New Jig Rod / Reel

[RF813]

Hey all, i'll be looking to purchase a new jigging rod and reel, and from what i've read a 6.5'+   MH-H /  Fast Action rod would do the trick. My budget is $300, give or take a few bucks.  I was looking at the Tatula Rod & Reel because I have heard good things about them.

 

I was wondering if there were any other options in that rage that I should consider?  (In that range.  "For $100 more you could..." Is not an option.      )

 

 

Any suggestions (and WHY you like it)  would be most welcome.

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Rich

 

 

[stk]

I usually through either 3/8 or 1/2 oz jigs on my Shimano Crucial 7'2" mh xf worm and jig rod paired with a shimano chronarch ci4+.  I like the reel because it's super smooth and light, the balance with the crucial is a little tip heavy but not that bad.  The rod I like because of it's sensitivity and the tip loads up pretty well and I can cast lighter jigs pretty well if it needs be.  I also like the reel seat and the overall weight of the rod.  The 7'2" length is nice because I'm shore bound and in IL, our lakes/ponds get kind of weedy and the more water I can cover is an advantage to me.  I have 40lb braid on it as well.

 

The dicks sporting goods near me had the crucials on sale for 119.  ci4+ might be out of your range, consider the curado I then?

[aavery2]

Jig and Worm rods benefit greatly from a rods ability to transmit vibration (sensitivity), there are a lot of rods on the market and an almost equal if not greater combination of materials, resins and scrim used to produce these rods.  My advice is find a rod that works for you in terms of comfort, balance, and sensitivity, no one is going to be able to tell you what is best for you, only what they prefer.  Once you have determined your rod of choice, see what you have left in your budget for a reel.  

 

Reels in the 100-200 dollar price range  are very competitive with one another, and almost all manufactures offer a quality product in this price range.  Determine what type of braking system you would like and narrow your selection from there.  Other things that may help you narrow your choice, are availability in both LH and RH models,  Gear ratio (IPT), weight, and  details such as clicking dragstar and spool tension knob.

 

Remember, don't worry about what everyone else uses, find something that feels good to you and fits your particular needs.  It will make you much happier in the end.

 

Good luck.

[Tywithay]

I'd get a Tatula and Kistler KLX. I like the Tatula rods a lot, but the KLX is another step up in sensitivity.

[RF813]

Just found this, and has good rod suggestions.  Apologies for the double post, but my search for "Jig" had zero results, which I find really strange.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/138775-jig-rod/?hl=jigging#entry1544646  

[Arv]

Powell Endurance 723 or 714 depending on weights you're throwing and cover you're fishing. That can be had at fish ranger for 150. Then you should be able to find a Lews TP for around 150 or under. That should put you right around 300. That's where my money would go.

 

Other options for the rod might be a Fenwick Small Mouth/Aetos, St. Croix Avid, Phenix M1/Recon, and the new Tatula rods are getting a lot of good reviews

Other reels, BPS Pro Qualifier, Lews Tournament SS, Daiwa Tatula, and Shimano Curado I

 

I'm sure I'm missing some but those are some options. I always shop sales and the flea market here. I don't think I've ever paid retail price for a rod or a reel. 

[GADawgs]

Powell Endurance 723 or 714 depending on weights you're throwing and cover you're fishing. That can be had at fish ranger for 150. Then you should be able to find a Lews TP for around 150 or under. That should put you right around 300. That's where my money would go.

 

Other options for the rod might be a Fenwick Small Mouth/Aetos, St. Croix Avid, Phenix M1/Recon, and the new Tatula rods are getting a lot of good reviews

Other reels, BPS Pro Qualifier, Lews Tournament SS, Daiwa Tatula, and Shimano Curado I

 

I'm sure I'm missing some but those are some options. I always shop sales and the flea market here. I don't think I've ever paid retail price for a rod or a reel. 

 

I agree with the Powell and Lews TP.  I have had this setup (Powell Endurance 714 with a Lews TP 7.1:1) for about 3 weeks now and I really like it.  It is my rods for jigs and most plastics.  It is very sensitive with good backbone and the tip works well for me.  The reel has been really smooth and the ratio seems to be just right for what I am using it for. 

[Diggy]

If you get your original combo from your opening post, buy it from Ron @ Valley Sports on the side column. You'll save stupid money!

[Nick_vining]

Okuma Helios ($199) and abru Garcia veritas medium heavy ($79) is what I use in my tournaments I'm a strick jig man to.

[kstring]

About 3 weeks ago I got a new set up for this same application. Lews TP paired with a Hammer Heavy power rod at 6'9". Absolutely love this set up. Lightweight and sensitivity are what I look for in a jig/T-rig pairing and that seems to be exactly what I've found. Came in under $300

[moken12]

Just put together an *** and a tatula type r. I'll be get it out Saturday and see how it goes. 6'10" med

[TNBassin']

Crucial. A d**n fine rod all around and on sale for $119 at TW.

[skeletor6]

I'd scavenge the flea market here and on other forums. For fishing jigs, most of my money would go into the rod. You would be surprise what you can get for $300. I would look for a used reel, or even an H20 mettle. Something less than $100. That leaves $200+ for the rod. In the top end of that range you could find older GLX's, Dobyns Extremes, etc. Point being, drop the money on the rod.

[Jaheff]

Okuma Helios ($199) and abru Garcia veritas medium heavy ($79) is what I use in my tournaments I'm a strick jig man to.

I agree on the reel, Love this reel. You can find the Helios below 160.00 at Beat The Big Box Stores.

[RF813]

Thank you all for the responses.  I have a bit more research to do, but definitely have some good info to look at.. Thanks again.