Spinning Rods-Choices

**Marky** · 19-12-2006, 10:03

Hi all

I am looking for a spinning rod and would like some ideas as there seems to be a wide choice available!
Looking to spend no more than £100, and need something that can be used for Bass fishing from the coast, but I will also use it for stalking pike down my local river.
With respect to casting weights, I want something that would be able to cast between 1 and 3 oz.

Rods so far that I have looked at are the Fox Impressa Plug and Spin, the Shimano Exage 10/11ft, and also the Greys rods.

Recommendations and advice would be gratefully rec'd!!

Thanks all

Mark

**Henry Gilbey** · 19-12-2006, 10:42

Mark,

I do some stuff with Greys so that you know...........they make some good spinning rods, some are really good in fact, their upcoming GRXi spinning range for 2007 is nice, I have used the 10' models for plugging and they work well.

But for bass fishing, I reckon one would still have to go a long way to better the Shimano Technium STECDFAX300MH 10’ 15-40g . I have seen it for around £70-80 if that is any help. There is a heavier model if you are really needing to belt 3oz, but I reckon the model here is a fantastic bass plugging rod for shore work.

**Marky** · 19-12-2006, 13:55

Thanks Henry, much appreciated

Do you think that 15-40 is about right for most general Bass plugging/spinning?
Forgive me for asking-not sure what would be best-wouldn't like a broom stick, but alternatively would hate to buy a rod that's a bit gutless!

Also having a look at reels-having a look at the shimano spinning reels from Veals which look pretty good-any recommendations also?

Thanks once again
Mark

**woodsy** · 19-12-2006, 15:19

i use the greys sea spin, great for summer spinning, also used the rod in the summer for smoothhound, caught a lively 10lbder on hermit, that was fun, good rod.

**Henry Gilbey** · 19-12-2006, 16:55

Mark,

for various work-related purposes I am doing a fair bit of research on UK bass fishing at the moment, getting what (little) I know together with info from people I trust implicitly. And funnily enough, I was having a conversation with somebody this morning about ratings on spinning rods etc..

You are right not to want a "gutless" rod, and the Shimano I told you about is an awesome bit of kit and will deal with any bass we are ever going to see. Most of the bass lures we use (topwater, shallow diving etc.) in fact weigh very little, but we need a cross between casting light lures a long way, working them in different ways, and getting fish out of sometimes rough terrain. The Technium is a very "modern" style spinning rod, very "crisp" action etc.

So, yes, to get to the point, I do think that 15-40g is right. You can get much heavier rated rods, and for pollack fishing say I would want the heavier models, but I and a lot of guys I know do like rods at exactly 10', rated around 15-40/50g or so. Perhaps we are missing a trick with our plugging rods rating systems in the UK, but that is another huge subject.

As for reels, I am actually looking around at the moment for a new plugging reel. I have tended to use various Shimano baitrunner reels in the 5000 size, and they are great, but mine have never quite been the same since I went swimming with them in the Bahamas, fixed spools and total submersion in sea water are not that friendly. More and more I am leaning towards better protected front drag fixed spool reels for bassing.

I am seriously leaning towards the Shimano Technium FA I think it is called, either in the 4000 or 5000 size, and I will load it up with 20 or 30lb braid for my plugging. I have used a lot of different makes of fixed spools over the years and I still have not found a brand that touches Shimano yet. I know Dave at Veals mail order does the 5000 Technium FA, I think that is what I will buy (myself for Xmas !!).

I have used the Greys Sea Spin a bit, ok for pollacking off the rocks, but not a plugging rod at all...............I do a lot of work for Greys, but there is never any harm in being honest.

**Flyguy** · 19-12-2006, 17:40

I'm new to spinning, coming from a fly background, but the thing I noticed was the difference between weights for spinning rods. Given that I'm trying to keep the rod tip up and working the lure I was surprised how heavy some are? I therefore went for a Greys Missionary as it was one of the lightest 4-pc rods I tried that had a tippy action. But even working this rod continually is tiring.

Flyguy

**rassick** · 19-12-2006, 20:34

I have the Grays GRX 4 peice 10ft, used it for spinning and it works very well. Anyone know if its a good plugging rod. Ive just invested in some plugs to try them ive never used them before any advice on how to use/work a plug?

**Asp** · 19-12-2006, 20:51

I have the old Greys GRX, a nice bit of kit for a "spinner".

Very good reports of the new Mike Ladle "Surespin2"

asp

**wooky114** · 19-12-2006, 21:05

I've got a Shaky Ugly Spin Specimen 1.75lb TC rod, which I use for lure/plug fishing and light work in estuary's etc - you can pick them up for £40 as well!

**Marky** · 20-12-2006, 12:06

Thanks everyone for your guidance /help

I have located a dealer local that sells the Shimano rods that you mention Henry-I'll have a look at them over the Christmas break

I also take your points regarding ratings etc.

Thanks once again everyone as always for your excellent help

I'll let you know what I get (if any one's interested.....)

Mark