New Rod Help

[aquaholic]

I need to pick up a new spinning rod. I currently use a 6' medium ugly stik. Its been a decent rod but I feel like im missing out on a lot of feel with it. I fish a lot from the shore or small flat bottoms so i dont have the luxury of being able to take out a rod for every technique so I use mainly 1 spinning setup for most of my soft plastics. This new rod will be mainly used for weightless, shaky heads, and wacky. Id like to stay around 100-120 for the rod. at my local store i really like the st croix mojo series but i hear a lot about the *** here so i figured it would be best to ask for your opinions on which brand and specs. My local shop doesnt carry the 13s so i wont be able to get a look at them before i buy, but if they are superior id rather take a chance. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I'm not all that familiar with the ***, but the St Croix is light years ahead of the Ugly Stick as far as sensitivity. 

[Darren.]

I need to pick up a new spinning rod. I currently use a 6' medium ugly stik. Its been a decent rod but I feel like im missing out on a lot of feel with it. I fish a lot from the shore or small flat bottoms so i dont have the luxury of being able to take out a rod for every technique so I use mainly 1 spinning setup for most of my soft plastics. This new rod will be mainly used for weightless, shaky heads, and wacky. Id like to stay around 100-120 for the rod. at my local store i really like the st croix mojo series but i hear a lot about the *** here so i figured it would be best to ask for your opinions on which brand and specs. My local shop doesnt carry the 13s so i wont be able to get a look at them before i buy, but if they are superior id rather take a chance.

*** rods get good marks from folks here. But there are a lot of rods that would be a great deal more sensitive than Ugly Stiks. I have a couple Ugly Stik Lites that mostly get used for salt water or fresh water live bait presentations.

DVT is right with St. Croix, but you could also consider Shimano, Team Daiwa, Abu Veritas, and so on. See what your local shops carry and get your hands on them. At many shops you can bring in your reel to see how it balances out.

While I won't try to steer you away from the ***, realize that buying sight unseen/never held (for any brand) and only on someone's recommendation may leave you with buyer's remorse. One man's fav rod is another man's most hated. It boils down to a personal decision only you should make.

[MrSwimJig]

Having fished both the Mojo Bass and the *** Black I personally prefer the *** Black. Its light, sensitive and balances extremely well. Looks very nice also.

The Mojo is a great rod but is very tip heavy to me.

I currently have the *** Black in 7' 3" M/F and use it for light jigs, tubes etc...

[Arv]

I like the Mojo, but like Mr. Swim Jig mentioned, it is a bit tip heavy. I like the Veritas as well, I just don't like the trigger on the grip. My favorite rod in the 100 dollar range is the Shimano Compre. I haven't messed around with an *** but I'm sure you will hear a lot of good things about it.

[lmbfisherman]

I agree with Darren regarding the statement of buying a rod or reel without handling personally.  Even if a rod gets a 5 out of 5 from everyone, the feel may not be right for you.  I never buy a rod/reel without holding it and looking at the workmanship.  Hence why I haven't bought a Phenix Rod, Lews or an *** Black.  All get rave reviews, but without holding it (no dealers close by me).  I won't buy new, used maybe an option to keep open as you can hold and feel the rod before purchasing if no dealers are nearby. 

 

I do not have experience using either of the rods you mentioned, but in the range you are looking at..my recommendations would be - Veritas, Compre and Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth..I sound like a broken record, but that last rod is amazing.  Very sensitive and can handle all what you are looking for. 

[southtexasbassin]

Halo rods....