New gear feedback requested

[gordy28]

After a recent trip I have decided I need:

A good gore tex based rain suit leaning towards the BPS pro qualifier based on reviews and threads on this site. Would go 1 size up to be able to layer. Any other thoughts. Budget would be around $400 for the set

 

A jigging combo. Leaning towards the st croix eye con 6'3 medium light, extra fast

Would pair with a shimano symetre 2500 series (although I have read that many prefer a 1000 size for jigging but I'm not sure why) or the same size in a pflueger supreme xt. Budget would be under $300 for the combo

 

Feedback appreciated

Gordy

Edited September 7, 2014 by gordy28

[RickOnt]

Hi Gordy

 

I have the BPS pro Qualifier It is a fantastic suit keeps me dry on the wet days and warm on the cool days,

 

Watch the BPS sales flyers and you should get it for $400

 

Most of my jigging rods are St Croix Med or Med light.

 

I use the 1000. With braid there is no need for the larger 2500 spool

 

The 1000 is lighter not a big deal for a couple hours but if it is in your hand every day for a 7 day trip it is nice.

 

Just my $.02

 

Lots of options out there

 

Cheers

Rick

[gordy28]

Thanks Rick

Great input and I hadn't thought about the weight and redundancy of the bigger spool w braid

Do you have a preferred st croix model?

[RickOnt]

Premier or Avid

 

But the first, go to set up, I reach for, is a 6'6" Premier Med/Light and a Symmetre 1000 spooled with 5 lb power pro

 

If I am fishing the north where the water is tea stained the PP is tied directly to the Jig

 

Like I said my 2 cents lots of options

[FloatnFly]

i like my shimano crucial worm and jig rod, its only 5.5ft long and 2 piece, so its light weight, with strong back bone, i put a smaller gander mountain reel on it, holds about 150yrds of 15lb braid

[porkpie]

I have been using the eyecons with the 1000 series stradic's. Very nice combos, and very light and responsive. I too find the 1000 series reels to be plenty for just about every pickerel application I run into. To be truthfull, I've landed several muskies on the eyecon/1000 combo as well, most in the 35-40 inch class, and have had no issues (I've also been bit clean off a few times too LOL). Countless bass as well. I run braid with an 8-10lb lead of seaguar. They are a good rod, and the 1000 reel will do just about all you need it too, unless your into tuna fishing! I've had pro qualifier bibs for about 8 years and they've been great. Just bought a BPS goretex jacket a month ago as my old jacket finally gave up. I guess I'll find out if the quality is still there!

Edited September 8, 2014 by porkpie