New Rods for 2020 2025
Redbeard.bassin reply :
Hey guys! new to Bass Resource. Not new to fishing.
So my question is basic, did I make good choices?
Explanation:
Last few years I used Favorite USA rods (not because of Googan or anything like that) used them before they started using them. Though oddly enough, my favorite YouTube creator is LFG (Aka Justin Rackley) and I bought the Favorite USA Big Sexy LFG edition. Love it! I own a few Favorite rods. BUT this year I heard some "things" about that company that kinda pushed me in another direction as far as rod selection. I don't want to use rod companies that treat their (partners?) like they did. SO!
This year I bought a few new rods (low to mid range) just to try them out.
What I bought:
St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting rod 7'2" MH F (for Texas Rigs and Jigs)
Lew's TP-1 Black Speed Stick spinning 7' M F (for those slow days and when a spinning setup is needed)
Dobyns Fury Casting 7' MH MF for Crankbaits
Now, I primarily bank/kayak/rental boat fish. Did I make decent choices? Not wanting to go ALL OUT on new companies because I have never used them. I have heard a lot about those companies. Lew's, I have used several times. Not a huge fan of the reels, but I like their rods. I mainly use Shimano reels, Sunline, and (use to be) Favorite rods. Still use the Favorite rods but just in case they give on me, I want others.
So there is my question. Are those rods worth it?
Dirtyeggroll reply :
Just about any rod brand will be a better value than Favorite. St. Croix is one of the most reputable rod brands you can buy. Dobyns rods are good and highly regarded on this forum. Nothing wrong with Lews either.
dodgeguy reply :
In that price range they are.I think Falcon bucoo is better than any of them.
BigAngus752 reply :
As far as the rod specs go you have made good choices with techniques you're using them for. If you stay within the weight ratings of the rods you'll be happy with them. If you find yourself using heavier punching rigs or frogging you might pick up a H/F. If you decide to try some Ned rigs or finesse you might pick up something lighter. But overall these rods will suit you well.
As for the brand of the rods, you are going to get a ton of personal opinions that don't mean jack to you until you try out a wide variety of rods and find what you like/trust. You've bought three highly reputable brands and very popular models so that's a great start. Keep trying rods out and you'll eventually settle on what you like best.
FishinBuck07 reply :
My whole rod lineup is Dobyns Fury rods, with Lews reels on them, so I guess you could say I like them. Both companies seem to have great customer service and really stand behind their products. I will buy more products from both companies in a heart beat. St Croix has been around for as many years as they have for a reason, and will continue to stay around. But as someone said above it is all personal preference, you will know the rods you like when you use them. Everything coming from us about the subject is just our opinion from what we have used or handled over the years.
TBAG reply :
I own quite a few St. Croix and a few Dobyns and have nothing bad to say about either. Good choices!
I do prefer a Moderate action rod for crankbaits.
dodgeguy reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 7:59 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:Just about any rod brand will be a better value than Favorite. St. Croix is one of the most reputable rod brands you can buy. Dobyns rods are good and highly regarded on this forum. Nothing wrong with Lews either.
Have you ever owned a favorite?
Boomstick reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 7:19 PM, Redbeard.bassin said:St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting rod 7'2" MH F (for Texas Rigs and Jigs)
Lew's TP-1 Black Speed Stick spinning 7' M F (for those slow days and when a spinning setup is needed)
Dobyns Fury Casting 7' MH MF for Crankbaits
Is that a typo on the length of the St. Croix Mojo Bass casting rod? I am aware of their 7'1" rod, it's a nice rod too, and super light. I've heard some complain about balance, but I haven't had that problem. It seems that you did pretty good to me, all of those rods are far more sensitive than Favorites.
On 1/29/2020 at 8:38 PM, TBAG said:I do prefer a Moderate action rod for crankbaits.
Well it is a dobyns so it's like a medium plus.
Dirtyeggroll reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 9:13 PM, dodgeguy said:Have you ever owned a favorite?
Yeah Mr. Googan Andrew Flair himself gave me two at a Scheel’s meet and greet in Omaha.
Have you ever owned anything else at the same price point?
Dens228 reply :
My Mojo Bass rods were my first over $100 rods and I really liked them. If I hadn't tried the higher end stuff and realized there is a difference I'd still be using them..
dodgeguy reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 9:56 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:Yeah Mr. Googan Andrew Flair himself gave me two at a Scheel’s meet and greet in Omaha.
Have you ever owned anything else at the same price point?
As what? What did you not like about the favorite? Was it a cheap one or a higher prices one ? I've never seen one on real life so I'm clueless.
swhit140 reply :
If want you are doing is working for you and catching you fish is the important part. I'd say if your equipment is doing its job and your happy with the results then stay with what your doing.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 7:19 PM, Redbeard.bassin said:What I bought:
St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting rod 7'2" MH F (for Texas Rigs and Jigs)
Lew's TP-1 Black Speed Stick spinning 7' M F (for those slow days and when a spinning setup is needed)
Dobyns Fury Casting 7' MH MF for Crankbaits
Now, I primarily bank/kayak/rental boat fish. Did I make decent choices? Not wanting to go ALL OUT on new companies because I have never used them. I have heard a lot about those companies. Lew's, I have used several times. Not a huge fan of the reels, but I like their rods. I mainly use Shimano reels, Sunline, and (use to be) Favorite rods. Still use the Favorite rods but just in case they give on me, I want others.
So there is my question. Are those rods worth it?
All three are solid choices. I love my Lew's TP-1 Black casting rod.
I have a Favorite Balance spinning rod and it has served me well. My only complaint is the reel seat fastener came apart and I had to crazy glue it back on.
jimmyjoe reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 7:19 PM, Redbeard.bassin said:So my question is basic, did I make good choices?
Yes, you made good choices. Definitely good choices. jj
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 7:19 PM, Redbeard.bassin said:I own a few Favorite rods. BUT this year I heard some "things" about that company that kinda pushed me in another direction as far as rod selection. I don't want to use rod companies that treat their (partners?) like they did. SO!
I heard some "things" as well. I heard a partner received $3000 in free rods and a code for discounts to give his subs. That code generated over $100,000.00 in rod sales for the company.
The partner was looking for some kind of profit sharing which was never discussed up front. Depending on your point of view $3000 worth of free merchandise could be viewed as payment...
Chance_Taker4 reply :
On 1/30/2020 at 1:03 AM, NYWayfarer said:I heard some "things" as well. I heard a partner received $3000 in free rods and a code for discounts to give his subs. That code generated over $100,000.00 in rod sales for the company.
The partner was looking for some kind of profit sharing which was never discussed up front. Depending on your point of view $3000 worth of free merchandise could be viewed as payment...
I think I watched the same video you did and was confused because the contract was for $3k in free rods for promotion so I don't see how Favorite did anything wrong there.
On 1/29/2020 at 7:19 PM, Redbeard.bassin said:Explanation:
Last few years I used Favorite USA rods (not because of Googan or anything like that) used them before they started using them. Though oddly enough, my favorite YouTube creator is LFG (Aka Justin Rackley) and I bought the Favorite USA Big Sexy LFG edition. Love it! I own a few Favorite rods. BUT this year I heard some "things" about that company that kinda pushed me in another direction as far as rod selection. I don't want to use rod companies that treat their (partners?) like they did. SO!
I keep hearing other youtubers speak for the Googans but nothing from their own mouths. I also heard about the free rods and profit sharing with other Youtubers. But what exactly happened between Favorite and the Googans? I thought at one point they had ownership in the company and was getting profit sharing.
Redbeard.bassin reply :
On 1/29/2020 at 9:13 PM, dodgeguy said:Have you ever owned a favorite?
I still love my Favorite rods
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Googans? You mean they're still around?
Redbeard.bassin reply :
On 1/30/2020 at 3:21 AM, Chance_Taker4 said:I think I watched the same video you did and was confused because the contract was for $3k in free rods for promotion so I don't see how Favorite did anything wrong there.
I keep hearing other youtubers speak for the Googans but nothing from their own mouths. I also heard about the free rods and profit sharing with other Youtubers. But what exactly happened between Favorite and the Googans? I thought at one point they had ownership in the company and was getting profit sharing.
It's a long story. Simply put, Googan squad did not get what they were promised.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/30/2020 at 3:21 AM, Chance_Taker4 said:I think I watched the same video you did and was confused because the contract was for $3k in free rods for promotion so I don't see how Favorite did anything wrong there.
I agree. If the person in question didn't think $3000 worth of free merch was fair for the amount of business he generated then renegotiate when the contract is up.
My theory with the Googan's and Favorite is the Googan's now have the capital to buy and market their own line of rods. I have seen several members using Googan branded prototypes. I would not be surprised to see them release something soon, ICast the latest.
Shimano_1 reply :
I think you definitely made good choices. All those are fine rods. As for favorite...I'm not a big supporter but also not a hater. Their budget rods are decent for the money. I wouldn't quit using them because of others opinions...but if you feel the need to for personal reasons that's a different story. Try those that u bought and you'll likely find a new line of rods that will satisfy your needs.
Columbia Craw reply :
Welcome ! You did just fine.
Redbeard.bassin reply :
On 1/31/2020 at 12:38 PM, Columbia Craw said:Welcome ! You did just fine.
Thanks! Can't wait for the 2020 season!
On 1/29/2020 at 9:42 PM, Boomstick said:Is that a typo on the length of the St. Croix Mojo Bass casting rod? I am aware of their 7'1" rod, it's a nice rod too, and super light. I've heard some complain about balance, but I haven't had that problem. It seems that you did pretty good to me, all of those rods are far more sensitive than Favorites.
Well it is a dobyns so it's like a medium plus.
Yeah when I opened the Dobyns I noticed that is was a bit more flex than it should be. But it's perfect for what i'm using it for. I am a big fan of Tactical Bassin and saw quite a few videos of them talking about that rod so I figured i'd grab one and give it a try. Haven't fished with it yet but just by the feel of it, it'll be a great cranking/jerkbait/rattle trap rod. I have 12# /Sunline Assassin FC Fluorocarbon on it.
On 1/31/2020 at 8:26 AM, Shimano_1 said:I think you definitely made good choices. All those are fine rods. As for favorite...I'm not a big supporter but also not a hater. Their budget rods are decent for the money. I wouldn't quit using them because of others opinions...but if you feel the need to for personal reasons that's a different story. Try those that u bought and you'll likely find a new line of rods that will satisfy your needs.
I have the Phantom and the Big Sexy. I like them. The phantom was my spinnerbait/Chatterbait rod but now its my small swimbait rod. The Big Sexy was my Jig/Texas rig rod now its my spinner/chatter rod.
Phantom is 7' MH F
Big Sexy is 7' 2" MH MF
NELABassguy reply :
How is the action on the Mojo MHF? I have a Mojo in the Slop N Frog which is a HF, but mine feels like a broomstick and should really me a XHXF.
Redbeard.bassin reply :
On 2/1/2020 at 12:15 AM, NELABassguy said:How is the action on the Mojo MHF? I have a Mojo in the Slop N Frog which is a HF, but mine feels like a broomstick and should really me a XHXF.
It's good. Not a broom stick. More accurate action than most.
NELABassguy reply :
Good to hear, I'm looking at picking up the St croix premier in a MHM for squarebill/top water, but have also been looking at a Falcon Bucoo
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