Shimano Expride 6 ft 10 medium for jerkbaits? Any owners

[Ksam1234]

So I’m looking to get a designated jerkbait rod and I narrowed it down to about 3.. wondering if anyone uses this rod for jerkbaits and how do you feel about it? 6 ft 10 inch medium Expride A casting rod. It’s between this and the megabass orochi jerkbait special or the alpha angler slayer. Any input would be appreciated. 

[FryDog62]

I had a Zodias not an Expride but they both have a 15 inch handle, which I found to be too cumbersome for jerkbaiting.  That’s why I prefer the 13 inch Dobyns 685 or 705.  The Orochi is in between at 14 and a good stick too..

[iabass8]

looked at it. handle was too long

[mrpao]

I use mine for jerkbaits and topwaters.

No issues here.

I think a lot of other guys use it for jerkbaits too.

It does a good job at it.

Tip is fast enough to move the lures well and blank has enough flex to keep the fish hooked.

[Ksam1234]

Thanks , that is what I’m wondering but how is it compared to the jerkbait special.. ugh such decisions! Lol. But I was worried it would be to stiff and rip out of the fishes mouth so that’s good to know.  My rod now is too stiff I think or heavy and does load well

[jbsoonerfan]

I don't have the Expride, but I have the Zodias in the same model. I don't think you will have to worry about ripping hooks out. I throw squarebills with mine and throw lipless on a 6'10 MH and haven't had problems pulling hooks, hopefully not "yet" lol.

[NHBull]

If you like the jerkbait special, the flatside special is special..and can be had at a reasonable price 

[LuckyHandsINC.]

Don’t have the current model but I use the original JDM version for jerkbaits and love it. Have had good hook up ratio and don’t have any troubles with handle length.

[Bass Rutten]

Bump. To any owners out there, is this rods taper consistent with the rest of the line? Most of the heavier actions are a bit softer than their rating with a touch of bend in the mid-section. Was hoping this one could be my all purpose stick for those one rod excursions to throw jerks, plastics, light jigs etc, main concern is if it’s going to be too stiff for squarebills with mono or fluoro. 

[padon]

i have one . love it for jerkbaits, topwaters, and short cast target fishing squarebills. would not consider it an all around rod though.i throw light slim plastics texas rigger with it but if your gonna try to punch a heavy wire hook through a thicker plastic this isnt your stick. very good rod but kind of specialized.

[PotatoLake]

On 9/30/2021 at 10:00 PM, padon said:

i have one . love it for jerkbaits, topwaters, and short cast target fishing squarebills. would not consider it an all around rod though.i throw light slim plastics texas rigger with it but if your gonna try to punch a heavy wire hook through a thicker plastic this isnt your stick. very good rod but kind of specialized.

 

I'll reinforce what padon said, I use mine for jerkbaits, topwater and a descent about of crankbaits. It's an awesome rod, never once had an issue with missing fish with treble hooks. Maybe I don't know any difference, but its the only rod I've ever used to fish a jerkbait, so I can't compare the difference with any other rod, but I don't have problems imparting the action on the lure I want. It might be my favorite rod. 

[Rodney Smith]

This is an easy one. Expride 6’10. Prefect jerk bait rod. If you pair it with an Aldebaran, it will like become your favorite setup.

[WPCfishing]

I just bought a Helium online today. 
6’10” 3 power. 

Haven’t had any time on the rods you asked about or the one I bought.

Hit or miss.. nowhere to look anymore. 

[kwdivikaw]

On 10/9/2021 at 5:58 PM, Rodney Smith said:

This is an easy one. Expride 6’10. Prefect jerk bait rod. If you pair it with an Aldebaran, it will like become your favorite setup.

Are you talking the 6'10 Medium Glass or 6'10 Medium Moderate/Fast action?

[Rodney Smith]

6'10 Medium Moderate/Fast action

[lunkerboss923]

Little late to the party, but I have a Kaden 610-4CB love it but want to get the Expride 6'10" Medium. The Expride paired perfect with the Daiwa Tatula 80. That's on my radar. 

[DogBone_384]

I'm guilty.  I watch too much Tactical Bassin' videos and bought one because it's supposed to be the perfect jerkbait rod.

 

My primary jerkbait rod a Kistler 6'9" KLX M/MF.  Both have nearly the same action.  The KLX is a shade lighter and, to me, a slightly shorter and more comfortable grip.

 

Both are great jerkbait rods.  The Kistler is $100 cheaper than the Shimano when you catch it on sale.  The KLX is also made in Texas and the Shimano was made in China.

 

[LootyDjibouti]

On 12/7/2024 at 6:07 PM, DogBone_384 said:

I'm guilty.  I watch too much Tactical Bassin' videos and bought one because it's supposed to be the perfect jerkbait rod.

 

My primary jerkbait rod a Kistler 6'9" KLX M/MF.  Both have nearly the same action.  The KLX is a shade lighter and, to me, a slightly shorter and more comfortable grip.

 

Both are great jerkbait rods.  The Kistler is $100 cheaper than the Shimano when you catch it on sale.  The KLX is also made in Texas and the Shimano was made in China.

 

I was eyeing the Kistler, I have a Helium (toray blank) so was looking for this rod in that series but it appears they don't have it. But if the KLX is as light as you say then should be no need. I dig the short handle for the kayak. 

[DogBone_384]

23 hours ago, LootyDjibouti said:

But if the KLX is as light as you say then should be no need. I dig the short handle for the kayak. 

 

The KLX and Helium are similar in weight.  KLX's are mod/fast and Heliums are F or XF.

 

You might also consider their jerkbait specific rod.  It's 6'10", a light-medium-heavy action, and the Helium's KC9 blank.  I've got a couple LMH rods and really like their softer tip and MH-like backbone, which would be better for extra deep jerkbaits.  It also has the same 8" handle length.

 

Good luck with your choice.

[Huckfinn38]

I have searched for rods and built rods over the last 18 months in an effort to find the best jerkbait rod under $300 and the Shimano Expride EXC610MB is the best one I have found.

Light, balanced, and great rod action. It is good for both 110 jr +1 and 110 +1.

[A-Jay]

26 minutes ago, Huckfinn38 said:

I have searched for rods and built rods over the last 18 months in an effort to find the best jerkbait rod under $300 and the Shimano Expride EXC610MB is the best one I have found.

Light, balanced, and great rod action. It is good for both 110 jr +1 and 110 +1.

Is the position of the hook hanger behind the reel and down in the split grip effective

when you hang a jerkbait there?

Or perhaps you don't use it ?

Seems like a PIA to me.

A-Jay

[Huckfinn38]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Is the position of the hook hanger behind the reel and down in the split grip effective

when you hang a jerkbait there?

Or perhaps you don't use it ?

Seems like a PIA to me.

A-Jay

ha funny you mention that.  It was horrible.  Since I build rods I added a hook keeper above the foregrip.

[A-Jay]

18 minutes ago, Huckfinn38 said:

ha funny you mention that.  It was horrible.  Since I build rods I added a hook keeper above the foregrip.

That's the spirit !

A-Jay

[smesx]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Is the position of the hook hanger behind the reel and down in the split grip effective

when you hang a jerkbait there?

Or perhaps you don't use it ?

Seems like a PIA to me.

A-Jay

Added one of those magnetic hook keepers that uses a small o-ring above the handle. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Booms-Fishing-Magnetic-Keeper-Cushion/dp/B07DRJ5QTC

 

Wrap with a rapala lure wrap when stored.

 

The stock lower keeper is only good for things like jigs or texas rig hooks.

[Aaron_H]

9 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Is the position of the hook hanger behind the reel and down in the split grip effective

when you hang a jerkbait there?

Or perhaps you don't use it ?

Seems like a PIA to me.

A-Jay

 

My least favorite position for a hook keeper. I put Fuji EZ Keepers on all of my rids just above the reel these days, they work well and keep the bait/hooks from rubbing the blank as badly as the stock keepers.