Shaky Head Rod Questions

[jonnyblazex]

Hey guys, first post, although I have been a troller here for a while. Good info on this site for sure! I'm looking at investing in a new shaky head rod, and need a little input. I have been wondering if I should get a medium light or medium. I cast mostly 1/8 to 1/4 shaky heads, and feel the med light accomidates those weights better than the med. I am thinking about getting a longer rod, 7 footer.

My current setup is a 6 foot 6 Scheels Guide series spinning rod med extra fast, and has ni7 nanotechnology, 125 dollar rod. It is a prett sensitive rod, but leaves some to be desired. The reel is a shimano Sonora 2500 spooled with 20 lb power pro braid and a 10lb seaguar fluoro leader. I have caught a lot of bass on this setup last year, and a couple real nice ones.

Anyways, what are the advantages of med light vs med in the shaky head world? Right now I have 2 spinning rods in mind, the Shimano Crucial m or ml in 7 ft 1 xf for $150 (that's my price range on a spinning rod) or the Okuma Concept C3-40x about $160 In the same length and action. The okuma is more appealing to me, but have not held one before. I held a crucial, and it seemed pretty light and had a nice tip, but its hard to say what it would feel like on the water. The Okuma is 40 ton graphite, which I believe is only IM7? And the shimano says IM 10 right on the blank. I have heard some stuff about the Crucial, but VERY little on the Okuma. It is Okumas top of the line freshwater rod I do believe. Hopefully someone here can help me out on these two, unless there is a better rid in this price range, and do I get Med or Med Light? Thanks!

[Rangerphil]

I would go with medium. I have a crucial in 7 foot medium that I use for shakey head and I would not want to go any lighter. I know you said that 150 is your cut off but if look hard enough you may be able to find a st croix legend tour bass for around 200. This is a sweet rod! Also I have not used them but you can defintely find an avid for that price range and you would be set! I like shimano rods but I think the st. Croix are a little stiffer in the same action compared to other rods which I like. Keep looking and do some research there maybe something a little better out there than the crucial! I guess I am just not that happy with mine!

[livetofish28]

My shaky head setup is a St Croix legend tournament 6'10 m x-fast with a revo sx 30 with 10# power pro and boy is it a good rod I recommend looking for one of these if you can if not the St Croix rage series is a another good rod and is in your price range I have one I use for senkos in the same action and it works good for shaky head also either way you will end up with a good rod

Tight lines

Andrew

[WIGuide]

I don't fish shaky heads much but here's some food for thought that I found about graphite on another site.

 

IM6, IM7, etc.: These are trade names for particular graphite produced by the Hexcel Corporation. These numbers are not industry standards or an indication of quality, especially since other companies use the designations to refer to graphite not made by Hexcel. At best, they allow you to compare the quality of the material used to build different rods by the same manufacturer. You can be confident that the IM7 rod would use better graphite than the IM6 rod if both are made by the same manufacturer. It's more difficult to say the same about rods from two different companies, since they could be made from material from completely different manufacturers.

Modulus: As stated above, modulus refers to the stiffness of the graphite, not the amount of material used or the number of graphite fibers incorporated into the sheets. Buying a rod based solely on the modulus rating is a mistake because other factors must be considered. For instance, you don't want the stiffest rod for light line techniques or cranking. In addition, other qualities must be incorporated in the graphite itself and the rod must be designed correctly to ensure the best performance and durability of the rod. The other components that go into a quality rod can also add significantly to the cost.

[jonnyblazex]

Thank you guys for the replies. I did a little searching and find a lot of guys like the st croix avid 6'8 med xf as their shaky rod. Its not a lot more than I was willing to pay, especially if it puts the other two to shame. Couple quick questions, how is the tip, is it super stiff, or does it have just the right give to work the shaky head with ease? Also, what would some of the other brand competitors be for this rod? I wouldn't have such a problem dropping 200 for a baitcast rod, but for a spinning its a little on the high side. If the rod is asgood as everyone says, it should be money well spent though. I wish I could hold one in my hand, but nobody in a 100 mile radius has them on hand. Thanks again guys.

[smalljaw67]

My shaky head rod is a Fenwick Elite Tech smallmouth spinning rod, 6'9" medium power with extra fast action, I have a medium light as well that I use for small hair jigs and I have used it for shaky heads and I feel the medium is the best bet. The reason why is you may be throwing 1/8oz to 1/4oz heads but what kind of worms? I don't know about you but I use some small finesse worms but I will also use larger worms like senkos or Stanley Sidewinders and the Hags Tornado and with those types of baits even on a 1/8oz head the medium will be better because you will have plenty of power to set the hook as you will be in the the rods normal weight reange were as a medium light you'll be on the upper end of the rods power range. I think the medium light is great for drop shots but a little too light for a good shaky head rod.

[livetofish28]

Thank you guys for the replies. I did a little searching and find a lot of guys like the st croix avid 6'8 med xf as their shaky rod. Its not a lot more than I was willing to pay, especially if it puts the other two to shame. Couple quick questions, how is the tip, is it super stiff, or does it have just the right give to work the shaky head with ease? Also, what would some of the other brand competitors be for this rod? I wouldn't have such a problem dropping 200 for a baitcast rod, but for a spinning its a little on the high side. If the rod is asgood as everyone says, it should be money well spent though. I wish I could hold one in my hand, but nobody in a 100 mile radius has them on hand. Thanks again guys.

I fished that exact rod as a borrowed rod in my first tournament and loved it. It is light and sensitive and has a huge fan base I love all of my st Croixs from my Mojos to my LTBs you will be happy with that rod

Tight lines

Andrew

[Sam]

Jonny,

Wait for the upcoming sales at BPS and Cabela's before you make your purchase. You can upgrade your rod selection or save some money.

 

Use this time to do your research about the different shaky head rods out there. There are some that are specifically designed for the shaky head presentation.

 

St. Croix is an excellent rod.

 

How about adding your location so we can give you better advice about fishing in your area of the world.

[Rangerphil]

Funny how different everyone is! I would always spend more on a spinning rod rather than a baitcaster rod! Maybe being from up north is part of the reason.

[jonnyblazex]

Sorry about my location, I live in southern Minnesota. No bass fishin for me, there's about 2 1/2 feet of ice on the lakes. Haha. Anyone know when cabelas or bps sales go on? Right around opener? Thanks.

[Arv]

If I'm using the spinning rod for bottom contact presentations (like a shakey head) I'll definitely spend the same amount of money that I would on a bc rod. My main jig rod is a dobyns champion extreme. My shakey head rod is also a Champ extreme.