New Rod For Jigs

[bbodkin]

Hey guys. So I need a new rod for jigs. I'm starting to fish jigs more and I need a rod that I can actually use a jig on. I'd like a 7'3 heavy. But I can't figure out which brand to buy. I don't wanna spend over $200 and I plan on buying a rod and new reel during the tackle warehouse Black Friday sale. I've been looking at the Powells and the St Croix Mojo Bass. I need guides fit for 30-40# braid and something with a good warranty. I have had too many accidents with friends stepping on my rod and slamming it in my front door. So I need a warranty that is fit for accidents lol. And I've heard the St Croix is just that for a $50 fee. But I haven't broken a rod in a while and I am very careful with mine and I don't break rods it's just accidents with my friends. So if you have a suggestion that I'm not listing please let me know. I am open to all suggestions of brands up to about $200. Thanks guys'

[Bluebasser86]

I've never fished a Powell but I wouldn't buy the Mojo unless you really just want a durable rod. They aren't bad rods, but they're not very good rods for what you're wanting to do in that price range. I have a 7' 3" H/F Ethos that I paid $50 for with micro guides that's more sensitive and lighter than any of the Mojos I've owned. I'm thinking you're going to have a bit of a narrow selection if you're set on a 7' 3" H/F rod though. I've never fished on but *** rods have great reviews and offer one like you're looking for at $120. 

[paul25]

Tackle warehouse still has the kistler pro rods for 98.00 which are good rods, and of course duckett rods are in your price range and are very sensitive rods.

[WIGuide]

If I were you, I'd be looking at the new St. Croix Avid X rods. They're right on with your budget and will give you great sensitivity, not to mention they are American made and come with a great warranty.

[Fishes in trees]

My most recent purchase in the jig rod category was a 7'2" Fenwick AETOS  MH with an extra fast tip.  I am pretty happy with it.  Fenwick customer service is as good as anyone in the business.  In the past couple of years I've broken 3 Fenwick rods ( all my fault, doing something stupid. )   One got replaced in store because they had the one I wanted in stock.  The other two took a few weeks and I had to send $10 in.  I broke a 7'9" Technica AV and got a 7'9" AETOS in return.  They explained it was a top of line for top of line swap.

 

I think I paid around $160 for the latest AETOS I got.  I've even gotten used to the blue color.

[druben]

I have a Lamiglas Infinity which is a 7'3 MH that is designed for jigs and creature baits, The rod has only been used a couple times and is in great condition. Very sensitive for bottom contact. I am actually looking to sell it for 180. if you are interested send me a pm. 

[fishindad]

In that price range, using braid, get the Falcon Amistad, Cara (have) or Lowrider 20 (don't have). Falcons have always been good to me and they will take care of you, besides being a US made product.

I would also add the *** Black MH in that price range but I haven't personally fished that one. The others 13 rods I have - there's something about the Toray graphite that feels almost electric in my hands, very responsive. 

[bbodkin]

Well, *** rods are kind of out for me. I snapped about 2-3 guides down on a hook set my first time out with it. It was a 2 pounder too. This was the 6'8 *** black. When I went to get it fixed they told me I had to pay a $50 fee plus shipping there and back. I had got this on the Fourth of July sale at TWH and I got the rod for $85. So I didn't wanna pay just about the same price to fix it as I paid for it originally. Plus I don't really like how thin the *** was. If the other models are different I might give them another shot but I don't think so.

[bbodkin]

Also I'm not set on 7'3 heavy, I'm set on a rod that a little over 7' and has a good strong action for swim jigs and chatterbaits. I don't really use football or casting jigs

[ABW]

If you're using braid then I think you can get away with a MH rod. I own the Powell 714 Endurance which is a Heavy X-Fast and this thing is pretty stiff. I would be on the lookout for Powell Endurance rods, as they have been discontinued to make room for the new Max 3D rods. They will probably be sold pretty cheap, I got mine for 130.

 

Also since you are using swimjigs and chatterbaits most of the time, which are generally reaction baits, you don't necessarily need a super sensitive rod. I'm sure you could get away with a sub 100 dollar rod.

 

And for the warranty, generally I don't judge a rod by the type of warranty it has. If a rod has a defect, it'll usually show up the first time you fish it, and you can just get an exchange. And for slamming the tip into doors, you just have to be extra careful

[desmobob]

Check out the Kistler Carbon Steel "All Day Power Tool."  It's a 7'6" HF that is probably a touch on the medium-heavy side.  It's very light, sensitive, and casts well.  I just got one last week.  I've only had it out on the water once, but I knew immediately that I liked the way that rod felt, considering the price.  About $140, IIRC.

 

Tight lines,

Bob