First rod didn't go so well, now what?

[k813zra]

After asking some questions and figuring out which length, action and power rig I wanted for which purposes I picked up a combo for what I thought was a good deal. I ended up with a Shimano Sojourn 6' medium light action with a Sienna 2500. All seemed well so I strung it up and took it out to try some white bass fishing. First cast, I am loving this thing, second cast seems good but while bringing the line back in the rod kind of just folded over. I thought it just came apart but nope. What a bummer, I have not fished in years and was excited. No, there were no snags or bites for that matter.  

 

After giving myself some time to think I took the rod back and was going to exchange it. These things just sit out for everyone to play with. My first thought was that some kids got ahold of it in the store and banged it around but when I got to the returns desk the lady said she got two more of these rods back this week for the same issue and there was another one sitting behind her broken in the same spot...At that point I just got my money back and came home to think.

 

Again, I don't know if it is just that these rods are getting banged around in the store, if it is a quality control issue or if I should just stay away from this sort of rod in this price range. This whole  thing has left me a little gun shy about graphite but I am trying to shake that. Many people use these sort of rods and seem happy. 

 

I almost went back and got an ugly stik like I used to use as they served me well growing up. My first rod and had it for 12 years or so. However, I wanted to get something lighter so I abstained. Any suggestions on where to go from here? I don't have a ton of money to spend but I don't want to go through such a letdown again. 

 

As I said in the other thread, when I first asked about rods, I am looking for something to use with 1/16-1/8 ounce jig heads. I have a lot of cover and small transport so something around 6' in a two piece. I will want something for bass later on but I am just testing the waters for now, so to speak. 

 

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you to everyone for the advice so far.

[NorthE97]

My first spinning rod combo (still is my combo) is a St. Croix Triumph with a Pflueger president spinning reel. Very nice setup for around $150, think I managed to get it on sale for $120. I suggest taking a look at the St. Croix Triumph rod series. If you don't feel like spending that much, then the Berkley lightning rod is another solid choice. 

[NYWayfarer]

The Sojourn is a budget, entry level rod from Shimano.

 

Step up to something a bit higher in their line up like a Sellus or Convergance and you should see a big difference in both quality and sensitivity.

[SFL BassHunter]

That is strange, I have that same combo as far as rod and reel.

Mine is a MH/F rod, and a Sienna 4000. I use it for saltwater fishing because it's just too heavy and not sensitive enough for my bass fishing.

I think maybe you just had a defective rod.

 

 

[k813zra]

12 minutes ago, SFL BassHunter said:

 

 

Thanks everyone, I guess I will look into something on the higher end. I thought it might have just been a defect as well but the other returns just sitting there made me nervous as well. 

 

Edit: Ignore the quote thing. I tried to use it but I am on a mobile platform and something went wrong.

 

 

Edited March 27, 2017 by k813zra

[JHB]

I have that combo in M/f for two years now and I can tell you it is a good combo. The problem is the way they are shipped and handled by the store help and costumers. When I retired I worked at a certain discount store part time for a few mouths. Within a week I learned never buy a fishing rod from a store that you cant find the help in sporting goods.      

[bigturtle]

Fenwick eagle is also a good entry rod

[cruz831]

I got one of these rods for my 7 year old son last year in 6'0" Med - it isn't much of a rod, but is good for the ponds and some boat salt fishing...

 

I have a much nicer Fenwick Silverhawk 6'6" ML I got around the same time - it is such a better rod. I was looking at the Shimano Clarus and decided on the Fenwick since it was on sale for a lower cost. Since then I have seen the Shimano Clarus rods on sale for around $50...

 

I think you need to get into the $50 and up range to get even a decent rod - and if you find a more expensive rod on sale/closeout it is an even better option!

[blckshirt98]

I have two (older model) Sojourn ULs that I use for trout fishing and they've worked well for me without any issues.  I do set the drag fairly light though (using 2# mono) so I've never really tested the strength of the rod.

[fishwizzard]

5 hours ago, k813zra said:

Thanks everyone, I guess I will look into something on the higher end. I thought it might have just been a defect as well but the other returns just sitting there made me nervous as well. 

 

 

There is a rod builder in Redding called Smallie Stix.  I have gotten a pair of spinning rods from him and love them both.  They were each about $150 on a MHX blank, but he will build you whatever you want.  I also like/want shorter rods and don't think I will ever buy a factory spinning rod again.  

[k813zra]

Thank you again. Also, I will check out that rod builder too, that sounds interesting. 

[kewlCat007]

Hello all , I own two 7" sojourn casting rods (medium heavy fast action I like the tip action tbh) first one is still holding up after 2mon no issues paired with a ambassadeur 5500 cl3 with 20lb monofilament and huck big spinnerbaits on works as it should , 2nd one had a bad rod tip so I replaced it and no issues paired with a vintage daiwa procaster pl 100 and 15lb monofilament , it's my lipless crankbait rod and casts a country mile all in all I give the rod 4.5 stars solid and the price point is awesome $26 and free shipping on the evilbay lol 

 

I have caught 5 bass over 3lbs on it biggest was 4.5lbs and no issues getting them in I would recommend them to any fisherman who's on a budget as a pond fisherman I dig it and it's lite and the reel seat is quality and the cork is nice