looking for new jig rod. NRX 894 balance?

[TNReb]

Well, I dropped my custom jig rod in the lake today. Oops.  I was 20ft deep and in bushes/timber. I dragged treble hooks for 2 hours and was never able to snag it. I broke off a ton of treble hooks and heavy tungsten weights.  Ouch. 

 

So... 

 

I'm looking for a new rod to pitch jigs. Mostly 3/8oz + trailer. Sometimes a 1/2oz + trailer.  Tossing them at laydowns, stumps, bushes, etc.  I wouldn't call it heavy cover.  Not much real grass where I normally fish, and I already have heavier rods I can use for that when necessary

 

Can anyone over any thoughts on how the NRX 894 balances?

 

I have other NRX casting rods - 852, 853, 854, 873, and 893. 

 

Out of those, the 854 is by far my least favorite. It feels heavy to me and I find it difficult to pitch with. 

 

I keep my 873 rigged for carolina rig always, so I'm not interested in using that as my jig rod.

 

The 893 feels a little overpowered with even a 3/8 jig if I add a bulky trailer. 

 

Does the NRX 894 balance similarly to the 854?  I don't have a local place to feel it next to my 854. 

 

I love the sensitivity of my other NRX rods, but can't decide whether to get the 894 or go with another custom build.

 

 

[Michigander]

Well, you theoretically don't have to buy a new rod sock, so spend that money on one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/retrieving-magnet-150-lb-pull-36904.html?cid=paid_google|||36904&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAiAvonyBRB7EiwAadauqV44-DIlqWe9Aa5DwtkhrOwe2R1yDKFnk40ZUvffVSOfcFzTgOk3LBoCvFoQAvD_BwE

[TNReb]

2 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Well, you theoretically don't have to buy a new rod sock, so spend that money on one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/retrieving-magnet-150-lb-pull-36904.html?cid=paid_google|||36904&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAiAvonyBRB7EiwAadauqV44-DIlqWe9Aa5DwtkhrOwe2R1yDKFnk40ZUvffVSOfcFzTgOk3LBoCvFoQAvD_BwE

That's actually not a bad idea. The place I dropped it in is pretty narrow, and I know right where it should be. I may swing by HF tonight, buy that magnet, and go back tomorrow. Supposed to be raining all day, and that lake is an hour away, but it's worth a shot. I hate to lose the reel more than the rod. 

[Michigander]

6 minutes ago, TNReb said:

That's actually not a bad idea. The place I dropped it in is pretty narrow, and I know right where it should be. I may swing by HF tonight, buy that magnet, and go back tomorrow. Supposed to be raining all day, and that lake is an hour away, but it's worth a shot. I hate to lose the reel more than the rod. 

Assuming you had fancy guides on there means the reel is probably the only part that's ferrous anyway. Good luck!!

[pauldconyers]

Update us, I'd like to hear if you got it or not LOL

[Michigander]

1 minute ago, pauldconyers said:

Update us, I'd like to hear if you got it or not LOL

Right? This just got interesting. Maybe he'll get two!

[TNReb]

6 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Assuming you had fancy guides on there means the reel is probably the only part that's ferrous anyway. Good luck!!

You're probably right.  Worth a shot though. 

 

I can post GPS coordinates if someone else wants to take a stab at it!  Finders keepers! hahaha

[Michigander]

1 minute ago, TNReb said:

You're probably right.  Worth a shot though. 

 

I can post GPS coordinates if someone else wants to take a stab at it!  Finders keepers! hahaha

Hmm...  drive to Tennessee from Michigan to magnet fish for a custom rod... or just sit on my couch and buy an Expride on TW.... decision decisions...

[iabass8]

The 894 balance, to me, was really bad Without modification. You either have to add weight to the butt end or redo the handle altogether. It’s a stupid sensitive blank but the tip heaviness is annoying I sold mine.

[JLewis134]

Go with the GLX 894C. Balance is perfect and sensitivity is awesome. I wouldn't go custom personally.

[TNReb]

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel. 

1 hour ago, iabass8 said:

The 894 balance, to me, was really bad Without modification. You either have to add weight to the butt end or redo the handle altogether. It’s a stupid sensitive blank but the tip heaviness is annoying I sold mine.

That tells me what I need to know. That's how I feel about my 854. 

[pauldconyers]

10 minutes ago, TNReb said:

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel.

Divers mask?

[TNReb]

6 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

Divers mask?

I can barely dive 10ft, much less 20!

[Michigander]

18 minutes ago, TNReb said:

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel. 

That tells me what I need to know. That's how I feel about my 854. 

[NorcalBassin]

I'm a big fan of the 894 with a Bantam on it. However, I'm casting jigs quite a ways away (clear, pressured water), so I can't speak to how it feels if you're just pitching. 

[Michigander]

So really what you are saying is that your next custom rod will have a magnetic hook keeper. Lol.

 

 

Wait... why isn't that a thing already?.

[TNReb]

2 minutes ago, Michigander said:

So really what you are saying is that your next custom rod will have a magnetic hook keeper. Lol.

 

 

Wait... why isn't that a thing already?.

Wife said I need to tether it to my wrist!!

[Michigander]

Just now, TNReb said:

Wife said I need to tether it to my wrist!!

I mean, she's not wrong...