Planning on getting a new Baitcasting Rod n Want some input 2025
1Man reply :
Hey y’all first post so sorry if this is a mess.
Basically I’m looking into getting a new baitcasting rod here soon and I’m not sure whether to get a MH or. H Rod. I Started out with a little 6”6 MH fishing t-rigged plastics (I know bad rod choice buts it’s I had) and it worked fine for years caught plenty of bass with it. A few years ago I injured my wrist dragging my Jon boat to the water (Irony at its finest haha) and have had trouble being able to put power behind a hookset due to the fact I can’t put all my armstrength into it when I go weak at the rod itself. I ended up switching to a Old 7”3 Heavy rod that my father used to use and by old I mean there’s no visible writing on it neither him or me know what brand or model it is just that it’s a heavy/extraHeavy action haha. I’ve caught plenty of 5+ pound fish with it but the reason why I switched to it was my thinking was that I could somehow make up for my lack of strength in hookset by going with a stiffer longer rod. Should I go back to a medium heavy but maybe a 7”3 or stick with a Heavy? I guess I just wanna know if my logic is sound or if trying to make up for lack of hookset power with a stiffer Rod is pointless.
Short version for those who don’t wanna read story time (didn’t realize it was that long haha)
Basically I had a wrist injury a few years back and wanted to know if using a heavier action rod would make up for some of my lack of hooksetting power. All I do is texas rig plastic worms and I know MH rods are better for that. Been using a H 7”3 under this logic and wanna know if it makes sense to anyone else.
Kidflex reply :
Your logic is fine with the use of a heavier powered rod for better hooksets. If it’s working, stick with it. If you want to try a medium heavy that’s longer than what your using-go for it. The extra length will move more line and generate more speed when setting the hook. If your wrist never gets back it’s full strength you might want to consider using your other arm and changing your retrieve side. Ie- switching to a left handed reel.
FishingGeekTX reply :
I find lighter rods easier on the hands, wrist, and arms, personally. I would not want to use more than a MH for routine fishing, heavy only for heavy cover frogs. But whatever work for you...if you have no issues using that rod and you're catching fish...why change?
I injured my wrist not too long ago and was able to fish effectively wearing a wrist brace...you can find them at CVS, I got the "maximum" support version (brace on both sides of the wrist and a glove to keep it all in place). I left it on my primary wrist (right) for a day of fishing and had no issues, other than it got a little wet at times. I could cast and reel without issue. I am not a medical doctor and have no idea what condition you have, but just FYI if that's something that might help prevent further injury or make fishing more comfortable, it's completely do-able.
Scott F reply :
You didn’t say what kind of line you are using. A braided line with no stretch will require less effort to get a good hookset than a mono or fluoro line that stretches does.
dodgeguy reply :
If you really want good hooksets get a 7-6 flipping stick and 50 lb braid with a reel that has 20 lbs of drag. That will turn some heads to sure.
1Man reply :
On 7/28/2019 at 7:27 PM, Kidflex said:Your logic is fine with the use of a heavier powered rod for better hooksets. If it’s working, stick with it. If you want to try a medium heavy that’s longer than what your using-go for it. The extra length will move more line and generate more speed when setting the hook. If your wrist never gets back it’s full strength you might want to consider using your other arm and changing your retrieve side. Ie- switching to a left handed reel.
@Kidflex
I never knew that about longer rods that’s interesting.. Unfortunately my wrist will always be the way it is and I don’t even want to think about using a left handed reel hahaha! I’ve never been able to find a good rod over 7” within my price range which is about 100$
On 7/28/2019 at 9:09 PM, FishingGeekTX said:I find lighter rods easier on the hands, wrist, and arms, personally. I would not want to use more than a MH for routine fishing, heavy only for heavy cover frogs. But whatever work for you...if you have no issues using that rod and you're catching fish...why change?
I injured my wrist not too long ago and was able to fish effectively wearing a wrist brace...you can find them at CVS, I got the "maximum" support version (brace on both sides of the wrist and a glove to keep it all in place). I left it on my primary wrist (right) for a day of fishing and had no issues, other than it got a little wet at times. I could cast and reel without issue. I am not a medical doctor and have no idea what condition you have, but just FYI if that's something that might help prevent further injury or make fishing more comfortable, it's completely do-able.
@FishingGeekTX
I used to think the rod I used was a light rod until I checked out some of the stuff they make these days, so much of a difference. Kind of a big reason I want a new one I felt like it’d be easier on the wrist too. And as for happend I basically had a couple tendons fused together which causes problems with grip strength. I am definitely going to look into that brace for sure, the only ones Ive known are like hard type ones like a shell basically.
1Man reply :
On 7/28/2019 at 10:23 PM, Scott F said:You didn’t say what kind of line you are using. A braided line with no stretch will require less effort to get a good hookset than a mono or fluoro line that stretches does.
@Scott F
My bad man I use 50 pound power
pro braided 90% of the time and I drop down to about 20 pound pp braided with a 10 pound mono leader during the winter or when they get real line shy for whatever reason be it wate clarity or storms or what not.
1Man reply :
On 7/28/2019 at 11:21 PM, dodgeguy said:If you really want good hooksets get a 7-6 flipping stick and 50 lb braid with a reel that has 20 lbs of drag. That will turn some heads to sure.
@dodgeguy
I plan on getting a new reel when I get a rod that has 18 pound drag 7.6.1 gear ratio It’s called a Piscifun Phantom X I believe. Lower end but I’d rather put more into a good rod than the reel within reason haha (Really good Reviews on it tho). I’ve used a Abu Black Max for last couple years now and it’s a been a good reel. I didn’t know about gear ratios when I got it I bought it cause a friend recommended it to me. Not the best reel for how I fish I’ve come to learn aha.
1Man reply :
@Kidflex @FishingGeekTX @Scott F @dodgeguy
I really appreciate all the replies n info guy’s. Not sure if I replied back right stuff started merging n mess haha. I would have replied back sooner but I dislocated my knee recently. Propped up in my bed in a brace typing all these replies. Be a while til I can get back out on the water aha. Do any of y’all know of any decent rods for around 100$ That are longer than the one I have? I’m feeling the idea of a longer MH.
new2BC4bass reply :
Can't locate the weight of the rod, but the Daiwa Aird X 7'3" MH is a possibility. No experience with them, but have read they are excellent rods for the money. Too bad $100 is your limit. The Phenix Feather and Okuma Helios are both light rods.
Yup, braid doesn't require you to set the hook nearly as hard as with other lines.
drew4779 reply :
A MH St. Croix Bass X would probably fit your needs. I believe they make a 7-2 and 7-4 and St. Croix usually runs a little heavier than other brands MH (kinda like inbetween heavy and MH). I've never used a Bass X but I've been happy with all other models of St. Croix rods that I own. Good luck.
dodgeguy reply :
Bass pro carbonlite 2.0 comes in 7-3 mh at $119. Bass pro rods have never let me down. Has Winn grips and decent guides. Available in fast and extra fast.
GeekFisher reply :
I'd also try an xtra-fast rod over a fast if you can.
I own both the Piscifun Phantom and the Phantom X. I prefer the original Phantom and since you're looking at a 7 speed, the original is 7.0:1. I own the 5speed of the X version for cranks. Either way be prepared to oil them before or right after first use... I'd also put the rod handle under your shirt's sleeve and even bind it there to your forearm. Also, make sure you can comfortably palm the reel. I suggest ordering the reel first and bring it in store to try it on the rod as rod's reel seats can make it a go or a no.
1Man reply :
On 8/4/2019 at 9:41 PM, new2BC4bass said:Can't locate the weight of the rod, but the Daiwa Aird X 7'3" MH is a possibility. No experience with them, but have read they are excellent rods for the money. Too bad $100 is your limit. The Phenix Feather and Okuma Helios are both light rods.
Yup, braid doesn't require you to set the hook nearly as hard as with other lines.
@new2BC4bass
I have actually looked into that rod a lot, couldn’t find the weight either haha! Only reason I was skeptical about it was because I couldn’t find that many reviews (bad or good) on it. When I’m able I’ll get to a Dicks and check it out I believe they sell it.
On 8/4/2019 at 11:44 PM, dodgeguy said:Bass pro carbonlite 2.0 comes in 7-3 mh at $119. Bass pro rods have never let me down. Has Winn grips and decent guides. Available in fast and extra fast.
@dodgeguy
first rod I ever used was a bad pro shops quantum combo haha. I tried looking over on their website and didn’t see too many casting setups, I’ll definitely check that rod out.
On 8/4/2019 at 11:05 PM, drew4779 said:A MH St. Croix Bass X would probably fit your needs. I believe they make a 7-2 and 7-4 and St. Croix usually runs a little heavier than other brands MH (kinda like inbetween heavy and MH). I've never used a Bass X but I've been happy with all other models of St. Croix rods that I own. Good luck.
@drew4779
I’ve seen good stuff on the St. Croix rods. My biggest thing is finding a rod longer than the one I have now which turns out is actually a 7 foot. (Thought it was a 7’3). I’ll see what I can find on it for sure.
1Man reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 1:01 AM, GeekFisher said:I'd also try an xtra-fast rod over a fast if you can.
I own both the Piscifun Phantom and the Phantom X. I prefer the original Phantom and since you're looking at a 7 speed, the original is 7.0:1. I own the 5speed of the X version for cranks. Either way be prepared to oil them before or right after first use... I'd also put the rod handle under your shirt's sleeve and even bind it there to your forearm. Also, make sure you can comfortably palm the reel. I suggest ordering the reel first and bring it in store to try it on the rod as rod's reel seats can make it a go or a no.
@GeekFisher
Haven’t seen anything of an og
Phantom reel I’ll try and find it online somewhere. From what I’ve learned any GR 7.x.x and up is best for Jiggin n plastics and higher is better course I could be wrong. The weight of the Phantom X would be a significant improvement over my Black max that thing weighs a pound literally. What do you know about their Torrent reel? I can’t really tell a difference between it and the Phantom X series other than a 10 dollar price difference.
1Man reply :
https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Fishing-Cast-Jerk-Bait-6ft-Power-Fast/dp/B07B25X896/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=kastking%2Bspeed%2Bdemon&qid=1564972183&s=gateway&sprefix=kastking%2Bspeed%2Bdemon&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&th=1
@GeekFisher @dodgeguy @drew4779
@new2BC4bass
What do y’all think about this rod? Specifically the “Flipping” and “Carolina Rig” models. I don’t know much about KastKing other than than they make Good middle of the road quality reels. They also have a Flippin rod that’s a 8 Foot fast action in their regular series of these rods, would that be overkill haha? I feel like it would be but maybe for my paticular situation maybe it would actually benefit me.
I talked to my father some about the rod he claims that he only ever owned two rods that were 7 foot. He seems 100 percent positive it is a Team Daiwa Series Denny Brauer Flippin Stick, Exact make he’s not sure he bought it back in the 90s. So least y’all know what I’ve been using a bit better vs Just a Heavy Mystery rod haha!
Edited by 1Mandrew4779 reply :
@1Man
I don't know anything about kast king except that some guys here like some of their reels. I never handled one of their rods or reels myself.
Dodgeguy mentioned the bps carbonite rods. My brother had one that I got to fish with a few times (before he shut the car door on it) and i was really impressed with it. It felt lighter and was more sensitive than i expected and balanced well enough. He loved it.
1Man reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 11:23 AM, drew4779 said:@1Man
I don't know anything about kast king except that some guys here like some of their reels. I never handled one of their rods or reels myself.
Dodgeguy mentioned the bps carbonite rods. My brother had one that I got to fish with a few times (before he shut the car door on it) and i was really impressed with it. It felt lighter and was more sensitive than i expected and balanced well enough. He loved it.
@drew4779
Oh man that sucks haha. I looked into it earlier and most of the reviews were of it breaking on people. The one I looked at was the carbonlite 2.0 so maybe the new model isn’t as good. Either way kinda puts me off it when it’s broken on like 10+different people. I think with any rod there’s always one or two people who break it due to them mishandling it or something happening to it during shipping. But that much ain’t a good sign, plus you never know how many of them “Positive Reviews” are actually real and not bots. Especially when all the people you know are real got pictures of broke rods in their reviews haha.
ike8120 reply :
I have a KK Speed Demon Pro jig/worm rod and I like it very much. Just remember you can break any rod if not handled properly especially when trying to horse a rig that is snagged .
dodgeguy reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 12:47 PM, 1Man said:@drew4779
Oh man that sucks haha. I looked into it earlier and most of the reviews were of it breaking on people. The one I looked at was the carbonlite 2.0 so maybe the new model isn’t as good. Either way kinda puts me off it when it’s broken on like 10+different people. I think with any rod there’s always one or two people who break it due to them mishandling it or something happening to it during shipping. But that much ain’t a good sign, plus you never know how many of them “Positive Reviews” are actually real and not bots. Especially when all the people you know are real got pictures of broke rods in their reviews haha.
52 4 and 5 star reviews to 11 bad ones. Approx 5 times as many good reviews as bad. That tells me you have 11 people who don't know how to fish. G. Lommis nrx has same ratio. 15 good to 3 bad. I guess they both suck.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Look to get TROKAR hooks for the presentations that you use. The sharpness makes a big difference on ease of hookset compared to most other hooks.
Derek1 reply :
In my opinion the carbon lite rods are great I’m pretty rough on my stuff and I haven’t broke one yet. I was thinking about getting a higher end rod but decided to stick with the carbonlites for now. Due to their durability. I don’t think you can go wrong for the price.
1Man reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 7:19 PM, dodgeguy said:52 4 and 5 star reviews to 11 bad ones. Approx 5 times as many good reviews as bad. That tells me you have 11 people who don't know how to fish. G. Lommis nrx has same ratio. 15 good to 3 bad. I guess they both suck.
I see your point haha
On 8/5/2019 at 8:51 PM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Look to get TROKAR hooks for the presentations that you use. The sharpness makes a big difference on ease of hookset compared to most other hooks.
@QUAKEnSHAKE
I actually used em for a short time, I just happend to stumble across a lone pack in a little family owned tackleshop near me. Unfortunately I lost most of em before I got to really use em (Was fishing some real thick mess that day). They had points on em like a needle and honestly had forgotten all about em til now haha. Definitely gonna order some soon, I used to use Daiichi until they stopped selling em around where I’m at. I’ve tried Gamakatsu,EagleClaw, and ended up settling on Mustad Hooks. I don’t know anyone that uses em I’ve just had more luck with em than any other hooks.
1Man reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 5:48 PM, ike8120 said:I have a KK Speed Demon Pro jig/worm rod and I like it very much. Just remember you can break any rod if not handled properly especially when trying to horse a rig that is snagged .
@ike8120
Would you say the Actions right on em? I’ve been noticing a lot from looking at rods that a lot of em say they’re a MH But they act like a medium. Or that it says Heavy but it acts like a MH. I don’t know anywhere around me that sells that rod. I’ve always liked to put a rod in m hand before I buy it I reckon I’d just have to return it if it ain’t feel right. (Amazons the only place I’ve seen it so far)
On 8/6/2019 at 3:09 AM, Derek1 said:In my opinion the carbon lite rods are great I’m pretty rough on my stuff and I haven’t broke one yet. I was thinking about getting a higher end rod but decided to stick with the carbonlites for now. Due to their durability. I don’t think you can go wrong for the price.
@Derek1
I’ll look into it some more, maybe when I’m able I’ll try and make the trip to bass pros and look at some stuff. I sure they’d have every rod there that I’ve been looking at haha. I’ve never been either it’s be fun to actually go in general.
Mikeltee reply :
Sharp hooks, a rod that loads properly with the weight of the bait, and learn to reel set. I would go M-MH/X-fast for trigs 3/8 and under which is what I use for all my plastics (neko, weightless, whacky). I barely snap the tip on a hookset and never lose fish. With a lighter powered rod, you also get supreme sensitivity at any price point... even an ugly stik. I don't agree with your heavy logic at all. I even have to drag them through thick grass now that its late summer and never have a problem. I highly recommend the Tatula Elite AGS Finesse which of course is what I use. Its rated 1/8 to 1oz but I never have gone anywhere near an oz. With your hand out of commission and paired with a Tatula SV, you could use this rod for all your spinning rod finesse techniques as well. I like it better than my spinning setup which was way more expensive. It also works great with 3/8 and less jigs.
VinnyR reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 8:51 PM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:The sharpness makes a big difference
More to this point, if you're having issues with hooksets and not fishing in thick cover, light wire hooks might be easier to get through the lips. But then you wouldn't want your drag tight with braid. In either case I would carry a file too, if you miss a couple fish sharpen it up
GeekFisher reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 10:42 AM, 1Man said:https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Fishing-Cast-Jerk-Bait-6ft-Power-Fast/dp/B07B25X896/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=kastking%2Bspeed%2Bdemon&qid=1564972183&s=gateway&sprefix=kastking%2Bspeed%2Bdemon&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&th=1
@GeekFisher @dodgeguy @drew4779
@new2BC4bass
What do y’all think about this rod? Specifically the “Flipping” and “Carolina Rig” models. I don’t know much about KastKing other than than they make Good middle of the road quality reels. They also have a Flippin rod that’s a 8 Foot fast action in their regular series of these rods, would that be overkill haha? I feel like it would be but maybe for my paticular situation maybe it would actually benefit me.
I talked to my father some about the rod he claims that he only ever owned two rods that were 7 foot. He seems 100 percent positive it is a Team Daiwa Series Denny Brauer Flippin Stick, Exact make he’s not sure he bought it back in the 90s. So least y’all know what I’ve been using a bit better vs Just a Heavy Mystery rod haha!
Sadly Can't speak of KK as they are not offering their most interesting rods in Canada.
GeekFisher reply :
On 8/5/2019 at 10:26 AM, 1Man said:@GeekFisher
Haven’t seen anything of an og
Phantom reel I’ll try and find it online somewhere. From what I’ve learned any GR 7.x.x and up is best for Jiggin n plastics and higher is better course I could be wrong. The weight of the Phantom X would be a significant improvement over my Black max that thing weighs a pound literally. What do you know about their Torrent reel? I can’t really tell a difference between it and the Phantom X series other than a 10 dollar price difference.
This is the original Phantom:
https://www.amazon.com/Piscifun-Phantom-Baitcasting-Lightest-Baitcaster/dp/B074V63F14/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=piscifun+phantom&qid=1565092485&s=gateway&sr=8-2
The Torrent is a mag brake, phantom X is centrifugal and original phantom has both. I'd personnally refrain from buying a mag brake Chinese reel.
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