I am looking to get the G. Loomis or the st. Croix 6�6� just for top water.. what�s yalls suggestions...also deciding on the Daiwa Tatula CT 100HS or the Shimano Curado 200XG K

Wow, I've owned both the E6X and Mojo and found both to be seriously lacking. Much better values out there. That being said, I am a G.loomis fan but fish IMX, GLX and NRX.

Neither. Get two BPS Crankin Sticks for the price of one of the ones you are talking about. They are on sale right now for $70-80. I own 7 Cranking Sticks and love them for topwater, spinnerbaits, cranks, traps, c-rigs and rip baits.

I like the mojo bass better but wouldn't pay retail. Take a look at dobyns fury line of rods.

Both rods are good rods but they are entry level for the two companies, so nothing special. I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them as they are both quality products.

IMO, to notice just how good a Loomis rod is, you have to step up to at least the IMX line. Same with St. Croix. Otherwise they are just good rods like the rest and nothing to rave about. For Loomis, you have to step up to their GLX line to really notice what they are all about but now you are in the $400-$500 range.

Shimano owns Loomis and has for about 10 yrs. Their new line of Expride is the top end Shimano and super-light. This rod sells for just under the Loomis IMX line but is noticeably lighter and a little less money than the IMX.

I bought their new bladed jig rod early this spring and it is incredibly light for a composite cranking type rod. I think it was $269, which is a bit higher than most crankin rods but it is top quality.

As for reels, I have never fished a Tatula but I hear nothing but good things about them. I am a little spoiled with the Steez. The new Curado K-series is the best Curado they've ever made, period. It has the guts of last Gen Chronarch.

Just keep in mind the Tatula you mentioned is a 100-sized reel while the Curado is a 200 so pretty good difference in line capacity.

Another bonus of the Curado is they downsized the overall reel for the K but kept the wide spool. This is huge to me because when I make a long cast I like to have 50% or more line left on my spool. With a big crank or heavy C-rig or jig, you can empty the spool on a long cast. If you break off or cut & retie a few times, now I feel like I don't have enough line on my reel to make those long bombing casts.

This may not be an issue for you if you are going to load it with 12# line. If you are thinking 15 or heavier line, I would steer away from the 100-sized reels. For most guys either reel would be a good choice. I am just super picky when it comes to rods & reels.

Hope that helps.

Check out evergreen rods. They are the same price as the e6x but are some sweet rods. I have 3 and i plan on getting a few more.