Higher end rods that fish like a lightning rod? 2024
Mike F reply :
Hello everyone, I’ve lurked at this forum for months and have decided to join you all finally!
heres the scoop: I’ve been infatuated with jig fishing lately, so I purchased two lews tourney MB’s ( as per the great reviews on BR) and put one on my old 6’6” MHF lightning rod, and the other on a mojo bass jig rod (7’1” MHF) I acquired recently.
This is might be pathetic but the mojo bass ends up “riding the pine” on most of my outings because I prefer the “softness” of the lightning rod much more, I feel it loads much better and my accuracy is far greater.
I Would like a higher quality rod however and am seeking suggestions for rods around the mojo price point that are more “supple” I guess. I’m only throwing 1/4,3/8, and 1/2oz jigs.
ive heard good things about dobyns but have never held one in person, and I held a Shimano Curado rod at bps a few days ago, it was super light (for what I’m used to) but couldn’t get an idea of the “power” in store really. Which I believe is what I’m looking for : a solid manufacturer who’s medium heavy fishes on the light side and is somewhat “jig specific” if possible.
sorry for rambling, appreciate the help in advance guys
NathanDLTH reply :
A couple things, leave the lighting at home and take the mojo out to fish, if your overal opinion does not change then dump the mojo.
As for rods rods that are worth the extra coin I fish serveral Tatula Elites from Daiwa around the $200 range most(two are $300) and then I have a GLX and a Dobyns. For you to noticed the difference I’d say there needs to be a bigger jump in cost. Going from a Mojo Bass to a Curado is a lateral move more than anything. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in terms of jig rod and true power I’d look at a IMX Pro from G-Loomis or an AvidX from St. Croix. Both are gonna run you a bit more but will have a true action and will be a medium heavy or heavy power rod.
My jig rod is a Dobyns 744 Champion Extreme, truly a Fast action and sensitive to feel the softest bite. If the rod is doing double duty then a medium heavy will do.
My top three recommendations are St. Croix, Dobyns, and G-Loomis. They have lower price point models as well. The Curado rod does get a lot of praise as well, just never really fished one. If you’re not afraid to buy used then hunt for a killer deal, go to BPS and hold rods you like. Find what you’re looking for in rods, fish your friends rods too. It will help you gauage what you’re looking for and I think you’ve got a good start on what you want in a jig rod.
Mike F reply :
I appreciate your response!
I have a $100 St. Croix triumph spinning rod as well and it stays in the truck most of the time, that is to say “un-fished” I guess it’s just not my brand? I did hold a G. Loomis at bps it was their like lowest end rod ($200) g6x or something like that. The weight was impressive to me though.
Do loomis rods fish on the light side? The trouble I have with the mojo is I feel like the tip hardly flexes with a 3/8oz jig and I end up casting poorly because of it. It may just be a mental thing, but I don’t like it.
I can can skip the same jig under trees and crap with the lightning rod. I’m not sure if it because it’s a “soft” MH or maybe the action is more parabolic than I think it is.
is the stoutness I perceive with the st.croix just because I’m buying their low end stuff? Or do some people actually like rods like that? The few fish I hooked with it, it felt good, like I could steer them away from cover easily, but getting the lure to the fish is more difficult.
can I get more of the feel I’m looking for going “laterally” to an entry level dobyns?
thanks again!
LCG reply :
Sounds like you prefer a moderate fast action rod. I have a mojo spinning Rod and an avid x casting rod. Love them both and very accurate. They fish stout but I like that.
Different strokes. Use what works best for you. Dobyns rods may be more to your liking and they get great reviews.
Mike F reply :
Hmm. From a textbook standing, what is a mod fast rod intended/ideal for? Am I going to hurt myself in the long run by using something like that for jigs? Should I just suck it up and get used to less flex?
NathanDLTH reply :
A Mod/Fast is what most people would use for spinner/chatterbaits, but there are a couple popular YouTubers that would recommend a Mod/Fast for jigs (TacticalBassin out of California). Look them up if you want.
As for the rest of your concern with St. Croix, they are a stiffer blank by far and the trouble is not everyone likes that. I had one St. Croix which was an AvidX, fished in maybe four times then sold it. Didn't like that rod at all. Nothing about it. Fast forward a couple years and now I have a G-Loomis GLX and love it, but it's a completely different animal. Croix's are typically heavier rods. In my limited experience with G-Loomis, they run pretty true in power and action, what sets them apart is the way bites are transmitted from the bait to you.
Dobyns tend to fish a power lighter or so it seems, but their tip section is excellent for cast, pitching, flipping, and frogging it would seem. I love my Dobyns, super comfortable in my hand and very easy to cast accurately.
As for the lateral move from a Mojo the Serria Series from Dobyns is what you're gonna be looking at and from the few I've handled this would be the best choice. The tip will be soft and there will be plenty of backbone for the jigs you're throwing. If you were throwing jigs 5/8oz and up, I'd recommend a Heavy/Fast action.
Do some homework and in time you'll find what you're looking for.
fishnkamp reply :
I use a lot of different brand rods. What you dislike about your Mojo Bass rod is that it has a faster taper compared to the Berkley. Not all manufacturers use the same designators for their rods. The action and power of the Mojo Bass rod is what most anglers look for when fishing bottom bouncing baits like jigs. That does not mean you have to like it, just that is the popular action for bottom bouncing baits for most anglers. The action of your Berkley Lightning rod is more popular with most anglers when they are fishing baits with treble hooks, like crankbaits, and also spinnerbaits. That action lets the fish inhale a moving bait better. You will pull it away far less often resulting in less missed strikes.
In the case of the Dobyns rods (a brand which I happen to like) you have already been told to look at the Sierra series rods. Now Dobyns makes different series rods and in each series you would find different graphite used in the blanks. Each rod line has a different action. My wife and I have both Sierra series rods and Champion XP series rods. The Colt, Fury and Champion lines tend to be a faster graphite and the Sierra series was designed for people, like yourself, that prefer a slower action rod (not less powerful).
These Sierra rods run between $160 and $180 new. Now Dobyns has a trade in program and they inspect each rod traded in and repair anything not up to their quality standards. Then then resell those rods at a discount. They come with the same warranty as well. So if you open up the Dobyns rods website you will find a row of tabs at the top colored in an orange. One of those says "store" Click open it and select "refurbished Dobyns rods" Then select Sierra Series rods. You will find one #455. It is a Sierra SA 703C. That rod was traded in and required no repairs and is listed in "good condition" You could call out to the factory and speak to the warehouse guys. They are more than willing to pull that rod and eyeball it for you. They are selling it for $120. That rod would probably what you are looking for.
If you want new, I would consider the Sierra model SA 683C as well as the SA 703C. The 683 is a compromise between you shorter 6'6" and 7 foot rods. That too may account for your ability to put a bait in tighter quarters with the Lightning rod.
I fish a Powell 683 CEF and love that rods' ability to function well both out in open water but give me good control around docks, and other shoreline structure.
Bluebasser86 reply :
You found the rod you like, why not stick with it? Nothing wrong with fishing modestly priced gear, the fish don't care how much you spent on it.
Slade House reply :
Megabass Levante , or the Orichi XX . I have 4 megabass rods after i spent a lifetime using Daiwa , shimano, st croix. Get a megabass rod
I reeled in a 32 inch snook and 30 lb tarpon on 10lb flurocarbon using a megabass rod 2 weeks ago. they cast far, they have power and they're extremly lightweight, and they come with a nice sleeve.case
Mike F reply :
Fishnkamp, thank you so much for that tip! I had no idea you could buy second hand rods from any manufacturer let alone dobyns! A three power rod is medium heavy correct? 4 being heavy and
5 being mag heavy? Folks say dobyns run “one power rating light” is a med heavy going to feel like a medium to most people?
and bluebasser, you’re totally right, but this being my main/only hobby I want to have an experience with a “nicer” rod that I’ve seen described by other members, where they can feel more subtlety. And lightning rods being my old standbys I don’t think it’ll take anything awfully expensive to impress me. Idk I’m probably just trying to justify this to myself more than anything lol.
dodgeguy reply :
Get a Falcon. They are known to fish softer than most. Great rods and really strong and light.
NYWayfarer reply :
I have the same reel (Tournament MB and have fished it on everything from a cheap $20 Lew's rod to a Powell Max. If you like the lightning rod, use it.
As others have said a Mod/Fast rod is similar to the lightning rod so you can start your search there.
J Francho reply :
Bring one of your reels into a store, run line through the guides, and do a static test to see what the actual taper/action is, and whether you like the feel. I'm thinking a medium moderate or medium-heavy moderate will probably be what you're looking for in the St. Croix line.
Junger reply :
On 9/11/2018 at 8:53 AM, Mike F said:This is might be pathetic but the mojo bass ends up “riding the pine” on most of my outings because I prefer the “softness” of the lightning rod much more, I feel it loads much better and my accuracy is far greater.
I think the term "soft" gets used in a variety of meanings. Just to clarify, you like the fast flex on both rods. But it takes less force on the Lightning rod to get to the backbone. So if you put a 4oz weight on both rods and are holding them horizontally, the Lightning Rod's tip would bend a little further toward the ground than the Mojo, even though both are bending in the upper 1/3 of the rod, is that what you mean by soft, rather than a rod that has a different flex (moderate vs fast)?
Mike F reply :
On 9/11/2018 at 10:28 PM, Junger said:I think the term "soft" gets used in a variety of meanings. Just to clarify, you like the fast flex on both rods. But it takes less force on the Lightning rod to get to the backbone. So if you put a 4oz weight on both rods and are holding them horizontally, the Lightning Rod's tip would bend a little further toward the ground than the Mojo, even though both are bending in the upper 1/3 of the rod, is that what you mean by soft, rather than a rod that has a different flex (moderate vs fast)?
Yes I believe that is what I’m referring to. I wish I knew more about rods and their nomenclature so I could be more descriptive. Note also that none of my problems are with hooksets or fighting/Lansing fish. It is purely from a casting and pitching standpoint. I actually prefer the stoutness of the croix when I’m hooked up in weeds and need to control where th bass goes.
I know that might complicate the matter further, but I’d like to find something that totally suits me for my next rod.
Im totally leaning towards dobyns, I feel I’ve spent enough with St. Croix to get an idea of their entry level stuff, without being totally satisfied.
Its basically down to the refurb Sierra, which addresses the difference in rod action vs the fury which might just be a “softer/lighter” medium heavy fast.
i do plan to keep the mojo, in case my tastes change or just to throw heavier jigs and t rigs than normal
i think I wrote all that correctly and took away the important bits y’all shared with me?
I really do appreciate everyone’s input, especially since I’m a new member! Some of the more expensive recommendations I didn’t really take into consideration because I feel I don’t know enough about what i want yet to justify the expense, i’d Be like a 16 year old getting a Porsche as his first car ya know?
LionHeart reply :
I get what you are asking about, but I'm not sure there is a name for it. Basically you want a rod that the bendy part takes less force to bend. A good worm rod comes to mind.
If there is a term for what you are referring, I Don't know it. Plenty of rods will have the same action (How far from the tip a rod bends before hitting the meat), but take different force to make the tip bend. Unfortunately, that just kinda gets lumped in somewhere between power and action, but is really neither.
As suggested, I'd look into the Falcon Bucoo SR rods. They are known for being on the softer side, and I think a lot of that has to do with the tip.
Junger reply :
My open water/light cover jig rod is a Zillion 7' M/XF, and I think it has a very soft tip. It does not take a lot of force to get that tip to bend, but when it does it is a true XF bend. It's rated for 3/8 to 1 1/2oz, but I think the upper end is really pushing it's limits.
fishnkamp reply :
Mike the Dobyns Colt, Fury, and both Champions will act more like you MOJO. It is only the Sierra series that fit your desire.
The Dobyns does run a 1/2 step lighter in general compared to other brands. For example Abu Garcia rods run about 1 step heavier than other rod manufacturers.
As for which model in the Dobyns Sierra series stick to that 703C for fishing baits that weigh between 1/4 to 5/8 plus a plastic trailer. This rod lists for baits weighing 1/4 to 3/4 but a 3/4 jig plus trailer would overpower it. Now a 1/2 jig and say a Strike King rage craw or a Yum Craw Papi would be fine. DSo not get hung up on the "medium heavy" vs "heavy" at this point. If you wanted to you could pick up another one of those reels and as you said keep the Mojo for throwing heavier jigs, carolina rigs or texas rigs.
Here is an oversimplified way of looking at rod specs. The power of a rod ( medium light, medium, medium HVY etc) has to do with the rod blanks ability to handle a lures weight ie 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 etc. and to a degree the amount of backbone the rod has.
The action has more to do with how far down the rod blank a rod bends before it hits the backbone.
Here is an explanation from Falcon Rods about one of their rod series.
Rod Listings | JASON CHRISTIE SIGNATURE
XF - EXTRA FAST | Deflects in upper 1/4 of blank
F - FAST | Deflects in upper 1/3 of blank
M - MODERATE | Deflects in upper 1/2 of blank
S - SLOW | Deflects from tip to butt
r83srock reply :
I use that same mojo for jigs and to me it’s far from stiff. I use it for 1/4-3/4 oz jigs as well as frogs. It’s softer than other mh croixs that I have. I guess I am just used to st. Croix. Like mentioned, stick with what you have, nothing at all wrong with lightning rods, best bang for the buck in my eyes.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/11/2018 at 7:05 PM, dodgeguy said:Get a Falcon. They are known to fish softer than most. Great rods and really strong and light.
This was going to be my suggestion as well. Falcons have a more parabolic bend than many. Falcon has excellent customer service as well. At least they did a few years ago. Hammer is another rod with very similar characteristics. Both would be very nice upgrades.
I am not convinced that the action is the sole determining factor in a rod's accuracy. The vast majority of my rods are rated Fast. A Gen 1 Shimano MHF hasn't been used in several years because I am not very accurate with it. Yet many of my other MHF rods are quite accurate.
Jaderose reply :
What's wrong with your Lightning Rod? You like it, you're comfortable with it, and I'm assuming you're catching fish. Use gear you like and don't worry about the price or how "High End" it is.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 2:09 AM, Jaderose said:What's wrong with your Lightning Rod? You like it, you're comfortable with it, and I'm assuming you're catching fish. Use gear you like and don't worry about the price or how "High End" it is.
What's wrong with wanting a higher end rod? You might not catch more fish with one (although a high end rod should be more sensitive allowing you to catch more fish), but catching more fish isn't the end all. Not many people on this forum fish for meat. We mainly fish for enjoyment. I know I get a lot of pleasure using better gear. My old Trion is fairly smooth, casts great, and is backlash free if I do my part, but I enjoy using my new-2-me Steez, more. They both accomplish the same thing. My Lightning is over 40 years old and I will never get rid of it, but I much prefer using one of my Smallmouth, Tatula, Falcon, Hammer or Dobyns rods. The Lightning has caught more fish than the others combined....mostly due to the fact I used to live in an area where fishing was excellent.
Mike F reply :
Right on. I suppose I’ll check out falcon now as well and compare-contrast with the Sierra. I fish northern weedy lakes and often pull in several pounds of pond shmoo even with dinks, so that is my hang up on medium heavy or 4 power I guess.
And yeah I just want a little bit nicer stuff is all really. I can’t defend it, certainly not to my fiancé. But I spend so much of my time fishing that I think it’s worth it to go a step higher in my rod choice to match my new reels.
Really appreciate all the help fellas, honestly. I feel like other sources of fishing info are really biased, and while everyone is biased towards their brands, at least i get to hear multiple opinions in one place here!
will do a bit more searching and let you all know what I end up getting here soon
A-Jay reply :
Is this like shopping for a new Porsche 911 and hoping it rides & performs like 1972 Chevy Vega ?
A-Jay
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 6:36 AM, A-Jay said:Is this like shopping for a new Porsche 911 and hoping it rides & performs like 1972 Chevy Vega ?
A-Jay
You are bad. So so so bad. 
Jaderose reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 2:57 AM, new2BC4bass said:What's wrong with wanting a higher end rod? You might not catch more fish with one (although a high end rod should be more sensitive allowing you to catch more fish), but catching more fish isn't the end all. Not many people on this forum fish for meat. We mainly fish for enjoyment. I know I get a lot of pleasure using better gear. My old Trion is fairly smooth, casts great, and is backlash free if I do my part, but I enjoy using my new-2-me Steez, more. They both accomplish the same thing. My Lightning is over 40 years old and I will never get rid of it, but I much prefer using one of my Smallmouth, Tatula, Falcon, Hammer or Dobyns rods. The Lightning has caught more fish than the others combined....mostly due to the fact I used to live in an area where fishing was excellent.
What's wrong with it? Nothing. I'm not arguing with anyone and I agree with everything you said. I was also just trying to reassure a guy that there is nothing wrong with liking and using less expensive equipment. He preferred the action of the Berkley so what's wrong with the Berk? In the end, I don't care, in any way, what he or anyone else is using. They happy, I'm happy.
Mike F reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 8:58 AM, Jaderose said:What's wrong with it? Nothing. I'm not arguing with anyone and I agree with everything you said. I was also just trying to reassure a guy that there is nothing wrong with liking and using less expensive equipment. He preferred the action of the Berkley so what's wrong with the Berk? In the end, I don't care, in any way, what he or anyone else is using. They happy, I'm happy.
I know what ya meant. And I’m not ashamed of my stuff or anything. Nor do I think any rod will make me a better fisherman, But when I upgraded from lews reels they sell @ DSG and abu black max’s To the lews tournament it was like a eureka moment. Like ahhh, that’s how a reel is supposed to feel, that’s what all these guys are talking about. And I’ve been seeking that same experience with Rods now is all. But when i occasionally get to witness an old timer crushing them on the same ponds as me on their usually cheap and certainly old gear, I get out my notepad for sure!
Jaderose reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 9:14 AM, Mike F said:I know what ya meant. And I’m not ashamed of my stuff or anything. Nor do I think any rod will make me a better fisherman, But when I upgraded from lews reels they sell @ DSG and abu black max’s To the lews tournament it was like a eureka moment. Like ahhh, that’s how a reel is supposed to feel, that’s what all these guys are talking about. And I’ve been seeking that same experience with Rods now is all. But when i occasionally get to witness an old timer crushing them on the same ponds as me on their usually cheap and certainly old gear, I get out my notepad for sure!
Rock on, Brother. May you find the exact thing you are looking for. Just as an FYI.....I bought a Mojo Cranking rod a few years ago without first holding one. Have never liked that rod. I mostly throw cranks on an old BPS Extreme rod. It is NOT the "right" rod for the job but it sure feels good to me.
Bluebasser86 reply :
They did just revamp the Lightning Rod, maybe take a look at the new versions?
I'd throw the Okuma TCS into the mix. I have a 7' 3" that is supposed to be for frogs but I use it for jigs. It has a little softer tip that is supposed to be so it loads well when casting the frog, but it just feels really nice with a jig, helps me feel those dead weight bites without pulling it away from the fish. Plenty of backbone once I swing on them too.
Catt reply :
It's called personal preference!
Sensitivity starts in the hands & continues up to the brain.
Let me explain it this way!
I could put any high end reel on any high end rod, spool it with braid for maximum sensitivity, tie on a Texas rig & then give it to my wife. She could not "feel" any difference if I had rigged it up on a Berkley Lightening rod!
Why? Cause what is transmitted up the line, down the rod, through the hands will be lost in the brain. She doesn't fish & would not be able to interpret what she is feeling.
Even for the average angler a certain amount of "sensitivity" is lost in the brain!
Mike F reply :
I think it was you Catt who advises people to go night fishing to train your mind to detect bites, I think that’s a fantastic idea. It’d be interesting to compare the St. Croix vs lightning rod at night, where casting is a crap shoot anyways (for me at least) and see if I notice a difference in what is transmitted to my hands via each stick.
And bluebasser, I’d totally forgotten about Okuma, Do you use the Tcs in heavy power for jigs?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 6:35 PM, Mike F said:And bluebasser, I’d totally forgotten about Okuma, Do you use the Tcs in heavy power for jigs?
Yes I do, 7' 3" H/F. It's their frog and small swimbait rod I believe, but I use it almost exclusively for jigs. I have a few of the TCS rods and really like them. Don't pay full price though, you can find them for around $100 pretty easily.
LCG reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 6:35 PM, Mike F said:I think it was you Catt who advises people to go night fishing to train your mind to detect bites, I think that’s a fantastic idea. It’d be interesting to compare the St. Croix vs lightning rod at ***ht
Next time you go fishing, bring both rods and after you cast, close your eyes and drag the bait in the bottom. Keeping your eyes closed you will notice your other senses increase. Don't have to wait for night time. It works.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 9:14 AM, Mike F said:But when I upgraded from lews reels they sell @ DSG and abu black max’s To the lews tournament it was like a eureka moment. Like ahhh, that’s how a reel is supposed to feel, that’s what all these guys are talking about.
I am not ashamed to say I had that exact same moment, with the exact same reel.
You might want to take a look at the Denali AttaX 7' Medium Casting rod. It reminds me a lot of my old lightning rods. Soft tip and plenty of backbone.
Junger reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 10:23 PM, NYWayfarer said:I am not ashamed to say I had that exact same moment, with the exact same reel.
I guarantee you're not the only one. I started with the Lew's combo that usually goes on sale for $50 at DSG too. When I got my first Tatula rod and reel, I was like wowwwwww!
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/12/2018 at 10:45 PM, Junger said:I guarantee you're not the only one. I started with the Lew's combo that usually goes on sale for $50 at DSG too. When I got my first Tatula rod and reel, I was like wowwwwww!
The Lew's Tournament MB that the OP and I are referring to is a great reel to upgrade to from beginner baitcasters. Aluminum frame, dual brakes, casts like a dream, smooth and silent.
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