Picking a new Casting rod: Hi you all first time post. I have always used spinning gear, last year I bought a Abu Garcia Silver Max and Vengence rod . Never seemed to master the...

gunner62 Loc: NW Missouri

Hi you all first time post. I have always used spinning gear, last year I bought a Abu Garcia Silver Max and Vengence rod . Never seemed to master the casting Reel. So for Christmas I got a Tatula SV reel which should help my backlash problems. Just doesn’t seem right to put that reel on a 50$ rod so wanting to try a better rod and was wondering if there is much difference in a St Croix Bass X and a Mojo Bass. Thinking 7’ Med. Heavy fast for mostly Texas Rigs or Spinners. Also considering a St Croix Premier but that is the top of my budget. Thanks for any input.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Absolutely right.
Definite step in right direction with reel upgrade.
The Bass x or mojo will fit pretty good.
As will the Premier in around the same price range.
Loomis E6x MBR will give you some versatility. Sensitivity with decent balance y up That’s about $200.
Best bang for the buck performance rod in my opinion is the st croix legend tournament series.
This is where high end starts to come together. Bout $60 more.
Obviously I’m a loomis and St croix fan but there are others
A decent reel deserves a hood rod.
Good luck and tight ones

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

Hello & welcome Gunner 62. It is only my curiosity that makes me ask this. You mention having backlash issues using your silver max reel & that it could be your first baitcaster. I'm not promoting the silver max or any other reel. I'm asking have you done all the adjusting on the reel that could slow down the backlash? Sometimes it's a very critical adjustment & what line did you spool on the reel? I have many abu reels (no silver max) & I also have a Diawa Tatula & they all have their own sweet spot. The Tatula is a great reel but it too must be properly adjusted with every lure weight. You're looking at some mighty fine rods. Old Ben advised you well. I hope your baitcasting experience is a fine one & provides you with years of enjoyment. Tight lines.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Welcome to the Forum. I have nothing I can add to what Ben and Bottomcoon have said about rods. Just Sayin...RJS

gunner62 Loc: NW Missouri

Thanks, I have also become a St. Croix fan with my spinning gear.

gunner62 Loc: NW Missouri

I have done a fair bit of practice with reel thinking I had the adjustments right and every time out on the water I end up with a bad backlash. Also have tried all 3 types of line.
I have put new Tatula SV on and casted it out in drive way ( everything is froze up here.) and it seems to be working with out back lash even without using my thumb. I was casting a 1/2 ounce weight I do have great hopes for it. Last summer was my first experience with Bass Fishing, always went north to Walleye fish with family. I’m definitely hooked on Bass fishing now. Thanks for any advise.

Lee1947 Loc: Rochester, NY

sounds good to me, you might check in with some of your fishing buds if you haven't already or bass pro shop....it also depends on body of water to a degree..
ps i went to college in NW mo. the name was Tarkio college in town of same name...are you anywhere near there?

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Let’s assume you have the adjustments right and no equipment issues. I was a spinning reel only guy for 40 years before my first baitcaster. Bought a $70 Gander Mountain combo to stick my toe in a new experience. I was able to really learn about birdnests, getting and fixing. Casting technique and realizing the flaws of cheap gear. All that said I was pretty good with this setup and started buying better. Critical difference between spin and BC. You have to smooth out your casting technique. Shorten up your bait to tip length until you get that right. Spool out 50 yards of line and tape the excess on the reel and spool back up. That will keep birdnests from going deep in your spool while learning. Baitcasting is worth the effort. Good Luck.

gunner62 Loc: NW Missouri

Thanks I will try that.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Dont throw rocks at me for this statement. I believe a really good fisherman should have both, and develop his/her skills as far as possible with both, because there are times when you will find yourself with the need for one, or the other, which would do the job best in a particular situation. Just Sayin...RJS

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Robert J Samples wrote:

Dont throw rocks at me for this statement. I believe a really good fisherman should have both, and develop his/her skills as far as possible with both, because there are times when you will find yourself with the need for one, or the other, which would do the job best in a particular situation. Just Sayin...RJS

No rocks to throw. I use both also. As you know on the stage there are strong feelings about both. It takes a bit of expensive equipment to throw light weight bait with a baitcaster something a spinning reel can do easily. I enjoyed the learning curve of the BC.