Medium Light Casting Rod

[Montanaro]

What advantages are there of using a medium light cranking rod compared to a medium?

The tatula has a ml and it states that is what randy used at the classic. Why would he use the ml?

[kingkong85]

Lure weights are different from medium and medium light. You'll be able to cast heavier lures with medium.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

To effectively cast weights covered by a ML you're looking at big bucks in the way of a reel. This is where spinning tackle is a must for me.

[Montanaro]

Tatula says 1/4 to 5/8 for ml

1/4 to 3/4 for medium

Doesn't seem like it's a big difference.

[John G]

Tatula says 1/4 to 5/8 for ml

1/4 to 3/4 for medium

Doesn't seem like it's a big difference.

The ratings for the ML Tatula are the same as a Loomis MBR782 and MBR842 and they have a line rating of 8-14LBS. The two Loomis's are Medium/Fast. With the Loomis's, a 50 size Shimano will toss a 1/4oz lure with no problems. My point is it seems as though the Tatula is maybe not really a ML but more of a M.

[herruberraschen]

A ML crank rod would be for someone who has a large assortment of crank rods and likes throwing lighter cranks pretty often. If you're deciding between the two I would get the Medium. He may have been using a ML in the Classic because it was early in the year and some people believe the fish are stiffer in the cold water so the light rod would help him land more fish, maybe... Then again maybe it's a slow seller and they're trying to move some inventory.

[smalljaw67]

The ML Tatula is a cranking rod, while it doesn't seem to be too much different from the medium on paper but in reality there is a lot of difference. From what I learned from others is that the medium and medium light are cranking rods with the medium light being a little softer with a full grip. Most medium light casting rods are fast action and can be used for various techniques and are rated at light 1/6oz to 3/8oz or 1/8oz to 5/16oz or along those lines and like DVT already stated, to get a casting reel to match a medium light casting rod it usually cost big bucks unless you are content at using the rod for baits that are at the upper end of the range but then why not just get the medium.

[.ghoti.]

I have that rod, but do not have any tome on the water with it. I have two other ML rods; an LTB 6'9" ML-XF, and a Kistler Helium LTA 7' ML-??. No action is stated for the Helium, but I'd call it a mod-fast action.

 

No comparison between the LTB and the Tatula. Those are completely different rods.

 

The Tatula and the Helium are very similar, to my hands; the Tatula being a bit more powerful. More like a ML+, while the Helium is what I would call ML.

 

I've tested the Tatula with a 1/4oz practice plug, and that weight loads the rod nicely. I'm reasonably certain the rod will load effectively down to maybe 1/8oz.

 

I'll have a report when I get home from the RoadTrip. I will be using the rod for small tubes; finesse size tube, 1/0 light wire EWG hook, and 1/16oz internal weight. I have a tuned up Alphas, spooled with 8lb test mono, mounted and ready to go. I'm hoping this will be my new light weight tube rod. If it doesn't shine for that, I have another small crank rod.

[WIGuide]

The ratings for the ML Tatula are the same as a Loomis MBR782 and MBR842 and they have a line rating of 8-14LBS. The two Loomis's are Medium/Fast. With the Loomis's, a 50 size Shimano will toss a 1/4oz lure with no problems. My point is it seems as though the Tatula is maybe not really a ML but more of a M.

There isn't an industry standard for rod powers, so one brands ML can be the equivalent to another brands M. So you'd be correct in saying that it may fish more like other brands M power rods.

[webertime]

Mr .ghoti, do you have an update on your thoughts on the Tatula ml?

[.ghoti.]

Mr .ghoti, do you have an update on your thoughts on the Tatula ml?

 I've tried three times now to give you an answer. Got interrupted each time. Hope I make it through this time.

 

First impressions; blank is dead straight, guides are all at top dead center, wraps and epoxy are clean and neat, the reel seat is very comfortable, and everything is fitted very nicely. Looks a lot better than a $150 stick.

 

It has a full length, foam rear grip, which is a non-issue for me. Most of my rods are split grip, but I have a few full grip rods, and one with no grips at all. I like them all. I find the arguments about full vs split, and cork vs foam, amusing.

 

The handle is a good length. Not too long, as is the case more and more often these days. There's been a lot of interweb whining about rods being tip heavy, and the manufacturers have responded by moving the reel seat forward, creating over-long, unwieldy handles. I want to tell all those folks complaining about tip heavy rods, that if a fraction of a foot/pound of torque on your wrist is just too much for you, take up knitting, and leave the fishing to real men.

 

I have to say, I really like this rod. It's a good shallow to medium depth crankbait stick. Not enough backbone for a DD22.

 

Tried a 1/2oz spinnerbait. Does much better with a 3/8oz. I don't know exactly what a 1/2oz, double willow spinnerbait with trailer weighs, but it's a bit too much for this rod.

 

Tried the small tube, 1/16oz weight and light wire hook. Not so good. This is too little weight to load the rod enough for effective, accurate casting. Close, but no cigar. I thought it would work. I was wrong. Back to the spinning rod for small tubes.

 

Tried a Houdini shad(fluke) on a 4/0 EWG hook. This weighs between 3/16 and 1/4oz, and loads the rod nicely. Ditto for a 1/8oz shaky ehad and trick worm. Ditto for an 1/8oz finesse jig with baby craw trailer.

 

Overall, a really nice crankbait rod that is sensitive enough to pull light weight plastics duty. The mod-fast action is a plus for a light line guy like me.

[Tywithay]

The ML Tatula also features a shorter full eva handle. It doubles as a fairly long jerkbait rod, as well as light cranks.

[.ghoti.]

The ML Tatula also features a shorter full eva handle. It doubles as a fairly long jerkbait rod, as well as light cranks.

That's the one I was talking about. Or, is there more than one ML in the lineup?

[Mr Swim Jig]

 I've tried three times now to give you an answer. Got interrupted each time. Hope I make it through this time.

 

First impressions; blank is dead straight, guides are all at top dead center, wraps and epoxy are clean and neat, the reel seat is very comfortable, and everything is fitted very nicely. Looks a lot better than a $150 stick.

 

It has a full length, foam rear grip, which is a non-issue for me. Most of my rods are split grip, but I have a few full grip rods, and one with no grips at all. I like them all. I find the arguments about full vs split, and cork vs foam, amusing.

 

The handle is a good length. Not too long, as is the case more and more often these days. There's been a lot of interweb whining about rods being tip heavy, and the manufacturers have responded by moving the reel seat forward, creating over-long, unwieldy handles. I want to tell all those folks complaining about tip heavy rods, that if a fraction of a foot/pound of torque on your wrist is just too much for you, take up knitting, and leave the fishing to real men.

 

I have to say, I really like this rod. It's a good shallow to medium depth crankbait stick. Not enough backbone for a DD22.

 

Tried a 1/2oz spinnerbait. Does much better with a 3/8oz. I don't know exactly what a 1/2oz, double willow spinnerbait with trailer weighs, but it's a bit too much for this rod.

 

Tried the small tube, 1/16oz weight and light wire hook. Not so good. This is too little weight to load the rod enough for effective, accurate casting. Close, but no cigar. I thought it would work. I was wrong. Back to the spinning rod for small tubes.

 

Tried a Houdini shad(fluke) on a 4/0 EWG hook. This weighs between 3/16 and 1/4oz, and loads the rod nicely. Ditto for a 1/8oz shaky ehad and trick worm. Ditto for an 1/8oz finesse jig with baby craw trailer.

 

Overall, a really nice crankbait rod that is sensitive enough to pull light weight plastics duty. The mod-fast action is a plus for a light line guy like me.

 

 

Thanks for the info on this rod.

[new2BC4bass]

 I've tried three times now to give you an answer. Got interrupted each time. Hope I make it through this time.

 

First impressions; blank is dead straight, guides are all at top dead center, wraps and epoxy are clean and neat, the reel seat is very comfortable, and everything is fitted very nicely. Looks a lot better than a $150 stick.

 

It has a full length, foam rear grip, which is a non-issue for me. Most of my rods are split grip, but I have a few full grip rods, and one with no grips at all. I like them all. I find the arguments about full vs split, and cork vs foam, amusing.

 

The handle is a good length. Not too long, as is the case more and more often these days. There's been a lot of interweb whining about rods being tip heavy, and the manufacturers have responded by moving the reel seat forward, creating over-long, unwieldy handles. I want to tell all those folks complaining about tip heavy rods, that if a fraction of a foot/pound of torque on your wrist is just too much for you, take up knitting, and leave the fishing to real men.

 

I have to say, I really like this rod. It's a good shallow to medium depth crankbait stick. Not enough backbone for a DD22.

 

Tried a 1/2oz spinnerbait. Does much better with a 3/8oz. I don't know exactly what a 1/2oz, double willow spinnerbait with trailer weighs, but it's a bit too much for this rod.

 

Tried the small tube, 1/16oz weight and light wire hook. Not so good. This is too little weight to load the rod enough for effective, accurate casting. Close, but no cigar. I thought it would work. I was wrong. Back to the spinning rod for small tubes.

 

Tried a Houdini shad(fluke) on a 4/0 EWG hook. This weighs between 3/16 and 1/4oz, and loads the rod nicely. Ditto for a 1/8oz shaky ehad and trick worm. Ditto for an 1/8oz finesse jig with baby craw trailer.

 

Overall, a really nice crankbait rod that is sensitive enough to pull light weight plastics duty. The mod-fast action is a plus for a light line guy like me.

 

Nice review.  I won't say anything about some of the none review remarks other than to agree with you. 

 

OP: as mentioned before and pointed out in Gary's review a true ML (or Light) rod is needed to throw lighter weights.  A rod that won't load is pretty near worthless (for that weight).  I've got a Villain ML spinning rod.  Low rating is 1/8 oz. (which I haven't tried yet).  I figured "Hey, it's a spinning rod.  It'll handle bluegill size lures (1/16 oz.)."  Nope.  Rod won't load enough to throw that weight as far as I can spit..............and I can't spit. 

 

I've got a couple other ML baitcast rods that will cast a true 3/16 oz. weight a good distance.  1/8 isn't within the operator's ability yet, but the rods probably can handle that weight just fine.

[Silas]

Great info on this rod! Exactly what I was looking for to put either a TD Luna 103 or 2015 Conquest 100 with 7 lb Sniper on to fish small cranks, small pointer78s, griffon cranks, and either unweigted Keitech Fat impact or with a 1/16 oz swim bait weighted hook.

I DO like a full grip. As Ghoti says they are getting ridiculous with longer and longer split grips.

Hell, I cast most of my life with pistol grips and never needed a 2 hand cast. I don't do too much "wanging" on casts. I just flip my wrist and it flies. However I don't fish large lakes, only swampy bayous.

To put icing on the cake I found the M/L on Amazon today for $112 shipped so one will be incoming.

I'm sure I have something that will do nicely on it. I'm giving round reels a go now so a Calcutta 100TE GT or a 50, or a Luna should be perfect.

Sounds like it should be a fun rod!

[zell_pop1]

This winter I bought a used 6'6"falcon ml casting rod paired it with a pflueger asaro and 8lb gamma line and now I see no reason other than skipping docks and drop shot to use spinning rods.

[WPCfishing]

Buy one of these Rods, I did.  http://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/lew-s-team-lews-hm85-million-graphite-casting-rods.html

[WPCfishing]

There isn't an industry standard for rod powers, so one brands ML can be the equivalent to another brands M. So you'd be correct in saying that it may fish more like other brands M power rods.

 

That is a very accurate statement..