Nrx 893 The Ultimate Senko Rod?

[bass1980]

I throw weightless wacky senkos so much I want to get one that I'll be 100% satisfy with. Currently using a 13 *** 7'1 M casting. An amazing rod but I wanted a longer rod since I need long cast at times so casting distance and hook sets are important. I just enjoy using baitcasters more so not interested in going back to spinning gear for senkos. I thought of going 7'3 or 7'6 M *** but looking at the lure rating it seems it won't load senkos as nice with a higher lure weight rating vs the 7'1M.

I recently picked up a 7'3 *** M but I find it a bit stiff for casting weightless senkos. Also going from the *** to *** I thought I would be ok with it since senko bite is more of a pull and not bump so I didn't think a real sensitive rod was needed.

I'm in the market for real good senko rod. I was wondering if anyone has info on the Loomis 893. I'm also wondering if you guys think a real sensitive and expensive rod is necessary for wacky senkos? The other rod I have in mind is a Dobyns DX 742. BTW I will fish senkos in moderate to semi heavy weed so I'm cautious as to how low the power rating I can go with this rod.

[iabass8]

After I switched one of my DX745's for an NRX894 for my Jig rod,  I was hooked. I then purchased the 893. The 893 is quite a bit more powerful than the DX742. i'd rate it between the DX743/744 but closer to the 744. I prefer throwing texas rig senokos on the DX744 because I'm throwing them usually in cover. Wacky rig I don't like the 744. i much prefer the 743. I've never used the 742 but many like it for senkos. Don't let that scare you away. the 893 has a "magical" tip. It is by all means the "ultimate senko rod". I have no issues throwing the 893 in semi cover. Heavy cover is a relative term but I'm not using it in slop obviously. I don't feel a crazy sensitive rod is necessary but once you use one you're hooked(especially for senokos). The 893 is noticeably more sensitive than the DX. you do definitely notice a lot more of the light pick up/inhale bites /w the NRX.  It isn't to say the DX is a slouch. I've never been concerned whether I have a bite or not /w a DX. I still prefer Dobyns for most of my fishing. They are some really sensitive rods. The NRX just has that blank where you know exactly what your bait hits/bumps/falls through/touches whatever. Another rod to look at would be the NRX852. I (Think, not sure) Goose has the 852 though I'm not positive. any questions or if any of this didn't make sense(I'm rushing the end of this, my quesadillas are ready) just ask.

[bass1980]

Wow great reply. Exactly what I was hoping for. After doing a quick gooGoogle search on the rod I was surprise some people use this rod for 1/2 Oz jigs. I would be skeptic how it can load a senko and use it for jigs that heavy. Must be an unbunbelievable tip!

[iabass8]

I've read that some people use it for 1/2oz jigs. I can see using it for open water football jigs no problem up to 1/2oz. For reference, I use the 894 for 3/8 - 3/4 (more often than not, it's 1/2oz) jigs .w 20# fluoro pitching into wood/trees/brush/shoreline cover..basically anything that isn't slop. I should say that i tend to like a more powerful rod. The 894 has little to no deflection /w a 1/2 jig hanging from it but they just have this special tip that makes pitching effortless. for a rod that only weights 4.4 oz it was deceivingly powerful and i've never once felt under-gunned pulling bass from cover.The 895 has to be a beast of a rod...I almost thought I made a mistake buying it when i first pulled the rod out.  if you do some reasearch (I'm sure you probably already know this) the 893 is considered "the" Nrx to own that can do a whole lot of everything. basically equivalent to the 4 power dobyns. As for the loomis rod powers, I'm still familiarizing myself /w them. The 894 would be in between the dx 745 and 746 but closer in power to the 746. the 893 is in between the 743 and 744 but closer to the 744.  the 873 would be in between the nrx 893 and 894 but closer in power to the 894. 

 

With the right reel, you shouldn't have any issues throwing wacky rig senkos into cover(I've used the 1016 and it currently is being disgraced /w a 51E until I decide on a core or ci4+). The rod won't "bomb" them but it will get it out there any. It will throw a texas rig'd weightless senko quite a ways though. the DX743 does a better job at throwing both further but the 893 and it's tip seems to be a little easier to be more accurate. The DX743 is a SUPER fun rod to fish. It's plenty sensitive and I don't have an issue throwing a 3 power into cover. I throw my 1/4oz swim jigs on a 733 and am always throwing them in wood and lily pad fields and drag fish out.  The NRX will definitely bring a smile to your face once you feel all those little details you never thought you were feeling though. If it's strictly a wacky rig rod, I wouldn't over look the 852. The 893 is probably the most versatile rod I've used...even more so than the st. croix sweeper which is saying something. 

[Zimobass]

Best rod I have ever used. Ideal for the application you require.

 

Buy 1..... No buy 2, you will never look back.

[rangerjockey]

I use the 853, makes a great senko/fluke rod.. I also fish jigs up to 1/2 with it  but I really like it best in the 5/16-3/8's range...I'm sure the 893 is great also but I personally find the extra  length a bit cumbersome as I use it to pitch boat stalls and walkways quite a bit...

[WRB]

NRX rods are not like any Dobyn's or StCroix rods, very different action verses power rating. The NRX is "stiff" for it's power rating, the 893 is more 4/ MH power, fast action. Excellent 3/8 to 1/2 oz jig and worm rod, will take some practice casting unweighted Senko's.

Before spending $545+ touch and feel the rod before purchasing it.

Tom

[aavery2]

Wow great reply. Exactly what I was hoping for. After doing a quick gooGoogle search on the rod I was surprise some people use this rod for 1/2 Oz jigs. I would be skeptic how it can load a senko and use it for jigs that heavy. Must be an unbunbelievable tip!

A 5 inch Yamamoto Senko weights just about 3/8ths of an ounce. Not a huge difference.

[WRB]

A 5 inch Yamamoto Senko weights just about 3/8ths of an ounce. Not a huge difference.

Senko's are soft plastic loaded with salt and tear easily, like casting live bait, they take some skill to cast a distance without tearing them off.

Tom

[aavery2]

Senko's are soft plastic loaded with salt and tear easily, like casting live bait, they take some skill to cast a distance without tearing them off.

Tom

I guess I am highly skilled because I don't seem to have a problem.

[F14A-B]

I guess I am highly skilled because I don't seem to have a problem.

I see that I'm as highly skilled as aavery2, I only tear them on hard Hooksets, never on casting.

[iabass8]

NRX rods are not like any Dobyn's or StCroix rods, very different action verses power rating. The NRX is "stiff" for it's power rating, the 893 is more 4/ MH power, fast action. Excellent 3/8 to 1/2 oz jig and worm rod, will take some practice casting unweighted Senko's.

Before spending $545+ touch and feel the rod before purchasing it.

Tom

The 893 will take absolutely no practice throwing an unweighted texas rig'd senko.... Ask anybody who has actually used the rod....

Senko's are soft plastic loaded with salt and tear easily, like casting live bait, they take some skill to cast a distance without tearing them off.

Tom

I'm not sure how you cast a senko but I'm not one to baby casting a senko. I've never had one tear when casting it...

[deep]

Actually I'm on Tom's side on this one. Can the 893 cast a senko? Absolutely! Would be far from my first choice though. I guess my casting skills suck (truth), but I couldn't get the distance I wanted; and when I tried I little too hard, I got overruns (200 size reel). Spinning gear rocks for 5" and under senkos.

Didn't matter a whole lot though, since the 893 was my jig rod (back then). It's phenomenal with 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs (+trailer) for casting or pitching.

I haven't fished a senko in ages; but they (GYCB ones) did tend to tear after 2 or 3 fish on the same bait.

[WRB]

If you use a regular worm hook weedless through the nose, no problem, a wacky rigged thin wire hook without the aid of a o-ring etc, the Senko tears under casting load with a stiff rod like NRX893 unless you slow down the back cast and do more of a lob cast. With practice should be OK. The OP said he didn't like stiff rods....

Tom

[bass1980]

Maybe I wasn't clear enough on my original post. Senko is my bread and butter lure. I can cast them, and I feel like I do it very well. I'm on a boat so max distance isn't always needed but there will be times I need it. I use senko at times as a search bait. Just casting around weeds, wait a few seconds, and repeat. When I'm searching I don't really even work the worm while it's on the bottom jigging it. It's just a reload and repeat until I catch some fish and understand where they are and slow it down with a beaver or craw.

 

Now about the rod. It's tricky up north with our natural lakes that has a lot of vegetation. You want a nice medium rod with a nice tip but at the same time you are most likely fishing around weeds. Not extreme slop but pockets into milfoil or weed lines. When catching a bass they can dive into some vegetation and you'll need a rod with some back bone to get them out. I've encounter a few times where I pulled a bass with a bunch of weeds and I'm glad my rod wasn't a ML which many people use in the south.

 

That is why I'm looking into a special rod. My 7'1 Medium fast *** (rated at 1/4-5/8oz) is very nice but I want a few more inches for distance and hook set. When looking at the 7'3 and 7'6M *** the rod is rated at 1/4-3/4oz. Now I have not handled those two longer rod or used it but I'm afraid it won't load as well. I know it's not the same but I have the 7'3 M *** and to me it's a bit too stiff. Plenty of back bone but I tend to suffer accuracy.

 

So I'm wondering is the 893c the ultimate senko rod? I know what's perfect for me, may not be for you or the type of water you fish. The 893 is rated at 3/16-5/8 oz. Looking at the lure rating, and yes I have not held or used one, it seems like the one. I hope this explains more of the rod I'm looking for.

[John G]

I had the old BCR893GLX Senko Rod. I am only 5'7" and I found that long of a rod to be unwieldy.

[catch anything]

have you thought about a custom rod? 

[roadwarrior]

Finished product from Mike @DVT

 

https://www.flickr.c...02/14837459481/

https://www.flickr.c...02/14840547435/

https://www.flickr.c...02/14840191152/

https://www.flickr.c...02/14653904229/

https://www.flickr.c...02/14838184534/

 

Thanks for looking and Thank you RW for the opportunity to build for you and share the results!

[kickerfish1]

You mention you are up north and the uniqueness of the weeds. I have fished quite a few lakes in northern and central Minnesota. The 893 would fit the bill if you have the funds. The DX742 is a great senko rod for the 5 inchers, but not around cover. It isnt as powerful as the 893 but is more powerful than than most 2 powered rods. I feel it is about 2.5 powered rod. The 893 is likely a 3.5 for comparison. An 894 would be overkill for a senko. Just snag a rep sample 893 for under $400 and you should be set for next year.

[skeletor6]

If you use a regular worm hook weedless through the nose, no problem, a wacky rigged thin wire hook without the aid of a o-ring etc, the Senko tears under casting load with a stiff rod like NRX893 unless you slow down the back cast and do more of a lob cast. With practice should be OK. The OP said he didn't like stiff rods....

Tom

 

I don't agree with you on this one WRB. Throwing a 4'' or 5'' wacky rigged senko on the NRX 893c is stupid easy. Cast it however you want, overhead, lob, hell lean bank and throw it as hard as you want. The 893c loads a wacky rigged senko better than any rod period. It is like the tip on the 893c was made for it. If you need practice casting a senko on this rod than you need to practice your casting.

 

I have found the length and tip allows you to cast the senko at a great distance without causing any damage to the bait I've used almost every senko knockoff including the yamamoto's without any issue. The first time I casted a senko on the 893c it was a dream. Too soft of a rod would overload with a senko, too stiff of a rod would not load the senko completely. This rod loads a senko then launches it You can feel it zing off the tip like a spring, so crisp, so perfect. No other rod has given me that feeling. I look forward to getting an 894c in the future to see how it compares. Good luck OP

[WRB]

If the OP thinks an *** 7'3" medium rod is too stiff, the NRX893 s even "stiffer" . I agree a good caster shouldn't have any problems. Experience casting Senko's with the NRX893 is priceless, good information!

Tom

[bass1980]

I should have been more clear. The 7'3 M *** is stiffer than my liking which probably has to do with the tip. I could still cast with the rod well and I almost always wacky rig it. However even though I have no problem casting the rod, I'm looking for something with the same back bone but maybe better tip. I understand everyone's different in what they think is the right feel but so far the 893 seems like a winner from reviews.

[kickerfish1]

You cant go wrong with the 893. I am nearly 100% certain it is the rod you want. If not the resell value is very high and will sell quick. Rep samples are under $400.