New reels, time to pick rod(s)

[jordanpolk09]

This probably feels like a reoccurring post topic but I have basically reached analysis/searching paralysis at this point and just want some opinions from those with more experience or that have similar setups already. 

 

During the TW sale I ended up with two new Tatula 100s. Both are the 8.1:1. First Daiwa casting reels other than the Excelers I have ever owned. I pretty much have my mind made up on getting an additional t-rig rod for "lighter" applications (1/16-3/16oz + trick worms or creature/craw) for one of the reels. 

 

Any recommendations on casting rod(s) to pair with these new reels? Looking for something in the $150-$300 range probably.

 

I have pretty much narrowed it down to (in this order):

Kistler H3 (Light MH or MH?), Does anyone have this setup to comment on balance, etc?

Wait for new Powell Max rod in spring

ALX Zolo Dream

Tatula/Tatula Elite

 

Not sure if it helps or matters but below are my current bass casting setups. Have 4 good spinning setups that I use for finesse techniques and friends/wife fishing. I actually feel like I have too many setups (then the bait monkey convinces me I need more again). 

 

Current casting setups: 

MH/XF Powell Max3D with Lews MB - General texas rig (gets a lot of use)

H/F Duckette Ghost with Revo Rocket - Jigs/trig with creature or craw (This is a rod I will also replace soon)

XH/F ALX Zolo Brawler with Revo S - Flipping/Pitching heavy cover

Fury 735 with pro Qualifier - Frogs

Fury 734 with pro Qualifier - General Reaction baits (chatterbaits and spinnerbaits mainly, whopper plopper sometimes)

Lews Speed Stick MH/F with with lews speed spool - General reaction (swim jigs, soft body swimbaits)

St Croix Triumph X with Lews Speed spool - Buzzbait basically exclusively other than in winter Ill usually use it for lipless baits 

Pro Max M/MF with Pro Qualifier - Topwater trebble baits, lipless baits

Duckette Ghost M/M - Smaller crank baits / square bills

BPS Cranking Stick MH/M - Mid-deep diving crank baits

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Building your 'rod & reel arsenal' is quite a bit like building a tool box.

 

It's kind of difficult for another man to do either for you without first knowing what type of 'jobs' you'll be needing these 'tools' for.  And it would be just as challenging for you to effectively select rigs without first know what you will be doing with them.  Once you figure that out - select a brand or a line of rods with in that brand of rods that has the action & the feel that YOU LIKE, and start there.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[jordanpolk09]

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Building your 'rod & reel arsenal' is quite a bit like building a tool box.

 

It's kind of difficult for another man to do either for you without first knowing what type of 'jobs' you'll be needing these 'tools' for.  And it would be just as challenging for you to effectively select rigs without first know what you will be doing with them.  Once you figure that out - select a brand or a line of rods with in that brand of rods that has the action & the feel that YOU LIKE, and start there.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

A-Jay I respect the perspective a ton and completely agree. I did state I was looking for a rod to handle lighter weight Texas-rig applications (1/16 - 3/16oz + trick worm or creature bait) to compliment the existing trig setup I already have. This was the primary  objective, gain perspective on rods for that appication. Sorry as this was probably lost in the wall of text I ended up writing :).

[Dr. Watson]

I think you may like the Kistler H3 in MH, great customer service, built in Texas, and uses a North fork composites blank. That rod is a step up from my KLX that I have yet to actually fish, but from looks and build quality alone I'm impressed. 

[A-Jay]

11 minutes ago, jordanpolk09 said:

A-Jay I respect the perspective a ton and completely agree. I did state I was looking for a rod to handle lighter weight Texas-rig applications (1/16 - 3/16oz + trick worm or creature bait) to compliment the existing trig setup I already have. This was the primary  objective, gain perspective on rods for that appication. Sorry as this was probably lost in the wall of text I ended up writing :).

Perfect ~ 

 I'll tell you that I make 1/16 - 3/16 oz bait presentations on spinning gear. 

 Been liking these Diawa Tatula Elite AGS sets up quite a bit. 

 

 

A-Jay

 

[jordanpolk09]

Appreciate the feedback.

 

I've been doing the same but trying to make the nice spinning combo pretty much dedicated to dropshot and wacky rig. No real reason why. 

 

I was eyeing the casting Ehrler MMH elite with the AGS but not sure I can justify the extra $50 over the H3 with their current sales. They sure are some pretty looking rods to my eye though.

[JustinJ]

I have been very pleased with daiwa fury series. I own 6 and have been fishing three for 3-4 seasons now

[new2BC4bass]

Ton of nice rods in that price range.  You've picked some nice ones.  I can't help you, tho.  Would love an H3 and Dream.  I'd find something to use them for after I had them in hand. 

[Stephen B]

Tatula Elite easy choice for me. Personally, I was never impressed with a Kistler (KLX, H3, and Zbone)

[kschultz76]

Of those options I’d go Kistler H3 out of those options, the Light MH of the two powers you listed. While I have the MH/XF and the Light MH I’ve not specifically thrown light weight trigs. But the Light MH throws a weightless 5” senko on a 4/0 ewg nicely. If you’re going really light you might want to consider a medium power. What kind of cover would you throw into?  I love the lightweight and balance of my H3 and KLX rods. I personally like the tapers on my H3s a lot, they versatile but still well suited to trigs and jigs. 

 

In in fairness I haven’t tried any of the other rods you listed so I can’t compare. ALX also look really good and seem to get good feedback here from those who have experience with them. 

[GReb]

I have a ALX Ikos MH and H3 H. I prefer the H3. It’s lighter and feels better to me. But it’s also a nicer rod so it should. I’ve never handled a Zolo. My light t-rig rod is a Falcon Cara head turner. 

[jordanpolk09]

Thanks for the nice feedback everyone. I'll probably jump on the Kistler H3 in light MH. I do like the Zolo I have but feel like this specific interest is a perfect fit on paper for the H3. Still want to try a tatula at some point as they also get nice feedback. Maybe the the jig rod replacement for the ghost will be one in a few months. Never know. 

 

Thanks again everyone!

[Chance_Taker4]

The Kistler H3 and Tatula is almost my exact t-rig combo I use the Tatula CT SV on a H3 LMH for light t-rigs. I can use this combo all day and not get any fatigue or cramps. It is one of the most lightest combo if not the lightest combo I have. I would throw my hat into the H3 basket.