Ultimate Jerk Bait Combo (Kistler VS All)

[Bandersnatch]

Fast Version - I'm currently fishing Vision 110's, Ito Shiners & Kanatas on a 7'1 Kistler H3 MH (3/8-1OZ) with a Aldebaran MGL. Am I missing anything by using this rod instead of rod such as the One Ten Special or 6'10 Expride? I have an extra Aldebaran and need another rod, I need some convincing on why I shouldn't just get another Kistler 7'1

 

I'd like some advice on the standard jerk bait rods that we typically see here. Just recently I got into jerk baiting and have been having an absolute blast. I started chasing largemouth on the Harris chain post spawn about six weeks ago. I picked up buddies Kistler H3 7'1 MH (3/8-1OZ) casting rod and I threw my MET MGL on. I couldn't believe just how light the combo was. I dreamed that it could only be better with an Aldebearn MGL on it. Fast forward to now and I have that combo which I just got down having even more fun fishing up north with. My main question is am I missing anything by fishing this Kistler instead of the typical 6'10,6'11 dedicated jerk bait rods such as the Expride 6'10 or the Megabass One ten special? I have a second Aldebaran that I need another rod for.  Personally I find the Kistler launches a Vison 110 while still keeping enough bend with a leader to not bend even the stock hooks out. In my opinion the Kistler is an attractive option because I believe it to be a much more versatile rod than say a One ten special or 6'10 expride (Even though I've never fishing those) The kistler can throw a whacky worm, a light jig, a 3/4 dark sleeper as well as a bunch others. Thoughts? 

[jbsoonerfan]

IMO, it sounds like you have a rod you really like therefore I wouldn't overthink it. That being said, if you have an extra reel just sitting around I would buy one of the other rods just to give it a shot. I would't pay retail though.

[JLewis134]

I would definitely get a Oneten Special or 6'10 Expride. They are amazing rods and surprisingly very versatile.

[michaelsrex]

Any chance anybody has both that kistler and either the one ten special or the expride? 

[FryDog62]

I have that Kistler and thought it was ok for jerkbating, but now use it as my Texas-Rig Rod.  I went to the Lews Speed Stick “Plus” jerkbait rod instead.  Shorter handle that’s not banging against my side all day, I can work the lure better and less fatigue. From the reel to the tip of the rod is actually same as a 7 footer, even thought the overall length is only 6’-7” (again less length in the handle).  I also like the softer tip of the Lews, keeps fish buttoned better than the XF Kistler.  Just my 2 cents..

[gilkeybr]

Just got my Shimano Poison Adrena 1610M in the mail and paired it up with an Aldebaran 30 MGL.  I couldn't imagine a better combo for Vision 110s.  The power and action are absolutely perfect for jerkbaits, IMO.  Great casting, good rebound in the rod when working the bait, and just the right power for fighting the fish.  Not to mention it feels like you're fishing with a feather.  I'm sure the Expride 6'10 is very similar to this rod.  

 

I have yet to fish a Ito Shiner on it.  I could see that feeling a bit heavy on the cast.  Time will tell.  

 

I've never fished a Kistler rod, so maybe I just don't know what i'm missing!  If you're in love with it, there isn't a great reason to go another direction.  Except to try something new.

 

PS, I also fished the 1610 combo with a small tube (1/4oz jig, 2.5" fat tube).  Wow!  What a pleasure.  Almost made me second guess using this combo for jerkbait fishing...

[Dwight Hottle]

Ryan you should check out the 7'0" or the 7'-3" inch model in a light medium heavy rated 3/16 to 7/8. It's even a better option than the regular Helium medium heavy for jerk baits.   

[anderb54]

18 hours ago, JLewis134 said:

I would definitely get a Oneten Special or 6'10 Expride. They are amazing rods and surprisingly very versatile.

I use my Oneten Special as my all around smallmouth rod for wader fishing. I have a slingpack with two 3600 size Planos in it full of baits that I throw with it. Versatile is definitely a great word for it. I'm planning on switching to an Otomat once the crankbait bite heats up because of the slower action.

 

OP, I throw all of the baits you mentioned on the Oneten Special except the Kanata. I found it to be just a bit too heavy for me to feel comfortable with anything but a lob cast. It perfectly handles 110's, Ito Shiners, Trick Darters, Pointer 100s and 78s, Rerange 110s, Staycee 90s... Well, you get the picture. Is it worth buying if you're not a hardcore jerkbait fisherman? Maybe. Is it worth buying if you're really into jerkbaits? Absolutely.

 

As a side note, the jerkbait rods make excellent finesse jig rods if you're into that sort of thing.

Edited May 28, 2019 by anderb54

[Fishes in trees]

When I'm throwing jerk baits, it is generally windy.   I think spinning gear works better for throwing jerk baits in the wind.   What I use for throwing jerk baits isn't anything special - a 6'3" Shimano Med/ex-fast rod - light braid with fluorocarbon leader, and a wide spool spinning reel.

[Bandersnatch]

7 hours ago, anderb54 said:

I use my Oneten Special as my all around smallmouth rod for wader fishing. I have a slingpack with two 3600 size Planos in it full of baits that I throw with it. Versatile is definitely a great word for it. I'm planning on switching to an Otomat once the crankbait bite heats up because of the slower action.

 

OP, I throw all of the baits you mentioned on the Oneten Special except the Kanata. I found it to be just a bit too heavy for me to feel comfortable with anything but a lob cast. It perfectly handles 110's, Ito Shiners, Trick Darters, Pointer 100s and 78s, Rerange 110s, Staycee 90s... Well, you get the picture. Is it worth buying if you're not a hardcore jerkbait fisherman? Maybe. Is it worth buying if you're really into jerkbaits? Absolutely.

 

As a side note, the jerkbait rods make excellent finesse jig rods if you're into that sort of thing.

I'm interested in the fact that the one ten can do more than just the jerk baits. Now trying to decide if the one ten is worth it of over the levante or xx. Does anybody have input on the differences between blanks? 

[JLewis134]

17 minutes ago, Ryan Michael said:

I'm interested in the fact that the one ten can do more than just the jerk baits. Now trying to decide if the one ten is worth it of over the levante or xx. Does anybody have input on the differences between blanks? 

Personally, I would go with the OneTen Special. I love the Oneten Special. It's surprising way more technique adaptable than I thought. It can handle topwater, jerkbaits, small crankbaits, and even bottom contact baits. Sensitivity wise it is very impressive. It is definitely more sensitive than the Levante and XX. It's one if not the most sensitive rods I own. I will not go fishing without it. Its on my boat year round. However, I have the Jerkbait Special in the Levante and its awesome too. I chose it over the XX. Sensitivity on the Levante is good and a great rod and performs way above its price point. But overall, I'd lean toward the OneTen Special based on versatility for its amazing sensitivity. But if you prefer just a jerkbait/topwater definitely go with the Levante as it's a great value.

[GReb]

Only way to know is to buy one and find out.  Exprides and Megabass sell fast here if you decide its not for you.  I use a St Croix LTB 6'8 M XF and have no complaints.  Kistler also has jerkbait rods in the KLX series if you want to try them.  I will say that I finally put my hands on an Expride in a local shop last weekend and it was a very nice  rod.  

[smr913]

You might look at the 7' medium H3. They call it their jerkbait special. I have one but don't fish jerkbaits that's often, but it is a very versatile rod. 

[FishTank]

My favorite so far is a G. Loomis 783C GLX and a Shimano Core.  The rod is just about perfect.... Soft tip, sensitive, shorter length, and a slightly shorter handle.  As far as the reel goes, it just does the job well. 

[JLewis134]

8 minutes ago, FishTank said:

My favorite so far is a G. Loomis 783C GLX and a Shimano Core.  The rod is just about perfect.... Soft tip, sensitive, shorter length, and a slightly shorter handle.  As far as the reel goes, it just does the job well. 

 

31 minutes ago, GReb said:

Only way to know is to buy one and find out.  Exprides and Megabass sell fast here if you decide its not for you.  I use a St Croix LTB 6'8 M XF and have no complaints.  Kistler also has jerkbait rods in the KLX series if you want to try them.  I will say that I finally put my hands on an Expride in a local shop last weekend and it was a very nice  rod.  

A GLX is a great option. The MB OneTen Special is special though. I like the MB OneTen the most then Legend Tournament followed by the GLX and Expride. Like GReb stated, Megabass and Shimano/Gloomis have a great following and hold there value among the best. Can't go wrong here. A lot of good rods.

[newyorktoiowa57]

Probably one of the Megabass jerkbait rods, or the Expride 610m, or the new adrena 611m+ if you can find it.   

[Bandersnatch]

After all the input I pulled the trigger on the destroyer one ten special. I'll use that for 110s, 110jrs, ito shiners and the plus 1 & 2's. I may even try to throw 1/2 - 3/4oz dark sleepers and finesse jigs. I'll reserve the 7'1 kistler MH for the kanatas and all around other finesse type stuff. Both on an aldebaran 50 mgl