Ideal Spinning Shaky Head Rod ?

[ChrisD46]

I'm looking for a dedicated spinning shaky head rod under $100 to pair with a spare Shimanao 2500 series Sahara spinning reel .

Specifically : What length (6'6" ~ 7'0" ?) , tip (XF or F  ?) and action (ML or M ?) do you consider ideal if you wanted a dedicated shaky head spinning rod outfit ? ...Thanks in advance !

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Probably a 7' m/XF. As long as it has some play in the tip to where you can shake the rod and the tip will move. If not go to a fast action.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

"Shakey Head" means different things to different people. The way I use them is as a finesse presentation which usually means ML spinning tackle for me unless weight and cover dictate a move up in power. I build what is labeled as a Mag ML which I find near perfect for the majority of my spinning apps for bass and walleye.  A soft, but fast tip casts well, feels light bites and sets the hook well. The only "shaking" I normally do is just taking up slack and letting the natural shake of my hand transmit through to the bait causing just a quiver. 

[Hogsticker]

What he said

[Arv]

For spinning I use a 7' M/F rod. I usually use casting gear though.

[ChrisD46]

All good replies to date - I should have added that conditions are :  Little to no cover with typical clay , rock bottom reservoirs of Georgia . Line will be 7lb. Sunline Sniper and shaky head weights will generally be 3/32nd oz. , 1/8oz. and 3/16th oz. (depending on conditions and depth. Water depth is generally closer to shore  out to 12ft. to 15 ft. max. I like the idea of a 7 ft. spinning rod length . As for power the "Mag ML" to "M" mentioned above seem right and the action (FX or F) will depend on the rod I'm sure  as all are different . The key for me is what Ontario Fishing Guy & Delaware Valley Tackle stated - a rod tip that will flex if you want to shake it slightly OR a more subtle approach by tightening the slack and letting the natural movement of your hand gently make your bait quiver . Next question is what about modulus of the rod ? Can you find a rod with good feel and sensitivity  that is comprised of IMS-6 graphite (<$100) or do you have to move up to a IMS-7 or 8 graphite which is usually going to be over that $100 mark ? Lastly , the new 32 ~ 48 ton compressed graphite rod construction - what affect does that process provide for feel and sensitivity in a rod ? Thanks again !

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

IM ratings are another case of no industry standard or definition. It really doesn't tell you much of anything about a rod's performance or quality. Modulus is often overstated by using a super high modulus in the butt and a lower one in the rest of the blank. On top of that, modulus alone does not make a rod better than another. There are mandrels, resins and processes that affect the outcome. Then, the rest of the components affect how the rod will fish. Sensitivity of a blank is a function of weight/stiffness ratio. A high modulus (up to a point) carbon fiber scrim produces more stiffness with less weight. The ideal guide train uses the smallest, lightest guides that will hold up to the application and pass the needed line and connections. There are good rods available at the $100 price point. If you use St Croix as an example, the Mojo is a decent rod and catches fish. The Avid at $200 is night and day better. The LTB Noticeably better yet though not as obvious, LTE is top of the line but subtly better than an LTB

[ChrisD46]

Below are the models I am considering for Shaky Head applications :

 

Abu Garcia Vendetta 2.0 6'9" ML - XF

Powell Diesel 6'10" M - XF

St. Croix MoJo 6'9" ML - XF

 

Not able to find much else specific to spinning shaky head <$100 ... Your thoughts ?

[ChrisD46]

After further research I found a couple of Cabella's spinning  rods I did not know about - the Pro Guide and Tournament (both 6'10" M-XF) .

Also the Shimano Sellus spinning (either the 6'8" or 7"1" M-XF) ... Not sure which of these Sellus lengths would be better suited for shakyhead - only concern with the 7'1" is potential for being tip heavy ? ...Anyone have experience with Cabella's rods or lower end Shimano rods ?

[Tywithay]

I use a ML *** and it's pretty much perfect. Can't imagine a better rod for the money.

[OntarioFishingGuy]

I have heard good things about the Fenwick HMG.

[rangerjockey]

I use a Yamamoto 7ft medium with a Saros and 6lb mono.. I use 3/16's the majority of the time .. that set up has been money in the bank for me...

 The rods aren't very expensive but I really like the action.

[deep]

See if you can find a 2 power Powell. From my (somewhat scant) experiences, and from what you said, seems that might be ideal. A 3 power (medium) Powell worked well for me, but I was fishing heavier heads. The XF taper will do what you want (I'll call the taper more of a regular fast though, but the tip was soft enough). Used Powell Maxes regularly sell for less than $100.

[The Fisher]

Falcon Cara T7 Spin 6'9" Medium

CS-4-69M. The incredible sensitivity, fast tip and shaded grip make this the "go-to" rod for drop shotting, shakey heads or finesse jigs.

[Mike L]

Phenix 7' 2" m/xf is an excellent shaky and wacky spinning set up.

I use a 3000 Symetre and balances perfectly.

 

 

 

Mike

[ChrisD46]

I appreciate the many replies - most rods mentioned I have not researched before , so good to have additional choices to consider .