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Posts: 95
| Right now I only use 2 of my 4 rods.
I use a 7' Heavy Tica MHSA with a 6500 Garcia for small gliders like mantas and phantoms.
I also use an 8' Okuma Evx Heavy with a Revo Toro HS for Topwater and Cranks.
I need a rod and reel setup that can do a little bit of everything. A blend of the above mentioned rods. 1oz spinnerbaits, 6-8" cranks for twitching, gliders up to about 6oz, shallow mag dawgs, topraiders and buzzbaits. I fish small rivers out of a jon boat and with the frabill, cooler, and other equipment carrying 2-3 rods really takes a lot of space.
Help me out guys. I'm not brand loyal. I have okuma, ticas, bulldawg, st croix, and loomis. Only thing I don't want is a split grip. |
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | What's your budget? |
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Posts: 95
| Pretty much any.
I don't want to drop 1000 on a custom to and a tranx but I'm pretty much open to anything. |
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Taking out a Tranx I would say your best option for reels is probably a 400D Or 5.4 NACL
For Rods you could do a Big Nasty or a custom TI rod from Tuscarora starts at $225
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Location: MN | 400d with a TI 9 ft or okuma 8'6 or 93 |
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Posts: 908
Location: South-Central PA | The closest you can get to a 'do anything' rod (IMO) is a TI XH or a Big Nasty.
jeremy |
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| Why do you need a custom TI?
I bought a TI XH this winter (and haven't had a chance to try it) but hope its a fine rod. I bought it at $135, why would I buy a custom starting at $225? It's not a fashion show...it's a fishing trip.
If you're out there pounding the water and decide that you'd like and can afford some particular upgrade...by all means, go for it. This is a hobby and how we choose to spend our expendable income is entirely up to the individual, but c'mon, you don't need to buy the best of everything.
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Posts: 908
Location: South-Central PA | PJV, not all custom rods are about 'a fashion show.' Have you seen some of the 'murdered out' (all black) rods I've done? I guess it's the musky version of a rat rod. I build customs for performance. If they look great, that's fine, but who cares how they look if they don't fish well.
I have absolutely no problem at all with you voicing your opinion and I don't take offense to anything you said. I just think it's funny that you push your opinion on others while criticizing them for sharing their opinions. That, my friend, is the definition of irony. Please don't take this as a personal attack, that's not my style. I'm just havin' some fun!
Thank God fishing season doesn't close in PA. This has been a long winter.
jeremy
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Posts: 216
| It looks to me like somone peeed in this dudes Cheerios I think.or maybe this guys wife is buying her boyfriend custom rods with this guys alimony or something, idk.Kinda hypocritical about pushing ones opinion.Yup I think cabin fever is getting him. Way to long of a winter for me too.First day of spring and were having a blizzard |
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| I get what PJV is saying. Don't get me wrong, custom rods are great, and I wish I could afford a technique specific custom rod for every species I fish, but that's not always possible. The guy did say he doesn't want a custom rod and a tranx... and the next post dami suggested a custom rod. I had my own thread where I was looking for a reasonable combo that would be comparable in price to my current gander rod and C4 reel (200 bucks) and had people recommending 500 dollar combos. Not saying that's out of the question here, but a custom rod isn't for everybody. To me, custom rods are for a specific purpose and are worth the money (I have them for other species).. but if you're looking for one rod to do everything, there is little point in shelling out money for a custom rod. and, not everyone is looking for top of the line gear when midrange gear will catch them fish too. That's just my opinion too, and you know what they say.. sorry to further derail the thread... wish I had more input for what you're looking for. |
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| Bowhunter, my beef is not with you. I've seen pictures of your work, and you are an artist, to say the the least. Moreover, I love that this forum is a place where people can share opinions and advice about equipment and techniques that help us all pursue our passions. Again, if someone is at a point in their life, career, and pursuits that a custom rod is right for them, then this forum provides a wonderful resource and medium within which to research the available options ... I'm sorry if my post came across as against those who may want to commission a special purpose or especially meaningful rod from you, that was not my intention.
TI: I've read a lot about your rods, and purchased one this year in h hopes and with confidence that it will perform admirably.
Tuscarora: no harm intended. I think you produce some beautiful pieces of art, and while not for me, I don't begrudge anyone wishing to use your services or employ your artistry.
All, I apologize for derailing the thread.
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | FishFinder87 - 3/20/2014 9:48 PM
I get what PJV is saying. Don't get me wrong, custom rods are great, and I wish I could afford a technique specific custom rod for every species I fish, but that's not always possible. The guy did say he doesn't want a custom rod and a tranx... and the next post dami suggested a custom rod. I had my own thread where I was looking for a reasonable combo that would be comparable in price to my current gander rod and C4 reel (200 bucks) and had people recommending 500 dollar combos. Not saying that's out of the question here, but a custom rod isn't for everybody. To me, custom rods are for a specific purpose and are worth the money (I have them for other species).. but if you're looking for one rod to do everything, there is little point in shelling out money for a custom rod. and, not everyone is looking for top of the line gear when midrange gear will catch them fish too. That's just my opinion too, and you know what they say.. sorry to further derail the thread... wish I had more input for what you're looking for.
I asked for a budget and he said he didn't want to drop a $1000 on a Tranx and a custom, which to me says he doesn't want a predator , but was open to pretty much everything. I included the custom TI to show that you don't need to spend a fortune on a custom rod and can have one for less than an off the shelf rod. In my opinion if you are only going to have one rod that you are going to use, then it makes sense to get something that while fitting your budget, will do the best job.
If I was trying to be more price conscious, then I could say a TI XH and a 400B, or I could recommend a cabelas tourney trail or gander guide series. It's all in what the budget allows and when there isn't a specific one, then that leaves it open. |
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| Sorry, was not directing my frustration all at you.. Just have noticed on several threads that people seem to think that everyone needs a custom rod and a high end reel. Its sort of aggravating for people that are looking for info on more affordable equipment. I realize that what you recommend may very well be in his price range here, and was not going to post anything.. Just after seeing PJV get ripped on, I was more defending him then anything. Please don't take it personal. |
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Posts: 833
| No disrespect to Jeremy, he does great work, however I think he left an option off the table. IMO, the best General Purpose Rod is a 9' H Predator with 2" trimmed off the tip. Build with Titanium guides and you have a rod that will throw everything but Pounder sized rubber that weighs as much as a heavier Bass set up. Pair it with a 400D and there is very little that the rod will not be able to handle. If I were only allowed to have one rod in the boat, this would be the rod.
As far as speaking from experience, I built this exact set up last year after talking with Mr. Turgeon and trying the rod in his boat. It works as advertised. Also, I was once in the "cheaper tackle" category, that is how I started and then slowly built up my gear. I've used the Okuma EVX 9'3" as a general purpose rod, also a St. Croix Premiere H. Those rods will "do the job" and in some cases are better suited to certain presentations vs. others. However, none of those rods are anywhere near as nice to fish as the Predator. That isn't to say they suck, they do not, it is just that the Predator is that much nicer.
If you time your purchase with sales, the setup above can be had for less than $800. |
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Posts: 908
Location: South-Central PA | Good point, Brad. The exact rod you mentioned is a great all-around rod.
jeremy |
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Posts: 209
| comment removed
Thanks
Bill
PJV - 3/20/2014 8:17 PM
Why do you need a custom TI?
I bought a TI XH this winter (and haven't had a chance to try it) but hope its a fine rod. I bought it at $135, why would I buy a custom starting at $225? It's not a fashion show...it's a fishing trip.
In my opinion, people around here need to realize that it's not what you've got...it's how you use it. I'm really tired of people saying you have to get this or that equipment just because it's the topic du jour.
You don't need a tranx, you don't need a predator, you don't need a custom show color. What you need is to be on the water.
If you're out there pounding the water and decide that you'd like and can afford some particular upgrade...by all means, go for it. This is a hobby and how we choose to spend our expendable income is entirely up to the individual, but c'mon, you don't need to buy the best of everything, and you don't need to tell others that that is what they need to get...especially if you have no first hand experience with the product.
I imagine I made a few friends and a few enemies with this one. . |
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Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | For a truly "all purpose" combo, I'd suggest a Calcutta 400B with a power handle, paired with an 8.5' Tackle Industries or St. Croix Premier rod. Solid, reliable, and versatile that won't cost an arm and a leg.
Fr. K |
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Posts: 791
Location: WI | St. Croix legend tournament 8' heavy fast and a NiCl. Not much that it can't do. And top notch quality. |
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| Comment removed. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Trophyseeker50 - 3/22/2014 8:28 AM
St. Croix legend tournament 8' heavy fast and a NiCl. Not much that it can't do. And top notch quality.
I use one, and agree, good stick and good reel. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | There are a lot of options don't have to all ways buy new. You can get deals here our go to eBay .eBay has 2 Tranx one for 395 the other is at 300 if you know what you want you can get deals there all so only put in a bid for what you want to spend if you don't win it there will me more latter. I bought 3 last year sold 2 putting the other on a new custom rod for this year just keep your eyes open |
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Posts: 209
| Thank you for the comment I have nothing to ad
I do appreciate your point
Bill
PJV - 3/22/2014 8:49 AM
eightweight - 3/22/2014 4:43 AM
Excellent point, here are my thoughts
I bought 2 tranx " both used but as new"and one Slingblade "used" then a new Predator.
did I drop some cash yes but the tranx were $375.00 each , the slingblade $225 and the Predator well yes expensive.
so I have my 2 set ups and the tranx will last me forever!!
On the other hand I have had friends who get the lower cost rod and reel , then in a month want Upgrade it is and but others then others so they come fishing with 6 set ups!!!!
I spent a lot less buying what I consider to be Quality items but only 2 of them.
just my thoughts !!!!!
While I have no experience using any of the equipment you listed, I too have read that they are of the highest quality. I hope they work out for the type of fishing you plan to do someday. Good luck out there, and put some slime on em. |
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Posts: 149
| Tackle Industries 86 XH with an NaCl reel and you will be just as happy as if you spent $800 on a big brand name rod/reel. LOL you can buy two TI/NaCl setups then. |
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Posts: 833
| gordonmann69 - 3/22/2014 12:31 PM
Tackle Industries 86 XH with an NaCl reel and you will be just as happy as if you spent $800 on a big brand name rod/reel. LOL you can buy two TI/NaCl setups then. :)
No offense, but have you used the $800 combo I mentioned? If not, then how can you compare? I've casted both and they are worlds apart IMO.
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