What would be a good rod for a Thunnus 4000 ci4 (Shimano)...customer already has the reel? I am thinking about the MHX843 or the blend equivalent of that. This reel can handle up to 40lb test line...or at least that is the last specification given for the reel. I talking with this person, he said he has 15lb power pro put on the reel already and that he would not be using anything over 20lb. He throws the smaller mirror lures or rapallas, but often uses shrimp or cut bait. Personally, I would have a smaller reel...but it is what it is. Obviously, this is salt water. Any thoughts would be appreicated. Clinton

I'd try to match the rod to the technique - the reel is more a of line holding device and won't have a tremendous effect on the actual fishing he does. Obviously, it is possible to have too much or too little reel for the task at hand, but I'd quiz him a bit more on what he's doing and then arrive at the rod blank that will allow him to pursue his method of fishing in the best way possible.

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I think you will have problems getting a good balance on a 7' blank with a reel that size. I often use 2500 stradics on similar blanks to what you mentioned and sometimes 3000's. I would take Toms advice and try to match the type of fishing instead of the reel. I also tend to like a more moderate action rod than mentioned for a mirrolure, my new favorite being the Rainshadow XP 844. If you want to stay with MHX look at the popping blanks.

I'd like to see the reel if you get hands on it. The metal thunnus was absurdly big and heavy. I like baitrunners....hoping the ci4 is lighter.....would love a look see. Plus I'd like to try a blind CP test sometime.

I like St. Croix for our waters. I have the 2SW70MF you/he could feel/cast if desired. I fish a smaller reel on it but if it had a longer handle it could handle 15# test no problem. Probably best to go up one notch in power....longer wouldn't hurt if he is casting a lot. And just to muddy up the waters I'm finishing up a hot shot rod that would fish 15# fine and would cast lighter weights above average. Problem is hot shot blanks aren't cheap and I wouldn't want a "newbie" touching one.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

The new Thunnus reels are DEFINITELY a vast improvement over the previous version. I would definitely recommend a softer action, based on your input. Take a look at the MHX CB845 ... your customer should love that blank paired with that particular reel. BTW, that blank weighs in at less than 2 ounces, yet it offers plenty of inshore power.

I aksed him again and for this rod, he will be throwing mirror lures and other top water lures and casting shrimp for reds and snook. If he there is more to what he does than this, he is not articulating it. I know he fishing out of Ft. Myers and Sarasota, Florida...in other words the Gulf. So in terms of top techinque, I think he is fishing top water lures, and using live shrimp. He has other rods for bottom fishing, such as grouper. Clinton

Russ, I think the reel is mostly graphite.

Yes, that is one of the reels I was thinking about when I mentioned the other MHX blended rods. Thanks. Clinton

Clinton Terry Wrote:
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> I aksed him again and for this rod, he will be
> throwing mirror lures and other top water lures
> and casting shrimp for reds and snook.


MirrOlures aren't topwater ... with the exception of the Top Dog. They are all subsurface/suspending lures - so are the MirrOdine, MirrOmullet and the rest. For the flats, you will find 90% of the fishermen are best served with a "popping rod" which is a moderate-fast action. The need for a "compromise" rod is to accommodate subsurface lures and bait, the same theory applies to 7'0" lengths - long enough for open water, short enough for structure ... when a 7'6"-8"0 and a 6'0"-6'6" would actually suit each specific purpose best. You will find the CB845 to be one of those "compromise" or "popping-style" blanks, the same with the P844 ... except the former would be better with the Thunnus 4000 CI4 IMO. Why don't you buy a few different blanks and let the angler make his choice ... MB843, P844, CB845 and even the L842.

I could but he is on the other side of the state and he wants me to decide...which I find troublesome, for the most part, as my sense is that person just goes fishing without thinking about it too much. I made a rod for his gandson and he liked it and wanted something similar. Nice recommendation, but now I have to come up with something that will make him happy as well. Hmmmmmmmmm.....

These small mirror lures are still pretty light, so I am just wondering how well the CB845 will cast with it? Not tried so I do not know. I guess I will be getting some and trying them out.

I think you will be more than fine with the CB845. Although it is rated 10-20, it is a very light and fun blank - something provided for with the more moderate action. I can't imagine any flats fisherman being dissatisfied with one. Unless someone was fishing jigs, bucktails and/or topwaters only you aren't going to get much better IMO.