3 Great Sales on Rods, Can't Decide!

[MontclairDave]

Decisions, decisions. I see three great sales online: a Fenwich Elite Tech Smallmouth casting rod, ESMC69MHF, $75; a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod (jig-worm) MJC68MHF, $70; and a Daiwa Tatula MHF 6'8" for $109. I've read the reviews on all three on this site and they each have their fans (and some critics).

 

Also considering a Dobyns 704, which retails for around $100 (no sales I can find) based on recommendations from my last post (thanks!)

 

Whatever I choose needs to function as an all-arounder for at least a while, cause I don't have the funds (wor space!) for multiple casting rods. Some jigs, plastics, not too much heavy cover, maybe some spinnerbaits. 

gonna pair it with a Daiwa Tatula type r. 

 

Any clear winner?

[WRB]

The rod will be shipped to you and you will own it. Now ask yourself this simple question; can you return it?

Purchase the rod that has a warranty backed by good customer service.

Tom

 

[new2BC4bass]

I've got another great rod for you to add to that list....a Tatula 6'10" MHF for $93.28 plus tax.  Free shipping.  Total will be just under $100 for a $150 rod.  Jet.com.  Mine is scheduled to arrive the 9th.    Will be my fifth.

 

Love my Tatulas.  Originally I thought of their Regular action as being mostly suited to treble lures.  That was before I used one.  I am finding I like them for a lot more than that.

 

The Smallmouth is a rod that sold for $129, but probably would have gone closer to $200 with a different name on it.  Very nice rods.  Smalljaw67 said he talked to a Fenwick representative and he was told Fenwick under-priced the rods on purpose to get people talking about them.  It worked.  These are some of my favorite rods.

 

I assume this is the older Mojo at that price.  The new series is getting good reviews.  I never cared much for the looks of the older rods, but the excellent reviews on the new series had me very interested in trying one....regardless of looks  I got lucky and got one (new series) from Dick's for $71.  A steal.  Haven't had a chance to use it much, but am liking it so far.  Looks good to me now.  Much better than the older model.  

 

I assume the Dobyns is a Fury.  Fishnkamp has been a big proponent of these rods claiming they fish like $200 rods.  Based on his opinion, I want one....probably the 734.  However, full price is something I seldom pay.

 

As far as picking a clear winner of those you listed....I couldn't.  I like my MH rods to be 7' or longer so I'd be tempted to pick the Dobyns....except I've only used the 704CB Glass.  

 

The 6'10" MF Smallmouth is a favorite rod of mine, but I do prefer longer handles than those on the Smallmouth series.  (I've got several including the one you listed.)  For that reason the 6'10" MHF Tatula would be my first pick based on my experience with other rods in that line.

[MontclairDave]

Well, that would be the Dobyns, which has a great rep for customer service, and the Fenwick, from ffo.com, which I've never bought from but I've read is a good site. The St. Croix is fleabay (nuff said)

 

Customer service definitely a consideration, thanks! 

6 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I've got another great rod for you to add to that list....a Tatula 6'10" MHF for $93.28 plus tax.  Free shipping.  Total will be just under $100 for a $150 rod.  Jet.com.  Mine is scheduled to arrive the 9th.    Will be my fifth.

 

Love my Tatulas.  Originally I thought of their Regular action as being mostly suited to treble lures.  That was before I used one.  I am finding I like them for a lot more than that.

 

The Smallmouth is a rod that sold for $129, but probably would have gone closer to $200 with a different name on it.  Very nice rods.  Smalljaw67 said he talked to a Fenwick representative and he was told Fenwick under-priced the rods on purpose to get people talking about them.  It worked.  These are some of my favorite rods.

 

I assume this is the older Mojo at that price.  The new series is getting good reviews.  I never cared much for the looks of the older rods, but the excellent reviews on the new series had me very interested in trying one....regardless of looks  I got lucky and got one from Dick's for $71.  A steal.  Haven't had a chance to use it much, but am liking it so far.  Looks good to me now.  Much better than the older model.  

 

I assume the Dobyns is a Fury.  Fishnkamp has been a big proponent of these rods claiming they fish like $200 rods.  Based on his opinion, I want one....probably the 734.  However, full price is something I seldom pay.

 

As far as picking a clear winner of those you listed....I couldn't.  I like my MH rods to be 7' or longer so I'd be tempted to pick the Dobyns....except I've only used the 704CB Glass.  

 

The 6'10" MF Smallmouth is a favorite rod of mine, but I do prefer longer handles than those on the Smallmouth series.  (I've got several including the one you listed.)  For that reason the 6'10" MHF Tatula would be my first pick based on my experience with other rods in that line.

The mojo looks like the newer model although hard to tell in the photo. Yeah, that Tatula was definitely on my list. And my reel is a Tatula, for whatever that's worth in terms of rod/reel matching. It's a tough one...by the way couldn't find the Tat rod on jet.com, only had the Tat XT which I think is a different animal...

[new2BC4bass]

23 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

Well, that would be the Dobyns, which has a great rep for customer service, and the Fenwick, from ffo.com, which I've never bought from but I've read is a good site. The St. Croix is fleabay (nuff said)

 

Customer service definitely a consideration, thanks! 

 

I've never worried much about customer service from a store.  When I have had a problem with a rod, I went to the rod company.  I broke a Falcon Expert.  100% my fault.  They sent me a $200 for $80.  Grooved the blank on a Fenwick.  100% my fault.  They offered me any rod they carry for 45% off.  A used Hammer arrived with no insert in the tip-top.  Hammer sent me a package of 4 for free.  Now if the rod arrive broken, that would be a different story.

 

Quite a few stores sell on ebay so I don't know why you wouldn't buy from ebay.  I've bought several rods on ebay from Shelton's Clothing & Outdoors....a store in Moulton, AL.  I've bought reels off ebay that were being sold by stores in Japan.  Never had a problem yet although I am currently waiting for a new Fuego CT that was scheduled for delivery Wednesday.  Hopefully it won't turn into my first problem with ebay.

23 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

Well, that would be the Dobyns, which has a great rep for customer service, and the Fenwick, from ffo.com, which I've never bought from but I've read is a good site. The St. Croix is fleabay (nuff said)

 

Customer service definitely a consideration, thanks! 

The mojo looks like the newer model although hard to tell in the photo. Yeah, that Tatula was definitely on my list. And my reel is a Tatula, for whatever that's worth in terms of rod/reel matching. It's a tough one...by the way couldn't find the Tat rod on jet.com, only had the Tat XT which I think is a different animal...

https://jet.com/product/detail/551d37b4eab34e5daeda7af59cc846e7?jcmp=pla:ggl:nj_dur_cwin_sporting_goods_a1:sporting_goods_fishing_rods_a1:na:PLA_786130019_46759771571_aud-318763390747:pla-305442303493_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=786130019&is_retargeting=true&clickid=f8adccf0-639b-4d6b-8a4d-fe100b3400eb&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsdGIxruh1wIVxx-GCh28KwwZEAQYAyABEgLBlfD_BwE

 

Doesn't say XT.  I am going to be pi$$ed if it is.

 

EDIT:  Comparing description at jet and TW has me thinking you may be right.  If that is the case I feel like I just got raped.  

[new2BC4bass]

Rod arrived today from jet.  It is the original Tatula, not the Tatula XT.  Hot Dog!!!  

[IndianaFinesse]

Where is the mojo on sale for $70?

[ohboyitsrobby]

I have the 7'1 mojo worm and jig and although it's not exactly what I had hoped for in a t-rig worm and jig rod it's a really good all around rod. In fairness I bought it to replace a lowrider 20 worm and jig rod that happened to be my fav rod ever and couldn't afford to replace.

[MontclairDave]

10 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Where is the mojo on sale for $70?

Ebay had a MH that’s now gone but there’s a Medium still available: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F112628842179

10 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Rod arrived today from jet.  It is the original Tatula, not the Tatula XT.  Hot Dog!!!  

Nice! I may be pulling the trigger on that one myself...

[MontclairDave]

11 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Rod arrived today from jet.  It is the original Tatula, not the Tatula XT.  Hot Dog!!!  

By the way do you think the 6’10 MHF size and power is the Tatula model to get as my first casting rod? I’d like my first to be versatile and function as an all-round rod for awhile, at least until I can get the scratch together for a 2nd casting rod. Jet.com only has the 6’10 on sale...but Sportsman’s Outfitters has a few more... 

[new2BC4bass]

It should make a great first rod.  I've got several other Tatula rods.  They are great for the money.  Personally a MHF is my favorite power/action for an all around rod.  This one is rated for 1/4-1 oz.  Yesterday was a good day to be out.  A bit windy, but nice otherwise.  Unfortunately I am working a second job Mon.-Thur. and Saturdays I try to catch up on some much needed sleep.  I'm no longer a spring chicken.     Today is not such a good day.  I have new rain gear I could try out.    BUT the better half has work she wants done.

 

Of the rods Sportsman's Outfitters still have, the 6'10" MHF would be my first choice as an all around rod with the 7' MR my second choice.  As luck would have it, I already have the 7' MR.  

[MontclairDave]

9 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

It should make a great first rod.  I've got several other Tatula rods.  They are great for the money.  Personally a MHF is my favorite power/action for an all around rod.  This one is rated for 1/4-1 oz.  Yesterday was a good day to be out.  A bit windy, but nice otherwise.  Unfortunately I am working a second job Mon.-Thur. and Saturdays I try to catch up on some much needed sleep.  I'm no longer a spring chicken.     Today is not such a good day.  I have new rain gear I could try out.    BUT the better half has work she wants done.

 

Of the rods Sportsman's Outfitters still have, the 6'10" MHF would be my first choice as an all around rod with the 7' MR my second choice.  As luck would have it, I already have the 7' MR.  

Thanks so much for the advice. Gonna hit the buy button on that Tatula today. I hear you about the spring chicken thing. I used to surf cast all night long during the spring and fall striper runs along the NY and NJ coast and then work all day the next day. Just don’t have that in me any more. Fresh water fishing definitely more my style these days! 

[MontclairDave]

Well, changed my mind! At $70 (retails for $130), I couldn’t resist the NIB Mojo Bass. New version with SC III seems more sensitive that the older versions based on reviews I’ve seen, so hopefully it will serve me well. Plus I’m sure there will be a Tatula in my future! 

 

Thanks again for all the feedback. 

[Lures'n'Liberty]

On 11/3/2017 at 12:26 AM, new2BC4bass said:

  I've bought several rods on ebay from Shelton's Clothing & Outdoors....a store in Moulton, AL. 

As have I, and they were great. Super impressed with the shipping. Will buy from them again.

[Choporoz]

Congrats....hope you love it...I've no doubt its a great rod, but I'd bet that despite your protestations about funds and space, you'll be shopping for another rod before long.  I have my doubts that the Mojo will excel for jigs and spinnerbaits.  When you start shopping for that MH, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the rods discussed.  I have one Mojo, but its glass and I can't tell you anything about their MH's. I also have Dobyns and Daiwas, but none in MHF.  I have the ETSM in a number of ratings, including the MHF.  As mentioned above, the handle is fairly short; but I prefer short handles since most of my fishing is from a kayak and the shorter handles are better for me when in a yak.   It is a very sensitive rod, but I feel it fishes a little slower and lighter than rated....I believe its rated to 1oz, but that'd be more than I want to throw with it.  Great for jigs to 1/2oz, spinnerbaits, trig, etc

[tholmes]

The obvious answer is...but all 3! Got all your bases covered that way.

 

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

4 hours ago, MontclairDave said:

Well, changed my mind! At $70 (retails for $130), I couldn’t resist the NIB Mojo Bass. New version with SC III seems more sensitive that the older versions based on reviews I’ve seen, so hopefully it will serve me well. Plus I’m sure there will be a Tatula in my future! 

 

Thanks again for all the feedback. 

Don't blame you.  $70 for the SC III blank is a steal.  Got mine at DSG for $71 plus tax.  Was expecting to pay $109, but it rang up for $71.  Haven't had a chance to use it but once.  It is my only St. Croix.  May not get out this year with the 6'10" Tatula. 

[MontclairDave]

On 11/3/2017 at 12:07 AM, new2BC4bass said:

I've got another great rod for you to add to that list....a Tatula 6'10" MHF for $93.28 plus tax.  Free shipping.  Total will be just under $100 for a $150 rod.  Jet.com.  Mine is scheduled to arrive the 9th.    Will be my fifth.

 

Love my Tatulas.  Originally I thought of their Regular action as being mostly suited to treble lures.  That was before I used one.  I am finding I like them for a lot more than that.

 

The Smallmouth is a rod that sold for $129, but probably would have gone closer to $200 with a different name on it.  Very nice rods.  Smalljaw67 said he talked to a Fenwick representative and he was told Fenwick under-priced the rods on purpose to get people talking about them.  It worked.  These are some of my favorite rods.

 

I assume this is the older Mojo at that price.  The new series is getting good reviews.  I never cared much for the looks of the older rods, but the excellent reviews on the new series had me very interested in trying one....regardless of looks  I got lucky and got one (new series) from Dick's for $71.  A steal.  Haven't had a chance to use it much, but am liking it so far.  Looks good to me now.  Much better than the older model.  

 

I assume the Dobyns is a Fury.  Fishnkamp has been a big proponent of these rods claiming they fish like $200 rods.  Based on his opinion, I want one....probably the 734.  However, full price is something I seldom pay.

 

As far as picking a clear winner of those you listed....I couldn't.  I like my MH rods to be 7' or longer so I'd be tempted to pick the Dobyns....except I've only used the 704CB Glass.  

 

The 6'10" MF Smallmouth is a favorite rod of mine, but I do prefer longer handles than those on the Smallmouth series.  (I've got several including the one you listed.)  For that reason the 6'10" MHF Tatula would be my first pick based on my experience with other rods in that line.

The 704 CB Glass...do you use that only for cranking or for other applications?

[new2BC4bass]

So far only for cranking.  Actually haven't thought about trying other lures as I have more than enough rods so dedicating a few for specific techniques is not a hardship.  Are there any lures in particular you want to know if the rod could handle?  Can't guarantee when I could get out next, but would be willing to try different lures you would be interested on using with the rod.

[Quarry Man]

all are great rods, I'm going to get a mojo soon, but id go with the dobyns

 

[MontclairDave]

On 11/20/2017 at 10:05 AM, new2BC4bass said:

So far only for cranking.  Actually haven't thought about trying other lures as I have more than enough rods so dedicating a few for specific techniques is not a hardship.  Are there any lures in particular you want to know if the rod could handle?  Can't guarantee when I could get out next, but would be willing to try different lures you would be interested on using with the rod.

Not sure, just wanted to know if I could extend it to other baits I use a lot, like Keitechs and other paddle tails and also spinnerbaits.

 

but pretty sure the Dobyns 704 will be the next rod I get for that...seems to be a good all around choice.