@@tbirdsdign never used the bolt but I’ve felt it in store. It seems nice and I’ve heard good things. They have similar components so it will really come down to personal preference. Try to find a shop that carries them and feel them out. It’s worth noting that the 7ft medium st croix is 8-17 lb line and is going to be closer to the 7ft medium heavy bull bay. The medium power 6-12 lb bull bay rods are pretty light for what I like to do but it could be different for you depending on what you’re doing. Also, if this makes a difference, st croix avids are 100% made in USA. Bull Bay rods are assembled in the USA but they no longer roll their own blanks in house and get them from overseas somewhere. Both have excellent warranties I prefer st croix
@@FLFlatsmaster great info. Thank you. I did a lot of research recently and held them both today. Still can’t decide. lol. Mostly wading for reds and specks or casting in surf but an all around rod/reel. I’m used to st. Croix also. But you’re right, I should probably go with the one that feels better in my hand. I wish it was easier to find the weights of a rod. I’m not having good luck with that. Also debating over 3000 stradic or vanford. But man that sustain is sweet. There were reviews on the Banford have made a little leery about it. I could probably close my eyes in pick any of them and hopefully be happy. Regardless it will be the most I over spent on a rod n reel. YOLO‼️‼️🎣 And the banchee and sniper felt good to. lol
@@tbirdsdign you’re welcome. You really can’t go wrong with any rod or reel over $200. They’re all really nice. You definitely get what you pay for. A st croix avid 7ft medium and a 3000 stradic would be what I recommend out of those options. That’s a perfect combo for wade fishing. Unless you want to spend up for the sustain.
@@FLFlatsmaster thanks again. Liked and subscribed 👍🏻. Looking forward to watching older and upcoming content. Im buying them in next 2 days and going to Hatteras nc for a week. I’ll keep u posted.
I used to use bait casting a lot when I was growing up bass fishing. I have a good bait casting setup as well, it just doesn’t get used as much as the spinning. I think once I get a boat it will give me a lot more opportunities to use it. Thanks for the comment!
@@FLFlatsmasternice ! i’m a right hand retrieve so i’d have to have it on the other side. i just bought this reel on ebay for $174 off a japan dealer . can’t wait to use it !
Shimano and St. Croix combos are hard to beat for sure!
Been thinking about getting this same setup. nice video per usual
Thanks Darrien.
It’s definitely sweet setup
Thank you for the review. What size rod and what’s the specifications.
St croix legend tournament inshore. 7ft medium fast. 8-17 line and 3/8-3/4 lure
I’m about to upload a video about the rod tonight.
Do you have a link for japanese tackle?
@@mathewpeace I’ve heard digitaka is a good one but it might take a few weeks for shipping
@FLFlatsmaster thanks ill check it out!
Just want to get some peoples opinions, please. Bull bay bolt or
St. Croix avid inshore rod? Probably a 7’mf
@@tbirdsdign never used the bolt but I’ve felt it in store. It seems nice and I’ve heard good things. They have similar components so it will really come down to personal preference. Try to find a shop that carries them and feel them out.
It’s worth noting that the 7ft medium st croix is 8-17 lb line and is going to be closer to the 7ft medium heavy bull bay. The medium power 6-12 lb bull bay rods are pretty light for what I like to do but it could be different for you depending on what you’re doing.
Also, if this makes a difference, st croix avids are 100% made in USA.
Bull Bay rods are assembled in the USA but they no longer roll their own blanks in house and get them from overseas somewhere.
Both have excellent warranties
I prefer st croix
@@FLFlatsmaster great info. Thank you. I did a lot of research recently and held them both today. Still can’t decide. lol. Mostly wading for reds and specks or casting in surf but an all around rod/reel. I’m used to st. Croix also. But you’re right, I should probably go with the one that feels better in my hand. I wish it was easier to find the weights of a rod. I’m not having good luck with that. Also debating over 3000 stradic or vanford. But man that sustain is sweet. There were reviews on the Banford have made a little leery about it. I could probably close my eyes in pick any of them and hopefully be happy. Regardless it will be the most I over spent on a rod n reel. YOLO‼️‼️🎣
And the banchee and sniper felt good to. lol
@@tbirdsdign you’re welcome. You really can’t go wrong with any rod or reel over $200. They’re all really nice. You definitely get what you pay for.
A st croix avid 7ft medium and a 3000 stradic would be what I recommend out of those options. That’s a perfect combo for wade fishing. Unless you want to spend up for the sustain.
@@FLFlatsmaster thanks again. Liked and subscribed 👍🏻. Looking forward to watching older and upcoming content. Im buying them in next 2 days and going to Hatteras nc for a week. I’ll keep u posted.
@@tbirdsdign anytime, let me know what you get and how you like it
You use top quality tackle. Have you ever tried bait casting? I left spinning about 30 years ago and fish Charlotte Harbor.
I used to use bait casting a lot when I was growing up bass fishing. I have a good bait casting setup as well, it just doesn’t get used as much as the spinning.
I think once I get a boat it will give me a lot more opportunities to use it.
Thanks for the comment!
can you swap the handle ?
Yes. I had a Gomexus power knob on it for a little while, but for the flats fishing I do I prefer the original one
@@FLFlatsmasternice ! i’m a right hand retrieve so i’d have to have it on the other side. i just bought this reel on ebay for $174 off a japan dealer . can’t wait to use it !
@@DarrienRobinson1 ohh that’s what you meant.. yes you can move it to the right side.
That’s a great deal, I think you’ll love it!
My fav reel
nice setup
Thank you 🫡
Shimano should fix the problem for $320 + $20