Hey all, as the title says, I'm looking for a good frog rod and for punching under $150 (price is flexible and looking for heavy power only as I've got a couple MH already) that is around 7'2" and under as I don't want to much higher than my current longest setup. Do you all have any suggestions?
Had to get rid of that "what-if", @keltonz
I'll be following with great interest @Riazuli
Most rods designed for those applications are typically much longer than 7'2. It may be tough to find a rod that would work for what you are doing. What size weight are you planning to be punching?
If you can go up to a 7'3", I would go with the Okuma Scott Martin TCS rods. I got my last fall for my birthday and an extremely nice rod. Plus its 140 but can be found for 110 on Amazon, its a steal really. Thats where I got mine from and it came perfectly fine with all the guides lined up correctly. If you want more input, look at the reviews on TW. And aesthetically it looks amazing!
7 minutes ago, Stephen B said:Most rods designed for those applications are typically much longer than 7'2. It may be tough to find a rod that would work for what you are doing. What size weight are you planning to be punching?
Yeah, I know. Was part of reason I made the specific size requirement. I'm currently eyeing the St. Croix Mojo Bass Slop n' Frog Road at 7'4" that is $140. I definitely don't want to go longer than that. I'm more interesting in froggin than punching, so the rod specs really need to just revolve around that.
6 minutes ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:If you can go up to a 7'3", I would go with the Okuma Scott Martin TCS rods. I got my last fall for my birthday and an extremely nice rod. Plus its 140 but can be found for 110 on Amazon, its a steal really. Thats where I got mine from and it came perfectly fine with all the guides lined up correctly. If you want more input, look at the reviews on TW. And aesthetically it looks amazing!
Thank you! I am looking into that now
Couple questions, I've heard horror stories about Amazon's rod packaging - how was your packaging? It's great that yours arrived in good condition. Also, what difference would you say there would be between the 7' Heavy they have and the 7'3 Heavy?
4 minutes ago, Riazuli said:Thank you! I am looking into that now
There is also a 7'6" model, which is a lot longer than what you wanted but it will be better for punching. Might be a bit long for a frog rod tho, so the 7'3" or that 7'4" mojo would be good probably.
I would definitely check out some of the Classic Closeouts as you can get a good rod for a great closeout price.
18 minutes ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:There is also a 7'6" model, which is a lot longer than what you wanted but it will be better for punching. Might be a bit long for a frog rod tho, so the 7'3" or that 7'4" mojo would be good probably.
I actually like the design of the Okuma you pointed out. Looking more into those, and gonna weigh between the 7' and 7'3"
Edit: I noticed the Okuma 7'3" H has a much wider spec range than the 7' H for line weight and lure weight, so I may go with that if I don't come across anything else. @BigBass'n_Harrison
Edited - please delete
I use a 7'3 lews tp-1 speed stick for frogging and pitching Texas rigs up to 3/4 ounce. It's a really nice rod for $99. Super strong backbone with just a little too to be able to cast frogs
17 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:I use a 7'3 lews tp-1 speed stick for frogging and pitching Texas rigs up to 3/4 ounce. It's a really nice rod for $99. Super strong backbone with just a little too to be able to cast frogs
Looking into it, thank you!
Well I prefer a 7'4 for my frog and a 7'6 for punching. If you sneak a bit outside height diawa tatula XT has a couple in your price range. I own 7 diawa rods and the quality of them is amazing. Got to tacklewarehouse and take a peak you will not be disappointed
Ark Invoker 7'4" Mag Heavy is an option if you're willing to get a rod just a bit longer. For a rod with It's rated specs, it's a long way from a broomstick.
I use it for punching but I think it could easily handle frogs without problem.
If I'm not mistaken, they're still on sale for $120. Excellent buy at that price.
On 3/21/2018 at 10:24 AM, kroberts9 said:Well I prefer a 7'4 for my frog and a 7'6 for punching. If you sneak a bit outside height diawa tatula XT has a couple in your price range. I own 7 diawa rods and the quality of them is amazing. Got to tacklewarehouse and take a peak you will not be disappointed
On 3/21/2018 at 10:31 AM, YaknBassn said:Ark Invoker 7'4" Mag Heavy is an option if you're willing to get a rod just a bit longer. For a rod with It's rated specs, it's a long way from a broomstick.
I use it for punching but I think it could easily handle frogs without problem.
If I'm not mistaken, they're still on sale for $120. Excellent buy at that price.
On 3/21/2018 at 10:24 AM, kroberts9 said:Well I prefer a 7'4 for my frog and a 7'6 for punching. If you sneak a bit outside height diawa tatula XT has a couple in your price range. I own 7 diawa rods and the quality of them is amazing. Got to tacklewarehouse and take a peak you will not be disappointed
Thanks, guys. I'm somewhat flexible here but definitely putting my cap on 7'4". Looks like I've got a few to check out! I appreciate the suggestions.
No one has mentioned the Dobyns Fury 735C?
Since you said you would like a 7'2, take a look at the Powell Inferno 7'2 Frogging rod.
I've heard a lot of good things about Dobyn's rods, and like the look of that rod. Plus would be more comfortable with Dobyn's or St. Croix due to warranty handling - read of instances of the Okuma rods snapping too easily and people having to pay almost as much as they paid for the rods to complete a claim.
On 3/21/2018 at 11:36 AM, Riazuli said:I've heard a lot of good things about Dobyn's rods, and like the look of that rod. Plus would be more comfortable with Dobyn's or St. Croix due to warranty handling - read of instances of the Okuma rods snapping too easily and people having to pay almost as much as they paid for the rods to complete a claim.
I had a similar thread to this one. I had narrowed it down to the Tatula or the Dobyns. I went with the Dobyns for a couple of reasons. First, I called Dobyns to ask a few questions and they were very helpful. Second, and most important to me was the lifetime warranty.
On 3/21/2018 at 11:40 AM, optimator said:I had a similar thread to this one. I had narrowed it down to the Tatula or the Dobyns. I went with the Dobyns for a couple of reasons. First, I called Dobyns to ask a few questions and they were very helpful. Second, and most important to me was the lifetime warranty.
Thank you for commenting - I noticed your post and thought to make a separate one due to wanting some length limitations - I am also narrowed down to the Dobyn's and maybe the Mojo - the Inferno looks nice but maybe a bit too flashy for me. Like you, the warranty was a big factor, but the shipping fees have to be taken into consideration with that too. The most reasonable way to do it would be to just take it to a dealer and pay them the $50 if it becomes an issue so there's no hassle with shipping and then having to pay for return shipping.
On 3/21/2018 at 11:45 AM, Riazuli said:Thank you for commenting - I noticed your post and thought to make a separate one due to wanting some length limitations - I am also narrowed down to the Dobyn's and maybe the Mojo - the Inferno looks nice but maybe a bit too flashy for me. Like you, the warranty was a big factor, but the shipping fees have to be taken into consideration with that too. The most reasonable way to do it would be to just take it to a dealer and pay them the $50 if it becomes an issue so there's no hassle with shipping and then having to pay for return shipping.
Shipping rates don't mean much to me. I run a warehouse so I pay commercial rates Back to the rods though, I was also able to handle a Mojo. I liked the feel of the Dobyns better. Not that it means much since I wasn't able to fish both of them.
I think I'll be getting a Tatula SV TW and thought of pairing it with a Tatula frogging rod, but I'm a sucker for cork handles, so I'm pretty sure Dobyn's is the way I'm gonna go on this one, the 735C. Thank you all for your suggestions!
Not even a day old....
I like cork, and wasn't much of a split handle fan at first. Now neither concern me. Only the rod's capabilities. However, I do have a tendency to disregard rods with certain colors. Don't own a white one. Don't own a Lightning Shock. I have several Tatula rods. Excellent value for the money. Especially since they can often be found for $110 or less, but I feel they are very good rods at full price.
I see you are a "reel" nerd. I have something of a love affair with reels. Have several times more than I need.
20 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:I like cork, and wasn't much of a split handle fan at first. Now neither concern me. Only the rod's capabilities. However, I do have a tendency to disregard rods with certain colors. Don't own a white one. Don't own a Lightning Shock. I have several Tatula rods. Excellent value for the money. Especially since they can often be found for $110 or less, but I feel they are very good rods at full price.
I see you are a "reel" nerd. I have something of a love affair with reels. Have several times more than I need.
I'm a techy nerd in general, and it's hard not to appreciate the fine work that goes into a nice reel. I hear what you're saying about performance being a key factor, but cork has a feel to it that I've just grown accustomed to. That being said, the Okuma doesn't have a ton of cork on it, so it is somewhat of a look thing for me too. The Dobyn's has more cork where I would be gripping the most, so that's where I'm kinda stuck now - It's most likely going to stay a battle between the Okuma and the Dobyns
Oh, also, I just noticed you were talking about the Helios by Okuma for the second listing you were talking about - I am looking at the Okuma Helios TCS, which is what I thought you were referring to - were you?
Was talking about the regular Helios. Just checked to make sure. Now Walmart has it for $124.99 and Jet has a multicolor for $121.34 and the traditional for $129.78. Didn't think Okuma made a multicolor. Wonder if it is a misprint. Anyone know?
I have several Okuma rods from their EVX, Guide Select, and Helios, and have fished them heavily without issue. The EVX 7'2" Heavy is a really nice rod that fits both your length, power, and price point.
Also, the TCS is Scott Martin's line, not a Helios, which is their high level line. They do make a Helios TCS reel, which has blue accents to match the TCS rods, while the regular Helios has green accents to match the Helios rods.
On 3/21/2018 at 9:27 PM, Riazuli said:I'm a techy nerd in general, and it's hard not to appreciate the fine work that goes into a nice reel. I hear what you're saying about performance being a key factor, but cork has a feel to it that I've just grown accustomed to. That being said, the Okuma doesn't have a ton of cork on it, so it is somewhat of a look thing for me too. The Dobyn's has more cork where I would be gripping the most, so that's where I'm kinda stuck now - It's most likely going to stay a battle between the Okuma and the Dobyns
Oh, also, I just noticed you were talking about the Helios by Okuma for the second listing you were talking about - I am looking at the Okuma Helios TCS, which is what I thought you were referring to - were you?
I was the one that mentioned the Okuma Scott Martin TCS rods origianlly yesterday. Sorry I didn't respond very fast. The helios rods are nice but they are $30 more expensive and the TCS rods can be found on Amazon for $105-$110. So even if you looked at the helios rods on Walmart Online, they would still be more expensive. I personally think that the TCS rods look better, that little bit of cork with the eva look is nice. And the reel seat is very comfortable IMO. I hope this helps you! And the black and gold Tatula rod would be a great choice too, especially to go along with the SV TW.
On 3/22/2018 at 12:35 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:I was the one that mentioned the Okuma Scott Martin TCS rods origianlly yesterday. Sorry I didn't respond very fast. The helios rods are nice but they are $30 more expensive and the TCS rods can be found on Amazon for $105-$110. So even if you looked at the helios rods on Walmart Online, they would still be more expensive. I personally think that the TCS rods look better, that little bit of cork with the eva look is nice. And the reel seat is very comfortable IMO. I hope this helps you! And the black and gold Tatula rod would be a great choice too, especially to go along with the SV TW.
Thanks everyone, so I went ahead and purchased the TCS The looks of the cork accent also won me over, along with the price tag - I ordered with Walmart pickup and got the rod for around $105. With a Walmart across the street from me, I can make sure the rod is in good condition while I'm there and if there are any freak breakages, I know Walmart has a really good return /exchange policy. I may go ahead and add the protection plan at that price just to secure any concerns I might have. Thanks again all!
Nice! Those look like really nice rods
I assume you got the 7'3" HF. I like that it lists 1/4 oz. on the low end. Mine is 1/2 oz. Theoretically it should do better casting the 1/2 and 5/8 oz. frogs I currently use. Although as I mentioned, any further than I now get could cause problems keeping track of the frog. However, the TCS shouldn't require a full power cast to achieve the same distance.
I hope you report back with your observations once you get to use the new rod. Can't have too many reviews.
On 3/22/2018 at 3:15 AM, new2BC4bass said:I assume you got the 7'3" HF. I like that it lists 1/4 oz. on the low end. Mine is 1/2 oz. Theoretically it should do better casting the 1/2 and 5/8 oz. frogs I currently use. Although as I mentioned, any further than I now get could cause problems keeping track of the frog. However, the TCS shouldn't require a full power cast to achieve the same distance.
I hope you report back with your observations once you get to use the new rod. Can't have too many reviews.
I did go with 7'3" as that was directly recommended for frogging by Okuma and the lure weight and line weight range is much wider than the 7'. I'll surely report back!! I've actually never used a heavy rod and I've muscled (and lost) some decent fish out of slop where I fish. Most of them were lost as they got stuck in weeds, so I'm looking forward to the added backbone for muscling them out of there.
The heavier TCS rods have plenty of muscle, but a somewhat forgiving and longer tip. This makes them easier to cast than a pool cue stick. Not the same rod by any stretch, but features a similar bend under load, here's a review I wrote of a TCS rod: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html
On 3/22/2018 at 3:32 AM, J Francho said:The heavier TCS rods have plenty of muscle, but a somewhat forgiving and longer tip. This makes them easier to cast than a pool cue stick. Not the same rod by any stretch, but features a similar bend under load, here's a review I wrote of a TCS rod: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html
Awesome, reading it now! Thank you
Edit: Great article!!
On 3/22/2018 at 2:15 AM, Riazuli said:Thanks everyone, so I ahead and purchased the TCS The looks of the cork accent also won me over, along with the price tag - I ordered with Walmart pickup and got the rod for around $105. With a Walmart across the street from me, I can make sure the rod is in good condition while I'm there and if there are any freak breakages, I know Walmart has a really good return /exchange policy. I may go ahead and add the protection plan at that price just to secure any concerns I might have. Thanks again all!
Great choice! Your going to love it! Good luck... tight lines!
Daiwa Tatula 721HFB 7'2" HF and 150$ tops. Amazing rod.
On 3/22/2018 at 6:57 AM, MassBassin508 said:Daiwa Tatula 721HFB 7'2" HF and 150$ tops. Amazing rod.
That was in the running, but the Okuma won out, mainly because it's a comparable rod that I was able to get for around 50 less than MSRP of $150 and I liked how it looked better than the others too.
Dobyns Fury 735C
On 3/22/2018 at 8:42 AM, MDbassin said:Dobyns Fury 735C
That was a strong contender and was pretty sure I was going to go with that one, but then I came across the Okuma TCS and it won out.
Max 3D 736 CEF Frog Mag Heavy - (my current set up)
or Dobyns Fury 735c
I bought one of these at my local Walmart after watching this video review. It's a Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick. They sell a crankbait version and a frog-rod version. It's only $39+tax and seems every bit as good as a Berkley Shock Rod.
I put my Lew's super duty SD1XH that I picked up on sale at Academy for $139. Not saying this is the ideal rod/reel combo but theh frog-rod for $39 is a steel if you ask me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Y02G5NKzU&t=223s
Edit: sorry forgot to mention it's no 7'2", it's 7'0"
Thanks for the continued suggestions, guys! I've already purchased a rod (Okuma Helios TCS Frogging rod 7'3" H), but I'm sure people will appreciate what's been suggested
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Freds Magic frog rod IRG754F Irod Gen2 is $150. Very universal rod,....it's 7'5". Rated 1/2 to 2 oz it works good for big deep diving crank baits, smaller swimbaits and wake baits and is my go to frog rod.
Tom
13 hours ago, WRB said:Freds Magic frog rod IRG754F Irod Gen2 is $150. Very universal rod,....it's 7'5". Rated 1/2 to 2 oz it works good for big deep diving crank baits, smaller swimbaits and wake baits and is my go to frog rod.
Tom
Thank you for the suggestion! I've purchased a rod already - Okuma Helios TCS 7'3" H
On 3/21/2018 at 8:03 PM, Riazuli said:That was in the running, but the Okuma won out, mainly because it's a comparable rod that I was able to get for around 50 less than MSRP of $150 and I liked how it looked better than the others too.
I was looking at the TCS when i bought the Tatula. Almost pulled the trigger. At 4oz I couldn't pass up the Daiwa.
17 hours ago, MassBassin508 said:I was looking at the TCS when i bought the Tatula. Almost pulled the trigger. At 4oz I couldn't pass up the Daiwa.
What do you think of the 7'2" Tatula? The 7'4" Tatula H/F rod is on my to buy list for frogs and jigs.
On 4/1/2018 at 11:42 AM, Boomstick said:What do you think of the 7'2" Tatula? The 7'4" Tatula H/F rod is on my to buy list for frogs and jigs.
The 7'2" is fantastic. Very light for a heavy and had more than enough backbone to get it done in the thickest crap you can throw a lure in.
27 minutes ago, MassBassin508 said:The 7'2" is fantastic. Very light for a heavy and had more than enough backbone to get it done in the thickest crap you can throw a lure in.
Sounds like the 7'4". Enough people have the 7'4" version, but you were the first one I talked to who has the 7'2".