Versatile Rod Advice

[GaterB]

First off, Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!

 

 

 

Every spring I get to fish some canals down in Florida, and it's some of the best fishing I do all year. On any given day we can catch bass from 4-8 lbs from water within walking distance from our hotel! I can only take one combo with me, and it needs to be able to fish a lot of different techniques, from senkos, to frogs, to pitching into nasty grass. While I know there isn't ONE rod that will do all of this at the optimum level of performance, I'm wondering what rod you guys would take? I'm looking to actually buy a rod to take with me this year, so brands and the rod power/ratings are important to me. My budget is pretty high because i'll be saving up for this purchase. Thanks for any advice you can give!

[Teal]

Normally ill tell anybody that a 7' MH is the way to go, but not having fished the FL canals I can't really say.

If u have a lot of nasty grass, I don't k or that I would go lighter

[Darren.]

Merry C back atcha!

 

I am a guy that likes Medium power rods for most everything I do. But given what you described, MH would be the best all-around choice, IMO.

 

As for length, whatever you like.

 

Brands, describe how high your budget is . I mean can you afford a Megabass rod, a Steez? Or are you talking $200 and under?

 

We all love different brands, get your hands on as many as you can at Bass Pro, or other store. If you know the reel you will use, take that in with you and test it out on each rod to get a feel for the balance, etc.

 

Worst thing to do is buy something online you've never tried based on my (or other) opinion and hate how it feels in your hands.

[Raul]

If it were me I would grab a GLoomis MBR 785 for that purpose.

[GaterB]

Merry C back atcha!

 

I am a guy that likes Medium power rods for most everything I do. But given what you described, MH would be the best all-around choice, IMO.

 

As for length, whatever you like.

 

Brands, describe how high your budget is . I mean can you afford a Megabass rod, a Steez? Or are you talking $200 and under?

 

We all love different brands, get your hands on as many as you can at Bass Pro, or other store. If you know the reel you will use, take that in with you and test it out on each rod to get a feel for the balance, etc.

 

Worst thing to do is buy something online you've never tried based on my (or other) opinion and hate how it feels in your hands.

 

 

I'd go as high as $350-$400 probably, because it's a rod I'll use for a long time. I agree about testing them in the store, but as for performance I was wondering if anybody has used these higher end rods, as this will be my first higher end rod purchase 

[Teal]

Based on what you told us and based on what gear I own, I would take my Powell Endurance 725. It is a 7'2 H xf rod. It is an excellent frog or heavy topwwater rod. I've also used it for big jigs, Texas rigs,

I have a Team Lews Pro on it now. 7-1. I had a lews TP on it until recently. I like the light reel l, its really good for the frogs and what not

[BassinLou]

GatorB, I live in South Fl, and I do plenty of canal fishing. My personal go to rod reel set up that has been my workhorse for the canals has been my Avid 7ft MH, and a Lews tournament MG. I have 40lb PP on it and if need be I carry 15 lb fluro with me for leaders. This combo has landed and handled bass over 7+ lb's from the banks with ease. 

[curtis9]

Of the rods I own my dobyns dx 744 is the most versatile of the bunch. Tip is light enough to throw smaller baits but the rod is heavy enough to fish larger baits. I have a core 50mg on mine with 40lb suffix braid. It's an awesome combo

[curtis9]

If you are considering a dobyns, I'd recommend giving them a call to get their recommendations. Tell them the baits you want to throw and they will recommend the best rod for you out of their lineup.

[doyle8218]

I also live in Miami and fish the canals almost everyday. I use a Daiwa Tatula, 6'10" MH fast tip.

Best rod I have ever used.

[GaterB]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Still not exactly sure about a specific rod to invest in yet but ya'll have given me some great ideas

[BassinLou]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Still not exactly sure about a specific rod to invest in yet but ya'll have given me some great ideas

 

You have plenty of choices that's for sure. Good luck. 

[Arv]

Depending on what you can afford, dobyns dx 744c, dobyns 734c or powell 714c.

[zachb34]

I use a 7' MH veritas and a 6'6" MH st.croix premier interchangeably in canals here in Florida I've been experimenting with fluorocarbon but would recommend braid.

[Darren.]

I'd go as high as $350-$400 probably, because it's a rod I'll use for a long time. I agree about testing them in the store, but as for performance I was wondering if anybody has used these higher end rods, as this will be my first higher end rod purchase 

 

Plenty here have! Most expensive I've fished with is my Avid... Held plenty more expensive rods in-store, but I'm out of that market at this point in life.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Daiwa tatula 7'1 MH x-fast

 

Held it in-store and it is sweeeet.

[iabass8]

If I had to use one rod in your specific fishing criteria, it would be the dobyns Champ 735c. the only reason i'd choose the champ over the DX is based on frogs. champ has a better tip than the DX for frogs. 

[GaterB]

If I had to use one rod in your specific fishing criteria, it would be the dobyns Champ 735c. the only reason i'd choose the champ over the DX is based on frogs. champ has a better tip than the DX for frogs. 

 

Starting to lean this direction the more I look around

[EvanT123]

If it were me I would grab a GLoomis MBR 785 for that purpose.

X2 844 might be a good option as well.

[ww2farmer]

I won't get brand specific, but I'll echo what most every one else said. 7' MH will be a pretty versatile stick, and would be my choice if I could only have 1 casting rod. It will do a lot of things great, and some just "ok"....but the things it does great far out weight the " just ok"

[roadwarrior]

GLX MBR844C