Advice on Rod and Reel Puchase

Ok, here is what I want to accomplish. Feel free to tell me if I am trying to kill too many birds with one stone...

Species: Primarily largemouth, stripers and would like to have something that I can take muskie fishing when the opportunity presents itself.

I want something that I can shorefish and throw 1-2oz lures long distances and plenty of backbone to handle large fish in current. I would like to use the same rod/reel on a boat for throwing large football jigs, C Rigs and other heavier lures to deepwater ledges. I would also like to use this same setup to learn how to flip/pitch with to short range cover.

What I am considering is a 7'6" med/heavy or heavy action rod with a baitcaster. I am looking at Revos due to the heavy duty drag. I dont have any Revos, but I do have Corados. I was wondering what anyone thought about the differences in the drags and performance of these 2 different reels (various models being considered). As far a the rod is concerned, I am thinking that I can get the casting distance and the flipping/pitching distance from the longer rod (i dont have any that are 7'6"). I have read that the heavy action is good for flipping/pitching, but will it be good for long distance casting? Keep in mind that I would not be going any less than 1/2oz or maybe 5/8oz in weight, but I probably 3/4 to 1oz will be most typically thrown.

I am always willing to pay for quality, but any brand/model sugggestions is appreciated.

Thanks for helping a greenhorn!!!

Go to the Community Tackle Box and read what I posted about my Quantum Accurist / Bionic Blade Combos that I am selling. I have 2 identical setups.

I think you're on target with your rod selection but off on the reel choice. Trust me on this, if you're planning on using this rig for on-shore go with the Shimano Calcutta. I do a lot of saltwater fishing and a quality robust reel will land sharks that would tear up an ordinary bass reel.

[QUOTE=12VoltMan;433827]I think you're on target with your rod selection but off on the reel choice. Trust me on this, if you're planning on using this rig for on-shore go with the Shimano Calcutta. I do a lot of saltwater fishing and a quality robust reel will land sharks that would tear up an ordinary bass reel.[/QUOTE]

Was not referring to salt water fishing. To clarify, I was referring to fishing from the river bank. That may not change your comment, but I did want to clarify. Thanks for the input...

What is it about the Curados that is making you consider a different reel? My older green ones are still my favorite hands down.

I understand that Voltman was saying if the Calcutta can handle sharks then it for sure can handle Stripers regardless if its from shore or boat. My only knock against Calcuttas are the slower ratios. I understand some folks like that but I don't unless I'm cranking or tossing a spinnerbait. JMO

[QUOTE=DJD;433873]What is it about the Curados that is making you consider a different reel? My older green ones are still my favorite hands down.

I understand that Voltman was saying if the Calcutta can handle sharks then it for sure can handle Stripers regardless if its from shore or boat. My only knock against Calcuttas are the slower ratios. I understand some folks like that but I don't unless I'm cranking or tossing a spinnerbait. JMO[/QUOTE]

Nothing wrong with the Corados at all. I guess I would like to try the Revo STX to see what I think. Plus it has about 10 lbs more drag than the Corado and all aluminum. I have fished with my buddies Abu Skeet Reese model and that thing is smooth and sturdy as heck. Those are hard to find and I think the STX would be similar or better in quality. I have used the low end Black Max and I dont like that, but I have not used the Revos.

the revo will handle any striper up to 49 lbs , from a boat, i cant guarantee anything over 49 though ,lol. it is a great reel, so is the curado though.....personal preference is the only difference ive found. the drag is pretty good on the revo, but you keep referring to "how much more drag" the revo has, but if we're talking big fish here i dont care "how much drag' a reel has, i do however care "how smooth" the drag is at settings that are suited for castable diameter/lb wt class lines you will be using. and both the curado and the revo are great performers when it comes to smooth drags. keep in mind i live on cumberland and primarily fish here and there are times that 12 lb test is waaaayyyy too big due to water clarity, so im kind of partial to the light drag, i can always gradually tighten it up. good luck;)

I had nothing but 12 stx's for little over a year. I just liked them because the only curados I had used were the old green ones. I threw one of the new curados for a day on guntersville. On the way back I stopped at bps and traded some of the stx's in for curados and here is why. One the feel. They feel so much better in your hand, especially if you palm a reel. Second is casting distance. Using the exact same loomis rod and exact baits the curado castes a lot further. Third reason is flippin and pitching. Hands down without a doubt curados are smoother and easier to do this with. Fourth is durability. I had to warranty 3 stx's in a year for various things. I've yet to have a issue with a curado. Since then I only have two revo's and those are winches rest got traded in on curados. since they don't have a lower gear ratio in left handed curados or I wouldnt own those two winches. I fish 3+ days a week so I have a lot of time logged on both reels. Hope this helped.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I bought the Revo STX. I really want to do my own apples to apples comparison. I love Shimano, but I want to give the Revo a chance. Worse case I will trade it in and get something else. I think I am going to get a B and R Outlaw 7'6" MH rod to pair with the STX but will be swapping it off with the Corado to see what I really like. Thanks again.

[QUOTE=wolfewiz;434057]Thanks for all the advice guys. I bought the Revo STX. I really want to do my own apples to apples comparison. I love Shimano, but I want to give the Revo a chance. Worse case I will trade it in and get something else. I think I am going to get a B and R Outlaw 7'6" MH rod to pair with the STX but will be swapping it off with the Corado to see what I really like. Thanks again.[/QUOTE]

Well the combo you are setting up will be a monster, I have the same set up but I went with the 7' B&R Outlaw and that rod is awesome and the STX I have will fling a bait a mile be it 3/16oz or 1oz. this set up will be your bestus good friend IMO