Shakey Head Rod (Casting)

[ReidE]

I'm putting the cart before the horse and planning my second build before even starting my first.

I am looking for recommendations for a shakey head rod. I usually throw 1/8 heads with finesse worms or 3/16 heads. I also have been using zoom trick worms quite often with better results than the finesse worms.

My question is what is a very sensitive blank with the correct action and power that I should look to. I would like to keep the blank price under 150 but prefer the price to be around the $100 mark if at all possible.

Also I am looking for recommendations on a reel for this rod, and I much prefer a casting reel. I have heard great things about a Shimano Chronarch 50 size but unsure.

Thanks in advance.

[FD.]

RodGeeks C473mhxs  $99

[Hogsticker]

In that price range I feel the two best options in terms of feel, taper, and sensitivity are the Rainshadow Eternity and Phenix Ultra Mbx spinning blanks. If you prefer a little slower taper the Phenix blanks are golden. The Phenix blanks run a little light in power so look at a medium light. They will still handle 1/8 Oz quite nicely. The Rainshadow blanks are a little truer to power ratings. What type of cover / structure will you be fishing if any?

[ReidE]

I will be fishing very sparse cover. It will be a clear water lake with very little grass and a lot of rocks.

[adam lancia]

If you're a Daiwa fan then I would say to try a PX68, it's really capable in stock form.

[sarcazmo]

I use the Immortal 7'2ML and Eternity2 7'2 for drop shotting and shakey heads.  Love them both.  The Immortal is right around ~100 if I remember correctly.

[ReidE]

Is it the general consensus that a ml rod would be better over medium. I have seen different comments through research for both and the use of an extra fast tip.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It depends on the blank model as the ratings are subjective. It also depends on the weight of the jig. To me, shakes head is a finesse technique using light heads and pin tail worms, but that's not always the case (drop shot vs bubba shot).

[ReidE]

Thank you for the responses. Dvt I have read many of your posts and responses and you always seem to have great advice and are helpful. The jig heads I throw range at 1/8 and 3/16. I have read many posts about mhx blanks that you comment on as well as rainshadow. Can you point me in the right direction with a blank. I fish a lot of deeper water with fairly long casts so I feel like I need something that is sensitive and has a decent backbone.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Pm Dam001. I did a shakey head rod for him on an MHX HM Mag M/L.