Budget Frog Rod

[J.Vincent]

Okay I wasn't going to buy anymore Fishing Rods this year....but I picked up a 7ft MH Fast Berkley Lightning Shock at Wally World for only $14.97 as a backup or shore Rod. I'm thinking about making it my Frog Rod because it's a budget stick and not very sensitive....anyone else use this stick for Hollow body Frogs? Or maybe Buzzbaits ? I'm fishing primarily in the North and rarely see Largemouth more than 6lbs, will this Rod suffice?

[a1712]

Yep. Have that exact rod and use it for exactly what you're thinking. They are also a superb trap, squarebill, chatterbait and spinnerbait rod. I bought mine for the sole purpose of topwater bank fishing at night and it's held up for 4+ years now, still looks new. Brian.

[Spankey]

I just picked up that same rod yesterday for $9.00 at Wally World clearance yellow tagged. I was planning the very same use it or maybe using it with some heavier baits on the river for Muskies. Most likely become a river rod. Basically impulsed bought it for 9 bucks. It's worth that, seems well made. Now I need to get a reel and some braid and match it up decently. That will become a project. Not sure what to pair it up with yet. They are an ugly looking rod for sure.

 

The Wally Worlds near me basically suck as far as their fishing departments. The Power Bait selection is good and I can find smaller stuff for my grandsons there. That rod was just there for $40 within the last couple of weeks. The one i took was straight as an arrow and not a blemish on it.

 

Good luck with yours.

[Jcj90]

That rod is too soft for frogs IMO 

[ww2farmer]

I used a 7' MH Shock for frogs for many years.

 

It's a good rod in all but the heaviest cover....but in thick slop, mats, etc, it's pretty under-powered for that.

 

But for little isolated clumps of matted stuff, skipping under docks/trees/etc., it a pretty good rod.

 

It'll load up and cast a regular size Booyah, and spro frogs a mile. It has enough power to bury stout frog hooks provided you use braid, and it's also got enough of a moderate-ness to it's taper to not yank baits away from fish. It's a heavy (as in weight) rod, and after years of using it, I grew moderately uncomfortable with it after a long day and switched to something lighter (in weight) and better balanced.

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, J.Vincent said:

Okay I wasn't going to buy anymore Fishing Rods this year....but I picked up a 7ft MH Fast Berkley Lightning Shock at Wally World for only $14.97 as a backup or shore Rod. I'm thinking about making it my Frog Rod because it's a budget stick and not very sensitive....anyone else use this stick for Hollow body Frogs? Or maybe Buzzbaits ? I'm fishing primarily in the North and rarely see Largemouth more than 6lbs, will this Rod suffice?

Wish I had a dollar for every time I thought that................I'd have enough money for another rod. 

1 hour ago, Spankey said:

I just picked up that same rod yesterday for $9.00 at Wally World clearance yellow tagged. I was planning the very same use it or maybe using it with some heavier baits on the river for Muskies. Most likely become a river rod. Basically impulsed bought it for 9 bucks. It's worth that, seems well made. Now I need to get a reel and some braid and match it up decently. That will become a project. Not sure what to pair it up with yet. They are an ugly looking rod for sure.

 

The Wally Worlds near me basically suck as far as their fishing departments. The Power Bait selection is good and I can find smaller stuff for my grandsons there. That rod was just there for $40 within the last couple of weeks. The one i took was straight as an arrow and not a blemish on it.

 

Good luck with yours.

Do you live in the ABE area?  Cuz they suck here.  I shop Dick's sales.  Better prices and a whole lot bigger selection.

 

Ugly is right and the only reason I don't have one.

 

Don't know about the other guys, but you can take ww2farmer's word to the bank. 

[Spankey]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

Wish I had a dollar for every time I thought that................I'd have enough money for another rod. 

Do you live in the ABE area?  Cuz they suck here.  I shop Dick's sales.  Better prices and a whole lot bigger selection.

 

Ugly is right and the only reason I don't have one.

 

Don't know about the other guys, but you can take ww2farmer's word to the bank. 

No I'm down in Chesmont area. They have nothing for me. But I can get stuff the grandsons there. Items to trout fish and pond fish. I get them out bass fishing with me. They will never need to really buy anything during their lives.

 

I might just hook that rod up with another spincaster for them. Will probably throw one of my lews bc's on it just to get a feel for it though. I'd like to give it an honest try. I really don't want to throw a $100+ reel on it. That's the drawback when you buy a rod off the cuff. Deal or no deal you need to buy a reel and they rarely go on sale. I have a feeling it will fish ok. It's certainly no Avid or Premier St. Croix,  or Mojo or Bass X. It's $9.00.

[MassYak85]

11 hours ago, a1712 said:

They are also a superb trap, squarebill, chatterbait and spinnerbait rod. 

....?

2 hours ago, Jcj90 said:

That rod is too soft for frogs IMO 

 

[J.Vincent]

The softer upper third of the rod is what made me question it for a Frogging application. But considering it’s large pads and occasionally open grass lines, I think it just may work ....oh and I forgot to mention , I also bought (2) Lews Speed Sticks Signature Series for $14.97 each and (2) 6’6 Berkley Lightning Shock for $9.00 each. I’m a fool for any deal better than 50% off : )