Best $200 or less worm/jig rod

[Bassin_Harrison]

Hi!

I'm just going to be as straight forward as possible: What is your opinion on the best 200 or less, VERSITLE, worm and jig rod? 

Or a rod over 200 that can be had for 200 or less, for example on TW's Black Friday sale is 20% off.

 

Thanks for any input and tight lines! 

Harrison

[junyer357]

St croix avid 7' mh-f. 

[TBAG]

I currently use a 68 MHF Avid for Jig/Worm fishing but looking to upgrade to the next level. Why? I don't really know as the Avid has been great, maybe I'm looking for a little more sensitivity?

[Fishingmickey]

St Croix makes a great rod. I also have a Denali lithium that I also love.

FM

[MrFrost]

I do not own this rod, but if my budget should ever allow, I would be all over the St. Croix Avid.  I have spent a good amount of time getting familiar with St. Croix's rods, and I really like the Avid.  

[CroakHunter]

What will be the ballpark lure weight you'll be throwing?

[Bassin_Harrison]

28 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

What will be the ballpark lure weight you'll be throwing?

nothing more than 1/2 jigs, usually 3/16 0z t rigs with worms ranging from senkos to 10 in worms. I mentioned versatile in the question because I will be throwing a wide variety of baits. I'm often throwing the worms and sometimes jigs around grass and pads. 

5 hours ago, junyer357 said:

St croix avid 7' mh-f. 

 

4 hours ago, TBAG said:

I currently use a 68 MHF Avid for Jig/Worm fishing but looking to upgrade to the next level. Why? I don't really know as the Avid has been great, maybe I'm looking for a little more sensitivity?

 

2 hours ago, Fishingmickey said:

St Croix makes a great rod. I also have a Denali lithium that I also love.

FM

 

41 minutes ago, MrFrost said:

I do not own this rod, but if my budget should ever allow, I would be all over the St. Croix Avid.  I have spent a good amount of time getting familiar with St. Croix's rods, and I really like the Avid.  

Thanks for the replies, the Avid definitely seems to be the favorite in this price range. 

[Choporoz]

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

[ItsHardwick]

I really like my G. Loomis E6x 7’1” MH/XF jig and worm rod. I also have the 7’5” H/F jig and worm rod and love it too but it’s probably a bit heavier than what you’re looking for. 

[GReb]

My favorite t-rig rod is the Falcon Cara. It’s around $230. They just brought the Expert series back at $199. 

[Bassin_Harrison]

7 hours ago, ItsHardwick said:

I really like my G. Loomis E6x 7’1” MH/XF jig and worm rod. I also have the 7’5” H/F jig and worm rod and love it too but it’s probably a bit heavier than what you’re looking for. 

I'm not a fan of the G. Loomis rods, but thanks for the input. The 7'5 heavy is definitely too heavy for what I'm looking for. 

6 hours ago, GReb said:

My favorite t-rig rod is the Falcon Cara. It’s around $230. They just brought the Expert series back at $199. 

I have heard great things about the Falcon Cara's. Don't know much about the Expert rods, but at their price point I was interested as soon as I saw them on TW a couple days ago. Thanks for the input

9 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

I would definitely give that Helium a shot for that price if I were you, I have heard so many great things about them. What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

9 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

Is the H3 7'6" L/MH/Fast  ever in stock??? thats the one I want

 

http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishing-rods/helium-3-fishing-rods/light-medium-heavy/helium-3-light-med-heavy-7-6-fast-fishing-rod.html#.W-0DmehKg2w

[LionHeart]

I use an original Diawa Tatula 7'2" MH "Regular" action for my lighter Trigs and jigs and absolutely love it.  It is very well made and handles lures 3/16 to 1/2 great and 1/4 -3/8 perfectly .  Very sensitive rod.  

 

If I ever decide to change, it will likely be a custom ALX Deputy, but honestly I'm pretty content with the Tatula and not sure the Deputy would be much of an upgrade.

 

Nothing is perfect though.  I'm not crazy about the reel seat, and would prefer the handle to be a smidge longer.  Other than that I think it is the perfect light jig and Texas rod.

 

If you can still find one, they usually go for around $100 these days which is a crazy good deal IMO.

[Catt]

There are probably more quality rods at this price point than any!

 

One could go to Tackle Warehouse, open the casting rod menu, select any brand & have very sensitive rod.

 

It ultimately comes down to who is holding the rod!

[GReb]

9 hours ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm not a fan of the G. Loomis rods, but thanks for the input. The 7'5 heavy is definitely too heavy for what I'm looking for. 

I have heard great things about the Falcon Cara's. Don't know much about the Expert rods, but at their price point I was interested as soon as I saw them on TW a couple days ago. Thanks for the input

I would definitely give that Helium a shot for that price if I were you, I have heard so many great things about them. What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199

[Bassin_Harrison]

4 hours ago, LionHeart said:

I use an original Diawa Tatula 7'2" MH "Regular" action for my lighter Trigs and jigs and absolutely love it.  It is very well made and handles lures 3/16 to 1/2 great and 1/4 -3/8 perfectly .  Very sensitive rod.  

 

If I ever decide to change, it will likely be a custom ALX Deputy, but honestly I'm pretty content with the Tatula and not sure the Deputy would be much of an upgrade.

 

Nothing is perfect though.  I'm not crazy about the reel seat, and would prefer the handle to be a smidge longer.  Other than that I think it is the perfect light jig and Texas rod.

 

If you can still find one, they usually go for around $100 these days which is a crazy good deal IMO.

The Original Tat rods always get a lot of praise, never tried one myself. I'll definitely consider them, especially at that low price point. 

1 hour ago, GReb said:

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199

That's hard to pass up. The extra fast actions of those rods make them a tad less versatile imo and I just prefer a little bit slower tips any way.

[Choporoz]

10 hours ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

 What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?

Truly cannot say enough good about it.  Mine (7MHF) is, I believe, previous generation.  Not sure what changed, except maybe better guides.  It is light, sensitive, and comfortable.  If I don't get a new rod this winter, it will probably be my primary jig rod next season.  The last couple/few months, I've used it mostly as a chatterbait (and spinnerbait) rod.  It certainly excels at both moving and bottom baits.

[Bassin_Harrison]

14 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Truly cannot say enough good about it.  Mine (7MHF) is, I believe, previous generation.  Not sure what changed, except maybe better guides.  It is light, sensitive, and comfortable.  If I don't get a new rod this winter, it will probably be my primary jig rod next season.  The last couple/few months, I've used it mostly as a chatterbait (and spinnerbait) rod.  It certainly excels at both moving and bottom baits.

Great to know, sounds extremely versatile and that's what I like. I would probably get the 7'5", I just prefer a longer rod; more feel imo. Thanks for the input

[Choporoz]

2 hours ago, GReb said:

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199

Is @BaitMonkey1984 giving you a cut?....its getting hot in here....

[Bassin_Harrison]

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

[junyer357]

1 hour ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

If you dont want micros eyes, look at the standard avids. They discontinued the 7'4", but the 7' is still available and very versitile. I like it for jigs, but my folks use it for spinner/chatter baits and many other lures. 

Look around and you may can find a standard avid used at times in the 7'4", it was only discontinued about a year or two ago now. 

[Crankin4Bass]

1 hour ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere. 

[DogBone_384]

 

14 minutes ago, Crankin4Bass said:

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere.

Cabela's has Dobyns rods listed on their website but none in stock in Berlin, MA.

 

Riverview Bait and Tackle in South Yarmouth is also listed as a dealer on Dobyn's website.  Give them a call and see what they stock.

[GReb]

1 hour ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

 

From my experience with the Cara it will pass most leader knots but it’s certainly not “smooth” doing so. You get a noticeable glide clank and it will hang up some when pitching.

[Bassin_Harrison]

4 hours ago, Crankin4Bass said:

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere. 

They are down the cape in South Yarmouth, place called Riverview Bait and tackle. Very nice store and has a lot of rods and reels that you can only usually find at a place like BPS and even some that BPS doesn't carry. They didn't have any sierra rods, but they had Fury's and Champion XP's. 

4 hours ago, GReb said:

 

From my experience with the Cara it will pass most leader knots but it’s certainly not “smooth” doing so. You get a noticeable glide clank and it will hang up some when pitching.

Good to know, I don't mind the clang unless it greatly effects casting distance. Do you think it does? 

5 hours ago, junyer357 said:

If you dont want micros eyes, look at the standard avids. They discontinued the 7'4", but the 7' is still available and very versitile. I like it for jigs, but my folks use it for spinner/chatter baits and many other lures. 

Look around and you may can find a standard avid used at times in the 7'4", it was only discontinued about a year or two ago now. 

Oh good to know thanks, I'll look around for one. I just prefer something with a bit more length and I already have a 7' MH/F but its not great quality. Trying to upgrade from that and I'd like to get a longer rod. Thanks for the info