Best Megabass Frog rod in heavy cover?

[imabassguy]

Hey guys, 

 

What do you guys think is the best or top frog rods for medium to heavy cover made by Megabass?

 

Here are a few I’ve been told:

 

Destroyer TS Poker

Destroyer Bunker Buster

Destroyer Faust

 

What do you guys think?

 

Thanks!

[Efishin]

13 minutes ago, imabassguy said:

Hey guys, 

 

What do you guys think is the best or top frog rods for medium to heavy cover made by Megabass?

 

Here are a few I’ve been told:

 

Destroyer TS Poker

Destroyer Bunker Buster

Destroyer Faust

 

What do you guys think?

 

Thanks!

I fish the bunker buster and it's an excellent rod for the flipping and punching I do. I personally wouldn't throw a frog on it but I am sure it's more than capable. It's a bit long and has a bit more power than I desire.  Spec wise if you want one of the 3, id pick the Faust but no experience with it. Any other rods you are considering?

 

Which frog/frogs do you plan on throwing? Do you have a length preference?

[imabassguy]

1 hour ago, Efishin said:

I fish the bunker buster and it's an excellent rod for the flipping and punching I do. I personally wouldn't throw a frog on it but I am sure it's more than capable. It's a bit long and has a bit more power than I desire.  Spec wise if you want one of the 3, id pick the Faust but no experience with it. Any other rods you are considering?

 

Which frog/frogs do you plan on throwing? Do you have a length preference?

Was considering maybe one of the three that I listed but if there’s others, I would love to hear about them.

 

I have an Orochi XX Perfect Pitch (second gen) and love it but for heavy cover, I fee I need some more meat.

 

For frogs I’d be throwing mainly the big gabot. I like heavier frogs.

 

I also prefer a rod that’s not too long either.

 

thanks for the help!

[Stephen B]

The XX Perfect Pitch is an excellent rod for frogs as well, I have one myself ?. I would have a vote for the MB Destroyer Valdivia if a 7'6 frog rod doesn't bother you for your Big Gabots, King Daddys, Gavachos, and other bigger frogs. It makes for an excellent jig rod/Carolina rig/frog rod.

[imabassguy]

4 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

The XX Perfect Pitch is an excellent rod for frogs as well, I have one myself ?. I would have a vote for the MB Destroyer Valdivia if a 7'6 frog rod doesn't bother you for your Big Gabots, King Daddys, Gavachos, and other bigger frogs. It makes for an excellent jig rod/Carolina rig/frog rod.

How do you feel about the PP in heavy cover?

Im curious to see what other people think of it while under those conditions.

 

And the Valdivia looks good, I think Zaldain used it in the Big Gabot video if I’m not mistaken.

I’m just not a big fan of longer rods, even though I know they probably work better for frogging.

[Stephen B]

5 minutes ago, imabassguy said:

How do you feel about the PP in heavy cover?

Im curious to see what other people think of it while under those conditions.

 

And the Valdivia looks good, I think Zaldain used it in the Big Gabot video if I’m not mistaken.

I’m just not a big fan of longer rods, even though I know they probably work better for frogging.

I use the Perfect Pitch for isolated cover (laydowns) skipping bushes and trees with Spro Popping frogs mainly in the river. It's perfect for what I use it for but for a 3/4 oz frog in heavier cover, like you said, I would prefer a touch more power. 

[imabassguy]

1 minute ago, Stephen B said:

I use the Perfect Pitch for isolated cover (laydowns) skipping bushes and trees with Spro Popping frogs. It's perfect for what I use it for but for a 3/4 oz frog in heavier cover, like you said, I would prefer a touch more power. 

Exactly. I think I need just a little more power. 

[fishwizzard]

They are out of production, but I love I my Hyuga 72H for frogs/cover fishing in general. It’s a very powerful rod with a very slow taper so you get the best of both worlds in terms of solid hooksets and a taper that keeps them pinned. The only drawback is that the tip isn’t great for walking frogs but with careful frog selection and/or adding a small snap to the frog’s line tie, it can be made to walk them well enough. 

[NathanDLTH]

Three options that are not listed. Pitch Perfect Orochi XX 7'2, 7'6 Destroyer Valdivia USDM, XXX Orochi Destruction 7' XH JDM. All are solid options and probably better suited than the ones you're looking at.

 

[imabassguy]

1 hour ago, NathanDLTH said:

Three options that are not listed. Pitch Perfect Orochi XX 7'2, 7'6 Destroyer Valdivia USDM, XXX Orochi Destruction 7' XH JDM. All are solid options and probably better suited than the ones you're looking at.

 

I have the Perfect Pitch and love it for frogs but for heavier cover im thinking I need a little more power.

 

The Valdivia was used by Zaldain in his big gabot video but I’m getting so many mixed reviews on that rod being a primary frog rod.

 

Ill definitely check out the Orochi Destruction you mentioned tho!

 

thanks!!

6 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

They are out of production, but I love I my Hyuga 72H for frogs/cover fishing in general. It’s a very powerful rod with a very slow taper so you get the best of both worlds in terms of solid hooksets and a taper that keeps them pinned. The only drawback is that the tip isn’t great for walking frogs but with careful frog selection and/or adding a small snap to the frog’s line tie, it can be made to walk them well enough. 

I remember seeing the Hyuga’s around, I’ll try and see if I can find info on that one.

 

thanks!!

[Hollopoint]

The carbon head wild bunch is one sweet frog rod in my opinion. 

[bunz559]

I searched and asked for a Megabass frog rod not too long ago. A lot of the answers will come up with the Perfect Pitch or the Valdivia. The problem I have is that there aren't any shops around me with examples to hold and see, so relying on people's online reviews and input was the only way to make my choice. Seems like the Perfect Pitch comes up a lot. Problem is, I didn't want something comparable to a Heavy rod that might be too light for heavier cover. I have an Expride 7'2 H and while it'll frog well, it doesn't seem to have enough power for the slop. Seems like the PP falls into that category from what I gathered. The PP seems to be the rod for light cover and open water frogging. 

 

The other choice, which is what MB advertises as their frog rod is the Valdivia. The little I gathered, seems most folks prefer this as a bottom contact rod. It makes sense with the power, taper, and length. The length on the Valdivia is what really strayed me from ordering it. I may still order one in the near future for heavier jigs and flipping Texas rigs. It'll work great for me when fishing jigs in 40-50ft of water. 

 

I saw a video of Oliver Ngy fishing the Bunker Buster with the Big Gabot tied on. It's probably super over kill but I guess the type of cover will really dictate if you'll need that or not. After all said an done, I ended up with a Shimano Expride 7'3 XH. Because of this COVID-19 pandemic, I haven't really been able to use the rod, but the few casts I've made, I can tell this is an awesome frogging rod. Tons of backbone, subtle tip for walking frogs, and light weight. It's very comfortable in my hands with a Metanium MGL. Because it's light, but has all that power still, it'll serve great for light cover, open water, and heavy slop frogging. Best of luck on your search. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

What else have you thrown on the Expride 72H?

[Bandersnatch]

Does the rod balance well with a Metanium MGL? I also wonder if it's the met 16 mgl will the aluminum gear hold up to the kind of power the xh has. 

[KP Duty]

Tackle Haven has the perfect pitch and EMTF in the used section I was viewing last night.  The PP was listed at 180g and the EMTF at 168g.  Just kind of surprised me.

[imabassguy]

How do you like it in heavy cover?

I agree, the Perfect Pitch is an incredible frog rod for open water but it actually handles really good for average cover. I just feel like it needs a tad bit more power for heavier stuff.

 

Its rated an F7 but I see it being around a F6.5. 
Also, I have an IP79 paired with it and it balances really well and is no way a broomstick. I can fish all day with it and not get tired.

 

As for the Bunker Buster, I seen that video Oli made with it but the length is what’s stopping me from getting it.

Im just not a big fan of a long stick when frogging.

 

The Valdivia research also showed me people preferred it for bottom contact just like you said.

 

I might be overthinking this whole thing. 
The most “heavy cover” I get on the lakes I fish with is just tons of lily pads and tall grass.

I spoke with a guy down south who said he deals with brush piles and heavy stumps and trees submerged so maybe I’m thinking my idea of “heavy cover” isn’t so heavy after all and that the Perfect Pitch might just be good enough?

 

Being quarantined and having SO much time to think be the real culprit here. Lol

[Cgrinder]

If you can find one, the second gen Power Versatile from the Black Jungle series is an amazing heavy cover rod.

[Logan S]

I'm a self admitted Megabass junkie but I use the Daiwa Zillion frog rod (7'4" H) as my primary choice....It's literally the only non-Megabass rod in my rotation of 20+ rods.  It's just slightly more powerful than than the Perfect Pitch, but not significantly.  

 

I do really like the Perfect Pitch as a frog rod and will often use it with a 2nd frog in the summer.  I don't ever feel like it's underpowered personally, but everyone's different.  I could use this as my primary and be happy...I probably would be if I had never tried the Zillion .  You mentioned pads and grass, no issue for the Perfect Pitch there IMO.

 

Another MB rod I really like for frogs that doesn't get mentioned often is the Tour Versatile.  I love the TV for the sprinker-type frogs and toads.  It's definitely on the lighter side though and I use it in that role (among many other things, it's name is fitting )

 

I have a Valdivia which has been mentioned too, but like many others I think it's a better suited for other things.  I use it for big jigs, pitching, carolina rigs, and other bottom contact stuff.

[Hollopoint]

1 hour ago, imabassguy said:

How do you like it in heavy cover?

 

I love it. I use it for bombing bigger frogs across mats. It's an F6, but it has d**n good power. It's a little slower rod, so you fight with the belly of the rod more when you have fish and slop on. To me, it's just a little slower perfect pitch, which I personally prefer. I use this rod for pitching/short range punching 1 oz jigs into cattails/reeds as well. It's just been a really versatile rod for me, and I love it. 

[imabassguy]

2 hours ago, Cgrinder said:

If you can find one, the second gen Power Versatile from the Black Jungle series is an amazing heavy cover rod.

I’ll definitely research it and keep my eyes open, thank you.

1 hour ago, Logan S said:

I'm a self admitted Megabass junkie but I use the Daiwa Zillion frog rod (7'4" H) as my primary choice....It's literally the only non-Megabass rod in my rotation of 20+ rods.  It's just slightly more powerful than than the Perfect Pitch, but not significantly.  

 

I do really like the Perfect Pitch as a frog rod and will often use it with a 2nd frog in the summer.  I don't ever feel like it's underpowered personally, but everyone's different.  I could use this as my primary and be happy...I probably would be if I had never tried the Zillion .  You mentioned pads and grass, no issue for the Perfect Pitch there IMO.

 

Another MB rod I really like for frogs that doesn't get mentioned often is the Tour Versatile.  I love the TV for the sprinker-type frogs and toads.  It's definitely on the lighter side though and I use it in that role (among many other things, it's name is fitting )

 

I have a Valdivia which has been mentioned too, but like many others I think it's a better suited for other things.  I use it for big jigs, pitching, carolina rigs, and other bottom contact stuff.

Wow it must be good if it’s the one and only non MB rod you have.

I’ll take a look at it too.

I only own Megabass rods now. 
I originally purchased the Diablo Spec R to be my versatile rod thinking thats all I would need to add to my other rods but now I have 5 and can’t stop looking for more lol 

Once you get a taste of that Japanese Artistry, it’s hard to pick up those “other” rods.

 

And ya, I might be over thinking now that all we have time to do is think.

Ive never had to fish in cover that included trees and brush piles and heavier stuff so maybe my idea of heavy cover isn’t applicable.

 

I also heard great things about the TV but never tried one.

 

And your one of many who think that way about the Valdivia.

 

appreciate all the help Logan!

 

1 hour ago, Hollopoint said:

I love it. I use it for bombing bigger frogs across mats. It's an F6, but it has d**n good power. It's a little slower rod, so you fight with the belly of the rod more when you have fish and slop on. To me, it's just a little slower perfect pitch, which I personally prefer. I use this rod for pitching/short range punching 1 oz jigs into cattails/reeds as well. It's just been a really versatile rod for me, and I love it. 

Nice. I’ll have to check it out too.

 

Thanks.

57 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

The gen 1 PP is what you want.  The new one is a softer rod from what I have been told.

Yup, I know someone who has both and told me that exact thing.

 

[bunz559]

14 hours ago, imabassguy said:

I might be overthinking this whole thing. 
The most “heavy cover” I get on the lakes I fish with is just tons of lily pads and tall grass.

I spoke with a guy down south who said he deals with brush piles and heavy stumps and trees submerged so maybe I’m thinking my idea of “heavy cover” isn’t so heavy after all and that the Perfect Pitch might just be good enough?

 

Being quarantined and having SO much time to think be the real culprit here. Lol

I hear ya. Most frog fishing I do is really just open water around me. That's California reservoirs for ya. But the occasional trips to the Cal Delta and Clear Lake really lets to test a frog rod. My choice was mostly dictated by the type of cover I was fishing and I can only really have 1. 

 

And totally agree with being quarantined. I think I've window shopped, read about, and spent more money on fishing gear this last 3 weeks than I have the last 2 years! LOL! I need to stop! 

18 hours ago, Chief250 said:

Does the rod balance well with a Metanium MGL? I also wonder if it's the met 16 mgl will the aluminum gear hold up to the kind of power the xh has. 

I haven't tested to see where the balancing point is tbh. I almost never do. I slap on the reel that I intend and go fishing with it. But maybe when I get home after work I'll take a photo and post it for you. As for the aluminum gear, it does the job. As I replied to OP, I fish mostly open waters. Only the occasional trips to the Cal Delta and Clear Lake do I see heavier cover. But I have several Metanium MGL's and have flipped and thrown jigs into heavy cover with no problems. Will a brass gear be more durable? Probably. But as of now, I have yet had a failure. If I do, I'll order some Curado K gears and swap them out.  

[bunz559]

18 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

What else have you thrown on the Expride 72H?

I've thrown heavier spinnerbaits, smaller frogs, LV500's, and an assortment of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 ounce Texas rigged baits. It's a pretty versatile Heavy powered rod. Has a nice softer tip. As of now, I have it as my go to Keitech rod throwing 3.8, 4.3, and 4.8 size Impact Fats. It does a phenomenal job at it. Lots of back bone to drive those single hooks out deep or in cover and a nice tip for that initial bite.