Favorite Rod Theory

[jtesch]

I have a theory floating around in my head that at some point in your life you find the one rod that to you is "perfect". It may not be your best or most expensive rod, but it is the rod that is right for you. My perfect rod is a 7'2" m. Xf Cumara. I have more expensive rods but this is "the one" for me. The problem is, I compare every other rod I hold to my Cumara and think to myself "nice, but not the Cumara ". I've also come to realize I buy rods that have a similer feel to "the one" and now have like 6 rods that all have the same feel and action. I know for a lot of people there is a Loomis rod out there that is their "perfect" rod. So am I crazy or do you all fall in love with one rod and if so what rod is it.

[Hogsticker]

I believe I'm still searching, however at this point my Gen 1 Cumara and Kistler Klx feel the best. Perhaps you should start looking into building

[aavery2]

I purchased a 6'9" E21 Carrot Stix LTX right after they were released at ICAST.  This rod was fantastic, great sensitivity, balance was spot on, very light, perfect combination of power and action.   I fished that rod for about 5 years never had any problems with it, or for that matter any of the 3 original rods that I purchased.  I had several friends that bought e21 rods after the initial release and they just were not the same quality, they had poor quality and almost no support.  I ended up selling my 3 rods to a friend and a far as I know they are still in service.   I fish a combination of rods today, mostly Falcon and St. Croix with a Loomis mixed in, I am always looking for a quality rod that feels like that Carrot Stix.

[Tywithay]

Edge Mag Bass 705 is the closest I've ever found. I've used every Loomis line and hated most all of them. Tried all the St Croix lineup and love the blanks, hate the execution. The Edge just brings the best of everything into one.

[ClackerBuzz]

i have this same problem but seems there is 'one rod' for each technique. wait until you start expanding ur techniques

[DogBone_384]

I like your favorite rod theory.  It's very true, like tools, each has its own job and feel.  Unfortunately, not finding your favorite rod keeps one's checkbook light and (in some cases) backside sleeping on the couch....   I 'think' I've narrowed down my favorite to my Abu Garcia Veritas rods, but more time on this forum and/or another trip to BPS might just change that.

[Grantman83]

The closest I've found to an all purpose perfect rod is my champion 734. If I'm ever going somewhere and don't really know what I'm gonna be throwing, that is the rod I grab. I've used it for

-pitching jigs and trigs

-open water frogs

-shallow cranking squarebills/medium divers

-large spooks/jitterbugs

-c rigs/football jigs

-magnum drop shots

-spinnerbaits/chatterbaits..

And it handled them all amazingly. That doesn't stop me from buying new stuff though. Once the monkey gets you, he doesn't let you go lol

[Dwight Hottle]

Edge Mag Bass 705 is the closest I've ever found. I've used every Loomis line and hated most all of them. Tried all the St Croix lineup and love the blanks, hate the execution. The Edge just brings the best of everything into one.

 

 

If you love the blanks just get a custom made so you will love the execution. Just a thought.

[thehooligan]

The 6'5 Cumulus is that rod for me. It can do a little bit of everything for the style of fishing i do. Plus, its under 3oz so makes for very lightweight combos...

[mod479]

I have a theory floating around in my head that at some point in your life you find the one rod that to you is "perfect". It may not be your best or most expensive rod, but it is the rod that is right for you. My perfect rod is a _{7'2" m. Xf Cumara}. I have more expensive rods but this is "the one" for me. The problem is, I compare every other rod I hold to my Cumara and think to myself "nice, but not the Cumara ". I've also come to realize I buy rods that have a similer feel to "the one" and now have like 6 rods that all have the same feel and action. I know for a lot of people there is a Loomis rod out there that is their "perfect" rod. So am I crazy or do you all fall in love with one rod and if so what rod is it.

 

This is certainly a special rod, if you're crazy, so am I.

[Felix77]

You are definitely NOT crazy and I believe it is natural for us to gravitate to what we are comfortable with.  The most important thing is to produce with what you use.  This made me reflect on my collection of rods/reels.  When I first began fishing I was fortunate enough to go on a charter with an FLW pro (John Cox) and I asked him what rod/reel combo would be best to begin with.  It was a 6'6" MH spinning.  Because he was using all Abu Garcia that is what I invested in.  

 

To date I still use that rod/reel as my go-to.  I have expanded my collection since then but they all have to provide the same "feel" as that rod/reel does when presenting my lures.

[kickerfish1]

Megabass Orochi XX EMTF.

[Mike L]

I feel bad now, I don't have THE ONE.

Sure there are certain rods I'll take over others but that just depends on what I feel like throwing on any given day, on any given water.

Oh Well, the search continues.

Mike

[SirSnookalot]

I have one brand that is my favorite but they do not make certain lengths with the lure parameters and powers I want.

[Dwight Hottle]

My favorite rod is built on a St Croix legend extreme blank 7'-2" MHM (5C72MHM- ). It can handle any treble hook application that I use and can double for many single hook applications as well. A similar blank is available in the avid line as a less expensive alternative. 

[Tywithay]

If you love the blanks just get a custom made so you will love the execution. Just a thought.

I have a couple, but the added cost is quite a bit higher than the factory builds. It's just not economical.

[jtesch]

i have this same problem but seems there is 'one rod' for each technique. wait until you start expanding ur techniques

I probably have at least 2 rods and in some cases 6-8 for every technique but I find myself adapting the Cumara with a line or reel change to fit different techniques instead of switching rods. Not to say I ONLY use the Cumara, I usually have 12 on the deck or 4 walking the bank. The day that rod breaks ( and I know it will happen sooner or later) I'm gonna be one sad dude. I will say that I've gotten a few Tatula rods and for the money they really are nice. The 7'4" frog rod is perfect in my area as a muti purpose heavy power rod. Not to many Cyprus to pitch to or giant mats to punch in northern Illinois, and the 7'1" MH xf is a nice all purpose rod. Of course they are no Cumaras, ha ha

[OntarioFishingGuy]

My perfect rod is a 5.5 foot UL glass spinning rod. No joke. Not the most versatile rod, but I have had it for the longest out of all my rods, and it feels the most natural to me.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Haven't found mine yet, but I think it will be a st. Croix as I really like their blanks and how they feel when fishing. Definitely a MH, just not sure which model and which length.

[FishTank]

I have to go with my G. Loomis MBR 803 GLX jig and worm rod.  It has had a sort of magical feel to it since the moment I picked it up.  

[Jon G]

Im still looking for "The One" but as of right now for price, performance, and sensitivity it has to be the Powell Endurance 714

[Master Bait'r]

That's why I call my NRX "The Wonderful Curse". It truly is a great rod but it really makes you realize the faults with your others. It's the only rod I've used that I can't find a complaint with.

I have a thing for extra fast tapers and light gear. I should have never gone down the NRX path, there is no going back.

[Jeff H]

I cannot give myself to just one.  In this, I am a polygamist.  Monogamy could never work here for me.

[EvanT123]

Haven't owned a ton of rods but quickly realized what I do like and that's a rod with a soft tip that bends a good 3rd into the blank. For me it's a 7'0 mlf stcroix.

[lmbfisherman]

My favorite rods to fish all the time are these:

 

Fenwick ET Smallmouth Casting - paired with 50 MG 6'10" M/F

Fenwick ET Smallmouth Spinning - paired with Symetre 2500 FI 6'9 M/XF

Fenwick Aetos Spinning - paired with Stradic 2500 FJ, 7' M/F

 

Even though I own GLXs, Cumaras, Cumulus..etc....I find these rods just kick ass.  Not that I don't like my more expensive rods, but I noticed I use these three a lot more than my other rods.