need advice on spinning gear

[stockcars6]

gander didn't have that many choices believe it or not, mostly the same shimanos on combos with different rods, but i did find a few stradics and really liked them... now i remember why i don't like spinning gear, i could not find a rod in the store that suited me, i looked at the loomis and st croix, not a very big selection but i was not impressed(there were no glx loomis spinning rods), they did have 2 or 3 kistlers i liked but they were medium action and only 6' and i have pretty well decided on a mh (6'6"+) if i am going to buy a new rod... i am still looking for a rod so any one with suggestions feel free or anyone wanting to sell a glx or kistler give me a pm

[elnutsmalljaws]

i am a little wet behind the ears when it comes to using spinning gear for bass fishing, i need some help on purchasing a combo

i am looking to cast a senko with a 1/0 gamakatsu live bait hook, no weight... what do i need to look for... i would like to be able to handle (not man-handle) 4-5 lb bass, i know there is a compromise somewhere between strength and castability, i would prefer to use 6-8 lb floro but am open to ideas

so, what brand rod and length do i need? what reel? how does spool size affect castability? first and foremost comes being able to cast, but i would like to have enough backbone to handle a good fish and feel an easy bite

any suggestions?

I just went to Backwaters in Lexington and purchased a Shimano Compadre 6'6" medium action fast tip rod and rigged it with a Shimano Symetre 1500FI reel. I went in looking to get a Loomis for I LOVE both of my Loomis baitcasters but in comparing the two in action feel and weight, I think the Compadre will do just fine and it was over $250 less than the Loomis. Put 6lb fresh Flourocarbon on her last night and she will be taking her first swim tomorrow some time. I think it will be an excellent small jig rod, shaky head rod, drop shot rod, jerk bait rod plus other small to medium action needs. The reason I mentioned the jerk bait rod is that anyone that has thrown the jerkbait for 8 solid hours knows how difficult that can be. This rod and reel is so light that I see it making the jerbait fishing that much easier. The reel weighs 9.6 ounces and the rod feels like a feather. Much lighter than any combo that I own to date. Don't see any problem with this rig that any 4-5lb Greenfish would give it and the tip is so sensitive that I was barely touching the entertainment center with it last night and felt everything. This is what I targeted and this is what I got. I will let you know how she does when we get back Sunday night.

[davidsa]

G-loomis is obviously the higher end, its all about what you are wanting to put in it.
They make a Senko spinning rod that is designed for exactly what you are wanting to do. It is 7'1" Medium power with an ex-fast action, rated for 1/8- 3/8 oz baits and 6-12# line.
It is a BSR852, and you can get the mossyback version or GLX (lighter, more sensitive, titanium recoil guides, more $$)
A 2500 Shimano will be great for that rod. The Saros and higher models have a new line propulsion management system that is new for their '08 reels and is supposed to increase casting distance with less twist.

If that is a little out of your price range, any shimano 2500 and any Shimano or St. Croix rod about a 6'6" - 7' medium would be just right, i'd say.

I fish 4 and 5 inch Yum Dinger/senkos on the BSR852 GLX with a Stradic 2500 reel. The BSR852 GLX may be the best finesse rod on the planet and I mean that is a real possibility. It has a very thin limber tip and a ton of backbone. Got mine on Ebay for about $240. I own stradics and US reel. Go with the Stradic, it is smoother, casts just as far and if a difference in line twist exists I can't tell it.

[davidsa]

One less expensive thought. The Crucial dropshot rod in 6'8 or 7'1 for the money is likely the best deal you would find. It won't have the backbone of the GLX but it is very sensitive and has enough power. I know several guys who rave about this rod and I have the baitcasting version which compares favorably to my Gloomis IMX rods.