Best Worm/jig Rod 250$

[AirbusAngler]

Well my second and last shimano cumara gen 1 7'2" MH XF rod was snapped in 2 by my beloved beagle...now I'm on a mission to find the next best jig rod. I will be pairing it with a quantum smoke high speed reel and 20-30 lb braid. I've heard negative reviews on the gen 2 cumaras so I guess it's time to move away from that series. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! Price range 250-300$

[John G]

Have you thought about replacing it with Shimao's over the counter warranty with the same spec rod that broke and then deciding for yourself if you like the Gen 2? If you don't like it, you can always sell it.

[BradGuenette]

Dobyns 735c is a fantastic jig rod

[WRB]

There are several well known brands with good warranty and customer service to choose from; Dobyn's , St Croix, etc. My suggestion is look at a custom rod from someone like ALX rods before making an off the self rod decision.

If you choose a Dobyn's 735C, check with Valley Sports for P & D.

Tom

[TNBassin']

Use the warranty

[Tywithay]

Orochi XX, Helium, and *** are the best I've used in that range.

[Robert Riley]

The aforementioned Dobyns or the G.Loomis IMX

[Capt.Bob]

If you prefer the split grip handle, I would look at the St. Croix Legend Tournament in your price range, the TBC71MHF or TBC71MHXF they are both great jig rods and an excellent rods with a lifetime warranty, or if you want a great rod that is well below your budget with a lifetime warranty, and great actions, and has a full cork handle, take a look at the Avid from St. Croix, a  AVC70MHF, or the  AVC70MHXF, both can be had for under $200.00, I think the Avid is the best buy in the rod market for what you get for your money, The LBT is a sweet blank,  but once you get close to $300.00 which is lightly more than your budget is the Legend Elite and where I would spend my money, and really a buy it once and never look back rod, if you like a one piece cork handle, which I do. I am sure there are others in these price ranges that are good rods, but if they feel good in your hands, there are none better!! Good luck!!  

[FishTank]

At that price range, I would put my money on a G Loomis 843C IMX.  It's an all around great rod that you can use for just about anything.

[Goose52]

I would try the warranty route for sure - that's "free money" you'd be leaving on the table if you don't. The CumaraA jig&worm series rods actually have very crisp and sensitive blanks - at least the CUC72MA (7'2"mf) that I have does (and Hooligan on this board is a big fan of the whole series).  I have finally learned to live with the ergonomics (primarily the small grip behind the reel seat) and it is a favorite rod now.

 

As was mentioned, if you don't like the CumaraA, then sell it and use that money for whatever your chosen alternative might be.

 

Anyway, CumaraA's work, catch fish...

 

[Arv]

I'd use the warranty and get the new cumara. The blank is excellent imo. The major gripe I hear is over the small handles. I haven't used the casting version but the spinning rod never bothered me.

[thehooligan]

Definitely get your free replacement. The new cumara is an awesome rod for the money.

[kickerfish1]

The new cumara series is sort of a blend between the cumulus and 1st generation cumara in terms of performance and the way it fishes. I would defidently seek out a replacement through the warranty program. Mount a reel on it and fish it with a jig or Texas rig. If the feel and rod comfort is in line with what you would want of out of a bottom contact rod then you are set. If it is not you could always sell it and put the money towards a new rod all together. I would at least start with the replacement and see where that gets me...

[LMB KING]

G.loomis