Versatile heavy rod

[alpaca]

Looking for a an all around rod to use with some heavier duty techniques like swimbaits (big ez’s and stuff like that), jigs, heavy Texas rigs, punching, frogging etc. I want to use 40-50 pound braid as the cover near me isn’t really heavy. Trying to minimize the amount of rods I have so  this will be an all around kinda thing to complement my 6 foot 6 medium heavy rod. I prefer shorter rods, so maybe a 6 foot 8 to 7 foot. Any reccomendations for what rod to go with? Also for a reel, could I stick with something in the 150 size like a shimano casitas or caenan or do I need to go up to something a bit bigger? Looking to spend around 200 bucks on the setup.

[Finnz922]

Irod Genesis II Fred's Magic Stick. Everything you want in an all around multi purpose heavy rod. 

[Angry John]

Megabass power versetile 3/8th to 4 ounces moderate fast.  Not more all around than that.  My only issue is handle length or I would have a few...

[alpaca]

30 minutes ago, Finnz922 said:

Irod Genesis II Fred's Magic Stick. Everything you want in an all around multi purpose heavy rod. 

 

10 minutes ago, Angry John said:

Megabass power versetile 3/8th to 4 ounces moderate fast.  Not more all around than that.  My only issue is handle length or I would have a few...

They both look like nice rods but I need something closer to 100 bucks and also a bit shorter. I need something 7 foot or below as I am a bank fisherman and most of the places near me are surrounded with trees.

[Finnz922]

Look at the Irod Fiber Fred's Magic Stick or 744 junk rod

[Poolshark]

Check out Abu Garcia Veritas 7 mhf, or if you can swing it, the Ike series 7'2 mhf. Both of these rods fish like TRUE heavy powered rods and are close to your budget. I own both and like the Ike series a lot better. 

For your reel, I would at least get an aluminum frame. I'd get a tatula online, a used citica or anything else with an aluminum frame. There are plenty of them from 100 to 140 out there. Just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt 

[TylerT123]

Dobyns Fury 734C

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/fr-734c/

Dobyns Fury 735C

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/fr-735c/

 

I’d go with the Casitas over the Caenan, it has the better braking system and it’s lighter. Just wondering, why would you want 40-50 lb braid in not heavy cover? Is it to avoid it digging in?

[alpaca]

20 minutes ago, TylerT123 said:

Dobyns Fury 734C

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/fr-734c/

Dobyns Fury 735C

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/fr-735c/

 

I’d go with the Casitas over the Caenan, it has the better braking system and it’s lighter. Just wondering, why would you want 40-50 lb braid in not heavy cover? Is it to avoid it digging in?

There is some cover like I fish around a lot of trees in the water and there is some slop but it’s not too heavy. I wouldn’t be comfortable with 30 pound around it. 40 pound braid is the same thickness as 10 pound mono so I’m not losing much line capacity.

[CroakHunter]

6'10 heavy falcon Bucoo sr $110

Daiwa tatula ct $100 on ebay

Or Daiwa fuego 7' heavy $70

with fuego ct off eBay for $65

[new2BC4bass]

Guys keep mentioning rods over the 7' limit you set.  So I just did a search through TW...didn't check every brand.  Although TW doesn't carry all rods in a line they do carry a lot of different brands.  I only looked at rods that should keep you in budget with a $100 or less reel.  Your choice is going to be severely limited.

 

My opinions are based solely on the specs as I don't own...or have ever used...any of these rods.  So with that in mind....

 

I feel the E-Motion 6'10" Heavy Extra-Fast 3/8 - 1 1/2 oz. will be the most versatile.  I've also been told E-Motions are excellent rods for the money.

 

I don't consider a Heavy with an upper rating of 3/4 oz. as 'Heavy' considering many of my MH rods carry that rating or even a 1 oz. rating.  So that eliminates such rods as the Bucoo 6'10" Heavy Med-Fast.  The Bucoo SR 6'10" HF is rated 3/4-1 1/4.  Maybe that would work for you, but that rating would be too limiting for me at this point in my fishing.

 

The TFO TFG 7' Heavy Med-Fast is rated 1/2- 1 1/2 oz.  I've never looked for reviews on the TFO rods so I have no idea how good they are suppose to be, but that weight range should also make for a versatile rod.  I have become a bigger fan of that action after using my Regular action Tatula and Med-Fast HMG rods.

 

I do have 3 rods that fit your specs.  New the rods were $200 or more.  Unfortunately you finding a used one would be nearly impossible as they weren't all that popular.  My older model Cabela's XMLTiC WJ 6'6" MH rated 3/8-2 oz. 12-25 lb. would be the cat's meow for you.

 

My other two rods that fit your specs are both 6'10" HF Quantums...a Tour Edition and a Superlite.

 

Sorry, the Quantums are not for sale and I'm not sure if I could be talked out of the XMLTiC.  

 

EDIT:  I was looking for rods under 7'.  The 7' HF CroakHunter mentioned would also make for a versatile rod.

[fishwizzard]

6 hours ago, Finnz922 said:

Irod Genesis II Fred's Magic Stick. Everything you want in an all around multi purpose heavy rod. 

OP, I have this rod, bough for the same uses you are looking to fill.  It is an excellent rod within it's rating, but the length was too much for me. I moved to a megabass Hyuga 72H, which I am really liking. It is over your budget, it is very reasonable as MB rods go.  It is hard to find a shorter rod like we both want without going to jdm rods.  

[kschultz76]

Megabass Orochi XX Tour Versatile, last I checked they were still available from the Tackle Trap for $199 shipped. Not the best rod in the series, but a very versatile heavy powered stick. 

[fishwizzard]

33 minutes ago, kschultz76 said:

Megabass Orochi XX Tour Versatile

I have one of those as well, it was my first second stab at heavy/versatile.  I like the rod a lot, it does have a lot of power but it will still cast into the lower end of it's range well enough.  I mostly use it for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and some jig/trig stuff.  This season I am going to see how much it and the Hyuga overlap, if they do end up with a lot of overlap, the TV would be on the chopping block before the Hyuga would.  

[kschultz76]

20 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

I have one of those as well, it was my first second stab at heavy/versatile.  I like the rod a lot, it does have a lot of power but it will still cast into the lower end of it's range well enough.  I mostly use it for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and some jig/trig stuff.  This season I am going to see how much it and the Hyuga overlap, if they do end up with a lot of overlap, the TV would be on the chopping block before the Hyuga would.  

You’ll have to let us know how they compare. I’d be surprised if the Hyuga blank is as crisp or sensitive as the Orochi XX but those things can be subjective. I’d likely never try the Hyuga bc I hate Eva handles. The TV was my first heavy rod, and I think it’s a good stick but it doesn’t stand out to me like some of my other XX rods. I thinks it’s taper for versatility took away from the taut lively feel of others in the series. But at 199 it’s a hell of a deal. 

[fishnkamp]

You are asking a lot in  one rod with both length and budget restraints. That does not mean you can not find one, just going to be a bit tougher. It has already been said that Abu Garcia rods are notorious for being a tad bit heavier than they call for. I understand having to ignore some "best rod for a technique" advice because it does not fit my requirements. My boat can store 7 foot rods all day, but not 7"1 or longer rods.  So when I first looked for the perfect frog rod most rods suggested were great, but not for me.  I first purchased a 7' heavy Abu Garcia Veritas rod ( the original series). It worked, but acted more like an extra heavy. I kept it for a punching rod. It handles 1 ounce plus punching rigs great.  I then tried a 7 foot medium heavy and it worked the hollow bodied frogs much better.  Later I swapped to a Dobyns Champion  DC 705C and it is awesome. I know it is too much money for you. You could go with

the Veritas and I think it would work fine for all you want it to do.  Another option would be a Bass Pro Johnny Morriss CarbonLite in a 7 foot hvy Fast, It lists baits that weigh 3/8 to 1 1/2. I have not had one in my hand, but I would look into it. They are priced at $119.

[tonka_blue]

Daiwa tatula elite series has a 7ft 1in heavy that's legit. Incredible back bone but has nice soft tip for skipping and making accurate casts.

[alpaca]

18 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

You are asking a lot in  one rod with both length and budget restraints. That does not mean you can not find one, just going to be a bit tougher. It has already been said that Abu Garcia rods are notorious for being a tad bit heavier than they call for. I understand having to ignore some "best rod for a technique" advice because it does not fit my requirements. My boat can store 7 foot rods all day, but not 7"1 or longer rods.  So when I first looked for the perfect frog rod most rods suggested were great, but not for me.  I first purchased a 7' heavy Abu Garcia Veritas rod ( the original series). It worked, but acted more like an extra heavy. I kept it for a punching rod. It handles 1 ounce plus punching rigs great.  I then tried a 7 foot medium heavy and it worked the hollow bodied frogs much better.  Later I swapped to a Dobyns Champion  DC 705C and it is awesome. I know it is too much money for you. You could go with

the Veritas and I think it would work fine for all you want it to do.  Another option would be a Bass Pro Johnny Morriss CarbonLite in a 7 foot hvy Fast, It lists baits that weigh 3/8 to 1 1/2. I have not had one in my hand, but I would look into it. They are priced at $119.

The bps and Veritas both look nice thank you for the advice

[Finnz922]

21 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

OP, I have this rod, bough for the same uses you are looking to fill.  It is an excellent rod within it's rating, but the length was too much for me. I moved to a megabass Hyuga 72H, which I am really liking. It is over your budget, it is very reasonable as MB rods go.  It is hard to find a shorter rod like we both want without going to jdm rods.  

That's why I recommended the Fiber. I'm only 5'11" and those rods are fine. To each their own.

[alpaca]

22 hours ago, Finnz922 said:

That's why I recommended the Fiber. I'm only 5'11" and those rods are fine. To each their own.

Yes that’s a nice rod too. Forgot they had a 7 foot.

On 1/21/2018 at 7:40 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Guys keep mentioning rods over the 7' limit you set.  So I just did a search through TW...didn't check every brand.  Although TW doesn't carry all rods in a line they do carry a lot of different brands.  I only looked at rods that should keep you in budget with a $100 or less reel.  Your choice is going to be severely limited.

 

My opinions are based solely on the specs as I don't own...or have ever used...any of these rods.  So with that in mind....

 

I feel the E-Motion 6'10" Heavy Extra-Fast 3/8 - 1 1/2 oz. will be the most versatile.  I've also been told E-Motions are excellent rods for the money.

 

I don't consider a Heavy with an upper rating of 3/4 oz. as 'Heavy' considering many of my MH rods carry that rating or even a 1 oz. rating.  So that eliminates such rods as the Bucoo 6'10" Heavy Med-Fast.  The Bucoo SR 6'10" HF is rated 3/4-1 1/4.  Maybe that would work for you, but that rating would be too limiting for me at this point in my fishing.

 

The TFO TFG 7' Heavy Med-Fast is rated 1/2- 1 1/2 oz.  I've never looked for reviews on the TFO rods so I have no idea how good they are suppose to be, but that weight range should also make for a versatile rod.  I have become a bigger fan of that action after using my Regular action Tatula and Med-Fast HMG rods.

 

I do have 3 rods that fit your specs.  New the rods were $200 or more.  Unfortunately you finding a used one would be nearly impossible as they weren't all that popular.  My older model Cabela's XMLTiC WJ 6'6" MH rated 3/8-2 oz. 12-25 lb. would be the cat's meow for you.

 

My other two rods that fit your specs are both 6'10" HF Quantums...a Tour Edition and a Superlite.

 

Sorry, the Quantums are not for sale and I'm not sure if I could be talked out of the XMLTiC.  

 

EDIT:  I was looking for rods under 7'.  The 7' HF CroakHunter mentioned would also make for a versatile rod.

They all look sweet. Tough decision! Lol