Please help me pick a rod (I'm going nuts) 2024
FL_Basshole reply :
I know this is a heavily brought up topic, but after doing research for the last 2 weeks, I’m still no closer to making a decision. Throughout my fishing career I’ve never really given a tremendous amount of thought to my rods. I could always catch plenty with average gear. I’ve been looking to get a new rod and cannot make a decision to save my life. I’m looking for a sensitive 7ft-7’3ft / medium or medium/light fast action spinning rod for senko fishing. I’ve been looking in the $100-$200 range. A lot of threads with this similar question say a Dobyn Fury, St Croix mojo, etc... I’ve found other people who swear that Duckett triad or Falcon Bucco sr are way better. I thought maybe I should just bite the bullet and get a G-loomis imx, but still there’s people who say even that isn’t worth the money. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -Thanks
WRB reply :
Don't want to add to your confushion what size Senko's, hooks and line type are you using?
Tom
Deeare reply :
Check out the kistler klx. They are $270 but they are always having sales up to 25% so that will get down to $200. Sign up for their mailing list to get the notifications.
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:26 AM, WRB said:Don't want to add to your confushion what size Senko's, hooks and line type are you using?
Tom
Standard size senkos. 4/0 and generally 8-10lb braid
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard!
Do you have a Bass Pro/Cabelas nearby? And I'm asking
as I assume, if you do, you've been there already.
I really don't think you need to go much over the $100
mark to find a great rod. Brands are really in the eye of
the beholder. I happen to like St. Croix Premier, BPS
Carbonlite, etc.... I also happen to like shorter rods, so....
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:35 AM, Deeare said:Check out the kistler klx. They are $270 but they are always having sales up to 25% so that will get down to $200. Sign up for their mailing list to get the notifications.
I''ll look. I'm not opposed to spending more, but still a lot of people say a $300 rod is only slightly better than a $150 rod. I love having a lot of options in the market, but they drive me crazy lol
WRB reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:37 AM, FL_Basshole said:Standard size senkos. 4/0 and generally 8-10lb braid
5" and 6" with 4/0 hook, ML maybe a little too light!
Tom
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:41 AM, WRB said:5" and 6" with 4/0 hook, ML maybe a little too light!
Tom
agreed, medium is certainly my preference
On 8/26/2019 at 8:38 AM, Darren. said:Welcome aboard!
Do you have a Bass Pro/Cabelas nearby? And I'm asking
as I assume, if you do, you've been there already.
I really don't think you need to go much over the $100
mark to find a great rod. Brands are really in the eye of
the beholder. I happen to like St. Croix Premier, BPS
Carbonlite, etc.... I also happen to like shorter rods, so....
That's always been my train of thought. I figured I'd treat myself to something better, it's certainly possible that I'm getting caught up in thinking I need something nicer.
Darren. reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:42 AM, FL_Basshole said:agreed, medium is certainly my preference
That's always been my train of thought. I figured I'd treat myself to something better, it's certainly possible that I'm getting caught up in thinking I need something nicer.
If you are someone with money to spare, then rock on and
buy the rod of your dreams. But if not, buy affordable, and
stay w/in your budget (oh if only I'd have listened to this
advice years ago, LOL) you'll be happy and catching some
beasts to hang on a wall! 
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 9:08 AM, Darren. said:If you are someone with money to spare, then rock on and
buy the rod of your dreams. But if not, buy affordable, and
stay w/in your budget (oh if only I'd have listened to this
advice years ago, LOL) you'll be happy and catching some
beasts to hang on a wall!
Yea I have some $ I'm frugal in life except when it comes to fishing and hunting lol. I wish more of my fishing buddies had nice rods to see if I'm actually missing out on something.
LCG reply :
I would highly recommend the Bass Pro Shop Carbonite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf for weightless senko either Texas rigged or Wacky rigged. Sensitive, light weight, affordable, and very comfortable to hold. St Croix, gloomis, Shimano, Fenwick, and a few other brands offer good value as well.
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 9:18 AM, LCG said:I would highly recommend the Bass Pro Shop Carbonite 2.0 6'8" M-Xf for weightless senko either Texas rigged or Wacky rigged. Sensitive, light weight, affordable, and very comfortable to hold. St Croix, gloomis, Shimano, Fenwick, and a few other brands offer good value as well.
I'll check it out
fishwizzard reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 9:16 AM, FL_Basshole said:Yea I have some $ I'm frugal in life except when it comes to fishing and hunting lol. I wish more of my fishing buddies had nice rods to see if I'm actually missing out on something.
If you want to try a "nice rod" without spending a ton, look for an old-model IMX rod on eBay. You can often find them for under $150 and imho they are stil a steal at that price.
Scott F reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 8:15 AM, FL_Basshole said:I know this is a heavily brought up topic, but after doing research for the last 2 weeks, I’m still no closer to making a decision. Throughout my fishing career I’ve never really given a tremendous amount of thought to my rods. I could always catch plenty with average gear. I’ve been looking to get a new rod and cannot make a decision to save my life. I’m looking for a sensitive 7ft-7’3ft / medium or medium/light fast action spinning rod for senko fishing. I’ve been looking in the $100-$200 range. A lot of threads with this similar question say a Dobyn Fury, St Croix mojo, etc... I’ve found other people who swear that Duckett triad or Falcon Bucco sr are way better. I thought maybe I should just bite the bullet and get a G-loomis imx, but still there’s people who say even that isn’t worth the money. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -Thanks
Don’t over think it. In your price range, there aren’t any bad rods. Honestly, there aren’t a lot of guys in a blind test who could tell the different rods apart.
Derek1 reply :
Just get the carbonlite 2.0 in 6’6”-7-0”. You won’t be disappointed. In ml or m.
JediAmoeba reply :
As previously said , your price range provides a lot of great options. The real question you need to answer is what material and what length grip you like - I think that is the most decided factor for a person to fall in love with a rod.
Cork, eva foam, full length, split grip, etc.
Personally I like split grips and really like cork.
Hulkster reply :
check out the 2018 model Loomis E6X JWR 892S. its awesome although i havent used a senko on it, it is a soft plastics rod.
WRB reply :
I will offer you some advice based on where you are located and what presentations you plan to use. Major Craft NAS WJ 701 MH is the rod for your application.
I realize everyone else is suggesting a different rod but none of them are hall of fame bass anglers and this is the rod Don Iovino uses for 5" to 6" Senko's and the rod I use.
Tom
Mikeltee reply :
20 years ago there were no technique specific rods and people caught just as many fish as today. The lightest you want is a M-MH and it will shine for weightless however if you are going to add weights you want a MH which will also be fine for weightless. I'd suggest a bait casting rig for any senko presentation. I assure you if you enjoy bass fishing you will upgrade to a baitcaster by next season and the purchase you make now will collect dust.
Dicks had a champion 734 which is a great rod for $160 and it retails at $250. You can do just about any presentation with that rod. It's by far the best bang for the buck.
Learn to throw a baitcaster and you will enjoy your time on the water much more.
Adding on... For non-moving baits you want the most sensitive rod you can afford. Stay clear of the Fury series and the like. You can afford the Champion line and you will have a much better chance to feel fish flirting with your bait. Anything less pretty much guarantees a broomstick in the MH power range. With medium you can go cheap because they are all super sensitive, even an Ugly Stick. That would be for finesse/light wire presentations and you would want more power to drive those EWG and whacky hooks home. Dropshot, neko, mushrooms heads are usually light wire.
JediAmoeba reply :
On 8/27/2019 at 7:16 PM, Mikeltee said:20 years ago there were no technique specific rods and people caught just as many fish as today.
Nope. I am convinced all the fish I lost 20 years ago is due to the fact I had the incorrect equipment. All the fish I lose today is due to faulty equipment. User error is never a factor.
It's funny - I remember burning spinnerbaits on the surface more than 20 years ago with a 4.5:1 ratio reel and a 6 foot ugly stick with no problems. These days I have to make sure I have the right MH rod and a high speed 8.1:1 ratio reel...
Mikeltee reply :
Definately faulty equipment. I would urge everyone to get a second mortgage and buy 3 NRXs and 3 Steez AGSs for every specific technique and have 3 colors of the lure ready to go. You will then be guaranteed to catch more fish and losing fish will no longer be part of your vocabulary.
Big Rick reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 12:19 PM, WRB said:I will offer you some advice based on where you are located and what presentations you plan to use. Major Craft NAS WJ 701 MH is the rod for your application.
I realize everyone else is suggesting a different rod but none of them are hall of fame bass anglers and this is the rod Don Iovino uses for 5" to 6" Senko's and the rod I use.
Tom
Tom,
Where do you find this little known jewel? A quick search only netter flea-bay for me.....
Update: I found the website..... I'm a doofus. or blind... or BOTH....
https://majorcraft-america.com/product/nanoace-spinning/
fishwizzard reply :
40-50 years ago my dad drove cars without power steering just fine, but I don’t think he would go without it today. Just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean that no improvements are possible.
WRB reply :
On 8/27/2019 at 10:18 PM, Big Rick said:Tom,
Where do you find this little known jewel? A quick search only netter flea-bay for me.....
Update: I found the website..... I'm a doofus. or blind... or BOTH....
https://majorcraft-america.com/product/nanoace-spinning/
Checked the model number NAS-WJ701MH is correct. My source was Iovino, did a quick internet search and found the rod on Japanese sites and a few references for eBay?
Tom
Bassattackr reply :
I would get a 7' Medium power, fast action rod. Long enough to pitch around and short enough to still skip docks. Personally, I like the Abu Villain 2.0 although they are since discontinued you may be able to find a deal on one.
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/27/2019 at 7:16 PM, Mikeltee said:20 years ago there were no technique specific rods and people caught just as many fish as today. The lightest you want is a M-MH and it will shine for weightless however if you are going to add weights you want a MH which will also be fine for weightless. I'd suggest a bait casting rig for any senko presentation. I assure you if you enjoy bass fishing you will upgrade to a baitcaster by next season and the purchase you make now will collect dust.
Dicks had a champion 734 which is a great rod for $160 and it retails at $250. You can do just about any presentation with that rod. It's by far the best bang for the buck.
Learn to throw a baitcaster and you will enjoy your time on the water much more.
Adding on... For non-moving baits you want the most sensitive rod you can afford. Stay clear of the Fury series and the like. You can afford the Champion line and you will have a much better chance to feel fish flirting with your bait. Anything less pretty much guarantees a broomstick in the MH power range. With medium you can go cheap because they are all super sensitive, even an Ugly Stick. That would be for finesse/light wire presentations and you would want more power to drive those EWG and whacky hooks home. Dropshot, neko, mushrooms heads are usually light wire.
I have baitcasters. Maybe I'm in the minority but I much prefer to fish senkos with spinning gear. I personally feel I make it move better and feel it better. I like baitcasters for jigging and top water
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/26/2019 at 12:19 PM, WRB said:I will offer you some advice based on where you are located and what presentations you plan to use. Major Craft NAS WJ 701 MH is the rod for your application.
I realize everyone else is suggesting a different rod but none of them are hall of fame bass anglers and this is the rod Don Iovino uses for 5" to 6" Senko's and the rod I use.
Tom
I think I'm going to go with this rod. all the reviews I've read have been encouraging. I'm looking at the 7ft medium worm and jig. or should i got ML finesse? Some people said there mediums are more like medium light already. Just don't want to worry about hooking a 8lb+ fish
WRB reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 7:31 AM, FL_Basshole said:I think I'm going to go with this rod. all the reviews I've read have been encouraging. I'm looking at the 7ft medium worm and jig. or should i got ML finesse? Some people said there mediums are more like medium light already. Just don't want to worry about hooking a 8lb+ fish
I wouldn't go lighter then medium with this rod, the MH is more like a M+, good tip action for drop shot and enough backbone for finesse 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs and 5"-6" Senko's. I use Owner 5172 size 2/0 Wacky hook with 7 lb Sniper getting good solid hook sets. The rod doesn't over power size 1 Mosquitos drop shot hooks with finesse worms.
Tom
haggard reply :
AVS70MF (6-12 lb line, 3/16-5/8 lure) $210
PS70MF (6-12 lb line, 1/4-5/8 lure) $150
Mikeltee reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 7:31 AM, FL_Basshole said:I think I'm going to go with this rod. all the reviews I've read have been encouraging. I'm looking at the 7ft medium worm and jig. or should i got ML finesse? Some people said there mediums are more like medium light already. Just don't want to worry about hooking a 8lb+ fish
Tom forgot more about bass fishing than I will ever know. He is very wise in this sport and posts interesting comments. Hes a true hero to this forum in my eyes.
A medium will do you fine. You can also do all the lightweight stuff with it too. Heck you can catch a bass on ultralight gear if you need to. It just might not be the best gear to choose.
That's cool you like BCs for moving baits and spinning for bottom contact. You are in the minority there but I respect your decision. I let peer pressure talk me into getting spinning gear for finesse and I regret it. Waste of $600. Lol
By asking about spinning gear I assumed you were new to bass fishing. When I was new to bass fishing, I immediately bought a $260 spinning rod. I took it out once and was hooked and spent about $2k the next day on casting gear. That rig has collected dust every since. I was trying to save you from the same mistake.
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 8:41 AM, Mikeltee said:Tom forgot more about bass fishing than I will ever know. He is very wise in this sport and posts interesting comments. Hes a true hero to this forum in my eyes.
A medium will do you fine. You can also do all the lightweight stuff with it too. Heck you can catch a bass on ultralight gear if you need to. It just might not be the best gear to choose.
That's cool you like BCs for moving baits and spinning for bottom contact. You are in the minority there but I respect your decision. I let peer pressure talk me into getting spinning gear for finesse and I regret it. Waste of $600. Lol
By asking about spinning gear I assumed you were new to bass fishing. When I was new to bass fishing, I immediately bought a $260 spinning rod. I took it out once and was hooked and spent about $2k the next day on casting gear. That rig has collected dust every since. I was trying to save you from the same mistake.
yea not sure why I prefer them for senkos but they have always been my preference
FLAGATOR49 reply :
Dobyns Sierra/Champion 704 SF is great for 5" senkos T-rigged weightless. Typically use it with 30lb braid to a 16lb leader
FL_Basshole reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 8:12 AM, WRB said:I wouldn't go lighter then medium with this rod, the MH is more like a M+, good tip action for drop shot and enough backbone for finesse 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs and 5"-6" Senko's. I use Owner 5172 size 2/0 Wacky hook with 7 lb Sniper getting good solid hook sets. The rod doesn't over power size 1 Mosquitos drop shot hooks with finesse worms.
Tom
I ordered one. tacklewarehouse had a sale so i got it for $100. Thanks for the recommendation.
Matt_3479 reply :
Everyone has there own opinion which is why it makes it so far choosing a rod lol. He’s my experience. Buy once and buy right. If you were debating on “biting the bullet” and stepping up in the budget then do it cause I promise you’ll regret it if you don’t.
As far as budget, the fury is fantastic and so is the mojo from what I hear. I’ve only fished the mojo once and was pretty impressed with it compared too my avid x.
I haven’t fished the imx but own a few imx pro’s and love these rods. They are light, sensitive and fish very good! To be honest for that price though I’d actually lean towards an expride. I love the 845c cbr but other then that I prefer the expride to the imx pro by a little and it’s a smidge cheaper! The 7’ medium expride or even the 6’10” medium light expride would make a nice universal spinning set up
DanielG reply :
I've got a Dobyn's fury medium. I like it. Then again everyone else likes their brand too. When I bought it I too looked at all the recommendations. Then with 57 options to choose from I bought the Dobyn's. No particular reason... at $119 it was just a choice. You'll probably be in that situation too.
Zippyduck Krimm reply :
Dobyns Sierra 703sf is a great all around spinning rod. Sensitive with a good tip. I love mine when my wife lets me use it.
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