Best jig rods under 260

[Chughes37]

Looking to upgrade my jig rod, I mainly throw 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs both in open water and cover. So I think I need two different rods. I have my eye on a dobyns 735c FH for my 3/8 and under and maybe a 765 for my 1/2 oz and up. Thoughts? 

[DINK WHISPERER]

The two you mentioned are awesome rods. Also the og Tatula 7' 2" H/F and 7' 6" H/F and the zillion line too.

[Bucky205]

  I use a 7'3" Duckett Ghost H/F when fishing a jig. In a 1/4 mile stretch of shoreline fishing with a jig, I may pitch, flip, skip, or cast to hit the spots I think may hold fish. I love the sensitivity and weight of the Ghost. I put the extended two-year warranty on them when I purchase at BPS and fish the hell out of them.  When I have to use the warranty I spend another $20 and the 2-year warranty starts over.  I've had a couple get changed out over the years mostly for damage I caused. The weight and sensitivity of a Duckett Ghost is hard to beat for the money.

[rangerjockey]

I'm not a Dobyns guy ,but the Denali Lithium 883 is a great 3/8 and 1/2 oz jig rod.

 

Another good one in that range is the Falcon cara  Amistad, 3/8 is on the low side for it, but a great jig rod.

[kschultz76]

Right at the 260price point I’d recommend the Kistler Helium 3 line. Probably one of their MH 4powers and a H 5power to cover the range. If you can wait till they have a sale you’ll get them closer to 200a piece. 

 

If if you can up your price point to 300 then I’d look at Megabass Orochi XX series, probably the EMTF and the Perfect Pitch. I’ve not used those specific rods myself but they’re well regarded for the range of jigs you’re wanting to throw. They’re also extremely versatile sticks. 

 

Dobyns rods are are always a popular choice but I don’t have experience there to weigh in. 

[Stephen B]

I have not been impressed with Dobyns even the smallest bit. I second the Orochii XX, but I would get the Jig n Worm. The Perfect Pitch is going to be a little much for what you look to be wanting. The Orochii XX Jig N Worm will be perfect for 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs and can pull double duty as a frog rod.

 

The XX is a much more sensitive rod over the Champion series and edge out the Kistlers Helium as well.

[Chris at Tech]

2 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

Right at the 260price point I’d recommend the Kistler Helium 3 line. Probably one of their MH 4powers and a H 5power to cover the range. If you can wait till they have a sale you’ll get them closer to 200a piece. 

 

Yup -- Kistler or Helium 3.  I like my Dobyns Champs for moving lures, but at that price-point I prefer the Kistlers for techniques where sensitivity is required.

[Stephen B]

The problem with Kistlers are although they say they have an extra fast taper it's more of a Medium-Fast (softer rod). My preference for bottom contact is a faster taper. I get much better a hookup percentage. I have the 3 and 4 power Zbone. I think the Kistlers make versatile rods but aren't my first choice for bottom contact. 

[Chris at Tech]

1 hour ago, Stephen B said:

The problem with Kistlers are although they say they have an extra fast taper it's more of a Medium-Fast (softer rod). My preference for bottom contact is a faster taper. I get much better a hookup percentage. I have the 3 and 4 power Zbone. I think the Kistlers make versatile rods but aren't my first choice for bottom contact. 

I've never fished a Z-bone, but I don't have the same observation for my He3 7'1" MH XF

[byram bassturd]

Megabass XX 25% off when you put it in the cart.

https://www.tacklesupplydepot.com/product-p/parent-megabass-orochixxemtfc.htm

[Stephen B]

8 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said:

I've never fished a Z-bone, but I don't have the same observation for my He3 7'1" MH XF

It's definitely a softer X Fast compared to the Gloomis lineup. If you want a dedicated Jig rod definitely go with St Croix or Gloomis. They both have faster tapers which are more suited for jigs. If you want versatility go with the Kistler 4 power as you will be able to throw swim jigs, spinnerbaits, and jigs. 

[WRB]

ALX Deputy 7'1" MH fast is an excellent jig/worm rod at $220.

Tom

[kschultz76]

1 hour ago, Chris at Tech said:

I've never fished a Z-bone, but I don't have the same observation for my He3 7'1" MH XF

Agree my HE3 MH is plenty fast for jig and trig fishing. Maybe not a true xfast but I don’t think you need an xfast for jigs. Not dissimilar from the taper in my GLX MBR. 

[Chughes37]

If I went the gloomis route, what length and action for the 3/8 and under and the 1/2 and above?

[Stephen B]

The 853 would be great for jigs around 3/8. Then I would look into the 854 for 1/2 to 3/4 oz jigs. However, I wouldn't look into G Loomis unless you were going to be getting the GLX or NRX. There are too many other rods at the same price as the E6X, IMX, etc that I think are better. What I would do is look around for a used NRX since the Gloomis Conquest is being released next week. You could get it for a good deal. Trust me you will never look back. Once I bought my first NRX, I refuse to fish anything for bottom contact other than it. The NRX 853C is a great rod!

[kschultz76]

Every Loomis option beyond the E6X is going to far exceed your stated price point. However “rep samples” of GLX can be gotten around $360 from some shops like the Tackle Trap. If considering a Loomis I’d look at a GLX MBR 844 which can handle 3/8 and 1/2 jigs and a variety of other presentations.  I just got one and am very impressed with this rod already though I need a lot more time with it on the water. 

 

But you you really don’t need to spend that kind of coin to get a couple of good jig rods. Lots of great options in your price range have been suggested. The ALX rods have a good rep though I’ve not fished one myself. There’s also the St Croix Avid, Avid X, and LTB to consider as well. 

 

Good luck with your selection. 

 

 

[Stephen B]

1 hour ago, kschultz76 said:

Every Loomis option beyond the E6X is going to far exceed your stated price point. However “rep samples” of GLX can be gotten around $360 from some shops like the Tackle Trap. If considering a Loomis I’d look at a GLX MBR 844 which can handle 3/8 and 1/2 jigs and a variety of other presentations.  I just got one and am very impressed with this rod already though I need a lot more time with it on the water. 

 

But you you really don’t need to spend that kind of coin to get a couple of good jig rods. Lots of great options in your price range have been suggested. The ALX rods have a good rep though I’ve not fished one myself. There’s also the St Croix Avid, Avid X, and LTB to consider as well. 

 

Good luck with your selection. 

 

 

How are the ALX rods? I have heard mixed reviews. I saw someone comparing a ALX Zolo to the Kistler KLX and most said that the ALX is not as crisp in terms of sensitivity. I also saw most of the reviews on TW of there rods are saying they are good, but then you see a couple say they suck. Do you have any experience with them? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Chughes37]

Alright you guys talked me into the orochi xx. So emtf for 1/2 oz and above and jig & worm for 3/8 and under???

[Stephen B]

For 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz get the Jig and Spinnerbaiting (Spinnerbait Special). For 1/2 oz to 3/4 get the Jig n Worm or EMTF. If you are mainly flipping and pitching into docks get the Jig n Worm since it shorter. The EMTF isn't as practical as it's longer, but if you are dragging Carolina rigs or a jig then the EMTF is the better choice.

[WRB]

I own 3 ALX custom rods and considered then equal to Loomis NRX and fished them since 2012 without any issues. 1/2 the price as NRX with equal performance.

Tom

[Stephen B]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I own 3 ALX custom rods and considered then equal to Loomis NRX and fished them since 2012 without any issues. 1/2 the price as NRX with equal performance.

Tom

A NRX can easily be obtained new for $350-$375 depending on the model from reputable fishing companies. It scares me when people say they are good, but I saw a review saying that his ALX rod was so bad he wouldn't even bother sending it back. Which rod blank was your custom built on the ZOLO or ENOX?

 

Maybe you can send me one of yours haha so I can try it, just kidding. I am just skeptical as I hear people compare rods to the NRX all the time and I have yet to see one come close other than some expensive Megabass rod such as the Destroyer.

[WRB]

Buy the NRX, it doesn't make any difference to me,

Tom

[Yudo1]

7 hours ago, Stephen B said:

For 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz get the Jig and Spinnerbaiting (Spinnerbait Special). For 1/2 oz to 3/4 get the Jig n Worm or EMTF. If you are mainly flipping and pitching into docks get the Jig n Worm since it shorter. The EMTF isn't as practical as it's longer, but if you are dragging Carolina rigs or a jig then the EMTF is the better choice.

    I'm confused because you say kistler rods are too moderate for jigs but then suggest the spinner bait special? OP, the kistler helium3 is amazing for jigs IMO. If you go the orochi xx route, I'd get the emtf for 3/8-1/2. It will handle both. If you are looking for a rod for heavy cover get the perfect pitch. This rod has some tip and can cast as well as pitch 1/2oz+ and also can double as one of the most amazing frog rods too.

 

    When considering a jig rod, you have to consider weight of lure, line weight and amount of cover.

[jbrew73]

7 hours ago, Stephen B said:

A NRX can easily be obtained new for $350-$375 depending on the model from reputable fishing companies. It scares me when people say they are good, but I saw a review saying that his ALX rod was so bad he wouldn't even bother sending it back. Which rod blank was your custom built on the ZOLO or ENOX?

 

Maybe you can send me one of yours haha so I can try it, just kidding. I am just skeptical as I hear people compare rods to the NRX all the time and I have yet to see one come close other than some expensive Megabass rod such as the Destroyer.

i had 2 alx rods, one zolo and one ikos.. they appeared to be well built rods but i find falcon cara's and even $175 Hammer rods to be much more sensitive in my hands. i got rid of my alx rods and never looked back.

[Yudo1]

18 hours ago, byram bassturd said:

Megabass XX 25% off when you put it in the cart.

https://www.tacklesupplydepot.com/product-p/parent-megabass-orochixxemtfc.htm

Amazing find. A no-brainer. Get the emtf and perfect pitch for under $450.