894

- Honestly, budget is whatever I want to spend. I hadn't really considered the jump to the $250+ rods, but I've finally started fishing jigs enough to feel comfortable with light jigs and medium/fast rods and it's time to move up to the big boys and bigger trailers in search of the ever elusive "Muy Grande"! I don't want to go cheap and lose sensitivity when I go to a bigger jig. I figured it would be a costly jump.

I love the Falcon Bucoos. I use the Lizard dragger (7' Heavy) for jigs up to 1/2 oz. For flippin and jigs over 1/2 oz I go with the 7'3" Heavy. The 7'3 also makes a good Carolina rig rod

It doesn't have to be expensive. That said, the more expensive rods are USUALLY more sensitive, lighter, and made to withstand the impact of hooksets with braid. Even the reel seats are fastened better on higher end rods. Increasing sensitivity and longevity of the rod. Mostly though, the blanks are somewhat similar on most mid to high end rods. Money goes up as costs of "parts used"'goes up. Ti vs stainless, Torzite vs alconite, metal forenut vs plastic, etc.

I made the jump not too long ago, believe the hype, NRX 894, you're welcome.

If you plan on spending some money have someone build you one on a high end blank (Eternity2, K2, NFC HM etc...). You'll get exactly what you want for not too much more than a store bought rod, or possibly spend less.

I was alternating between a Dobyns and a Falcon Cara Amistad until I tried a custom rod from Ron Grantham at Reel Time Rods. It was actually cheaper than either of the rods I was using. It is more sensitive and has a better backbone than anything I have ever used. I bought another one to use as my Carolina Rig rod. Fishing brush piles and timber I wanted something I could horse em out with and that rod fits the ticket.

This!!!!!!!!!!!!! You cannot beat a Kistler for sensitivity. They are without a doubt the best technique specific rods made.

Impulse Rods beats em all.

PG104

I was hoping that someone would chime in that have used BPS Crankin Stick.
I have 2 of them I use on smaller baits, would think they would work for 10 & 8
XS baits. $100 rods.
The 2 I have been good rods.

G loomis imx 804. Greatness

For me, the Dobyns Champion 735 and 736 do the trick real nicely. I use the 735 for MOST of the pitching situations, up to and including 5/8 oz. 3/4 I throw on the 736, just feels better to me, but the 735 an do the job with the heavier jigs too. If budget minded, there is a Savvy 766 for flipping/pitching and a Fury 766 for the same purpose. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I like the Powell Endurance 725 which works very well. Light, sensitive with a lot of muscle but not a broom stick.

My rod of choice is a Power Tackle PG 104
https://www1.powertackle.com/products/rods/pg104-7-6