Shakey Head Rod Question

[B@ssCrzy]

I am looking at buying a new shakey head rod and when I looked at a lot of the rods made specifically for this technique it seems they are shorter and not as stiff (or fast). I was using a 6'6" MF casting rod this summer, and feel that I prefer a 7' rod for the added casting distance. I just started using shakey heads this summer seemed to prefer a stiffer rod as I felt like I was able to control the action of it better than a "limp" rod. I also lost a few fish so I am wondering if this was the rod or me. I am looking at getting a 7' medium/fast Veritas. So my question is....am I missing something? Should I go with the Veritas or something else? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys!!

[Quitlimpin]

Based on your description of what you prefer, it sounds to me like an extra fast rod would suit you better.

[Arv]

What is your price range? I see you mentioned the Veritas, so I'm assuming around $100? I personally think its worth spending towards the top of your budget on bottom contact and finesse rods since sensitivity will be a large factor in detecting bites. For shakey heads, I primarily use a Dobyns Champion 702c with a Curado 51e. If you are sticking to the $100 price mark, also check out the Shimano Compre. I think its a great rod in that price range.

[Crappiebasser]

I started with a 6'6" MF Avid and found it to be too slow. I now use a 68MXF. The biggest thing that helped me fish a shakey head was going to yellow braid with e flouro leader. You would be amazed at how many fish move the line that you would never feel.

[B@ssCrzy]

I started with a 6'6" MF Avid and found it to be too slow. I now use a 68MXF. The biggest thing that helped me fish a shakey head was going to yellow braid with e flouro leader. You would be amazed at how many fish move the line that you would never feel.

That is a good thought...I actually use yellow braid on my spinning reels. Last year I was using a baitcaster with red braid and a mono leader (not real easy to see), but I am going to switch to a spinning reel this coming summer and was planning on using the yellow braid.

What is your price range? I see you mentioned the Veritas, so I'm assuming around $100? I personally think its worth spending towards the top of your budget on bottom contact and finesse rods since sensitivity will be a large factor in detecting bites. For shakey heads, I primarily use a Dobyns Champion 702c with a Curado 51e. If you are sticking to the $100 price mark, also check out the Shimano Compre. I think its a great rod in that price range.

My price range is under $100, but was hoping to even save more by buying the Veritas on TW and getting the 20% off they are offering right now. Getting a quality rod for $80 seems pretty tempting.

[Arv]

My price range is under $100, but was hoping to even save more by buying the Veritas on TW and getting the 20% off they are offering right now. Getting a quality rod for $80 seems pretty tempting.

If that's your price range, I don't think you can go wrong with the Veritas. I've had two and they definitely get the job done. Come to think of it, I caught my PB on the 6'9.

[kickerfish1]

It wasn't noted in your post but I assume you want a spinning rod over a casting rod?

What rod were using prior that you didn't care for?

I am pretty impressed with the Fenwick elite tech smallmouth series rods. They offer a 6'9 medium XF rod that would be perfect. Price on the rod is $129 but I have seen these rods for $69. Throw in a lifetime warranty and I believe through the end of December fenwick will give you a hooded sweatshirt for $10 and it is a very good buy. I have two elite tech rods and for the price they fish very good!

[Christian M]

If you're price range is under $100, IMHO, I would say you don't have to go for a lower end name brand rod. You could do just as well with a higher end Field & Stream or BPS rod. I love shakey head fishing, its one of my go to techniques & lures. I bought a Field & Stream Tech Spec "shakey head, drop shot" rod & I absolutely love it! Its 6'10 Medium action w/a fast tip. For $60 I would really reccomend it. I own St. Croix, Abu Garcia, Shimano, Quantum, Wright McGill, & Carrot Stix rods. I use the Field & Stream rod for shakey head fishing ONLY w/a higher end Abu or Diawa reel. I like using 6lb flouro as opposed to braided because the technique is all about keeping constant bottom contact. If you find braided works better for you, then go for it, but def check out the F&S 6'10" shakey head rod. It wont break the bank, & with a $100 price range, you can buy yourself a reel too.

[Hanover_Yakker]

x2 on what was just said - for me I have used a St. Croix MojoBass Wackey Style rod (6'8"MXF but really leans towards more of a MH IMHO), but now I use a Shimano Clarus Worm n Jig model I got form BPS for $80. It's a 7'2" Medium Extra Fast rod with a split grip and large amounts of exposed IM9 blank, and I use it know almost exclusively and am very pleased with it. If you wanted to spend a shade over the century mark, then jump on the AVID that is f/s in the Flea Market for $130 - it's a 6'8" MXF and would be perfect.

[B@ssCrzy]

Thanks everyone for their input. Had to make a quick decision last night and went ahead and jumped on the Veritas for $80 at TW. If it turns out to not be the best for shakey heads that means I just have to buy a new rod....Oh darn!! Thanks for the input.

[Christian M]

I have a Veritas 7'6" MH, fortunately I bought it knowing that they under rate the Veritas rods. I use the one I own for flipping & pitching & I absolutely love it.

[bassr95]

I would second the yellow braid to flouro or mono leader setup. I really like being able to see exactly what my line is doing.