Best choice for one rod ??

[Larry]

My doctor was telling me about a fly-in fishing trip he's planning to take with his teenage sons somewhere in northern Canada. To this point, they've done extensive fly-fishing for trout in the western states and this will be a complete change of pace for them. He's looking at high-end spinning rods/reels and asked what I'd recommend for his trip. Without knowing specifics of the lake, presentation, time of year, etc, I was at a loss. He thought the lake was well populated with walleye and pike and I suspect he's going to be using jig/minnow or jig/twister combos. What's a good recommendation for a high-end rod (brand/model) to cover as many bases as possible?

[FJH1]

High end: St. Croix Legend Elite 6' spinning (ES60MF) or my favorite, the 6'3" spinning (ES63MXF). These run around $290.

Mid-High end: St. Croix Avid 6' spinning (AS60MF). This runs around $140.

Mid-range: St: Croix Premier 6' spinning (PS60MF).

Ok, I'm biased towards St. Croix, but they are wonderful rods with an outstanding warranty. Plus, they're made in Wisconsin :-).

Best Regards,

FJH

[Juls_WI]

I'll second the Legend Elite! I've used it for all kinds of applications and have not been disappointed yet. It would be my number one choice. I use Finn-Nor reels on my Legends, but a high end Shimano reel would be a good choice too.

Juls
p.s. No, I'm not sponsored by them. I just love the product...;-)

[BRS1]

Another St. Croix.

I have landed 16 oz. to 16# on a PS60MF. They are all great rods and durable.

BRS1

[River_eye]

One rod, eh?

I guide at a luxury remote canadian lodge during the summer months. We have Pike, Walleye and Smallmouth, and unfortunately too many of my guests bring only one rod with them.

First of all, if he MUST buy one expensive rod, go for the St. Croix Legend elite or Avid rods stated above, I use an Avid for all my jigging purposes, and it's fantastic. Although you really don't need to spend that much and probably shouldn't.

You'd be much better off buying two rods that cost half as much, this way you don't have to be constantly switching baits depending on what fish you are fishing for. And if one rod breaks, or a reel malfunctions, you've got a back up.
Also, effective pike fishing demands big baits, and a big rod is preferable to throw these baits, while you don't want to be using a rod any heavier than medium for walleye's.

If your friend has any questions about remote canadian fishing or guides or whatever feel free to e-mail me and I'll help you out however I can. umbusche@cc.umanitoba.ca My name is Eric.

[Hawgeye]

My comments here are more of a question than a suggestion. I have heard some that have gone to fly-ins with a two piece rod for ease of packing. I know a 2-piece does not provide as sensitive of a feel but is there any high end 2 piece rods that may provide some advantages during the commute? Just a thought...

[Dave in Mpls]

G Loomis IMX SJR-722

Regards

[Chuck Pederson MN]

I'm with you Dave I have twin SJR721 rods G-Loomis. For a sensitive feel they are great. I have not used a St. Croix but like to try one.

[FROGMAN]

Check out the "Travel" rod section on the G. Loomis website. He should find all the info he needs there.

Hoppy Holidays!


Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[Mattman]

Third!! A low end Loomis is as good or better than a high end St. Croix. Don't get me wrong, St. Croix has some nice rods but they can't come compare to Loomis' IMX and GLX series.


Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

Matt Davis

[Nick(Ia)]

WOW! that's the kinda talk that keeps this ol' board a buzzin! I respectfully disagree with your opinion Matt. I believe that G. Loomis makes a very fine series of rods. However I don't think it is accurate to say that low end Loomis rods are the equal of the Legend Elite series. The decision between a Loomis and a St. Croix will be a decision of personal preferences as the rods are very comparable through each series. To the original question, our one rod traveler would be better off with two rods out of the St. Croix Premier series than just one more expensive rod. I travel to Canadian fly-ins with 2-piece Premiers: PS60MLF2 a medium light 2-piece spinning rod for walleyes ($80.00) and PC66MHF2 a medium heavy 2-piece casting rod for pike ($105). These rods are tremendous and would serve a variety of presentations for only slightly more than one Avid Series and far less than the Legend Elite series. With the current rod building technology the issues of strength and sensitivity in 2-piece construction are not as important as they were even 5 years ago. Good Luck and Good Fishin, and Matt, try a St. Croix:-)

[Mattman]

I totally agree with your assesment on two piece rods. Today's are quite sensitive. And as far as I'm concerned, any loss of sensitivity is minute and unperceptable.

I'll be keeping and buying more Loomis'. I rate the GL2's at or above the Premiers. The GL3's are certainly there. And as for the IMX, I believe it is above any St. Croix rod. And nothing can touch the GLX. I don't dislike St. Croix rods, they have been excellent rods, I just think Loomis makes a better one.

Maybe I should rephrase that, when I make the rods, the Loomis is a better rod.


Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

Matt Davis

[waterfowler]

St. Croix makes a very nice 3 piece rod in the Premier series. It's about 120.00, but it comes with a very nice case. Check out their website for more details.

[Peanut]

Is it G.Loomis or St. Croix that makes the 3'6" Snoopy rods?

Whoever it is gets my vote!!

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[luvtotroll]

The other posts cover the make of the rods that will work well. One thing I have found is that if you are going to have just one rod and fish for different species of fish, try going with a longer rod. A 7 foot medium action 2 piece rod works well for walleye and the extra length will give you more control if they hook into a big pike.
Also, buy a reel that comes with an extra spool. This will allow them to have heavier and lighter line for the different species. This works well if you are not changing back and forth between species on regular basis during the day.

Good luck,
Scott