So, I have been able to get a few trips on the water, and caught enough fish to write a confident review of one of my newer, more enjoyable purchases.
A few weeks back, I bought a 6'10" Shamano Crucial Spinnerbait rod. Mainly fishing saltwater, I chose this rod for a simple reason, the exposure of the rod blank below the reel. This exposure allows me to feel those subtle little ticks of non aggressive fish chomping on the lure. I have thrown 1/2 oz jigs with trailers, 1/8 oz wacky work rigs, shallow crankbaits, and of course 1/4 oz spinnerbaits with this rod. Even though it is designed as a technique specific rod, I feel comfortable using it in multiple applications, fresh and salt.
My favorite casting rod is a MH power, Fast or Extra fast action. The rod that I chose was a MH/XF. It allows me to wing baits a country mile, but still have enough backbone to get fish to hand as quickly as possible.
It is an IM-10 rod, and built with the same blank construction as my beloved Teramar's. The rod itself is only 4 or 5 ounces, and paired with a Curado 200, the entire package comes in around a pound. More than light enough for me.
Even though this unlucky pickerel was a nice test for the rod, I am anxious for my opportunity to chase some specks and reds in the near future.
Now to the money aspect of this rod. I paid 150 for the rod, and pair that with another 150 for the reel, you would be hard pressed to find a combo that is as light, durable, and preforms as well as this does for 300 bucks. So go out there, get you some fish, and enjoy!
