Baitcasting rod for plastics

[BillNye]

Currently I have 2 rods I bring with me on my kayak. A  MH/XF Powell Inferno baitcaster I use for spinnerbaits/jigs and a ML/XF Powell Diesel spinning rod I use for plastics.  I would like to add a baitcasting rod that can cast wackyrigged senkos, lighter trigs and trickworms so I can keep a ned rig or dropshot on my ML spinning set up.  I have 3 rods in mind and was hoping to get some opinions on which would work the best.  My current baitcaster is pretty stiff and I have a hard time casting wacky rigged senkos without causing the bait to fly off the hook after a couple casts.  I am thinking of getting a Fuego for the reel but have been looking at the tatula sv as well.  

 

1) Dobyns Sierra 6' 8' M/F 

2) G. Loomis E6X 7'1" M/XF

3) St. Croix Mojo 7'1" M/F

[Vincent_Diesel]

Not sure where I can help with the rod but for the reel I would definitely go with the Tatual SV. That spool is designed for lighter presentations. I have one myself.

 

Now if you do go with that reel you could pair it with a matching Tatula rod. I have 2 in my arsenal now and feel they are a great match. Good quality, plenty of sensitivity and 5 year warranty. Also worth mentioning that you could buy these rods marked down for less than a hundred bucks.

[five-bites]

I’d go option 2 for the rod. Loomis’ actions are always spot on  and that’s what I’d use for those techniques. For a reel I’d go sv or Curado/scorpion  71. Any reel with a 1016 spool would work great too. 

[Jrob78]

The newer St Croix Mojo rods use the same blank material as the Avid line, not the same blank but same material. I don't own one but it should be a good rod for the money. The Loomis should also be a good choice. I would personally get the Mojo and Tatula SV but any of those choices should suit you well.

[LonnieP]

I would get the Mojo out of the 3 you listed

[Lead Head]

As far as Dobyns goes, I can't speak for the Sierra but in the fury series I find the MH to be perfect for weightless senkos.

[jimmyjoe]

   I have the Mojo plastics rod. Personally, I don't like it weightless. I tried it with a Curado 70 using 8 lb. YoZuri Hybrid, and  Daiwa Fuego CT100HS using 12 and then 14 lb Trilene xl. But when I went to a Texas rig, it was a whole 'nother world. That small addition of weight changed everything. So I would say to try and find someone who has the Mojo rod and see if you can try it b4 you buy it. Some people around here use Loomis, and they like them. I don't know if anyone uses a Loomis for wacky rigs, though. I know nothing about the Dobyns.  jj

[BillNye]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'm open to any suggestions on a rod in the 100-150 dollar range.  Looking for a little nicer rod than the inferno.

 

 

[fishwizzard]

I have spent a little time fishing the E6X MBR 783 and it can comfortably cast down to like 1/4-5/16oz, which puts one into the "weightless Trickworm" range.  The one I fished was the older model, by most accounts the 2018 ones are lighter and more sensitive.  

[TBAG]

IMO, you can't go wrong with any of those three options. Are you able to handle all 3 in store to see what feels best for you?

[NHBull]

I hate it when folks do what I am about to do, but I would consider

A loomis M/F MBR (glx) and have something far more universal, given your situation. It handles senkos better than many ML and can me used for many more techniques.

 

Apologies for not responding to the direct question

[Jrob78]

8 hours ago, NHBull said:

I hate it when folks do what I am about to do, but I would consider

A loomis M/F MBR (glx) and have something far more universal, given your situation. It handles senkos better than many ML and can me used for many more techniques.

 

Apologies for not responding to the direct question

That rod is only about $300 more than the ones he's looking at. ?

[Boomstick]

I would probably go with the Mojo out of the three of them, but if it was me, I would get the 6'8" M/XF model. Being a little shorter won't have a huge affect on casting, but you can also use the rod for topwater and the shorter rod will be easier to work a topwater bait. Also it might be easier casting if you ever have low hanging branches and are trying to dead stick a senko.

 

The Mojo Bass is a very solid rod with a very good blank at a good price point, so I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[FishTank]

23 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

I have spent a little time fishing the E6X MBR 783 and it can comfortably cast down to like 1/4-5/16oz, which puts one into the "weightless Trickworm" range.  The one I fished was the older model, by most accounts the 2018 ones are lighter and more sensitive.  

One of my fishing buddies fishes this rod for just about everything. He has 3 of them.  He loves them and refuses to try anything else.  Even the GLX models.  I have the 783 GLX and he's likes it but it just not the same to him.  

[BillNye]

Great info thanks again for the advice! Im surpised there isnt anyone recommending the dobyns.

 

Unfortunatly im not sure if I will be able to try them as the closest place to my house other than dicks is a bass pro about 2 hours away.  

 

Stick baits and t rigged trick worms are two big parts of my fishing routine so the rod would need to handle those well.  It seems like the mojo is a really popular model and I think bass bro carries them so Ill have to try to make it this weekend and see.  Im not sure there is anywhere I can find a g loomis rod unless bass pro carries them as well.

 

I would for sure be checking out nicer rods like nhbull suggested but my wife is already questioning why I need two rods let alone 3!

 

As far as reels are concerned is the sv reel a big step up in performance for lighter baits?   I have a revo stx on my current spinnerbait rod now and was thinking of putting that on the new rod and getting a fuego for the spinnerbaits/jigs rod

[kenmitch]

48 minutes ago, BillNye said:

I would for sure be checking out nicer rods like nhbull suggested but my wife is already questioning why I need two rods let alone 3!

Maybe use a shoe analogy on her? Explain to her that there are different rods for different situations, kinda of like there are different shoes for different outfits and situations. If she doesn't get it ask her if she would wear high heels to go jogging or if she'd wear tennis shoes with a nice dress. Not saying you should go out and blow $400 on a rod, but she'll probably at least understand why you actually need another rod or two or three.

[fishwizzard]

12 hours ago, FishTank said:

One of my fishing buddies fishes this rod for just about everything. He has 3 of them.  He loves them and refuses to try anything else.  Even the GLX models.  I have the 783 GLX and he's likes it but it just not the same to him.  

I have a 783glx as well and while the glx is unquestionably more sensitive and lighter, the e6x feels better in hand. The glx has, in my opinion, far too long rear grip and I am not crazy about the reel seat.  A 783glx blank built to mimic the e6x version would be about my ideal all-around rod.  

[smithy97]

I use the Loomis E6X that you listed for weightless wacky worms. It's a great rod for that purpose, but I find myself loving that rod for jerkbaits even more, so I'm in the market for a new dedicated wacky worm rod (may just buy an identical one). I have really enjoyed that E6X for worms, it has the tip you need to cast them, and a crisp action that responds quickly on a hookset. I know you'd be happy with it. 

[FryDog62]

On 9/19/2018 at 6:44 PM, BillNye said:

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'm open to any suggestions on a rod in the 100-150 dollar range.  Looking for a little nicer rod than the inferno.

 

 

I have 3 baitcasting rods that I use interchangeably for Plastics.  One in your price range is a 6’-10” Duckett Triad medium.  Works as well as my more expensive rods.  Triad does have a slightly longer handle which you might or might not prefer from a kayak position. 

 

The other rod I have that is ideal for more finesse applications - drop-shot, wacky, Ned is the Major Craft/Don Iovino 6’-10” MediumXF.  Awesome and highly underrated rod!

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-MJRRODS.html?from=basres

[GeekOutdoors]

10 hours ago, kenmitch said:

Maybe use a shoe analogy on her? Explain to her that there are different rods for different situations, kinda of like there are different shoes for different outfits and situations. If she doesn't get it ask her if she would wear high heels to go jogging or if she'd wear tennis shoes with a nice dress. Not saying you should go out and blow $400 on a rod, but she'll probably at least understand why you actually need another rod or two or three.

I use golf clubs as my usual example to explain my OCD about rods/reels...

[BillNye]

I was able to make it to bass pro today after work and was able to check out the G Loomis E6X and the St Croix mojo.  I thought both rods were very nice but to me the G Loomis had a power level that was more what I was expecting from a medium rod.  I was only able to see the 6'6" version of the Medium Rod so I'm hoping the longer version would be similar.  I see that Tackle Warehouse has this rod on closeout are they discontinuing it?

[Matt_3479]

Personally I haven’t fished the exact rods your looking st but have fished a few different variations of the e6x, 1 mojo bass and 1 Sierra. Personally I think the e6x is the rod id go with as well. Feels better built and more sensitive to me then the mojo and Sierra. The extra fast tip will be great for that quick response for finesse fishing. Don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. I love my Sierra and the mojo is a heck of a rod but I just like the e6x better then both of them

[LonnieP]

16 hours ago, BillNye said:

I was able to make it to bass pro today after work and was able to check out the G Loomis E6X and the St Croix mojo.  I thought both rods were very nice but to me the G Loomis had a power level that was more what I was expecting from a medium rod.  I was only able to see the 6'6" version of the Medium Rod so I'm hoping the longer version would be similar.  I see that Tackle Warehouse has this rod on closeout are they discontinuing it?

Loomis came out with an improved version of the E6X this year, claims to be more lighter and sensitive than the previous model. The close out deals are the older version. I have no experience with the new rod but do have one of the old rods. It’s ok but way overpriced for what it is.