Picking a new rod....

[Nonpoint]

I picked up a Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000 in the package still really cheap at a garage sale and this will be my first baitcaster that wasnt a 30 dollar bass pro shop bargain buy. I want to make sure that I grab a good midrange all around rod for it.

If I had to pin point what it will be used for probably mostly casting and retrieving crankbaits and spinner baits....maybe some plastics.

Can anyone suggest a good midrange rod to go with this reel?

[Jim80]

how much are you trying to spend on the rod ?

[Nonpoint]

Hell, free is the magic price, since that isnt feasible, I'd say I'm looking for the most bang for my buck rod.

If I had to put a number on it I'd say I dont want to spend over 100.

[basstech]

I would go with a St. Croix premier PCM66-MHM, it's a great spinner bait rod with plenty of back bone and a soft tip good for cranking. May have difficulty throwing baits lighter than 3/8th oz. but part of that will also depend on the line you use and how freely the spoon spins. They are somewhere in the $85 to $105.00 range. Not exactly sure about price. It will work well with med. depth cranks down to 15 or 20 feet. Super deep diving may wear on you though. B.T.

[BigBassin144]

Falcon LowRider, or Shimano Crucial. Also look at the Fenwick rods, I don't know the one in your price range off the top of my head.

for spinnerbaits, a shorter rod is good because you need accuracy. Crankbait require longer casts so a longer rod is better. I use a 6'6" rod or spinnerbaits (or shorter) and 7' and up for cranks. Spinneres and crankbaits should be fine on a M rod where plastics would be much better on a MH.

BB

[lowrider]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...002000_100-2-6

this is my goto for the baits you are talking about. on sale right now for $30 off regular price

[bcklash]

NONPOINT, I would look at BPS Woo Davies Extreme, great rod for the price and right now there on sale.

[BigBassin144]

The only thing I don't like about my BPS rods is they seem heavier than other rods, and the olde rones don't have hook keepers. I do believe all the new ones to though, or at least down to the Bionic Blade.

BB

[Buzz Wing]

The Premier mentioned above is a great rod for the price. If you're willing to dish out the extra $60-70, you'll be sittin' pretty with a St. Croix Avid. These rods are one step above the Premier's, but in my opinion, both rods are a great rod.

I'd also recommend the Flacon Low Rider's. You can't go wrong with a Falcon. Personally, I think the Falcons are even lighter than the St. Croix's.

As for action, power, length, etc., I'd be looking in the 6'8'' to 7'2'' range. I personally use a St. Croix Premier Casting Crankbait Series rod, matched with a Shimano Citica 201D. This rod is 7', Medium-Heavy, and carries a Moderate action. After I bought it, I realized that I'd like a little faster action for those deep crankbaits, but for all around crankbaiting/spinnerbaiting, this rod works wonders. If I were to buy it again, I'd have went with a Fast action. The Moderate action allows a little too much bend in my opinion, although I tend to lean toward heavier, faster rods.

The best thing you can do is go to the factory/store/retailer and try the rod out for yourself. Don't be afraid to pick a few rods up and flex 'em a bit. If it's gonna be your good rod, make sure it's exactly that - your good rod.

-Buzz