Loomis for wacky Senko

[Bob Nery]

I know this has been discussed before but I have a few parameters that might be different. First off definitely a Loomis, I’ve tried other brands and currently on Dobyns, but finding my way back to Loomis out of preference. I’m looking for a casting rod for almost solely wacky four and maybe 5 inch Senkos. I fish from a kayak and flip a lot around cypress stumps and knots. I’m actually legally blind so sensitivity is paramount. Line watching only works when the sun is just right. I actually use Fluoro over braid because it’s easier to get through the hook eye. I used a 744c for a season and pulled a fair number of hooks. I think because of too much pressure so close in. I moved to a 703c but am wondering if a GLX or NRX would be more sensitive than the Dobyns. What would you all recommend in the Loomis range for what I’m doing? The 893c comes highly touted but I’m worried I may have same problem as the 744c. Hook wise I’m using G-finesse wacky because I’ve had great results with fish staying stuck since moving, but open to hook suggestions. I think I may miss fish with spinning gear that hit on drop right away and my line is too slacks. Thanks for any input

[TNReb]

My favorite casting rod for Senkos is the NRX 852.  I have the 893 also, and like it a lot, but I use it more for Texas rigged stuff.  I just really like the way the 852 casts and feels. It loads up nicely and even though it's a 2 power, it has enough backbone for my type of fishing.  If you want the extra length, the NRX 893 is an outstanding rod that wouldn't be disappointed in.

 

I use my NRX 852S for Senkos more than anything.

[TBAG]

I currently throw weightless TR and wacky rigged Senkos with my spinning rod. I just got a IMX pro 853c over the weekend and am going to attempt to throw them with that setup.

[FryDog62]

I use an NRX 852 for wacky rigs, but from a yak you might like the shorter 802 better...

[fishwizzard]

That's a tough set of requirements you have there.  Have you looked at the old-model 6'6" MBR GLX rods?  The 783c or 784c rods sound like what you are looking for.  The new model 783c has too long of a butt for kayak use but the old model rods have nice short butts and are still pretty easy to find on ebay.  There are also the old Loomis Classic Bass rods, which are 6' and 6'6" rods with the same taper as the MBR ones.  My kayak arsenal is mostly older IMX and GLX rods from the CR and MBR lines.  I really like them, they are the perfect legnth for yak fishing and the tapers are really nice for controlling and landing bass.  

[Darren.]

First, welcome to the forums, Bob!

 

Can't help with your rod question as I've never owned a Dobyns or

Loomis, but I do throw a lot of wacky rigs and fish from a kayak.

 

Casting vs. spinning wacky rigs. I can't say I've ever worried about

missing a hit on the slack downfall with spinning gear. I've thrown

wacky with both, I use braid for a mainline and always tie a leader.

 

The slack line hit usually (in my experience) shows in a quick, unnatural

speeding up of my line on the water surface - visible using yellow braid

to my weary eyes. One of the reasons I went with a bright braid.

 

But I get your situation with being legally blind. Not as easy to watch 

even with a bright-colored braid.

 

Good luck with your search. I'm sure you'll find some help here.