Do you love big bluegill?

new gear for the new year!

I got this new sunfish combo for this year, that should kick some fins. Its a 7' ultra light fast action st,croix 2pc, and it wasnt cheap. On top of that a quantum micro 05XT spinning reel, that im going to spool with 2# line. I would also like to know what everyone elses new gear is for the new year, enjoy!

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Permalink Reply by Tony Livingston on February 28, 2012 at 3:22pm

Oooh, I do like those St Croix's! Very nice setup.

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Permalink Reply by James Sullivan aka Jimmy/Sully on February 28, 2012 at 3:44pm

I definitely don't recommend 2 # test.. way toooooo much stretch for good hook set.. 4# braid w/fluorocarbon 3-4# test would work nicely..

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Permalink Reply by David, aka, "McScruff" on February 28, 2012 at 5:03pm

Good advice here - light braid and fluoro leader. Even a mono tippet would work, if like me, you fish a lot of overgrown swamps.

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Permalink Reply by David, aka, "McScruff" on February 28, 2012 at 5:02pm

Nice casting rod. I'm planning to get a few of those myself, although not at St. Croix prices.

My new gear this year will be a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12 Angler. Should make the arrangements within the next few weeks.

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Permalink Reply by jason grimm on February 28, 2012 at 5:38pm

Thx guys for the liking the setup and advice, also the 2# i know is not going to work, so im going really stick with what i do which is the 4# braid and that should do it. the rod was $110.00 and the reel, the guy gave me a combo price of $125.00 out the door and st croix has a lifetime warranty, so no worries mate. :)

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Permalink Reply by Bill "Musky" Modica on February 28, 2012 at 5:42pm

That particular rod would be a very good choice if you chose to chuck spoons with it.....It would have to be coupled with a larger reel though.....

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Permalink Reply by jason grimm on February 28, 2012 at 5:46pm

Thx Bill and I am putting on my favorite Abu Garcia Cardinal 101, and trying your spoon thing also this year, oh yeah! :)

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Permalink Reply by Leo Nguyen on February 28, 2012 at 6:03pm

Very nice setup there Jason. I got that Quantum reel. Very nice indeed. I paired it up with the 7'6" Berkley Trout Dough Series rod. Powerful combo for the long distant casting, even with the lightest weight. But, that St. Croix, I've played with it in the past. Very nice built. Will get a few for us once my kids grow old enough to handle fragile equipment.

I'm with James and David. 3# to 4# braid, PowerPro is good, and topped with a nice P-Line or Berkley flouro leader. Very durable, extremely sensitive, and a killer combo to catch panfish.

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Permalink Reply by wag on February 28, 2012 at 6:09pm

Well I'm a St. Croix rod guy also --- Have 2 combos consisting St.Croix Legend Elite 6 ft. lite (ES60LF) spinning rods with Shimano Stella 1000 FB spinning reels. YES a little on the expensive side but you only live once and enjoy it while you can. St. Croix is one of the few rods still made in the USA. Use the Sufix 832 6# braid with these combos --- works good so far--- only used 3Xs since putting the Sufix 832 on.

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Permalink Reply by dick tabbert on February 29, 2012 at 8:12pm

Wow Jason you jumped in with both feet on that one. Nice rods I'm jealous. I bought a new Pfluger Arbor the other day but I think I need to tone down on the rod. I do have a couple St Croix's but I find myself picking up my Berkley Lightning Rod. I must have about 8 or 10 and they really hold up. I haven't broke any yet. Hey Jason hope you ware that thing out catching all them fish your gonna catch. GOOD FISHIN...

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Permalink Reply by David Dillman on February 29, 2012 at 8:56pm

Jason,

I am to poor to afford a St. Croix, but I have always heard their quality is superb. The only thing I don't like is that the rod is 2 pieces. My personal opinion is that 2 pieces take away from the sensitivity. Otherwise your going to catch a lot of bluegills with that combo. What is the gear ratio on that reel?

You where wondering what every one else is using? Have you ever heard of a fishing rod with a Tennessee Handle? It is a fishing rod with a plain cork hand. No reel seat. You use electrical tape to tape your reel to the rod. It makes for a very sensitive rod. The rod I bought is a six foot one piece rod with a graphite Tennessee Handle It is made by ESP. I bought the rod through the Sportsman's Guide. Well, When I was taping the reel on, I noticed that the rod was not straight. It was going to the left about and inch. I just sent the rod back, I hope I get back a straight rod.

By the way the Tennessee handle rod started with Charlie Brewer, who I was discussing with Dave, Leo, and Dick.

I like your combo, I hope I didn't upset you about the two piece comment. It is just a personal preference.

David Dillman

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Permalink Reply by dick tabbert on February 29, 2012 at 9:13pm

It may not happen often but the chance is there when you make that cast and the top portion of the rod comes off and is in the lake. What would happen if you made your cast top top comes off your in 15 or 20 foot of water and on top of that you get a snag. This has happened to me more than once but one time I couldn't get the snag loose and line breaks. Now you have half a rod which is useless. First thing I do when I get a rod and it's 2 piece's I glue them together. I cure that problem and now have a 1 piece. Don't mean it will happen it's a chance you take but the possibility I'm speaking from experience.