Do you love big bluegill?

Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner 6'9" VS St Croix Panfish Series 6'9"

Well now I have to rethink things a bit and looking for any insight from you bluegill chasers. I think I have it knocked down to these 2 rods. Pricing is within about $30 of each other. Here is the breakdown that I can see:

Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner ERR-69-UL-FS-2

6'9" Ultralight Fast Tip 2 Piece
Hi Modulous Graphite
9 Titanium Guide
TAC/ Cork grip
Hidden reel mounts
3.17 oz
Line 2-6#
Lure 1/32-3/16

St Croix Panfish Series PFS69ULF

6'9" Ultralight Fast Tip 1 Piece
SC VI Graphite lower SC II Graphite upper
10 PAC BAY Minima Guides
PAC BAY Minima Reel Seat w/ Custom Insert
2.8 oz
Line 2-6#
Lure 1/32-3/16

So all in all they are very similar spec wise. I got to wiggle both though at separate stores and not side by side which I would have preferred. The Fenwick felt maybe a tiny bit stiffer in the tip and overall I think was better fit and finish. The reel seat on the St Croix looked lets just say super cheap for this price point. Both felt great in hand the storage of a 2 piece is easier though I do love a 1 piece Rod.

I am considering either a TICA Dynaspin SH1000 or possibly a Shimano Sahara possibly. Though I will probably look at others before making my decision. Trying to nail down the rod for now.

I plan to mostly focus on micro crank baits, micro spinners and a few jigs I'm sure. Hoping to score what ever insight I can before making a purchase.

Craig

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Permalink Reply by Randy Goad on February 23, 2016 at 7:44pm

I have owned both rods. I preferred the Fenwick Elite Tech River Runners..... I owned 3 of those and they served me well. Got rid of them when I started using all JDM rods. If you are talking about NanoFil line I have been using it since the day it came out. I love the stuff but since I use the 2# test it is getting harder to tie as I age. I always use a 2# test fluro leader with NanoFil. It gives me some abrasion resistance toward the lure...as NanoFil has no abrasion resistance at all. Of all the braided lines....and it is a braid...it suffers abrasion worse than any line on the market....but fishing it with a rod like the Elite Tech you will see sensitivity off the charts....as I said I love the stuff. I fish it 4-5 days a week..mostly for Gills and crappie but also target small mouth with it.

Regards

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Permalink Reply by Craig Thoreson on February 25, 2016 at 8:26am

Looks like I will be receiving my rod reel and Nanofil line today. Can't wait to spoil and test it out. Love the fact it uses a spigot ferrule like fly rods for a smooth transition. I'll post some pictures tonite if it is all waiting when I get home tonite.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Thoreson on February 25, 2016 at 6:06pm

All put together and spooled up ready to run. Can't wait to do some casting with this. It feels great in hand and that 6# Nanofil is some small stuff. A 150yd spool was perfect on the Daiwa Lexa 1500. Though the reel only has 5 bearings compared to some I looked at this thing is baby butt smooth when reeling it. Also the spigot ferrules are super nice and should make this Rod bend smooth all the way across. The pond at work is receding nicely now and with mid 50's for the weekend I may be able to start hitting ponds sooner than later. Need to drive and check out the pond that is a few minutes from home.

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Permalink Reply by carl hendrix on February 25, 2016 at 6:24pm

Craig;; im looking forward to your report on that new rod;; and the nano line !

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Permalink Reply by Slip Sinker on February 26, 2016 at 7:56am

Yeah you’re going to like that line… what knot do you use to your snap? The reason why I ask is that when I bought this line about 4 years ago I used an improved Trilene knot on it and it slipped right thru on my first hook set… im finding to have my best luck with the Palomar knot.

That Daiwa Lexa 1500 looks like a fine reel. Between the rod, reel and line quite a setup.