65# PP

- Bulldogs, big blades: Compre 8' XH, Calcutta TE 400, 80# PP

- Throw back baits, possibly Jigs/Smaller plastics: Berkley Lighning Musky rod 7' MH, Abu 5500, 65#PP

- Spare reel 6500 w/ power handle (was from my 8'XH rod, I'm considering getting a 7'6" - 8' Hvy rod to use for larger cranks, trolling, larger spinner baits.

I haven't fish enough to know if I have any holes in my inventory. I think I need to get out more with them before I make any changes/adds.

If anyone has any comments/advice, please chime in.

Thanks!

[Scoot]

Not terribly helpful, but another vote for the Keith-related options. He'll take good care of you and he's a good guy to work with.

[DHanson]

You got some pretty nice stuff there. If I were you I wouldn't add anything new as far as rods/reels go for next year. Three/four different combos should get you by just fine. And like you said, get a better feel for them with the different style of baits and if you see a flaw in one of them, then you will know what you are looking for in a new reel or rod in the future. I also have 2 curado 300dsv's, I like them so far.

[Croix]

Why do you need four new rods? Purchase something you dont have, or like Hanson said wait untill you know exactly what you are lacking in either baits, rods, reels, tools, etc... You can only use one rod at a time in MN.

Do you have a shorter rod for throw back lures, ie you get a follow on DC 10 and then you toss back a suick, jig, jerk bait? Only reason shorter is so that it stores nicely in the boat and can be grab at a moments notice.

Oh, I love St. Croix's but you seem to have the maker narrowed down.

[Rebel9921]

After the 2007 fishing season... my three older rods (one 7'6 and 2 7'2) are just sitting there on the rod rack gathering dust while my 3 new rods (2 8'6 KT Edges and 1 9'0 MH Strike Reaction) saw all the action... my 3 old rods probably will be used for catfishing... nothing exciting... or maybe I'll sell them at a later date...

I know for sure I wont use anything shorter than 8'6 anymore... as those three rods are very versatile... Edges were used for SuperD's and Cowgirls while the SR was used for topwaters and jerkys/gliders...

I only have two rules when it comes to rods... that it has to be 8'6 or longer and the handles has to be 1 1/2 inch thick or thicker...

I've unloaded most of my reels... as I'll be upgrading big time this summer/fall after Im done with my boat... but am aiming to get all Shimanos... I also have my eyes on several more rods 8'6 and 9'0 MH/k/XH...

I definitely would be very leery with using anything less than 80# superlines... and its 130# minimum for flourocarbon leaders... Last year I started with 80# Power Pro, switched over to Tufline XP 80# halfway into the season... then started the 2008 season with 80# Cortland Bronzeback and finished the season with 100# Cortland Bronzeback... I really love using those two lines, Cortland Bronzeback and Tufline XP... as long its over 80#

As for trolling rods, look into those older postings as you can find a quality trolling rods for $30-$50 which would do better for trolling as they're made of fiberglass compared to graphite for casting... I cant pinpoint which posting but with searching Im sure you can find those posts...

Hope this helps...

[NCLaker]

Why do you need four new rods? Purchase something you dont have, or like Hanson said wait untill you know exactly what you are lacking in either baits, rods, reels, tools, etc... You can only use one rod at a time in MN.

Do you have a shorter rod for throw back lures, ie you get a follow on DC 10 and then you toss back a suick, jig, jerk bait? Only reason shorter is so that it stores nicely in the boat and can be grab at a moments notice.

Oh, I love St. Croix's but you seem to have the maker narrowed down.

Thanks for the quick replies guys ... Part of my modivation for my question might be a subconcious attempt at avoiding buyers remorse (scares me to look a what I spent) .

Croix, I'm not sure if you were talking to me or Rebel - but I'm not necessarily looking for any new rods (except maybe a 7'6" or 8" Hvy), unless I have a serious gap. And I do have the 7ft MH for my throwback lures. Could have gone shorter, but I got the whole combo for a REDICULOUS total of $40 and in new condition off hsolist (actually had to remove the plastic of the cork handle).

Scoot, After I get a season or two with these rods, I'll probably be looking to add/upgrade. Pro Edge will definitely be on the list to consider based on what I've read here. First on the list may be the JB rod since I am thinking I may want a shorter one (I'm only 5'7") and lighter. If not that rod, It would be the Rapala 7'3" MH. It was one of the first one I picked up - If I had to do it over again I would have gone with something else that had a better warrenty & at least 7'6" long. But for now I'm pretty happy with how it has been performing - of all the rods it has been my most versitle and most used.

[NCLaker]

Rebel ... good to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to detail your feedback!

Few follow-ups to your comments:

- Why the thicker handles? Does it include both the butt end & front cork? and finally does it add much weight?

- When I switch my line, will definitely looking at some those suggested, and I think I also heard good things about SW Stealth. Got too much invested in the current line to switch for now.

- On the JB rod ... I must be missing something. You use a 9' rod for jerk-baits/glides. I had thought that the preferred size was around 6'- 6'10". That assumes you are "jerking" using a downward motion. Don't get how this would work with a 9" rod - I would think most of your tip would be spending a lot of time down in the water. Also, Doesn't the extra weight you have with the extra length get to be kinda brutal on the wrist after a long day of jerking (I already think I'm getting carpul tunnel from using my computer ). Please help me on this one, I've seen others on this forum also in favor of longer JB rods, But on the Thorne Bros Forum - I was reading recommendations for shorter rods.

Thanks.

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

Please help me on this one, I've seen others on this forum also in favor of longer JB rods, But on the Thorne Bros Forum - I was reading recommendations for shorter rods.

personally, i've tried a lot of lengths over the years and i've settled on a 7'2'' for about 90% of the fishing i do for muskie/pike. my reason is it matches my boat and i refuse to figure 8. when i stand in my boat with my prefered posture my rod tip is right at the top of the water. no leaning down or bending backwards. it amounts to less fatigue for me. it can amount to lost distance in casts but that's all i've noticed. besides i can still sling it pretty good. i also have a couple other rods, one 7'6'' anmd one 8', i use for different shore spots for the same reason. if i switch out my boat in the future i may need to change up some, but for now it works for me. this year i'm going to Thorne and haveing a WTD made up. unless they have what i want on the rack. i also agree with others about useing your equipment and deciding if there are chinks in your armour. and for trolling rods i'd recommend Cannon rods. around 50-60 bucks and, i said this once or twice, if you can't trust a company that makes their living on trolling gear... who can you? whatever you decide, avoid all graphite. they get stressed out from trolling and become ''snap happy''. graphite/glass mix is cool. good luck.

[iceman1212]

you can never go wrong with a good St. Croix Premier or maybe look at some of the thorne bros. rod