Looking for a med. Lt. Casting rod.

[NOC 1]

I use three different ML rods right now and they are keepers for me.

 

For the Ned and things like 1/8 spinners and mini crank baits I have come to believe that the rods made for Inshore fishing are best. I have 3 Abu Volatile rods ML-XF 6'10". Rated 1/16-3/8 oz. they are very whippy and get good distance, but being Inshore rods they also have more backbone than your ordinary 1/16oz. BFS rod. They are rated to 6-12 lb. line. Falcon makes a similar rod and you could also check out some of the Abu Garcia Japanese market stuff like the Stinger series.

 

I also have an ABU Villain Gen1, which I unlike some, really like. I like them enough that I bought 6 of them in various configurations. It is, in my opinion a great all around rod in the ML-F class. 6'9", pretty typical 1/8-1/2 oz. baits and 6-10lb line. The action on these remind me of the Carbonlight rods, but the Villain is more sensitive and balanced and to me feels more lithe and quick.

 

For the ML-Mod rods I have Daiwa Original Generation Black Labels. 6'9", 1/6-1/2 oz. and 6-14lb. line wt.

This is my absolute favorite rod for top-water lures up 5/16oz. and small jerk baits too.

 

There are a hundred other choices out there you can be sure. The problem is that just because I like a rod doesn't mean that someone else will see it the same way. There are some higher end rods that make my ML stuff feel pretty clunky, so if you have the cash and the desire to spend it this way, check out some of the Megabass and Shimano/Jackall stuff and maybe the Daiwa Steez and Heartland Rods. Abu makes some really nice rods in their Fantasista series as well.

[DogBone_384]

On 5/14/2018 at 9:31 AM, new2BC4bass said:

check out TackleTour's review of the Villain 2.0 6'10" ML spinning rod. 

I had one. It’s the best ML spinning rod I’ve owned.

 

Unfortunately it’s at the bottom of Ponkapog pond and they’re hard to find.

 

Anyway, it gets my vote!

 

As far as ML casting rods go, I have a Kistler He3 with a Pixy 68 on it. Awesome for light baits, but a bit pricey.  I have an older BPS 7’ ML/F Crankin’ Stick. I used it twice and stored it. Too whippy for me.

 

Good luck with your search.

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

I had one. It’s the best ML spinning rod I’ve owned.

 

Unfortunately it’s at the bottom of Ponkapog pond and they’re hard to find.

 

Anyway, it gets my vote!

 

As far as ML casting rods go, I have a Kistler He3 with a Pixy 68 on it. Awesome for light baits, but a bit pricey.  I have an older BPS 7’ ML/F Crankin’ Stick. I used it twice and stored it. Too whippy for me.

 

Good luck with your search.

I have the same BPS rod.  It is one of the three I used to learn how to cast #5 Shad Raps.  Haven't caught a fish on it.  No surprise there given where I live.  It is whippy, but that allows it to load up nicely with light lures.