Hey guys.

I am in the market for a rod to use while wade fishing in Port Oconner. I am looking for something that can do the job of landing both specks and reds. I have handled a few rods in my price range but cannot come to a decision. Looking for something 7 feet long medium power, and still not sure which tip would be better (fast or moderate)...

I want Sensitivity, light weight, and a good balance. $100-$150

Looked at GunDog, Waterloo, and AllAtar ASR. Like the split grip of AllStar, but the blank seemed to be out of line with the eyes. Waterloo was really nice. Gundog was awesome but lacked split grip and was slightly heavy. Like teh idea of Waterloo and Gundog rods as I would support a business here in town.

I have a favorite Bass rod, but not sure if it would be good in teh salt. I use Abu Garcia Veritas rods and love em. Could a 7' Medium/Fast Veritas work in the salt for specks and reds, or would a big red snap it like a twig??

What say you guys?

you can spend all the money in the world, but I say, the Bass Pro IM6 rod for 39.99 / 24.99 on sale, is one hell of a rod, and hard to beat. Light, sensitive, and man, it throws light weight tails like crazy. Spend more if you think it will get you better.... but I just finished a dinner of speckeled trout with green beans and dirty rice; and Ill have the same meal again soon!

My favorite are the American rodsmith trout killer and trout tamer. I own 6 of these rods and they can't be beat for working a top water or jerk bait in my opinion. You can find them at academy near the coast. They run about $80-$120 I think, been a while since I have bought one

Waterloo and Loomis rods are nice - AR also has a quality product. Just gotta find the one that is right for you and the way you fish.

Weight, balance and sensitivity are important to me.

Loomis is in my arsenal of weapons when hunting trophy trout.

Good Luck.

Cant comment on the Gun Dog as I have never owned/used one. I did buy an All Star ASR and put it through the test. For the money I thought it was a great rod for $100 bucks. I bought the split grip 6'6 med light. It did great on both big Reds and big Trout. handled big Spooks and Corkys just fine. Dont know about a 7' because I dont use 7 footers. But I would recommend the 6'6 for wading. The Waterloo is a nice rod too. I assume your talking about the Waterloo Salinity. The Salintiy is there low end rod. Waterloo makes a fine rod but there high end Rods go for $250 and up. Check out the Waterloo Slam Mag II. Its an awesome stick!!!!

AQUA PIMP

Seems like the rod that you already have should be fine. I have never broken a rod fighting a fish. Loosen your drag a little. I use 6'6" rods with short handles for wading.

I like the 7 foot rod for casting distance. Is there a reason you guys choose the 6'6" rod?

jdsibert: I use BPS cranking sticks for throwing cranks at Bass, and i use BPS Pro Qualifier reels exclusively in fresh water. But I think their rods are pretty heavey til you get into their carbon black line...

Those "Cranking sticks" are heavy, and meant to be so; the IM6 series though is much lighter, has cork fittings, and feels so much better in hand. I have mine with a Abu 4600C3 and a H20 Mettle, (still evaluating the H20 reel). I fish the flats on the west end, just shy of SLP, and I love these rods. I also have 2 of the IM6 rods with spinning reels on them, great for free-lining shrimp under lights. Just look at the IM6's....if you dont like em' theres the 100-300$ rods just over on the next aisle.

Best of luck in everything....be well!

I like 7 to 7'6" back when I was wading, but I kept the rods light, and reels small with braids. Holding a slightly heavier rod for extended times was pretty fatiguing.

Someone asked why most waders use a 6'6" rod....my reason is long rods make fish handling a little difficult when landing. 6'6" just seems to work out a little better. casting distance for loss of 6" of rod, never seemed all that much if any; remember, a 6'6" rod "might" have a lighter action, and therefore throw a light bait better, that however depends on the rods.

Yes, I know, popping corks and live shrimp ARENT light weight, but tails and freelined shrimp are.

best of luck to all.