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

[Craig Thoreson]

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

[carl hendrix]

Craig;; my fenwick; is real a real old one; got it back in the mid 70;s;; 6 ft. 6 great casting rod;   love these fenwicks !!

[Craig Thoreson]

Think I'll check out a Pflueger Purist for the reel, looks well built middle of the road price wise and plenty of bearings to keep the reel smooth when fighting the bigger bass that may want to play. I've also looked at some Daiwas as well so I'll probably keep looking at reels for a bit before deciding. Man I hope ice out is soon.

[Craig Thoreson]

Well I made up my mind Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner 6'9" ULF and a Daiwa Lexa 1500SH. Now do I spool 2# or 4# for Micro Crankbaits and Micro Spinners? Do I put a good fluorocarbon line or a braid?

[carl hendrix]

Craig;; I think your going to love that fenwick !! I just checked out the one your getting;; real nice rod !  for what its worth; Ihad a old; daiwa; 1000 c on mine;; real small reel; matched my rod perfect !  used 6 pound test mono;; caught some really nice big fish with that set up ..  think about using nano line Craig !!

[Craig Thoreson]

Never researched the nano lines where should I start?

[carl hendrix]

Craig;; I just typed in on google;; nano fishing line-- went from there.  seems like it was first made in 2011??  do a little research; see what you think about it.. also;; its saying; you will have to use a different knot;; no problem there !!  its suppose to be stronger; more sentive; than regular mono line.  if I am correct; Tony Livingston; and Jim Cosgrove; use it

[Craig Thoreson]

Yeah I've been doing some reading. Seems either you'll love it or hate it. Wonder if there were some bad batches I'll watch and see if anyone has some first hand experience here with it

[jim cosgrove]

similar to braid but smoother.i would not go smaller than 6 or 8 lb test with nano.just too small to deal with.i use it for small jigs mostly as i can feel the jig at all times.it has 0 stretch.i use braid and mono also. i still like mono for crankbaits as the stretch in the line is a plus as it helps with not setting the hook too hard.with braid or nano you just give a lift for a hook set.

[Craig Thoreson]

Jim how does the 6# Nano compare to like 2 or 4# mono diameter wise

[Tony Livingston]

No nano for me. Tried it, went back to mono. I do keep braid on a dedicated cranckbait rod, though.

[Craig Thoreson]

And I got it for $35 less than MSRP plus free shipping

[carl hendrix]

well;; Ive read what Tony;  and Jim had to say about using nano line.  like you said Craig; either you like it or hate it. seems like no in -between !!  I was going to set up; one more rod; thought about maybe using nano line; now ; not to sure !  I have  been using the mr. crappie line in 8 pound test; really like that line ;; very low strech; no memory ; great knot strength; and I can actually use it as a type of float ( its a green type color line );; if I seee it twitch; I set the hook !