High End (to me) Jig Combo

[CroakHunter]

May have some cash coming my way and was wondering about a high end jig combo. Looking at a chronarch mgl amd zodias 7'2 heavy. Not brand loyal but do love my daiwa tatulas. Trying to stay around 400 dollars. Thanks in advance.

[RichF]

That would be an awesome jig combo.  The Zodias is a beautiful rod.  It's incredibly lightweight and super sensitive.  However, that combo will cost closer to $500 unless u can find some deals.

[NYBasser]

I would argue that when jig fishing, the quality/sensitivity of the rod matters much more than the reel, especially if you are only flipping/pitching and not casting too much. I'd look at getting a used GLX/NRX or Kistler Helium 3 for around $300 and spend the rest on a Tatula/Curado. As nice as it is, there is absolutely no need for a Chronarch MGL if it isn't going to help you catch more fish.

[lmbfisherman]

Although I agree with NYBasser in general, but I found that the Zodias was enough sensitivity for me to be confident that I'm not missing fish.  Not saying it's a GLX rod or higher, but it's no slouch.  Further he may not be looking for a used combo.  However, RichF is right..that is going above your budget a bit.  If you want to stick with new, definitely get a Zodias rod and a Chronarch MGL but you need to save a little more.  If you are going used, you can follow NYBasser's advice.

[RichF]

I've never used any Loomis so I can't comment on their sensitivity but I'm with Imbfisherman, the Zodias is PLENTY sensitive for jigs.  I throw jigs on one, a Helium 3, and a St Croix Legend Extreme.  The Zodias definitely holds its own.  I also agree with @NYBasser, Tats and Curados are great reels and are really all you'd need....but...I have a Chronarch CI4 on my Zodias and they're a match made in heaven.  Like, I think Shimano specifically built that reel for that rod or vice versa.  Well, it feels that way anyhow. 

[CroakHunter]

For you guys that have used loomis and the zodias do they fish light or heavy to what they are labeled. I throw jigs now on a heavy 7'3 lews tp1 speed stick it fishes as close to a "heavy" as i can imagine maybe a touch heavier. 

And yes my original combo would be closer to 450-500. But thats with not much shopping around. Just on american legacy/ebay

[RichF]

My zodias is a medium heavy.  I use it more for smaller football jigs with 16lb fluoro.  I'd say it's a true medium heavy action.  I prefer a little bit heavier for flipping jigs though.  I think the 7'2 heavy would be perfect for flipping 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs.  I'll likely get that very same model at some point.

[CroakHunter]

2 minutes ago, RichF said:

My zodias is a medium heavy.  I use it more for smaller football jigs with 16lb fluoro.  I'd say it's a true medium heavy action.  I prefer a little bit heavier for flipping jigs though.  I think the 7'2 heavy would be perfect for flipping 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs.  I'll likely get that very same model at some point.

Thats what i plan on using mine for. 1/2 and 3/4 oz jigs. My favorite way to fish. 

[lmbfisherman]

1 hour ago, CroakHunter said:

For you guys that have used loomis and the zodias do they fish light or heavy to what they are labeled. I throw jigs now on a heavy 7'3 lews tp1 speed stick it fishes as close to a "heavy" as i can imagine maybe a touch heavier. 

And yes my original combo would be closer to 450-500. But thats with not much shopping around. Just on american legacy/ebay

I own both GLX Heavy/XF 854C and 894C and own MH, M, ML and ML/XF Zodias rods.  Yes the Zodias fish a bit more heavier than stated.  Mind you the Zodias rods (Shimano)aren't technique tapered like their other lines, they are meant to be "all around" tapers.  The Loomis line (GLX previous version) to me anyway fish the power they are rated at.  Definitely lighter than the Zodias rods, but it doesn't mean they are slouch pulling bass out of cover.

14 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

Thats what i plan on using mine for. 1/2 and 3/4 oz jigs. My favorite way to fish. 

If that's what your fishing, both the GLX and Zodias Heavy can handle that, but more so the Zodias rod.  The 3/4 oz might feel a tad heavy for a GLX.  1/2 oz though is perfect for the 4 powered GLX.

[RichF]

11 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

Thats what i plan on using mine for. 1/2 and 3/4 oz jigs. My favorite way to fish. 

 

We could be good friends lol.  

[kstephes033]

If you like daiwa's i would strongly suggest taking a look at the new tatula sv reel with the tatula elite rods. I would say you would want the 7'3" H model. I have a couple of the 7'3" MH and that would be just on the light side. Otherwise you could do the Megabass orochi XX Perfect Pitch which i have 2 of for 1/2-3/4oz jigs and is the best i have found, pair it with a Tatula CT or regular tatula and be setup right around $400 total. 

[CroakHunter]

Thank you everyone so much for your info and input. Looka like ill probably just be going with a rod in the 200-250 range. Spent a little too much on the wife and the unborn child today lol. 

 

[Jason Penn]

21 hours ago, NYBasser said:

I would argue that when jig fishing, the quality/sensitivity of the rod matters much more than the reel, especially if you are only flipping/pitching and not casting too much. I'd look at getting a used GLX/NRX or Kistler Helium 3 for around $300 and spend the rest on a Tatula/Curado. As nice as it is, there is absolutely no need for a Chronarch MGL if it isn't going to help you catch more fish.

 

i completely agree with this.  for bottom contact baits, the reel is just for taking up line. put a $100 reel on a $300 dollar rod.  for moving baits, reverse that

[Yudo1]

15 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

Thank you everyone so much for your info and input. Looka like ill probably just be going with a rod in the 200-250 range. Spent a little too much on the wife and the unborn child today lol. 

 

Congratulations!  I'd also take a look at  the Kistler KLX and ALX rods.  My jig rods are NRX, but I really like my KLX.  If my budget was around $200-$250, I'd be perfectly content with KLX.  I don't own any ALX, but I've heard they are incredible rods.  

[RichF]

2 hours ago, Jason Penn said:

 

i completely agree with this.  for bottom contact baits, the reel is just for taking up line. put a $100 reel on a $300 dollar rod.  for moving baits, reverse that

 

I know this is what most people do and it makes total sense.  I just can't bring myself to put cheap with expensive.  It actually makes me a little nuts that I have a Curado I on my Legend Extreme flippin stick.  It works great and feels really good on the rod but it just doesn't seem right to have a sub-$200 reel on a $400+ rod.  All my more expensive bottom contact rods have my nicest reels on them while my cheaper Powell crank rods have gen 1 Revo Prems on them! lol