Spinning combo recommendation

[Katron]

I'm in need of a spinning combo, there I said it. I've been using strictly baitcast for the last few years with the exception of a Daiwa Primegate UL and Stradic C14. For the rod I'm wanting a 7' fast action ML power, and for the reel I'm looking at nothing larger than a 2500 size (2004 ideally). Application will be shakey heads, under 1/4 oz t-rigs, grubs, and the occasional popper (g-splash) and will be using braid with 6lb flouro leader. Budget is ideally >$600 for the combo but I'm flexible. Let the recommendations commence.

[vinnieb729]

My set up like that is a Dobyns DX702S with a '13 Certate 2506H. It's light, well balanced and the colors are made for each other. The reel is a high speed shallow spool. It works great with drop shot, tubes, grubs, shakey heads, and anything similar. The rod can be had for 250-300 and the reel is around 380-400.

[Katron]

I'm eyeing up that 2013 Certate, sure looks like a nice machine!

[Silas]

Like you, I was a dedicated bait caster, until last year I decided to delve into spinning.....mostly for flukes, dropshot, shakey head, and light jigs.....wanted to have some "fun" with light stuff.

My set up that I bought for exactly what you want was a Shimano 2011 Twinpower 2500.....you can find them for about $350.

And, to do it right, I ordered a Megabass Aaron Marten Dropshot spinning rod from Gary. The one I ordered was $400, but I see they can be had for less now.....maybe $275 for the XX model..... I have the X4.

Put some 12# Sunline SX-1 braid with 7# fluoro Biwako leader and it is a casting machine! Utterly fantastic.

I always take it in the boat now....it is such a pleasure to fish.

Now I DO have a new Daiwa Sol 2000 I bought for $177 and put it on a Shimano Cumulus, and it, too, is a fantastic setup.

I agree with the comment on the Dobyns 702 Extreme......might be my NEXT spinner! I have the 702 Finesse BAITCASTER and it is one of my most loved rods!!

[vinnieb729]

http://jpangler.com/index.php/reel/daiw ... rtate.html You will love it I'm sure.

The other bass spinning rod I use is a St Croix Legend 6'8" M XF. I have a Sustain 2500 FG on it and it is nearly as nice.

These 2 spinning rods are all I could see needing for bass/walleye. They are both filled with "it"

[Katron]

I'm very seriously looking at the MB XXS F3.5-70 Shakey Head. I own a Black Elseil and love it, so i'm familiar with the Megabass rods. Anybody know how this rod balances with the 2004 size Luvias or Certate?

[dragon1]

Both my First Gen Certate 2004 and 2506 Custom Finesse reels balanced and fished fine with a custom Gen 1 SCV LE 70MLF. The 2004 lacked line on long casts with 1/4oz Kastmasters, and forget the 3/8oz as it would spool. The 2506 balanced the back end of the rod better and would IMO, likely help you with tip up presentations.

Great thing is that Daiwa has the high gear ratio now on some of their finesse reels...great for line pick up and some lure presentations, but makes it more difficult to "slow roll" finesse lures in cold water though.

$600 as a budget, I would go custom + 2013 Certate, Vanquish or 2012 Luvias.

Good luck.