Shaky And Finesse Setup

[swmofisher]

I've been using a Johnny Morris 7' Medium spinning rod for my finesse jigs and shaky heads but I feel like I'm losing too many fish. I want a MH or just a better M rod for under $100. What do you recommend and what is your Finesse setup?

[BradGuenette]

Try a ML setup, I use a ML fast 6lb sometimes even 4lb FC for shaky heads, split shoting,wacky. Think finesse...light lines,light rods.

[BenBassmaster]

My new finesse set up I got for Christmas, is a Abu Garcia Cardinal 101 ($40.00) paired with a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock medium 6 foot ($40.00). I haven't tried it out yet, but its my finesse rod for 2013.

[iabass8]

My spinning finesse set up is a 69mlxf st.croix legend xtreme with 1000 stradic. Usually use 7# fluoro but smetimes in the year its 6/2 suffix 832 /w a flioro leader. Love this setup for shakey head fishing.

[kickerfish1]

What size are the shakey heads and jigs you are throwing?

Do you need the same rod for other techniques...dropshot, splitshot rigs, tubes, flickshakes, smaller grubs, etc..?

The above questions may need answered to determine if medium light, medium, or medium heavy would be best. I doubt bumping up to medium heavy would be best unless these baits are pushing 1/4 - 3/8 oz.

You mentioned that you have the BPS JM rod in a medium power. This rod sells for over $100 if I am not mistaken. So you are wanting a rod that you can purchase for under $100 but will fish better? Unless you explore some used rod options it may be a tough task. You note you are losing too many fish but without knowing what reel or line you are using it could be either one of these items and not necessarily the rod.

For line I would use 8# floro. Some good quality manageable line like invisix or sniper. I haven't had any issues losing fish on either.

When looking at the reel I would suggest a 2500 series shimano. This would be a good reel for 8# lime and can handle 10# if you feel you need it.

Next would be consider your drag and the role it plays with spinning tackle. Unlike casting gear where it is more acceptable to lock the drag down and horse the fish in, the opposite holds true with spinning gear. It is difficult to put into words how to set it but you should hear drag during the fight. By setting your drag accordingly you can help keep those fish pinned on the line better, preventing the hooks from ripping out or the line braking.

I have a fair amount of spinning rigs for finesse fishing but my to favorites are:

- 7'2 ML cumara

-6'9 ML fenwick elite tech

-6'9 M cabelas XML to

-6'6 MH TD light and tough... note this is a "mag" finesse rig with baits over 3/8 oz

These are all paired up with 2500 series shimano reels and 8# invisix or sniper.