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Jig and plastics rod 2024


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

I need some input into a new rod. I fish as a back boater 90% of the time. I'm a shorter guy 5'9" and I'm looking for a good rod for fliping and pitching trigs and jigs. The idea of a 7' rod won't work for me just to long and I'm to short. So some options would be nice if you know of any. 300 dollar range would be the max I'm willing to shell out. Thanks

 

Forgot to mention most cover here is salt cedar, mesquite, cottonwood, and some willows. Not sure about line rating but I'm guessing in the 15-20lb test rating.


fishing user avatarRaul reply : 

I’m shorter than you and I can fish perfectly with a 7 ft rod.


fishing user avatarA-Jay reply : 

Rod length IMO is always a matter of form, fit & function; as it pertains to the user.

Also an anglers height often does not dictate what they like.

I know many guys your height & shorter who prefer longer rods (more than 7 ft) but it's what you are comfortable with that counts.  I will say that in many instances, especially as a co-angler, where your presentation angles are often not optimum, accuracy can be tricky and a somewhat shorter flipping & pitching stick may help. 

 

I'd recommend a fairly stout blank with a decent tip.  However, 'shorter' heavier rods are less abundant as the market has exploded with 7 foot plus rods.  Being a St Criox fan, I can recommend a couple from the Legend Tournament Bass line (that are all currently on sale at TW)  They're over 7 ft but like I say the option of less length are limited. 

TBC71MHF / JIGS/BAITS: 
A super rod for searching open water with big spinnerbaits. It’s also ideal for jigs, worms and working heavy cover.

TBC76MHMF / PITCHIN’ & LITE FLIPPIN’: 
This versatile rod is a great choice for pitching jigs into cover or for lighter flipping applications.

You may want to go the custom route.

btw - considering the cover you listed, I'd be throwing braided line - something in the 40-65lb range.

 

:smiley:

A-Jay


fishing user avatarCroakHunter reply : 

As a 5'9 guy I used to find it hard to fish a 7'0 or longer rod. Experimented around with a 7'6 but settled on a 7'3 heavy. I enjoy it but it is different mechanics than when I pitch a jig with my 7ft. I'd look into a 6'10 heavy. I know falcon makes a rod with that length & power

Also daiwa tatula elite 6'9 heavy


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 
  On 11/26/2017 at 11:17 PM, Swbass15 said:

I need some input into a new rod. I fish as a back boater 90% of the time. I'm a shorter guy 5'9" and I'm looking for a good rod for fliping and pitching trigs and jigs. The idea of a 7' rod won't work for me just to long and I'm to short. So some options would be nice if you know of any. 300 dollar range would be the max I'm willing to shell out. Thanks

 

Forgot to mention most cover here is salt cedar, mesquite, cottonwood, and some willows. Not sure about line rating but I'm guessing in the 15-20lb test rating.

Understand your discomfort with longer rods completely, I was the same way a couple years ago and have changed my view and experience. But not going to try and change your mind or comfort here. 

 

What at is max comfortable length for you?  Anything sub 7’0”? Like would a 6’10”work?

 

And what weight range of jigs and trigs are you wanting to handle with this stick?

 

Heres a few rods that may fit the bill for you. I have no hands on experience with any of them. But I’ve been very happy with my Megabass Orochi xX rods and have read some good feedback on the Orochi XXX series.  The triple XXX are JDM but when bought from the Tackle Trap my understanding is they are backed by Megabass USA’s warranty policy. 

 

http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2409_2410&products_id=10655

 

http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2409_2410&products_id=10654

 

Again no personal experience with ALX but heard lots of good reviews of them here. In their Enox series they have a couple sub 7 foot options. You can these 20 percent off on TW right now. 

 

http://www.alxrods.com/product/cyclone/

 

Any St Croix 6’6” MH/F like the Avid or Legend Elite should work for your needs as well. I have an older 6’6”LTB with cork split grips and it’s got plenty of power for your purpose. 

 

Shimano alos has an Expride 6’8” MH/F that may fit the bill as well. 

 

If if you decide to go to 7’0” then you have a lot more great options. If you can push to 7’2” a Megabass Orochi XX Perfect Pitch is a killer heavy cover xheavy powered jig rod as well as frog rod. 

 

Good luck


fishing user avatarLCG reply : 
  On 11/27/2017 at 1:16 AM, kschultz76 said:

Any St Croix 6’6” MH/F like the Avid or Legend Elite should work for your needs as well.

X2


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

Thanks for the input everyone. Maybe my mechanics and I pretty sure I need to work on these as well. Given how many of you are suggesting the longer rod what are the benefits associated with the longer rod? If there is a major benefit there I might just go with the longer rod. Thanks again really appreciate the input.


fishing user avatarLCG reply : 

I think length should be what you're comfortable with. The 6'6"-7'6" is simply a ballpark range. Longer rods help with casting distance and line pick up. Shorter rods gain you accuracy and maneuverability. I am 5'10". I have four rods ranging from 6'6"-6'10". Any longer does not feel right to me. Just preference. 


fishing user avatarPoolshark reply : 

st Croix makes some phenominal shorter worm/jig rods. 

6'6 mhf avid... 6'8 mhf legend tournament bass. 

Both in your the price range. They are both powerful rods and do well fishing cover. 


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

Dee Thomas is shorter than 5’9” and flipped with 14’ rods. longer flipping or pitching rods are a big advantage.

Keep in mind the longer rods have longer handles moving the reel seat forward so the rod length in front of the reel isn’t inch to inch length increase. 

Tom


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

If you’re interested in the St Croixs they have the 6’6” MH/F Avid X on their online store discounted to 130. My guess is they’re discontinuing that model. They also have all the previous generation of LTBs discounted there including the 6’8” MH/F, but that reel seat on those is love it or hate it. 


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 
  On 11/28/2017 at 3:42 AM, kschultz76 said:

If you’re interested in the St Croixs they have the 6’6” MH/F Avid X on their online store discounted to 130. My guess is they’re discontinuing that model. They also have all the previous generation of LTBs discounted there including the 6’8” MH/F, but that reel seat on those is love it or hate it. 

Do you happen to know which reel seat it is?


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 
  On 11/28/2017 at 9:07 AM, Swbass15 said:

Do you happen to know which reel seat it is?

I think the Fuji model is the FK, it’s that fully split casting reel seat. Same one that’s on the current Legend Xtreme line. I absolutely loathe it and personally wouldn’t take a rod built with it for free. 


fishing user avatarLCG reply : 

I played with one in the stores and it was not near as comfortable as the avid x. 

 

That's a great price for a new avid x that should last you a long time. I just picked up a used one and it is very nice. Haven't fished with it yet, but can't wait. 


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

Ok I figured they were. I have an LTB spinning rod and actually like the reel seat. I think my local shop carries them here so I'll see if I can't try one out. Thanks again


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 

I am trying to figure out how long you have been at this game and your experience level.  Its no fun to fish equipment that your not comfortable with.  It seems as though rods are getting ever longer and there is a lot of support for this movement.  I have rods up to 8 feet but my long rods are for certain applications.  My 8 footer is for swim baits and the length is important in the rating and action when going that heavy.  My favorite rod is a 610 Mxf st croix legend.  I fish a lot of techniques with it and its supper lite and i am very accurate with it.  My le 70mhf is also very nice and i would not trade either for anything out there.  If you know that you dont want a longer rod then consider what is available or have one built.  Rod building is a little more expensive than off the shelf and the resale is not there but the satisfaction is...  If you have not spent some real time with a 7 foot rod, i would consider asking your boater to borrow one for a while to try out.  If you plan on building use as many diffrent rods as possible to find what you like and dont.  Take notes


fishing user avatarDrunkentigerrr reply : 

853c nrx gloomis


fishing user avatarbigfruits reply : 

d**n. im one inch from being a short guy.

 

7' is not a long rod IMO. for pitching i like 6'8"-7'. for casting moving baits i like it a little longer.

 

have you tried a 7' rod or do you just think it will be too long? give it a shot if you havent. get something light and well balanced. sensitive (or one that has low sensitivity dampening - thats for WRB) because its for jigs!


fishing user avatarIgotWood reply : 

I really like my Lews Custom Speed Stick in 6'10" medium power, moderate/fast action. They rate it as a soft plastics rod, but I use it for almost everything. It's the perfect balance between moderate and fast, and the length is perfect for me, especially fishing out of a kayak. This rod handles 3/16-1/2oz very well. very sensitive....can feel a fish fart next to my jig with this rod.


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

I have an older 7' rod. I do not feel very coordinated with it trying to pitch. It feels out of balance. I have been using a 6'8" crowder rod currently, but it's a med fast rod and I have had trouble getting good hooksets at times. @Angry John I have been at it awhile but no means a pro. I have spent two years trying to get comfortable with a 7' rod and just never have, switching to the shorter rod improved my accuracy and saw the number of bites I got go up. I attribute that to being able to accurately place my bait where I wanted to... maybe I'm wrong.  


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

Fish what you’re comfortable with and what works for you. Wasn’t that long ago that 6’ and 6’6” rods were the norm. If you’ve tried 7’ and it’s not for you then don’t waste your money on something that isn’t what you want. 


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 

So you have spent time with a longer rod and it just doesn't work, that's the data I was looking for thanks.  At your point I would get a custom built at the length you like best.  I love my 610 and they have 66mf rods also.  I have an avid mhf I never use if your in need.


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

My swimbait rods are 7'10", 7'11" and 8' long, finesse spinning rods 6'10", deep diving crank bait rods 7' & 7'5". My casting jig & worm rods are 6'10" because I prefer that length. Rods should fit your needs, not anyone else's.

Tom


fishing user avatarRyneB reply : 

7-1 Loomis IMX. I'm only 5'8 and use 7-11 rods. the 7-1 IMX is a perfect jig and Texas rig rod. I've even Carolina rigged with it.


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 

some good options

Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Rod 6'9" Heavy Montgomery

St. Croix Avid X Series Cast Rod 6'8" Med Hvy

Avid Casting Rod 6'8" Medium


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 

As @WRB mentioned above, reel positioning can make a big difference.  I, too, am 5'9".  I have a 7'4" that is easier for me to flip/pitch with than a couple of my 7 footers.  I like a rod that balances well without too much handle.  My mechanics are not great and the butt can get in my way.  So, play around with different lengths that have different handles as well.  You may find that limiting overall length isn't as important as getting a good overall fit for you.


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

If you decide on something report back and let us know how you like it!


fishing user avatarbigfruits reply : 
  On 11/30/2017 at 11:25 AM, Swbass15 said:

I have an older 7' rod. I do not feel very coordinated with it trying to pitch. It feels out of balance.

im willing to bet its the balance. i have some 7'3" rods that feel more dextrous than some rods ive fished under 7'. go to a good store and handle some rods, even those that you dont plan on buying because of price. dont be shy, bring a reel and strap it on.


fishing user avatarburrows reply : 
  On 12/1/2017 at 12:26 AM, Angry John said:

some good options

Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Rod 6'9" Heavy Montgomery

St. Croix Avid X Series Cast Rod 6'8" Med Hvy

Avid Casting Rod 6'8" Medium

Agree


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

Will let everyone know what I decide on. Hope to go look at rods this weekend


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 
  On 12/1/2017 at 7:23 PM, Swbass15 said:

Will let everyone know what I decide on. Hope to go look at rods this weekend

If you decide a length that you really want and the budget is not very tight the JDM market has a bunch of very nice rods that are shorter.  I dont post those as most people consider them exotic but it depends on how much you want to spend for what you really want.  if your intrested in something like that before going custom then let us know.  An example might be....http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmbxfti.html


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

@kschultz76 @Angry John@A-Jay Thanks for you input it was exactly what I needed. Nothing else have decided I'm going with the ltb 6'8"Mh. Thanks again now time to go figure a reel to pair it up with.


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

I’m sure you’ll be very happy with that rod. 

 

Accuracy and control seem to be important to your fishing situations. I’d suggest either a Tatula SV TW or a Zillion SV TW. You’ll be able to spend more time dropping your lure where you want to and not focusing on controlling your cast or pulling out over runs. A close second choice for me would be the Chronarch MGL in Athens Shimano line up. 

 

 


fishing user avatarAngry John reply : 

I would throw a sv103 on that rod and just be done with it.  The last of those reels are around and if your a lefty they had the 6.3 version on sale for 185 at TW.  Its a sweet reel and at the price point i dont believe it can be touched.


fishing user avatarthe reel ess reply : 

I have a Falcon Lowrider rod for jigs/plastics. I'm pretty sure they have one specifically for this purpose. I actually use the 7' Big Cranker model for jigs. The action is just right. Good tip and lots of backbone. And man, is that thing sensitive!


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

@Angry John not a lefty.. was looking at another tatula as that's what I'm using for throwing these kinda baits so far. I have a 100, what's the difference between them the ct and th ct/100 type r? @kschultz76


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

The Tatula CT and it’s variants, including the SV TW and the Zilion SV TW are all built on a smaller and lower profile frame then the original Tatula 100 you have. So they are lighter, in my opinion way more ergonomic, and they have smaller spools. In my opinion the original Tatula 100was way too big with a spool capacity that was just overkill for most bass fishing. 


fishing user avatarSwbass15 reply : 

Ok was wondering about the differences there. Man thanks again for the input. I'll look into to those other reels here. I'm hoping I can the whole setup through my local shop they deserve the business. 


fishing user avatarkschultz76 reply : 

The Tatula SV TW has really impressed me, especially for its price point to me it punches above its weight. But caveat emptor I wanted to play around with upgrades when I got mine so I had upgraded spool bearings and some other tuning done out of the box. 

 

Ive experienced the SV103 and Angry John is right, it is one hell of a reel too.  It’s buttery smooth and built like a tank. I personally find it doesn’t fit my hand well, it sits up higher then some other reels, and caused some discomfort for me. For that reason I dont own an sV103.  If the ergonomics of that reel work for you then it is an incredible value. 


fishing user avatarthinkingredneck reply : 

Remember, they make crappy expensive rods, and some pretty good reasonably priced ones.  Different body types work well with different rods.  I had some fly rods that I could not cast until I got to be a better caster, and that took time on the water. My needs and abilities evolved. Now they are my favorites. Not saying that is the case with you, but what you like may change over time.  But one thing is for sure, my old crappy first rod is still crappy!




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