Need help on a new setup

I have been researching on this forum and several others for a couple of weeks and am still having trouble deciding on what to buy this off season. I am going to list the equipment I have used the last two years and how I primarily fish and then would love some input on what to do. I have used a pflueger trion gx combo, 6′ medium action, pfueger trion gx reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and it holds 100yrds of 8lb mono which is always the line I use. I fish a river that can be quite cloudy in the summer because of the bloom, I fish slow current/slack water with 1/8 to 3/8 jigs with plastic (usually just 2.5-4 in twisters) I also throw a lot of cranks in eddies right along the current break in the spring and fall (husky jerks hj8-hj12) Although I know this reel/rod combo is not ideal for any one technique I feel it has been great landing plenty of 6-8lb eyes, a few skis, and tons of other fish notorious for lurking in the river. With my reels I never use a drag, I always back reel so when considering a reel the drag component is not something im concerned about. If one reel/rod combo was going to be purchased with all this info in mind what brand, size, would people consider. Through my research I have been leaning towards a st. Croix avid spinning or eyecon series rod but not sure which one would give me the best fish fighting power/ sensitivity ratio im looking for. Obviously the Shimano reels have caught my attention (probably a $50-130) range since I don’t even use the drag system. Also I have heard a lot about the pflueger president series. Any input would be extremely helpful. I like my 6′ rod but being a big musky guy I am used to fishing larger rods but for the walleye reel would like to keep it below 6’8″. The gear ratio on my current reel seems to be what I prefer but never really tried anything else so different sizes and gear ratios are open for discussion. Thanks for all the help. First time posting but have read so many of the topics on here. GREAT SITE!!

Welcome to the posting side of IDO

St Croix MXF Avid (AVS68MXF)with a Shimano Symetre 2500…6.2:1 gear ratio.

I would think that would make for a good all around combo !

JMHO Jeff

I’d second that rod, I’m partial to Pflugger though. The president on size 30 would pair well.

I have a feeling you’re going to get a lot of St. Croix 6’8″MXF responses and for good reason. I purchased my first Legend Tournament Extreme 3 seasons ago, and I wouldn’t go back! It’s a great do all walleye rod in my opinion, and I love pitching jigs with it.

A number of others I know have picked up the Legend tournament and love it.

For my purposes and budget, I didn’t go to the stratic because of the price but landed with the Symetre 2500. Again solid reel, and unless I were to go and fish saltwater with it, I wouldn’t step up to the stratic.

Ben ,I agree with your choice in rod, not knowing his price point in choice of rod I agreed to his mentioning the Avid rod.

If he is willing to some $$$ ,I would also suggest the Legend Tournament Extreme.