New to the forum and questions

Hey Gang-
New to the forum and rather new to the new technology in today’s fish equipment. I’m getting back into fishing and have invested in some fairly nice equipment so far but wanted to get your opinion on setups etc. My equipment will be used for your average trip to Ontario canoeing trips and local spots around Wisconsin where I can take a nice canoe ride out and cast some lines from canoes or shore. Every once in a while fishing from my stepdad’s boat.

The first set up I have is,

1. 6’0″ St. Croix Triumph (medium action) with Daiwa spinning reel
2. 6’6″ St. Croix Eyecon (medium action) with Daiwa spinning reel
3. 6’0″ St. Croix Panfish (ultralight) with Daiwa spinning reel

I’d like to get a Avid and Premier series setup with medium light action for an all round solid rod to cast for pike too.

I guess, can you guys give me a little feedback on what I have so far and if there’s anything I should add to my arsenal?

Thanks

Might want to look at something heavier than ml for pike.

Welcome to the forum! Nothing wrong with what you have so far. If you were wanting a heavier rod for pike I would step up to a 7′ Medium. I tend to like longer rods, 6’8″+ for just about everything I fish with.

thank you, I will definitely look at something heavier than the medium light!

Should my Eyecon be used for walleyes only?

What did you get the 6′ medium action for? What did you get the 6’6″ medium for? You can use any rod any way that works for you? What are you hoping to be able to do with your new rods?

ML is my favorite general purpose action, but I’d think about adding something in the 7-foot range. I like 7 footers as far as versatility and a little more snap to throw lighter lures/rigs farther and in the wind.

I think for pike you just need to upsize to a heavier action and longer rod. I don’t think splitting the difference with a medium rod will really give you what you’re looking for for pike and then it won’t be good for walleye and smaller fish.

For travel, I”m a big fan of 2 piece rods. So much easier to be able to break everything down and keep them safe in a tube.

Grouse

I would do the spinning stuff for walleye & bass.

I would get a baitcaster in med to med heavy for pike. A cheap c3 reel by abu garcia will be plenty good. I don’t think you want to haul more then a couple or 3 rods in a canoe.

Hi Dustin-
I got the 6′ medium for bass because I was told that it would work good for bass and lily pads. I got the 6’6″ Eyecon medium for walleyes in Ontario deep water jigging because my local SC dealer told me it would be ideal.

But to answer your last question, I guess, I’m looking for a setup specifically for each species of fish, bass, walleye, panfish and pike. I get a little confused if some of these rods can be used for multiple fish and from what I’m reading they can but it also sounds like it comes down to personal preference.

Thanks Grouse, I’m gonna look into the 7 footers.

Thanks Dutch, I’ll look into the bait casters, I don’t have much experience with them but I’d like to look at them. That’s perfect though, exactly what I was looking for on the C3 Abu and something that’s a bit more price point for the average fisherman.

Ryan, you aren’t going to have an easy time horsing bass out of lily pads and other heavy cover using a 6 foot medium action spinning rod. In fact, if you hook into a big bass, it will be impossible because it will over power your setup and bury in the jungle. You’ll need a stout bait casting setup with braided line for that kind of fishing.

Those are all great rods and agree with the other posters comments. Only thing I’d add is if you’re targeting panfish, the 6 foot St. Croix Triumph in Light action is great. I use that for crappie/panfish and it’s a very nice rod for that. So if you like the St. Croix Triumps, might consider that if you buy another rod etc.

The rod has a lot more to do with the technique and the lure than the target fish species. What I’m saying is figure out how you are going to fish what baits, tactics or artificial lures and that will tell you what you need. Some rods are very technique specific, others are great for a variety of things. If you get a med heavy “bass” flipping stick, it will work for bottom bouncing walleye, trolling and casting pike, cat fish. Do you see what I’m saying? Your 6′ med will work for a lot, just not great at anything. Tell us how you fish and we can help a lot more.

Dustin-Sounds good brother! Thanks for the advice!

shockers wrote:

Those are all great rods and agree with the other posters comments. Only thing I’d add is if you’re targeting panfish, the 6 foot St. Croix Triumph in Light action is great. I use that for crappie/panfish and it’s a very nice rod for that. So if you like the St. Croix Triumps, might consider that if you buy another rod etc.

Thanks shockers!

gimrius-
LOL, sounds good buddy. Remember, I’m new to all this so I’m not sure which is ideal for each kind of fishing but I’m learning.

In my opinion most guys fish to heavy in their setup. A medium action rod will handle most pike. If you are trophy hunting go heavier but you’re pretty good now.

Maybe get a medium heavy baitcast setup to handle bass in heavy cover along with pike. Otherwise, focus in dialing in spots and presentation and then add to the arsenal.

I was just in Florida targeting barracuda and was told medium heavy spinning was overkill. Guys are catching 40” cuda down there on medium action gear with 10# braid. They are like pike on pcp.

Here’s the northern I caught last June up in Ontario. I was using my Eyecon and this guy had my rod tip completely bending under the canoe, under water. Good ol’ banjo minnow got him.

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Matt Moen wrote:

In my opinion most guys fish to heavy in their setup. A medium action rod will handle most pike. If you are trophy hunting go heavier but you’re pretty good now.

Maybe get a medium heavy baitcast setup to handle bass in heavy cover along with pike. Otherwise, focus in dialing in spots and presentation and then add to the arsenal.

I was just in Florida targeting barracuda and was told medium heavy spinning was overkill. Guys are catching 40” cuda down there on medium action gear with 10# braid. They are like pike on pcp.

Thanks Matt!

Matt Moen wrote:

Maybe get a medium heavy baitcast setup to handle bass in heavy cover along with pike. Otherwise, focus in dialing in spots and presentation and then add to the arsenal.

I agree with this. If I had your current gear I would buy a 7′ MH Fast Action Baitcaster setup next. That’s a good all-around bass/pike setup. I’m a Shimano reel guy so I’d look at whatever’s in your budget from the Caenan to the Curado.

vern wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Matt Moen wrote:</div>
Maybe get a medium heavy baitcast setup to handle bass in heavy cover along with pike. Otherwise, focus in dialing in spots and presentation and then add to the arsenal.

I agree with this. If I had your current gear I would buy a 7′ MH Fast Action Baitcaster setup next. That’s a good all-around bass/pike setup. I’m a Shimano reel guy so I’d look at whatever’s in your budget from the Caenan to the Curado.

Thanks, Vern-will do