Carolina Rod Question

[Oregon Native]

If possible could I get your opinions on say a 7 1/2 ft carolina rod.  I have tried a couple of my older rods and have broken them on hooksets.  I don't think I set to hard but was sure disapointed.  I picked up a Ducket 7 ft plus heavy cranking rod the other day and it didn't feel bad.  I'm using a 6 1/2 short ol fenwick composit now and it's holding up but too short I believe.  Am throwing 14/17 lb line.

Thank you for input

[Grantman83]

C rigs are usually longer and I prefer a heavy power. A cranking rod probably isn't want you want because the bend in the rod will be a hindrance to hooksets. Figure, you are going to have a large amount of line out (most of the time) and as such you are going to want a rod that can pick up slack quickly.

I would need a price range before recommending a brand but I would say you want between a 7'2-8ft and between a MHF and HF. Line wise, some guys prefer braid with a leader but I like fluoro and a leader. C rigs are usually thrown into rocks and braid doesn't have the best abrasion resistance.

I use the dx ml jig rod which is a heavy powered 7'8 rod meant for deep water football jigs and c rigs. Great great rod for this application

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The power of a C-rig rod should be matched to cover conditions and bait weight like any other. For me, that's usually a Heavy/Fast. Be aware of the hookset and be sure you're not high-sticking the rod. It often won't take much force to bend the tip over if the rod tip is real high. 

[mjseverson24]

I like the Skeet reese C-Rig rod, it is 7'6" MH/MF I like the slower action it helps keep pressure on the fish, I typically do a hard reel set when C-rig fishing, but if you like to do a sweep set i think the fast action is the better rout to go... 

 

Mitch

[frogflogger]

If you're breaking rods your hookset style/position needs work - we use to have folks set the hook with their line tied to a scale - good way to learn efficient rod movement and dispel preconceived notions - it isn't about brute force

[daiwaguy]

I like a 7'3' to a 7'6" H/F. I like to set the hook with a side sweep, I feel this gives the best hook up ratio. I also Like a good sensetive rod, FC line, Tungsten weight,and a Carolina keeper. I use FC becuase I have alot of fish hit the bait on slack line and the Carolina keeper for quick depth changes incase you find some grass. The main reason I recommend  FC and Tungsten is because if you dont feel the bite and get the hookset fast enough the fish can and most of the time will swallow the hook. It is always fun to catch a hog on the C rig but can also ruin your day really fast when you notice the hook is in its stomach.

[motodmast]

i use a dobyns 745 its a 7'4" 5 power rod. fast tip and 1/4-1-1/2 oz raiting. im normally using a 3/4oz weight. this rods handles it like a dream. although its expensive i do recommend it. also, a 735 would make a great rod, and about $100 cheeper

[KevO]

I've used a Dobyns, Champion 705, 735 and a Loomis BCFR 954 GLX for Carolina rigs... I like the loomis best because it is longer, the sensitivity between the rods is a toss up.

[webertime]

Lamiglas Excel or Excel II 735 is a great Carolina Rig rod. Little higher end would be the Phenix Recon 2 766 model. All have an average lure weight around 1oz.

[Drewski73]

I have 2 C-Rig rods. For lighter weights (3/8 and under), and (usually) shallower water I fish a Dobyns Champion 763, its a 7'-6" rod rated 8-17lb line and 1/4 to 1oz weights. For (usually) deeper water and heavier (1/2 to 3/4oz) weights I fish a Champion 804C its an 8 foot rod rated at 12-25 lb line and 3/8 to 1-1/2oz weights.

 

Just kind of depends how you fish a c-rig.

 

They both pull double duty when Im fishing shallow, or timber. The 763 is a great wacky rigged senko rod, and the 804 is a great jig rod when I need them.

 

The 763 has 30lb braid main line and the 804 has 65lb braid main line. Ill fish mono or flouro leaders on either rod. Usually 12lb on the 763 and 12,15 or 17 on the 804.

[kickerfish1]

NRX 873 CRR or Megabass Orochi xx EMTF. Both double as good jig or plastics rods as well as several others techniques. A bit on the steep side of things price wise, but both have good components overall, and are very sensitive for deep water fishing.

[martintheduck]

7'6 Duckett Micro Magic Heavy. Works amazing.