Shimano Rods?

[Hoytmystic]

I have been looking at getting a rod and reel setup for beginners that go with me or just a decent back up rod.

Has anyone had any experience with the Shimano Compre or the Convergence. They seem to be decent rods.

Looking at getting a 7' or 7'6" in a heavy.

I like St. Croix's premier series but I am looking to save a little money.

Tell me your experience.

Hoytmystic

[Esox_Magnum]

Compres are a decent rod for the money for small/med sized baits. Haven't tried one in a heavy. Okuma rods are another choice as well as Fenwick HMX's around or just over $100.

[b1gf1sh1]

Gander's Guide series IM8's are nice too for the money. i took one back after 3 years when the tip snapped and i walked out with a new one 10 mins. later. but shimano has a great reputation too. for me it's Gander or Croix. no in-between. the one Gloomis muskie style i owned was stolen. it was a really nice set-up and i'll get another some day maybe. okuma doesn't sound bad though, just not for me. i love this place, info info info.

[TrophyEyes]

I have a Shimano and Guide Series Tournament rod and like them both. I have had no issues with them.

[MUSKY18]

Compre's are great rods. I have one that I use for jerkbaits and it is one of my alltime favorite rods. Am looking at getting another 8 footer for this season, and am strongly considering another Compre. You won't be disappointed with the rod if you get it.

[NCLaker]

Musky18, which model do you use for jerkbaits?

I have 8' XH Compre - like it a lot! Great rod for the money IMO.

[MUSKY18]

Believe it or not, I have use a 6'6"XH that I use for jerkbaits. I like using a shroter rod for jerk-baits, and so far this is the best rod I found.

[NCLaker]

Thanks Bret ... I'm pretty new to Musky fishing, I'll be experimenting this summer to figrue out what works best for me for jerkbaits/walk the dog baits. I know some like using longer rods.

[JRedig]

I have 3 compre's, love them. For the price, absolutely great. Not to mention the ability to exchange it for any reason if broken etc, I think i've taken advantage of that at least 6 times now...

[ole matty]

Jredig, do u have the extra heavy compre? Do u using it for throwin mangum dawg or 11" curly sue? How do you like it?

[JRedig]

I can't remember if my bigger one is an H or XH. I'll look tonight. It is 8 foot, i throw a lot of mag dawgs with it, that's about as big as I'd go. The curly sue's are much more similar to a pounder in weight, just too much for whichever model I have.

[NCLaker]

Even with the 8' XH, I feel like I am lobbing the mag dawgs instead of casting. Wierd feeling for someone use to targeting the smaller other game fish.

[ole matty]

Ok thanks.. I think I ll get bigger rod for 11" curly sue.. Bought 10 of them......

[MUSKY18]

10???? Dang Matty....you think they were going to stop making them? That's about a truck tires worth of rubber ya got there!!! Good luck with em!

[ole matty]

Better safe than sorry! ..

Naw I got them for good deal from other HSOforum...