Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Does anybody have any experience using spinning reals with larger diameter spools for more casting distance. I've read using those type reals is worth more distance on the cast. The spool, I'm talking about is on the Pflueger Contender or and Shimano Stella FA. I'm also looking for a good spinning rod about 7' 10" long for use with grubs and tubes. I read an article in In-fisherman Magazine over the summer and thought about giving it a try for clear water.

Thanks for any info.

Clare

Those spinning reels I haven't really heard much of.  I don't know anyone that uses those reels specificaly.  But I just got some of the Bass Pro shops enticer 10ball bearing reels and I must say I am impressed.  It was that or some quantums and I decided to go with the BPS I heard Pfluger makes them for BPS it is basically the Pflueger presided spinning reel.  So far I like it. However, if you are interested I can make you a custom spinning rod.  Any blank guides and style handle you want for about the same price as a store bought rod or a little more depending on the guides and handle you want. 

An 8 foot spinning rod definitely has it's place in clear water.  The larger diameter spool will defineitly help your distance as long as you keep it relatively full of line.  Remember when your casting an 8 footer, you will need some more line capacity, maybe one reel size bigger  than normal especially on light line.  Also, if you fish tournaments don't go over 8 feet because most tournaments have a rule about this.  I cut mine to 7'11" just to be safe, I just wish St. Croix made an 8 foot blank that was one piece.  Dale builds some good rods, he has way more patients than me. 
-Matt   

Thanks for the information

I need to do some checking to make sure I get the proper rod.

I'm also going to get into tying rods my self and this will be the first.

Hey Clare, you may want to check out a Shimano Stradic Mg2500FA.  I bought one last year, and it has a wider spool than the older model Stradics, and you can launch a 1/4 oz tube or grub a mile on 6-8 pound diameter line.  It's a little less than a Stella too (more than half, so you can buy two!).

Thanks Jeff

I made the mistake of looking at reals without the prices. The Stella is out of my price range, I was surprised at the price.  I looked at the real you mentioned on Tuesday, it looks likes a good real and in my price range. I have some other Shimano spinning reals I'm happy with.

On the rod, I'm thinking about talking with some manufacturers on making one, I just don't know how far that will go.

I found three places that sell the Pfluger's in Traverse City, I'm going to stop and check them out in the next couple day's.

With the rod,I'm going to see if a manufacturer is interested in making one to sell. Then, I could help develope it and get one for testing.

The Pflueger President spinning reel is an unbelievable deal - quality for the price. I really, really like mine. The Titanium-edged spool helps the reel cast a mile too. It has a pretty big spool. I do not know how the spool size compares to the Shimano.

Good luck with the rod idea. You never know until you ask, and I catch myself lately at least once a month thinking, 'why didn't I think of that?'

Clare, if you are looking for a manufacturer to build your rod (as opposed to a custom maker), check out Kistler (www.kistlerrods.com).  Trey and/or Clifford will get all the specs from you and build you a pretty nice stick.  They do a lot of custom work, aside from the retail stuff.

Jeff

I don't want to pay for the rod, I want to help them design the rod then get one for free.

ah...gotcha.  Good luck! 

Like I say... you never know until you try...

And I really do keep saying, 'why didn't I think of that???'

Somebody out there wants to tell me yes, I just have to find them.

Someone needs to make a one piece 7 foot 11 inch smallmouth rod and put it on the market.

Clare-

I know its $$$$ but G.Loomis makes a 7'-5" MH soft plastic spinning rod, 1 piece, Bronzeback Series...about $225.00 I think...they have it in the BPS catalog.

Could be just what you've been looking for...

Thanks Blake

I'm going to sell some rods so, I can upgrade some rods.

I'm still waiting for my 2006 BPS catalog.

Thanks
Clare

I would have to second Dan's comment on the Pflueger President spinning reel. I have three of them and I think they are awesome. I would recommend them to anyone. They are extremely smooth and they hold a pretty good amount of line.

Pat

I've had real good luck with the Shimano Stradic Mg 2500FA. They are extremely light and smooth. You can cast a mile with very little weight. I've had one since the first year they were available, maybe 3 years, with no problems.