If you read my other post, you already know that I hate my glass crankbait rod. I ordered a composite glass/graphite crankin rod and I am hoping that it is better than my last purchase. Stupid baitmonkey doesnt know what he is talking about.
The composite won't be much better than the glass......you would be better off using a medium graphite rod with mono, or a Medium light graphite if using braid to crank. :grin:
Quote from: Wishing2BFishing on October 09, 2008, 09:22:12 PM
I ordered a composite glass/graphite crankin rod and I am hoping that it is better than my last purchase.
what kind of rod did you order? and for what kind of cranks?
i'm happy with my medium graphite rod for shallow and medium divers.
for traps, i've been throwing them on a 7'6 mh.
:evil: We (I) are (am) NOT going to say WE TOLD YOU SO. I like the composite crankbait rods - I have 3 of Kistler's, but you know that. They serve me well for all but the deep cranks, but as I rarely throw the deep cranks, I'm very happy with them. As I said earlier, if you like your Kistler for the smaller cranks, take a look at the St. Croix Avid crankbait rods. They make a MH in both 6'-6" and a 7'-0" COMPOSITE rods. To me it's very difficult to go to a 'glass rod after using a decent graphite rod - as you do, they are just too heavy. The composites - for me - give me the lightness and sensitivity of graphite, with the action very close to 'glass.
Ok, I'll stop - I am yanking you just a little bit. It's part of the "fishing experience" to try the multitute of equipment out there. Not everyone is going to like the same things. If I can give you one piece of advice, something it took me years to figure out and finally commit to doing it. Find a rod manufacturer you like, hopefully one that offers an extensive line of rods, and stay with one maker (I think you have come to this conclusion when it comes to reels). G. Loomis is probably the best known and best commercial rod maker, St. Croix, Shimano, Falcon and of course Kistler are others. Makers like the E21 Carrot Sticks aren't quite there yet and only have a limited selection of actions and lengths (also true for the Arcadia's Pillager likes). Like golf clubs, you can play with a mixed bag but I find it preferable to have a "set" that are consistant across the board in their feel. I also believe this applies to fishing rods.
I think your're still in the process of trying to find a line of rods that you will be comfortable with. That willl take time and you'll suffer some disappointment until you find it. I've offered to let others fish with some of my rods to give them the "KISTLER" opportunity, Irv let me try his Loomis rods when I was looking. I'm certain others in CCBM would offer you the same chance to help in your search - take advantage of it, should it be offered. Put a choke collar on the bait monkey, and good luck in your search.
P.S. I see you asked about St. Croix rods in another forum. I sent you a PM about them a couple weeks ago - did you see it? At the top of the page you will see if you have any recent messages.
Bruce, I was looking at the Avid cranking rods but do not see any information that they are composites (part graphite/part glass).
We gave away a 6' 6" avid rod, medium action medium speed for the TNT bag of the year. It is a VERY nice rod, very light, nice full bend to it. I'd probably go with the 7' personally but just because I like longer casts. If someone gave me the 6.6, I wouldn't turn it down.
FYI, I have a Kistler composite and love it for lighter shallow and mid range cranks. Unfortunately, Kistler doesn't make a MH crankbait rod. So I am out "exploring my options". I recently purchased an all grass MH American Rodsmith and hate it. I also purchased a Medium American Rodsmith composite (although it is medium it should be able to handle heavier baits) and it should be delivered today. I am sure the bait monkey will keep this saga going until he is satisfied.
Oh yeah, one more thing, I ordered a low gear ratio reel and the stupid vendor sent the right hand model instead of the left hand. I called them twice and they didn't return my call. I will never use this particular vendor again.
Sorry Counselor :undecided: I did mis-speak (write) - I had "composite" on the brain. Major brain fart :cheesy:. Kistler is one of the few using a composite blank for special applications. The St. Croix - Premier and Avid - have a casting rod utilizing a moderate (more parabolic) action, better suited in my opinion for treble hook baits. The blanks are graphite, similar to the Loomis Crankbait Special series which are also graphite. The St. Croix are offered in a much larger selection of length and flex, again similiar to the selection available throught G. Loomis, than Kistler. While I prefer the KISTLER composite blank (they also made their Crankbait Special in an all graphite blank with a moderate action) if you need or want a stiffer rod than a medium, with a moderate action you will have to go to another brand. I don't know why Kistler does not offer their version in a MH/moderate composite crankbait rod, I'd have one if they did. Kistler is making some changes in it's line of rods for '09 - the Graphite Plus which is the line of rods we are talking about here is being discontinued/replaced and they are introducing a completely new line (the Argon) which will fall between the Magniesium and Helium rods. I'm not certain of all the specs at this time, they should be available by the end of the year.
You are right that the Kistler graphite rods are being discontinued. They will be replaced by the "Carbon-Steel" line of rods.
So, did you try the Spinnerbait Special yet? Opinion? :huh:
I have not tried the spinnerbait special because I haven't been out fishing. However, I did "rig it up" with one of my Shimano Mgs and will use it in tomorrow's tournament.
Well you could have tried it in the back yard. Or done some cat fishing - you do have neighbors with cats, don't you. :evil: Yeah, it is a problem is the SPCA finds out........................
Good luck at Blue Marsh tomorrow, Ciarletta better buy you dinner....................... :grin:
I'm sure he will, he's a decent sort of guy - but don't tell him I said so! :rolleyes:
Damn, chucky cheese again...