Shimano zodias

[IndianaFinesse]

I am looking at the Shimano zodias rods, specifically one for bottom contact baits.  Mostly little 3/16-5/16 ounce jigs, light Texas rigs in the 1/8-1/4 ounce range, and occasionally jigs weighing up to 3/8 ounce.  As such, sensitivity is very important.  So for the people that own a zodias or three, what is the sensitivity like?  How does it compare to other rods?  Would you suggest the 6'10" or 7'2" medium, or the 6'10" mh or 7'2" mh, for the baits mentioned above?

[npl_texas]

I don't think the Curado rods are out yet. Are they giving you a better deal than dobyns?

[lmbfisherman]

Zodias rods I own, I love them.  Great sensitivity, I use them for bottom contact.  My wife fell in love with my mlxf and my daughter commented I can feel everything dad when she held my Zodias M/F with a 3/16 oz football jig.

[IndianaFinesse]

55 minutes ago, npl_texas said:

I don't think the Curado rods are out yet. Are they giving you a better deal than dobyns?

Well, what happened is I tried to order a dobyns champion, but they told me that the discount can not be used on refurbished/trade ins.  In addition to that, they were going to charge me 25$ per rod for shipping, as apposed to free over $75.  I was going to get the champion for 108$, but now it would cost me $175.  Only 5$ less than the new condition trade in, without the discount. And I can't spend that much money right now.  It actually works out to be cheaper to not use the discount on the fury line, because of the shipping costs.  I still plan on getting the 735c fury for my frogging/flipping rod, without using the so-called discount.

 

And yes, I checked to make sure that shimano doesn't do the same thing and that it's a legit 40% off.

[The Bassman]

6 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

I am looking at the Shimano zodias rods, specifically one for bottom contact baits.  Mostly little 3/16-5/16 ounce jigs, light Texas rigs in the 1/8-1/4 ounce range, and occasionally jigs weighing up to 3/8 ounce.  As such, sensitivity is very important.  So for the people that own a zodias or three, what is the sensitivity like?  How does it compare to other rods?  Would you suggest the 6'10" or 7'2" medium, or the 6'10" mh or 7'2" mh, for the baits mentioned above?

 

I've got a 6'4" 2 piece Zodias that I got this spring. For whatever the reason I prefer my cheap Cabelas ML rod. The Zodias is great. Comes with a bag, too. I'll sell it for a good price.  I'm in central IN. PM me if you're interested.  

[fishballer06]

I've got the 7'2" MH and I primarily use mine for wobble heads, 1/4-1/2oz Keitechs on a jighead, and for chatterbaits. From what I can tell with my moving baits, it's got great sensitivity and I like the weight of the rod as well.

 

I would say if you're going to fish the majority of your baits in the 1/4oz range, go with the medium. However, if you're going to be using 5/16-3/8oz jigs with trailers on them, you'll want the MH. In my opion, an 1/8oz texas rig with a 7" worm requires a different rod than a 3/8oz. jig and trailer. 

[RichF]

I have a 6'10 MH and 7'2 MH. Sensitivity is awesome.  I use the 6'10 with light t-rigs down to 1/8oz and small football jigs 1/4 to 3/8 oz.  It has worked great for me for those presentations with 12-14lb fluoro.

[wet_dream]

I picked up a 6'10" MH from the Flea Market earlier this year and have used it for T-Rigs and jigs (1/4-3/8 mostly). I think it's plenty sensitive for me, I don't really have much experience and cannot compare to a ton of rods yet. I've recently picked up an XX Orochi EMTF, that ive been using as my dedicated worm/t-rig rod and now use my Zodias predominantly for jigs. The 6'10" is more maneuverable on my kayak, but prefer the longer EMTF when bank fishing.

 

For the lighter weights you're planning to use, I may consider the medium, but don't have any personal experience with them. I do have a medium power Mojo Bass that I use for my lighter t-rigs and jigs. So my vote would be for a Medium power Zodias.

[IndianaFinesse]

If I got the 7'2" mh as apposed to the 6'10", would the extra tip help for throwing the lighter baits?  I've read that the zodias tends to run stiffer than rated, and the 3/8-1 ounce lure range reflects that.

Oh, and if it matters, it will be paired with a curado 70 spooled with 30 pound braid.

[Preytorien]

On 8/8/2017 at 10:09 PM, IndianaFinesse said:

I am looking at the Shimano zodias rods, specifically one for bottom contact baits.  Mostly little 3/16-5/16 ounce jigs, light Texas rigs in the 1/8-1/4 ounce range, and occasionally jigs weighing up to 3/8 ounce.  As such, sensitivity is very important.  So for the people that own a zodias or three, what is the sensitivity like?  How does it compare to other rods?  Would you suggest the 6'10" or 7'2" medium, or the 6'10" mh or 7'2" mh, for the baits mentioned above?

 

I use the 6'10" MH for exactly what you're using and it's my favorite rod hands-down of all I own. Excellent sensitivity, great build, very comfortable. I love it.

2 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

If I got the 7'2" mh as apposed to the 6'10", would the extra tip help for throwing the lighter baits?  I've read that the zodias tends to run stiffer than rated, and the 3/8-1 ounce lure range reflects that.

Oh, and if it matters, it will be paired with a curado 70 spooled with 30 pound braid.

 

They are a bit on the stiffer side of things but not overly so. 

Ironically. I'm using it with a Curado 71 XHG and 50lb Maxcuatro (30-35lb equivalent PP)

[IndianaFinesse]

On 8/10/2017 at 0:28 PM, Preytorien said:

 

I use the 6'10" MH for exactly what you're using and it's my favorite rod hands-down of all I own. Excellent sensitivity, great build, very comfortable. I love it.

 

They are a bit on the stiffer side of things but not overly so. 

Ironically. I'm using it with a Curado 71 XHG and 50lb Maxcuatro (30-35lb equivalent PP)

Thanks, it makes me feel a lot more comfortable dropping the money on the rod knowing you use it for almost the exact same things I plan to.

[IndianaFinesse]

Thanks for all of the replies, just wanted to let you all know what I thought of the new setup. I ended up ordering the 6'10" mh zodias and paired it with a curado 71xg, spooled with 30lb braid.  The thing is awesome, super light, pretty well balanced (the balance point is at the tip of the foregrip), and sensitive.  I would a rank it higher in sensitivity than the Abu Garcia Villain.  The rod is rated for 3/8-1 ounce lures, but for me it threw lures between 1/4 and 3/4 ounce best (which works out well cause I throw a lot of jigs around 1/4 oz).  The zodias is rated fast, but i would say it's something inbetween a medium-fast and fast action.  It is a very slim combo between the compact curado frame and the very narrow reel seat on the zodias, which I love. Over all i am very pleased with both the rod and reel, and would definitely recommend them both.

[TH-Outdoors]

A little off topic from the OP but I’m also looking at a 7’MH St Croix Avid versus the 7’2 MH zodias. Anyone have any suggestions between the two? Will be paired with curado k 

[fishballer06]

12 hours ago, TH-Outdoors said:

A little off topic from the OP but I’m also looking at a 7’MH St Croix Avid versus the 7’2 MH zodias. Anyone have any suggestions between the two? Will be paired with curado k 

Both are quality rods and are regarded as best of the best in the sub $200 category. I'd choose whichever feels best to you, or whichever you can get the best deal on. Things to keep in mind, one has a cork handle, one has EVA foam. One has a hook keeper, one doesn't. One is made in the USA, one is not. Both have good warranties and customer service.

[burrows]

I use a 7 medium spinning zodias for weightless plastics and its the most sensitive rod I own.

[IndianaFinesse]

4 minutes ago, Burro said:

I use a 7 medium spinning zodias for weightless plastics and its the most sensitive rod I own.

No kidding, that thing is wicked sensitive.  Awesome shaky head rod to.

[Bassin_Harrison]

On 11/12/2017 at 11:00 PM, IndianaFinesse said:

Thanks for all of the replies, just wanted to let you all know what I thought of the new setup. I ended up ordering the 6'10" mh zodias and paired it with a curado 71xg, spooled with 30lb braid.  The thing is awesome, super light, pretty well balanced (the balance point is at the tip of the foregrip), and sensitive.  I would a rank it higher in sensitivity than the Abu Garcia Villain.  The rod is rated for 3/8-1 ounce lures, but for me it threw lures between 1/4 and 3/4 ounce best (which works out well cause I throw a lot of jigs around 1/4 oz).  The zodias is rated fast, but i would say it's something inbetween a medium-fast and fast action.  It is a very slim combo between the compact curado frame and the very narrow reel seat on the zodias, which I love. Over all i am very pleased with both the rod and reel, and would definitely recommend them both.

I know this is about 2 years later from when you posted this, but it’s worth a shot..... what do you think of the 6’10 MH with t rigs? Lighter t rigs, 1/8 oz/3/16 oz + plus the worm. Looking at the 7’2 M and the rod you got for a light jig/t rig rod, 1/4 oz or 3/8 oz jigs. 

Thanks! 

[Bassin_Harrison]

26 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

I've got the 72M and it is a great stick.  It is one of my most used workhorse rods.  It can handle bottom contact duty as a medium stick for lighter weight because it has a lot of power for a medium but a purpose built bottom contact rod it is not.  3/8 oz jig and trailer woukd be a little much IMO.  It can do it but I prefer a MH or H rod for that.  The 72M is a mod fast stick so keep that in mind.  It is a mod fast medium powered rod that is on the heavier side of medium.  It is a versitile stick that I use from jerkbaits and lipless cranks to light texas rigs and 1/4 oz jigs.  Sensitivity with flourocarbon line is great.  No complaints.  

Sounds like the 6’10 MH might be better for me, since I want to be able to use a 3/8 oz jig as well. Also want to be able to skip and use in my yak so shorter is probably better. Thanks!