Rod to go with Curado 71

Looking at purchasing a rod to go with my Curado 71. Main uses will be for bass and northerns here in WI.

I’m looking at keeping the rod under $150 if possible as I don’t feel I’ll see the benefit of a high dollar rod. I don’t get a chance to get out much with full time job, going to school, and raising a family.

I was eyeing up the Scheels Outfitters EBISU 7’1″ medium-fast for $109, but I’ve never owned a Scheel’s rod, so I have zero experience with their fishing gear. I’m also looking at the Fenwick Elite Tech and the HMX. I really like the feel of the split grips (and the looks). I have a Gander going out of business by me, and they have both of the Elite and HMX on sale. I can get the Elite for $110, so that’s what I’m leaning towards.

I match my rods to the tackle I am tossing. You will need a different tip for a light frog vs a ½ oz spinner. You might want a different action for crankbaits. What kind of tackle are you planning to use with this rod?

This will be a “do all” for now. I realize different actions match with different baits. I’ve done that for years with my spinners.

But I currently don’t have the budget or time to justify a rod/reel setup for every application. When I’m finished with school, and the kids are old enough to go out with me, then I’ll have more time. At that time, I’ll start adding more rods to my arsenal.

If I could only have one bass/pike rod it would be medium heavy, extra fast action around 7’.

Do you think MH will be too much for pike? A lot of my northerns are catches while bass fishing. When I do target pike, it’s usually with spinners, top water buzz baits, or smaller bucktails.

I just don’t want to go too heavy, but I don’t want to go light either.

Jason wrote:

Do you think MH will be too much for pike? A lot of my northerns are catches while <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>bass fishing. When I do target pike, it’s usually with spinners, top water buzz baits, or smaller bucktails.

I just don’t want to go too heavy, but I don’t want to go light either.

For hammer-handles – yes they are too heavy, for 30″+ definitely not.

My goto rods are Fenwick Aetos, they are excellent rods and very light. I know they are over your budget, however if you find the model number you like search Google and you will find many well below MSRP. I have never paid full price for any of mine.

I really like the new Bass X rods from St. Croix. I have the 7’1″ med fast spinning rod and love it. for a good all around bass rod it would be hard to beat the 7’1″ medium fast casting rod. if you think you need it you can go up to a medium heavy you can. but personally I think the medium is more versital