I Have Rod Fever!!!

[skeletor6]

Before stumbling on this site, I thought that a fishing rod was very unimportant in terms of fishing. So I went out and bought a couple Shakespeare cheap-o's from wal-mart all medium heavy casting. I fished with them and did not know what I was missing out on. After reading threads on here and watching the videos posted, I noticed there was a lot of talk about rod specifics and its importance for many casting techniques, bite detections, and so forth. That led to me to go out and get my feet wet with a Berkley Lightning Shock 7ft MH Casting rod.

Upon using this rod paired with some fluorocarbon, I began to vaguely understand what all the hype was about. Finally, I found a deal on eBay and was able to buy a used Powell Max 683c for $90 shipped. Yesterday was the first day I fished with it and using it brought to fruition the obsession that so many have on their rod collections, and why having such good gear can be essential to catching fish. I was able to cast everywhere I wanted, detect strikes on weightless senko fishing, that I never would have before and it just felt all-around fantastic to use. I even pulled out a 10lb catfish, that dug itself into the muck and thick weeds on 12lb Trilene 100% without a net. I was on a pontoon and didn't have a net and had to grab the line to pull him in the boat.

So anyways, I got rod fever and I want to add another one to my arsenal. All my rods right now are MH, the longest of which being 7'. I really do not catch fish larger than 3lbs and I have watched many of Glenn's videos and want to implement his techniques and get better with fishing finesse jigs (and other jigs), rage rig, t-rig, mojo rig, and want a rod that is going to help me do this along with my powell. What would be a good rod to pair with my Powell Max 683c and Berkley Shock 7' MH for these techniques? I was thinking that I should get a rod that is medium, since I do not feel that I will need the strength of heavy for the size fish I catch here in the Michigan lakes i fish.

I am going to be looking to buy used and can spend no more than $150 and would like to spend closer to around $120 if at all possible. I want a rod that is extremely sensitive. Is buying another Powell Max my best bet or should I be looking for something else? I will be using fluorocarbon as my line and if it matters plan on starting to use a lot of rage tail plastics, with northstar and siebert jigs.

All advice, suggestions, and comments are greatly apprectiated. Thank you!

[Bass_Fanatic]

If your looking for a rod to throw plastics and jigs, even around smaller fish, I would look into the Powell 703 or 704. Also, you can get a Powell Deisel 765 for $70 and from what Ive heard, its a great rod! If you just want a M rod, then look at the Powell 702. I would stick to Powell, IMO, you cant beat them in that price range!

[skeletor6]

If your looking for a rod to throw plastics and jigs, even around smaller fish, I would look into the Powell 703 or 704. Also, you can get a Powell Deisel 765 for $70 and from what Ive heard, its a great rod! If you just want a M rod, then look at the Powell 702. I would stick to Powell, IMO, you cant beat them in that price range!

Thanks ***atic I heard the diesel uses the same blank as the max. Is that true? If so, would the diesel have the same sensitivity as the max?

Since I have the Powell max 683c which is MH would it be sensible getting the 703c which is also MH? I do not feel that I need the strength of a heavy rod, the fish here just aren't that big. Would a medium powered 702c offer greater sensitivity over my MH 683c?

What contributes to rod sensitivity and what's the most sensitive rod in my range. I can get some $200 rods for $150 but I don't see the need if the Powell max's are just as good.

[MT2]

Welcome to the club, while I may be new here. Im not new to fishing boards. When I signed up I used alot of cheap rods mainly the Berkley's (Cherrywood & Lighting) with $50 baitcasters (Abu Black Max and Diawa Strikeforce). After spending some time on these boards, I discovered there was 2 circles med/hi end guys and low end guys and slowly the low end guys was loosing numbers. Personally I was about to switch over to Revo's and Kistlers. However one day I was fishing with one of these guys and it was a last minute trip and I didnt have any gear. He stuck a Quantum Energy on a Kistler Mag. in my hands and it was over. Since that day Ive looked at or owned several diffrent brands of rods and reels. Ive wasted some money cos I beleive its more important to find that rod and reel that fits YOU more than what everyone else likes. Today I use nothing but Lew's Speed Spools on W&M Skeet Reese and Duckett Micro Magic rods. The one exception is my Quantum Tommy Biffle flippin stick.

I think when you enter this stage, make sure you can afford it. Cos the nicer stuff you end up using, the more cheap the old stuff will feel. Im not tryin to talk you out of buying more Powells if thats the direction your headed, I just want you to know upfront. That there is a good chance that Shock rod will start to feel cheaper and cheaper and never get used. Also dont be afraid to think outside the box and try something no one else is using. And lastly buy use for now as much as possible. Less over head allows you to recoupe most to all of your money back if you go to re-sell.

[TNBassin']

I like the Abu Garcia Vendetta rods myself. They are a bit stiffer than rated, but mine has been amazing so far. Some places have them on sale for $49.99 which is a STEAL.

[roadwarrior]

If you shop around you might be able to pick up a St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF gently used in your price range.

If you are considering a reel for your new rig, look at the Citica 200E. Gently used for $75-$85.

[fishking247]

i highly recommend st croix rods. best rod for the money in my opinion

[Bass_Fanatic]

I dont think you buy a Heavy powered rod based on the size fish you are catching, but you buy a Heavy powered rod based on the baits you will be throwing. If your throwing 1/2 oz jigs and big plastics on this rod, then I would suggest go with the 704C. You dont want a underpowered rod...I promise you that.

[SirSnookalot]

I dont think you buy a Heavy powered rod based on the size fish you are catching, but you buy a Heavy powered rod based on the baits you will be throwing. If your throwing 1/2 oz jigs and big plastics on this rod, then I would suggest go with the 704C. You dont want a underpowered rod...I promise you that.

X2

Only other exception for me would be having to pull fish out of heavy cover, may want a little more rod for that. In open water some very good sized fish can be handled on rods that don't seem strong enough, they are.

[Capt.Bob]

Ya I know this is MLXF but if you have only got 120 to spend this is less than that and a brand new rod with lifetime warranty, plus a ST. Croix!! This rod retails for $230.00 and since it is a St. Croix I would think maybe it would be a stout ML or at worst a mild medium. But for a finesse rod you wont find a better buy on the planet, and it is brand new!! 6'9" MLXF and a Legend Tournament Bass!!! Buy one of these and you will be spoiled! Everyone should have a rod like this in there arsenal.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/catalog/Freshwater-23-1.html#Legend_Tournament_Bass_Casting_Rod_LTBC69MLXF_11-327-23.html

Ya if you are wondering I have around 20 St. Croix rods, but I am not bias ------ however I am CONVINCED!

[The Rooster]

What makes a rod sensitive is how well it is balanced in hand. It needs to NOT be tip heavy. Therefore when you get a strike, the tip is able to move enough to let you feel it. Lightweight gear helps with this, but it can be heavy in hand and still achieve the same sensitivity as long as it is balanced. You balance a combo at the point where you grip it. For me it is at the reel on a casting rod, and at the reel or just in front of the reel on a spinning rod.

[skeletor6]

Thank you guys for all of the replies. I will say that after using the Powell Max it does make it difficult to feel the same way about my other rods which is exactly why I'm looking for another quality rod.

Rooster, thank you for explaining to me about what makes a rod sensitive. Would the quality of materials also play a role?

Would a medium powered rod work well for casting jigs of all sizes, t-rigs, drop shot, and forms of finesse fishing?

How does the following rods stack up against each other? St. Croix avid used, LTB, Duckett micro magic, and Powell Max. Those are all the rods suggested so far on this thread. Thanks for all of your help!

[The Rooster]

I think quality of materials mostly make a rod easier and more fun to use such as having comfortable grips and smooth line guides and solid reel seats. Also, quality materials can make a rod lighter weight since they could weigh less which also helps in the sensitivity area, but overall I think it comes down to how well a rod is constructed regardless of material used (read this as different graphite types or even fiberglass), and then how well you match the reel to it to create the proper balance.

You can technically analyze this to death and you might know a little more about it when done, but I think ultimately it's going to take fishing with different types of rods, or at least pairing different rods and reels in the store to see how they feel in hand to understand the balance and sensitivity relationship best.

[new2BC4bass]

Would a medium powered rod work well for casting jigs of all sizes, t-rigs, drop shot, and forms of finesse fishing?

No...unless you don't plan on throwing any jig above 1/2 oz. You have to remember that the jig may weigh 1/2 oz., but the plastic often added as a trailer will also add weight. As pointed out to me in another thread, lures seldom weigh as advertised. All the lures listed in the thread were heavier than rated.

Like Bass_Fanatic said, don't buy a rod based on the size of the fish you will be catching, but based on lure weight and cover. Some Medium powered rods are rated up to 3/4 oz., which is also what some MH rods top out at. There is no standard for rating rods that I know of. My Medium Falcons top out at 1/2 oz. Pulling a 1/2 oz. double bladed spinnerbait upstream on my 7' Falcon Expert Medium seemed a bit too much for the rod to me.

There are several MH rods out there rated for 1/4-1 oz. lures. I would select one of these for your jig rod. A Powell 714C might be a good choice. Powell says it is a Heavy, but I would consider it a MH based on the lure rating for the rod. At least one fellow bassresource member says it is a great all-around rod. It is on my list of "Must haves." At 7'1" with Extra Fast tip, it should make a good jig rod as well. New is above your price point, so find one used.

[The Rooster]

I've weighed a lot of baits on a food scale here at home. My experience is that most jigs are at least 1/8 oz. heavier than rated, spinnerbaits are about double their rated weight, but crank baits and other hard baits with treble hooks are pretty accurate to their rated weights so 1/4 oz. crank bait is a true 1/4 oz. of weight. Plastics can be 1/8 to 3/16 oz. heavy for the average off the shelf sack of 7" worms or 3" craws. Take that into consideration when adding trailers or making up Texas Rigs with sinkers, hooks, and plastics. Sinkers weigh what they say, 1/4 oz. is 1/4 oz. there, and so on. Hooks are nearly negligible in added weight unless you are using super line hooks. A standard Gamakatsu 3/0 extra wide gap hook was around 1/16 oz. added if I remember right.

[NitroZ9]

You might want to take a look at the Denali Jadewood series. These rods are all in the $100 price range and come with a limited lifetime warranty. They are a very big seller for Denali because of their quality and value. For the money, I don't think you will find a nicer rod. You can go to the Denali website and check them out.

[BASSclary]

As far as rods go, if your looking for a ML go with the LTB without a doubt. Now, if you're looking for a M or another MH, I would stay with the Powell Max series. They're the best rods out there for under 2 bones hands down. I liked them MUCH more so than my comparable Avid. However, the LTB is better than the Powell's, but retail is much more, unless you can find the model you want in the bargain room.

I would opt for a Powell Max 702C. They're very versatile rods, and having a M for smaller lighter lures comes in handy.

Also, the Diesel rods do not have the same blank, but apparently they are pretty close.

[skeletor6]

Thank you all for your input and responses. I think I have it narrowed down to three rods. I have yet to decide about the power rating of the rod, but which of these three rods will have the best sensitivity and is the best rod. Either 1) Powell Max 2) St. Croix LEgend Tournament Bass LTBC70MHXF/11 3) Duckett Micro Magic

Thank you

[BASSclary]

1)St.Croix

2)Powell

3)Duckett.

In that order.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

How set are you on a 3rd MH?

I purchased the LTB 69MLXF and it handles Fat Ikas, Damiki Hydras very well . The Hydra is .429oz and add what a hook weighs and it right near 1/2oz. Use of a 5" senko the feel of it with the XF tip is VERY good. Ive pulled in 15"-16" bass so far and it not lacking for backbone in its power rating. I will be using 1/8-1/4oz jig w/ baby craw with it. Im use to ML moderate rod though fighting the same size fish so its going to feel more powerful. I think that MHXF is going to be a very stout rod and might lose some enjoyment out of the fight of the fish if that makes sense. I have MHF Premier and the same size fish15"-16" its like- meh

Scratch that, I just read why in the other thead cant trump that recommendation.

[skeletor6]

I narrowed it down to the St. Croix LTB should I get the ML or MH? I have a 7' MH Lightning shock and 6'8 MH Powell Max. This will make my third rod that I will use. From other posts it seems as though I may be limited to 1/4 oz jigs and light t-rigs with the ML.

Would the 7'mhxf be able to handle the finesse fishing well and throw larger baits, or by having everything MH am I missing out on a lot of sensitivity and technique when fishing weightless Senkos, light jigs and drop shots?

I'm leaning towards MH because of all the mention of getting a heavy powered rod and those arguments. Also because with only three setups I do not want my best rod to be very specific and not very versatile.

What do you all think?

[The Rooster]

I'd get one that is versatile, even if it was a duplicate of the others, then sell the others and get a lighter version of the one you're getting now. Have great stuff all the way around.

[skeletor6]

So Rooster, you think I should try to get the St. Croix LTB in MH. Then sell my other rods to get another St. Croix LTB in ML? That idea is appealing, why do you think that that will be my best route to go? How much of an upgrade is a Legend Tournament Bass over my Powell Max 683c?

[The Rooster]

I just think you will end up liking your higher quality rods best. You'll want to use them all the time so I'd get something versatile. You can keep the Powell max since its a good rod. It's a MH, right? Use it for spinnerbaits and jigs. You can get the new rod in a M power for lighter stuff. Or get another MH, since I actually find a need for two, use one for spinnerbaits and the other for jigs. With two MH rods you could even keep a jig on one and a Texas rig on the other all the time.

A MH to me is good for jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and things like that. I use these type baits often enough that one rod for all of them isn't really enough. I can use two identical rigs really. Gear ratio of the reel is about the only difference. 7.0 on one and a 6.4 on the other. That is perfect for me.

Then a M rod is nice for lighter baits, and things like jerk baits, some crank baits, or even some plastics.

I just know that once I started getting better rods the cheaper ones ended up laying in the boat floor while I tried to make the better ones work for things they weren't intended for. Rather than add something new to rods that you know will not get used much afterwards, it's best to just plan on upgrading, decide where you want to be with it all when done and then proceed towards that goal.

[skeletor6]

I just think you will end up liking your higher quality rods best. You'll want to use them all the time so I'd get something versatile. You can keep the Powell max since its a good rod. It's a MH, right? Use it for spinnerbaits and jigs. You can get the new rod in a M power for lighter stuff. Or get another MH, since I actually find a need for two, use one for spinnerbaits and the other for jigs. With two MH rods you could even keep a jig on one and a Texas rig on the other all the time.

A MH to me is good for jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, and things like that. I use these type baits often enough that one rod for all of them isn't really enough. I can use two identical rigs really. Gear ratio of the reel is about the only difference. 7.0 on one and a 6.4 on the other. That is perfect for me.

Then a M rod is nice for lighter baits, and things like jerk baits, some crank baits, or even some plastics.

I just know that once I started getting better rods the cheaper ones ended up laying in the boat floor while I tried to make the better ones work for things they weren't intended for. Rather than add something new to rods that you know will not get used much afterwards, it's best to just plan on upgrading, decide where you want to be with it all when done and then proceed towards that goal.

I went ahead and purchased the St. Croix LTBC70MHXF so that will give me 3 MH setups two 7 footers and one 6'8''

I agree with your philosophy, after using the powell max I did not feel like using my berkley lightning and especially not my shakespeare. Since the MH can be used for multiple purposes I went ahead with your recommendation. Which rod should I use for dropshotting and weightless t-rigs and wacky rigs, either the Powell Max 6'8' MHXF' or the LTB 7' MHXF?

I figure I can use the berkley lightning shock for my spinnerbait/cranking/buzzbait/topwater and allow my powell max and St. Croix LTB handle all of my jigging, t-rigging, wacky rigging, and other techniques that really require that added sensitivity and tricky hooksets. Does that sound like a good strategy? I am just throwing out ideas here, because this is coming from someone who is very unexperienced when it comes to this sort of subject.

Thanks a bunch!