Rod suggestions

[Dylan.747]

I just placed an order for a 2016 6.3:1 Shimano Scorpion, and I am trying to decide what rod I should get for it. I am thinking of using it for lighter, more finesse baits. What rod under $200 would be a good fit for it? 

[roadwarrior]

Okuma Helios 701MH.  I have recently acquired this rod and will post a review shortly. I have been VERY impressed.

http://www.okumafishing.com/product/view/rods/tournament-bass/helios-1

 

[Kevinator1]

I have a new Scorpion also and have it on a Dobyns Savvy 7'3" Medium Heavy Rod for pitching....not that it matters but the color scheme matches perfectly with the reel. Love it for pitching light baits.

[Bluebasser86]

I'm using mine for topwater poppers/walkers/props on a 6' 2" M/XF Avid. 

[Fishin' Fool]

Shimano Zodias ML or M

[Capt.Bob]

For finesse I love a MXF I would get the St. Croix Avid 6'8" MXF or if you want a lighter rod, try the 6'9" MLXF, you can find them around $180.00 if you look around. I have said fer years in my opinion the Avid series rods are best buy fer the buck you can find! I relaced G. Loomis GLX and IMX rods with the Avids,,, in my opinion they are that good!

 

I also think this should be considered entry level for true USA built Lifetime warranted rods, Some have backed there rods as good as St Croix for a short time, no one has done it as long or ever offered better CS in the industry. Just what I have seen.

[lmbfisherman]

For lighter I'd go with a m/f.  Pick your poison on brand.

[Yudo1]

When you say "finesse," how light are going?  The lightest I go is 1/8 which requires a rod that can load that weight.  Most manufacturers medium are too stiff.  I use a klx finesse tube and worm rod rated 1/8-3/8 and a G Loomis imx cr721.  

 

[desmobob]

2 hours ago, Yudo1 said:

When you say "finesse," how light are going?  The lightest I go is 1/8 which requires a rod that can load that weight.  Most manufacturers medium are too stiff.  I use a klx finesse tube and worm rod rated 1/8-3/8 and a G Loomis imx cr721.  

 

I have one of those Kistler KLX "Finesse Worm..." rods.  Even though it's a medium-heavy, it's very capable of casting light weight baits.  I think it was a little over $200.  I also have a MajorCraft Volkey 6'8" light/fast that does a great job.  About $170, IIRC.

Tight lines,

Bob

[Capt.Bob]

Casting will be fine with the MLXF or the MF and MXF, with weightless 4" finesse worms with my 6'10" MXF St. Croix  Legend Extreme does great, it's all in learning how to use the gear you choose. I think to many times we think because the rod has an ideal weight rating printed on the rod we can only be efficient at those specific weights,,,, far from reality.

 

I have some MH rods that are rated for 5/8 max and make killer cast with over 1 oz weighted rigs or lures. Same as I said above that worm I throw is well less than the 1/8 oz I am rated for, So the Avid XF M or ML are both rated very close on the bottom end, matter of fact the MLXF is rated for 1/8 oz the MXF as light as 1/4oz, believe me it will work just as good with 1/8 oz. If I think I have a need for more backbone for larger fish, I would not worry one bit choosing the MXF over the MLXF, it is a very minor difference. If you are going to have trouble casting or controlling an 1/8 oz lure on it you are likely going to have the same issues trying to throw the 1/4 oz it is rated for.  Fishing situations as a rule are never really absolutes. 

[Airman4754]

18 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Okuma Helios 701MH.  I have recently acquired this rod and will post a review shortly. I have been VERY impressed.

http://www.okumafishing.com/product/view/rods/tournament-bass/helios-1

 

I use one of those for my lipless rod and they are pretty decent. They are very light.

I paid $180 for mine through TW and I think that is too much. You could do much better for that on the used market.