Spinning Rod Selection - Choosing the right spinning rod for finesse fishing!

[@chrisezzyk1632]

I had the same prob on my bait casting rods with a double uni- knot. I switched to the blood knot and it really makes a difference. Line passes through the guides much better.

[@reellifewithcinco7858]

I used the blood knot in Alaska fly fishing, now I'm in Oregon, and use it for bass fishing, it's so small and strong,

[@angleratlarge6787]

After a lot of trial and error in the last few years I went to Diawa Tatula's spinning rods, specifically the 7'-3" drop shop series. Really like the feel of the blank and I am partial to real cork reel seats.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I heard good things about those

[@garrettharper9519]

My life changed when I started tying an FG knot for my leader, I know everyone has there favorite knot but I don't think very many people use an FG knot. Never had an issue with that knot and micro guides

[@michaele5906]

Alberto!!!!!

[@CrayOutoors]

Love my Bass Pro Shops Extreme spinning rod. It's basically the poor-mans version of the St. Croix Extreme, but I love it! Sensitive, great action, light weight, still going strong after using almost every weekend for 3 years. I'm terrified of the day I break it, BPS discontinued it. When that day comes maybe I'll front the money and pick of the St. Croix, I'm curies if its truly any better. I guess with the lifetime guarantee it's worth-it. I love my BPS extreme so much that I have since bought other BPS rods (like the pro-qualifier) and to be honest was not very impressed with them.

[@andrewzellar777]

Great video! Your confidence in that rod makes me wanna get one. As always, I enjoyed the video and I can’t want for the next one!!!

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Thanks Andrew! Remember everyone is different and what feels right in someone's hands might not feel right in another persons. For me it just resonates the best with my style of fishing.

[@adamcaldwell553]

Great video...THANKS! ST. Croix Legend family of rods are bar none a fantastic choice across the board. They make a Legend rod for what ever your getting into on the water. The Extreme, X , or Tournament Bass are the only spinning rod I will purchase for Bass/Walleye. Keep up the great work on not only your fishing but also your quality videos. Thanks again.

[@mistermatsuda]

I have 5 Legend rods, the Elite and Surf. Love them. I broke my steelhead once and they replaced it no questions asked. That's why I'm on their site as I write to get another.

[@langdonholmes7077]

I have used many brand rods over the years and I exclusively use StCroix Avid X now. I have recently looked at the new Bass X rods and am really impressed at the price point. As far as the knot problem I've switched to straight Seaguar invis x florocarbon or stealth braid. There really isn't any situation you can't cover with the proper # test.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Very good!

[@tshaw150]

Have you checked out the new St. Croix Victory series? Great rods for $200 with their 15 year warranty

[@davidgood477]

St. Croix is the best for the money

[@northof7outdoors424]

All the respect in the world to you, the fishing industry is so easy for someone like you that has a little piece of the pie to sell-out here and there for money, selling out the very people that made you, to get a little more $$$, anyway thanks for not being a sellout! and valuing yourself. ❤

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Thank you! North of 7!

[@wdaniels87]

Alpha angler spinning rods and Dobyns casting. Love my AA DSR and tac mag. They are perfection for drop shotting and throwing a tube.

[@grantloney]

Shimano Crucial. Can't believe they stopped making that rod. I buy every used one I come across.

[@reeltalkfishing7692]

I just went with 2 Kistler Rods that are made with the North Fork Composites blank...the Helium 3 seems super light weight and does have the Fuji reel seat.

[@dennisnicholson952]

Okay, Travis, here goes. I have, first, a Lew's Laser SG1 Speed Stick 7' ultralight, an Ark Rods Invoker 7'1" medium power extra-fast action spinning rod, and, finally (for now) a 6th Sense Lux Series 7'2" Crankbait Casting Rod. I believe that I have a pretty good start. 🌟

[@kylewhittaker3365]

I love my Temple Fork Outfitters 7’3 ML drop shot. I use it for all things smallmouth. Lifetime warranty for around 150

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Interesting....I will look into them

[@allennicley8312]

Agreed I have 6 of them now and Love everything about the TFO!

[@dougcaffrey973]

Crazy how I have the same rods in the Legend Elite, 7' ML @ 7' M in Fast action. I fish in the south reservoirs most of the time, because of where I live and come to Minnesota couple times of year to fish for Walleye and Muskies. I use the Elite 7' MLF 90% of the time for dropshot, for Largemouth, Spotted, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleyes! I use the Elite 7' MF for most of shakey heads, swim baits, Lindy rigs, and 3/8 to 1/2oz dropshots. I do use the Shimano Exscence 3000 on two of my setups and Shimano Vanfords 2500 on my other four rods ( I like the 2500 series, Exscence 3000 is a 2500 series, because I can load all with 150 yards of Sufix 832 10lbs and Sunline Sniper in 8 & 10lbs.) I use the St. Croix Legend Elites over my G Loomis NRX's + in the 852S & 872S almost all the time. You cannot cast 852 hardly at all in 3/16 to 1/4 oz weighted baits. The 872S does much better than the 852S, but they both cannot out do the St. Croix Legend Elite 7' MLF, in casting and sensitivity is very equal.

[@shakeyhead0079]

I hear you Travis. I got rid of my Legend Elites because of the micro guides. I may go back now if guides are now bigger. The LE blanks are great.

[@glda0301]

The extremes now carry a 15 year warranty. However, your old model extremes are grandfathered in and have lifetime warranties still. I have a couple legend elites and asked them when they switched over a couple of years ago.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Oh wow did not know that.

[@grandfishing590]

Hey man you should check out the New Pioson Adrena Rods which should be available after the bassmaster classic. The casting version was shown in tactical bass-sin vid. Shimano uses semi micro guides so it should be fine, but I heard there more sensitive then a glx. They are also lighter then the extremes based on the expride and zodias being lighter then the extremes. They have a carbon monoque grip for sensitivity. It is a very interesting concept being how new it is with a hollow carbon grip. I have a zodias 7ftmedium and it is 3.77 ounces to give a comparison.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Very interesting...I will see if I can find one and hold it.

[@dualthreatoutdoors]

Can’t beat those CI4’s! Favorite spinning reel hands down

[@SmallmouthCrush]

That is so true!

[@Rob-tl9md]

have you used an fl?

[@markmarini6934]

Could you do a video about your spinning reel setups reel sizes, lines etc

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Yes will do!

[@gibby9209]

Looking forward to a video on your setups. What do you use for all the popular rigs? Ned, wacky, drop shot, tubes, Neko? Thanks for all the great videos! @@SmallmouthCrush

[@willperryman4559]

I had the same experience with ordering an EDGE Rod by Gary Loomis, and I am happy I only ordered 1. Same time my order was in Oct. and got it mid January , and I have tried to like it because I have quite a few of original GLoomis rods, but I won’t be getting anymore Edge Rods. I agree with you 💯

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Wish it would have worked out.....live and learn I guess!

[@willperryman4559]

I agree and I am glad I only bought 1, and I do hope I find a purpose for it,or sell it. I have 2 St Croix and love them. Appreciate your channel. Tight lines

[@ericmayernick7804]

love my older crucials where there is a spot cut out of the cork for your finger

[@joemitchell6753]

Another quality video Travis. Keep up the good work.

[@alexanderlee6509]

Are the larger guides on the new replacement rod the AGS guides?

[@blueflash7178]

ledgend extreme is where its at and all I use for spinning even have 2 casting rods. You ever try throwing straight floro? I use seaguar invisx with no issues tying leaders is wasted time! They aren't the best rods on earth for no reason lol. Hands down best warranty in the rod game.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I dont use straight fluoro unless I am using a spybait or crankbait on my spinning rods.

[@mandogfish7418]

Gnarly exposed threads on the reel seat. Have you tried the new 2020 Legend extremes?

[@jhenningfish9831]

Little combat rod= my little “money maker”. I will check those rods out. Have a couple St. Croix.

[@PeterMazzara]

What reels do you use?

[@scottvan6064]

Hey Travis I fish the, Enigma EHPT611SJ-M-S its a ML great drop shot rod at a good price. SC is to expensive for me.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

The St Croix are expensive but you can normally find them used for a better price. I picked up the enigma and even used them a time or two on a fish. They certainly work and get the job done but there is no way those rods are even on the same level as a St Croix.

[@geoeconomics5629]

Cabelas Fish Eagle II super nice rod

[@mrme7020]

Im a fan of dobyns champion extreme rods. How does the st Croix legend extremes compare?

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I had some of the dobyns spinning rods before. I do like Dobyns casting rods but the spinning rods didn't come close. I used one of there spinning rods for almost 2 years with different techniques and finally sold it this winter.

[@mrme7020]

@@SmallmouthCrush ok great thanks for the reply thanks for getting back to me.

[@nawinchester]

Hey there Travis, do you use/own the Legend Xtreme 7' Medium Heavy? If not, why so? More curious than anything, as I know you are a huge St Croix fan and you chase Smallies all over the country. Thanks

[@JLeeChron]

Not a fan of those microguides either. Marketing hype... St C and the older Carrot Stix are my favs. A good budget rod (surprisingly)is the Abu Garcia veritas, just dont like the handle ends tho. But for 69$ on sale...

[@timkelly633]

The advantage of micro guides are that they take weight off the blank, especially at the tip, and that makes the blank more responsive. It is noticeable. The latest titanium torzites are very light though, so the advantage is reduced.

[@thedetective8150]

I have a St Croix Legend Extreme rod and it's my best rod. However, I have a love-hate relationship with micro-guides on my rod. I have tried friend's high-quality fishing rods and I just don't like the feel of them.

[@richshackelford5793]

YO YO YO Great video Travis, have you ever tried Dobyns rods, I made the move from St Croix Avid X to dobyns love them but the St Croix is a great rod also

[@SmallmouthCrush]

All my baitcasting rods for the most part are Dobyns......I just cant deal with there spinning rods.......St Croix Legend Xtremes...nothing comes close

[@Mjones8383]

Bringing the truth as always, I don't use spinning rods to often but I just purchased an extreme rod because you say it's the deal, if not then I'll send it to you, I'll let you know. What's the best rod for ball head finesse jigs like a 3/8. Need 1 for a new curado k I bought.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I would look at a dobyns line up of rods something in the medium 7 foot range should work for thos finesse jigs

[@PunchFishing]

Have you played with the legend x or legend Elite yet? With the torzite guides. Same price as the extremes but obviously a guide upgrade.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I have used them late last year and they are not a bad rod. I just prefer the Xtremes for now.

[@natevandersea3183]

Alpha angler dsr is a great rod and high end

[@Unspoke]

Surprised you didn't choose the St. Croix Legend X as your favorite spinning rod. It's amazing how much they did to this rod.

[@aurileus226]

What do you use for jerkbaits

[@hansmartin3028]

Is there a finesse rod over 7 feeth ? I can t find one.....They are all to short...I ve no boat..

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Yes the St Croix legend Xteme or a bunch of the St Croix have a medium or light rod that is 7 feet and a few that are over

[@koolhandluke5892]

I hate my edge rod not spinning but a special order 7.3 mh and the thing is a serious broom stick and at 450$ I’m supper disappointed. Sucks cuz I was really excited to get it. I could have pitched three rods for what I paid for this.

[@garylake998]

Are your St Croix fast or extra fast? Explain the reasoning if you would. Seems your sizes are available in both.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

All of mine are Fast action.....Reasoning is I prefer the way the rod loads up with that fast action. I just really like how it feels when setting the hook and letting the rod load up.

[@EthanPriceOutdoors]

Awesome Video!!! Very cool!

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Thank you!

[@timkelly633]

You really should do yourself a favor and learn to tie and use the FG knot. It is a pain to learn and will take longer to tie on the water if you need to, but the knot never breaks, so with a long leader you can just keep cutting it back and not worry about it. If you have to re-tie, no more than 4 or 5 minutes once you get it down. I promise you, it is worth it. I'm a huge St Croix legend fan too, though I have to strip the factory handles and re-build them in my preferred handle design.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I will take some time in the next few weeks to perfect this knot! Thanks!

[@shauna4981]

St. Croix hands down. I use the Legend Elites and Legend Bass/Walleye

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Shopify link doesn’t work

[@bjccounter5810]

You should check out the new line of rods. Favorite rods got me sold.

[@michaelmontalto]

PIck up a GLoomis NRX spinning and be done with it. Simply put, they are the best rods on the market.

[@jimscott4552]

I thought they went from lifetime to 15 year warranty. Maybe a different company or level.

[@dustinedmiston8165]

Dude you need to fish with that edge rod before you make up your mind! The sensitivity is way higher than the legend extremes. You may of spoke to soon on this deal.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

perhaps, I just know by the handle and feel it was going to not work for me. It may be the most sensitive rod in the world but if it doesn't fit my grip right it wont work from there.

[@bowhunter63sm]

Being on a budget I really like Bass Pros Carbon light 2.0 . They work great for river Smallies.

[@kylewhittaker3365]

I bought the casting ML and love it. I can throw 1/8 small plastics easily.

[@darenmorgan4377]

All,sounds great, but at $600 plus for that model, really? For the weekend warrior i have fished the fish eagle graphites from bass pro/cabelas for years. I have one that is over 40 years old and i use it 90% of the time with senkos I can feel the slightest touch of the bite

[@justinowen1984]

You have to at least look at alpha angler. Honestly for 250-300$ they are every bit as good as glx's maybe even better as far as build quality. I can't speak on the legend extreme but I do own some legend elites. Alpha anglers are a flat out steal

[@wdaniels87]

Justin Owen I’ve got 3 and love em. Very underrated rod.

[@justinowen1984]

@@wdaniels87 they are great!

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Interesting...I am going to try and get my hands on some in the future!

[@justinowen1984]

@@SmallmouthCrush St Croix makes great rods it's just an idea because I have Croix, Loomis and alpha angler and I find myself reaching for the alpha most often

[@mikeprovost3629]

Why wouldn’t you just get the legend xtreme inshore same rod as your green but bigger eyes and it’s white

[@shawnseabaugh]

Thanks, Great Video!

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Send me those crappy Edge Rods! 😉

[@FishingFreshies]

Nice!

[@razzso1482]

Not meant for leaders. Best rods ever Ledgends

[@MySpinner]

i don't think those st croix is as light as those phenix feather rod

[@jimcarrey7006]

Tie an FG Knot. Won't have any tag to get stuck in guides.

[@koolhandluke5892]

These rods are built for west coast salmon fishing.

[@ericmayernick7804]

if you would like to donate one of them edge rods lmk 😆

[@SmallmouthCrush]

ON the way back to Washington state!

[@ericmayernick7804]

@@SmallmouthCrush it's all good lol

[@garylukas3476]

Snap the rest of them and send them in. Life time warranties.Just kidding thanks for the info i bought 4 extreme rods. I'm a spin rod guy too.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I could....would send up a red flag on my account...Im sick of being red flagged!

[@WI_angler]

If you decide to sell off your Legend Xtremes.... call me! 😆

[@SmallmouthCrush]

will do!

[@igotnothing2657]

I guess your going to be breaking all your rods lol

[@SmallmouthCrush]

LOL

[@igotnothing2657]

@@SmallmouthCrush Those new rods look to clean. Reminds of when new people start at the cabinet shop. Go rub some dirt on your tools make it look you done this before lol

[@mattsnow4116]

You want something to compare to Legend X stop screwing around and buy an NRX.

[@duanetheimer7215]

You want a good rod? Never buy it online. You don't know what you're getting. No industry standard on them. Go to you local tackle shop and talk before you buy.

[@hansmartin3028]

These rods are all so ugly. No young man would buy a pink, a blue or a green rod...What the hell are they all so short ????? The most anglers are shoreanglers not boatanglers !!!!!!

[@SmallmouthCrush]

Sorry bro......deep breath it will all be ok!

[@justincollins8776]

Seems a bit harsh to completely denounce a rod, that you have not so much as made a cast with. Kinda makes your opinion void in many aspects.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

I stated in the video that I just have to hold a rod in order to tell if it is the real deal...no need to make a cast with it. If the rod felt heavy in my hand and not balanced to what I would want in a spinning rod...the main thing was the reel seat and the weak point in the whole set up. So yes my opinion is dead on.....even if I made a cast with that Edge rod it would not be able to compare to a St Croix Legend Xtreme!

[@justincollins8776]

@@SmallmouthCrush interesting opinion, you highly regard your own opinion as absolute fact, and I can understand that, glad to see you have such supreme confidence in your rod construction knowledge. I just hope you didn't have a game changer in your hand,and not even try it lol.

[@SmallmouthCrush]

@@justincollins8776 No.....just the feel of that rod when holding it threw me off, I instantly knew it wasn't going to work for me......I was hoping and looking for a game changer that is why I took a chance and bought them blind.

[@billgibson9968]

$400 for a rod! Thats insane. You only can make a rod, reel so good. After that your paying for marketing etc

[@PunchFishing]

This is absolutely not true. Plus if you're fishing for a living don't you want the best tools?

[@billgibson9968]

@@PunchFishing of course its true.

[@cheezuscrust7730]

@@billgibson9968 no it aint stop talking shit

[@billgibson9968]

Your money do your thing!

[@carolinareaper5011]

Hows that legend xtreme compare to the white legend xtreme inshore?