What about Lew s rods ?
Or Okuma ?




Looking to rig the following set ups:

1) cranking rod.
2) soft plastics, t-rigged
3) something with muscle for deep cover

Something for someone who will fish 6-8 times a month and some tournaments.

How are y'all opinions on mixing rod brands and reel brands ?
Or do you like to keep them matched up. I.E. okuma reel with a okuma rod ?

Thank you for the input.

My preferences based on the 3 you have listed would be:

1)If I had to choose 1 cranking rod it would be 7'-7'6"Medium Moderate. I like Duckett or Dobyns Cranking models. I used Bass Pro Crankin Sticks too and they are a good rod for a lower price point.

2) I like Falcon Rods for everything else besides cranking. For Tx Rigged plastics I'd go with a 6'10" MH or Heavy Fast action. I use the Cara series but the Bucoo and Lowrider series are nice sticks too.

3)When I need a "muscle rod" I go with a Falcon Cara Amistad. 7'3"Heavy Fast action. Jigs, Heavy t-rigs, Carolina rig, froggin, and flipping/pitchin heavy cover.

I don't match manufacturers of reels to rods. Never have really. All my reels are lews and I just haven't had a reason to stray from Falcon/Dobyns/Duckett rods.

I have this one for crankbaits and it is superb. Incredibly sensitive

http://m.basspro.com/St-Croix-Premier-Series-Crankbait-Rod/product/74391/

Best crank bait rod I know of is the Dobyns CB rods. I prefer straight graphite over composite or glass, because of the sensitivity and light weight. If you are looking for an all around CB rod, I think the Fury 705 rod, would suit most of your situations. It is rated from 1/4 to 1 oz and is a MH rod with a fast tip. GREAT rod for most applications, not rated for the XD 8 or 10, though. If you want a rod that will hadnle those, I would go with the 806 rod, but it is not rated for anything less than 1/2 oz, so you would limit yourself on it. Tae a look at this rod and tell me if you think it fits your situation. If not, let me know and I I can look at other options. If you do not want to spend that much money, there is a Dobyns FURY rod that is the same ranking. Here is a link to it.

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/705cb/

I put shimano or Lews on most of my rod w/o going their to rods for purcahse. I am a big believer in the Dobyns lineup of rods, too. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck. Let me know if you want something different for throwing CBs or soft plastics. I throw soft plastics on a 735 F/H Dobyns rod with good success. Unless you are going to be fishing over 1.5 oz. jigs. Their is also a FURY 735C for less money, too. Hope this helps.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains