Need opinion on two rods

[JustJames]

Okay, this is gonna be wired. I need a replacement for my Shimano Crucial Dropshot specific (Casting) Lure Rate 1/8 - 3/8 oz Power Medium, Action Fast 6'11.

This rod mainly use for Fluke, Jerkbait,  light bottom contact and also weightless trick/finesse worm. My old rod can perform these tasks very well. It is soft enough to cast weightless trick worm but has backbone that I can set 4/0 hook into bass mouth even at long distance. Yesterday I tried my Shimano Compare worm/jig rod 6'8" Medium Power, Action Fast lure rate 1/8-1/4. This rod got pretty soft tip which is perfect for Fluke and Weightless worm but has no backbone. I can see a problem in the long run mostly with Fluke (2-3 fish I caught barely hooked). I also don't really like XF action since that would be harder for me to use this rod for jerkbait.

The rod that I have in mine are

1. Daiwa Tatula 6101 Medium XF Lure Rate 3/32 - 1 Oz with Megatop.

2. M U S E black ML 6'10 Lure Rate 1/8-3/8Oz Action Fast.

What do you think would be good for my replacement.

I check Zodias ML6'10 Medium but a lot of review seem to indicate that it is pretty soft and less backbone than others.

I do have some experience with Tatula Series and like it enough only drawback is that huge aluminum lock nut, but don't have no clue about M U S E Black Series. I can buy both new about same price (110-130) or I can buy Crucial at 160 from some I've never heard of website.

What do you guys think?

[Junger]

Budget? Asking because there may be better alternatives.

 

But I have the 7' Team Daiwa zillion M/XF and love it for weightless plastics and light jigs. The 6'10 Tatula should be similar. I think it'll pass for jerkbaits if you need it to, but it really is a XF tip so the jerk may be more of a consistent moving of the lure, rather than a distinct jerk movement in the water.

[JustJames]

About 150 top, I've already spent all the budget my wife give me for this year, LOL.

Just came back from local shop, there is one that I like and might work, Major craft Don Ioveno Series 6'10 M/XF. 

[Mikeltee]

Well if you can come up with another $100, I can vouch for the Tatula Elite Finesse for your intended purposes. Plenty of research to be had online with it. I absolutely love it! For $150 I think its going to be tough to find something with the sensitivity you are looking for as well as the backbone to set the hook and bring them in. If it was me, id look into the Dobyns Sierra Microguide systems. The microguides will give you some added sensitivity, but forget about using braid and a 10' leader as a lot of us do. Give Gary a call. He will set you up with something sweet. Maybe you can get lucky and get a refurb Champion 703 for that. I forsee a lot of Champions in my future. Just got the 736 and freaking love it!

[LonnieP]

I have the 7 ft Tatula medium regular action rod. It is a great jerkbait bait rod . I’ve never thrown any bottom contact lures with it though but I think the regular is closer to fast than moderate fast. Like Junger, I also have a 7ft Zillion med XF and it’s great for light plastics but not sure how it would do with jerkbaits. 

The new cork handle Tatulas should be out next month, not sure if they changed the lock nut on them or not.

[MickD]

With your liking good hook sets I would steer clear of a ML power.  I think you will be disappointed.  I know it sounds like "vanilla," but Med power fast action will probably be a better choice.

You who don't like XF  action for jerks, will you please elaborate on your opinions?  Is it because in order for it to be XF the tip has to be too soft?

[new2BC4bass]

You do realize that Tatula is listed as a Drop Shot rod?  A couple years ago I bought the rod sight unseen because the weight range intrigued me.  I already had a couple Tatula casting rods and really liked them.  I had not read any reviews on the 6'10" MXF.  Nor did I know it was a Drop Shot rod until after I got it.

 

I've had it out once.  I am a bit leery of the rod tip.  I fish from shore and am whipping the lure out there the majority of the time.  I was afraid to do that with this rod.  I read an article on it not too long ago and the writer mentioned it took him time to trust the tip.

 

Here is a partial quote from one of the reviews posted on TW.

 

"I got the 6'10" mxf which most say is strange but that xfast tip is perfect for target casting anything & skipping FOR ME. This rod is beyond perfect FOR ME blades jigs t-rigs it may not have the power that most want but you don't have to cross their eyes with floro or braid."

 

I'd like to get out with mine some more, but life has been getting in the way.  Haven't been out fishing in quite awhile. 

[JustJames]

@new2BC4bassthanks a lot for your comment and yes I had read the post in the past where you inquired about this same rod. I might have confused you guys about the main goal of this rod (Dropshot specific) which I use for Fluke and bottom contact like Senko and wacky rig most of the time. I don't fish dropshot as often as I used to but it nice to have the rod that can feel even slightest pull which happen a lot when dropshot around weed area.

@MickD I like more soft MF-F tip for jerkbait so the bend can help jerking bait not pulling. I fish a lot of small jerk bait HJ08 SP65-78.

Im mostly bank fish so only one rod/reel would be ideal, the Crucial used to be my all around in light sprectum where Tatula 610 MH/F is my all around in heavier techniques.

[JustJames]

@new2BC4basshave you ever try that tatula 610mxf with Super Fluke or jerkbait? Is XF really XF? How is the bend on the rod, just the tip section? 

I'm dying here, it about time for me to fish Fluke but I don't have rod for it.