Baitcasting Rod Advice...

[The_Lee]

I do not own a baitcasting rod and I am looking at purchasing my first. I will use it mostly for trolling, but I would also like to use it for targeting musky as a beginning rod.

I am looking at a St. Croix Avid Series Crankbait Casting Rod. I am looking at the 7 ft, Moderate action, Heavey Power, with recommended line weight of 12-25 lb. and lure weight of 1/2-1 3/8oz lure weight.

Any input?

[Northlander]

I wouldnt use a heavy power to troll or cast cranks with.

[The_Lee]

Any advice then?

[Rivernut]

For crankbaits I have always used a medium rod with a soft tip. Something like a 6-6 or 7 ft. Heavier rods tned to rip hooks out of the fishes mouth. I am not much on trolling so I can't help you there. My 2 cents. Good luck.

[Will]

check out the gander mountain "guide series" medium heavy 7.5 ft rod. great bang for the buck, i think it would be a good choice, i.m.h.o.

[The_Lee]

Thanks Will, I will check out the Gander site..

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I have that exact St. Croix rod you mentioned early. I love the rod but Im using it as a Deep cranking rod for bass. I have used it to troll cranks for pike/walleye on several occasions and it worked fine for that but it is definatley not the best choice to chase 'skis with. Its not built for throwing musky lures and while I have caught a few accidental 'skis with it you would be better off with a more powerful rod intended for 'skis.

You would probably be better off with two different rods, unless you meant trolling for muskies, in that case one muskie rod would do. Like mentioned Gander makes some cheaper muskie rods (starting at $29 and up to about $90) Id look into a MH muskie rod in your preferred length.

[TMF89]

The Lee, I think you'd be happier with a MH, but that would depend on what you're planning on trolling with? As far as a rod for muskies goes, I'd reccomend getting a different rod, specifically one designed for musky. St. Croixs are great rods, but if you want to save some $, I'd reccomend going with a Shimano Compre or a Guide Series Extreme Musky, both retail for $100. I'd reccomend a 7'6, or a 7'.

[harvey lee]

Check out the rods for sale in the Muskie forum. Thast might just work for you.

[DitchPickle13]

I would recommend a Shimano Compre, 7 ft, MH action. Enough for what you described with a nice tip and a great manufacture warranty. You could run it over with your truck or snap the tip off on your boat cleat and it'll be replaced.

Great value...less expensive than a St. Croix and no sacrifice in quality, in my opintion. Check 'em out. I have a Guide Series MH 8' MH in addition to my 7'6" Compre...I like them both, but the Compre's seem be be very well balanced.

[buddha]

I have the spinning model of the Shimano that DithchPickle13 is talking about and it is a great rod. I have no complaints and is not too expensive.

[slipperybob]

I'm using a 7 foot Avid medium fast action (only because I counldn't get find a 7' Gloomis to my liking) - just for multi purpose: some shallow cranking, some jigging, maybe even slip bobbing. It's not as impressive as an LT or LE but it's not dissapointing like a Premiere either. It's is a real good balance of right in between.

I like how the glossy finish look in the store, but it's a flex coating and it scratches very easily. The new IPC makes for a very nice flex curve, which is an awesome improvement over the old Avids. Line guides are perfectly setted and straight. Very good shaped cork handle grips, sanded very smooth, no sawdust.