A Few Rod Questions.

[coots]

I am fairly new to 'serious' fishing. My dad and I are in a club now and as I get more interested in doing some 'serious' fishing. I want to upgrade some of my equipment, slowly and as most these days, on a budget. First, if you haven't read my introduction, please see this post on this forum. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118453-hello-from-bama/

 

 

It may help you better understand one of my needs out of the rod, or if it will impact the rod selection.

 

First of all, I will be using the rod for Texas Rig'n. Mostly 7" worms, senko's (maybe), that type stuff. Soft plastics, weight, hook. 

 

doing some research, the consensus is around a 7' rod, Medium Heavy, fast or extra fast. I am in line with all that, or something around that... 7' 1" wouldn't bother me, I'm a tall guy if that matters.

 

So my budget is going to be around ~$100.00. I say ~ because if it $120 would get me a lot more quality of a rod then I am willing to dump $20 more into it. So far these are the ones that I have on the top of my list, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

1.  *** *** - 7'1 Medium Heavy / Fast $99.99 Tackle Warehouse 
2. Abu Garcia Veritas - 7' Medium Heavy / Fast $99.99

3. St. Croix Mojo Bass - 7' Medium Heavy / Fast $99.99

4. Falcon Bocoo - 6' 10" Medium Heavy / Fast $99.99

5. Bass Pro Shop Bionic Blade XPS Micro Guide - 7' Medium Heavy / Fast $79.99

 

I am open to anything else. Being I am sight challenged, one of my biggest questions is this. When the rods are in the rod locker or sitting around while fishing, it is very hard for me to look and 'find' which one I'm reaching for. The only idea i can come up with is for me to wrap a small piece, maybe a 1/2 inch thick piece of duct tape in the florescent colors.. neon green, orange, blue etc. That way I'll know that the neon yellow is for my worm rod. Thought about sticking that at the bottom around the handle on the blank. Will this affect the sensitivity of the rod any? The sensitivity of the rod is probably more important to me since I can't see the line for bites.. it's strictly on the feel of the rod. 

[coots]

And for kicks and giggles I'll throw in the Shimano Compre - 7' 2" Medium Heavy / Fast $99.99

[hooah212002]

Don't rule out a Powell Diesell for $69.99 at TW.

 

BassPro has rod socks that you (should) could use to easily identify. That way you get the added bonus of having your rods protected. Not sure off hand how many different colors there are, though (basspro.com and my work computer don't mix well).

[dodgeguy]

the falcon bucoo will be the lightest out of them all.it's a very high quality proven brand and they make their own blanks here in the usa.

[coots]

Thanks for the fast input guys! I am def. checking out the rod socks.... that is interesting. 

[mtaag3]

Skeet Reese

BPS Extreme

[coots]

I spotted that Skeet Reese rod at my local Wal-mart. It was the Crankbait / Worm rod they had I think.. it was around $89.99 if I'm not mistaken. 

[JunkYard814]

I own the Mojo, I like it, but it's my first rod I bought over $50 so I don't really have anything to compare too. I also just purchased a Powell Diesel that I plan on using this weekend too. I'll let you know how it is after this weekend.

 

I'd be careful about that flexible budget. Two months ago I was in that exact price range you are and willing to go a little bit over. $20 opened up an entire new tier of rods, and then I figured well for another $20 more I could get something better. Ended up walking away with a St Croix Legend Tournament that I paid over $200 for.  

[SwampLife]

I was in the same boat as you I couldn't make up my mind.. I got it down to veritas micro, mojo bass or ***..I was in search for a Texas rig rod to throw no heavier than 1/8 weights... After tons of research I just ordered the *** *** 7-1.. And being I will be throwing a really light rig,I chose the medium.. Sorry I can't tell you how i like it yet but many guys on here can.. And it's almost impossible to find a bad review on them any where on the Internet!

[Bluebasser86]

It's not on your list but I'd go with a BPS Carbonlite in that price range. Super light and sensitive. 

[Capt.Bob]

I always think a good rod for someone starting a serious arsenal is The St. Croix Avid, for your want's the 7' MHF would do you justice, lot of backbone and very sensitive, and fairly light in weight. I am sure there are better, as good, and plenty that will work but just a little lacking. It is easy to recamend a Legend Elite but that is a hunk of change. the Avid can be had new for around $180.00 and is warranted for life, used for 110 to 150 but well worth the money, and St. Croix craftsmanship is obvious.

 

I would say of the ones you listed the Bionic Blade is the sleeper of the bunch, very rugged and good sensitivity, quality well above its price! My choice of the ones you mention.

[lmbfisherman]

My choice from that list would be the Compre or Veritas.  Those are the ones I have the most experience with.  I like the Compre over the Veritas as to me it is more sensitive and is truer to it's rating. 

[daddyrule4]

*** ***, but would also recommend bps carbonlite