High(er) quality rods...

[FishTank]

St. Croix Avid M or MH 7' Fast.  Can't go wrong with either one, just pick the one that best suits the lures you use.  My preference for most of the T-Rigged stuff I use is the M. 

[camman]

23 hours ago, Fishin Dad said:

Camman,

 

Do you care to share what brand you settled on as your favorite?   I really  like to hear what people who have that much experience with different rods settled on.

 

Thanks

Sure, I settled on Phenix Rods and have both the Ultra MBX and M1 (fresh and inshore) series rods.  These felt the best in my hands...again my opinion.  They recently came out with a newer/updated M1 series rods and I don't like them one bit.  So looks like I'll be staying with my current set for awhile.

 

But as mentioned I have a bunch of odd rods that I just like the feel.

- Old Crucial Drop Shot Rod

- Old Zillion rod I use for heavier jigs (these were stiff rods)

- Dobyns for crankbait rods

- Original Carrot Stix 7'6"H which I absolutely love for throwing smaller swimbaits on

- ALX for a frog rod

- Couple old St Croix Premiers I use for trout

 

[Fishin Dad]

4 hours ago, camman said:

Sure, I settled on Phenix Rods and have both the Ultra MBX and M1 (fresh and inshore) series rods.  These felt the best in my hands...again my opinion.  They recently came out with a newer/updated M1 series rods and I don't like them one bit.  So looks like I'll be staying with my current set for awhile.

 

But as mentioned I have a bunch of odd rods that I just like the feel.

- Old Crucial Drop Shot Rod

- Old Zillion rod I use for heavier jigs (these were stiff rods)

- Dobyns for crankbait rods

- Original Carrot Stix 7'6"H which I absolutely love for throwing smaller swimbaits on

- ALX for a frog rod

- Couple old St Croix Premiers I use for trout

 

I agree with you!    When you find something that feels right, you have had success with, and gotten comfortable with, It becomes a solid companion!   

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive been more pleased and impressed by my 100-150$ rods than my 300-400-550$ rods. With higher price comes higher expectations and my expectations just havent been realized with high end rods.

[Manifestgtr]

I’m a huge st croix fan (specifically the legend x and certain mojo models)

 

But at that price point, the expride is where it’s at. It’s at the very upper range of your budget but they fish like they cost a lot more. They’re on the “expensive” side of midrange....but their value is undeniable.

[NOC 1]

On 8/4/2020 at 1:03 PM, Dens228 said:

I used to have an arsenal of St. Croix AvidX's and loved them.  Not a fan of the microguides but not a deal breaker. The only reason I don't have them anymore is I made the mistake of buying a MegaBass Orochi XX.....now I have a bunch of those. LOL

You could also check out the MegaBass Orochi XXX rod. they are usually around the $250-$300 range. I have a Black Elseil II, F4/6'10" rated for 1/4-3/4 oz. lures and like it a lot. The only caveat is that the XXX rods are a JDM series, so the the lengths and etc may seem a little odd if you are used to nothing but US market rods.

 

I also like the new Falcon Experts at $200.

 

Both of these rods are sensitive and light.

[Dens228]

52 minutes ago, NOC 1 said:

You could also check out the MegaBass Orochi XXX rod. they are usually around the $250-$300 range. I have a Black Elseil II, F4/6'10" rated for 1/4-3/4 oz. lures and like it a lot. The only caveat is that the XXX rods are a JDM series, so the the lengths and etc may seem a little odd if you are used to nothing but US market rods.

 

I also like the new Falcon Experts at $200.

 

Both of these rods are sensitive and light.

I've never seen or even heard of the XXX.   

[NOC 1]

1 hour ago, Dens228 said:

I've never seen or even heard of the XXX.   

https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1066_2409_2410

[Kyle S]

Thanks for all of the replies fellas! My apologies for the late response. I've looked at just about every rod recommended online and can't thank you guys enough for the recommendations. Sadly, my trolling motor and batteries just took a crap so the rod will be put on the back burner for a little bit...Whenever I do pull the trigger on something nice, I'll post back here with what I decided on!

[Teal]

26 minutes ago, Kyle S said:

Thanks for all of the replies fellas! My apologies for the late response. I've looked at just about every rod recommended online and can't thank you guys enough for the recommendations. Sadly, my trolling motor and batteries just took a crap so the rod will be put on the back burner for a little bit...Whenever I do pull the trigger on something nice, I'll post back here with what I decided on!

Dang didnt you just get that boat and set up? Trolling motor and stuff.was new right? 

[Kyle S]

14 hours ago, Teal said:

Dang didnt you just get that boat and set up? Trolling motor and stuff.was new right? 

Indeed I did @Teal

Brand new 2020 tracker grizzly all weld 1648 side console with a 40hp mercury 4-stroke.

The motor has run like a top since the first day I got it out on the water, until yesterday.

The trolling motor batteries died on me during the second hour of fishing. No longer holding a charge.

Went to fire up the out board to drive to the next spot since I couldn't troll and when I did, I no longer had a neutral position. As soon as I turned on the motor, the prop would spin. I could go in forward and reverse, just not idle in neutral. Dropping the boat off at Cabela's where it was purchased, tomorrow afternoon to be looked at and repaired.

Also looking at a used 24v 80lb fortrex to replace the 12v edge that I'm running right now.

 

[Dumbbassanglr]

At your price based on what I own (I’ve owned all brands below):

 

If you want the lightest and most sensitive go with shimano zodias or expride. 

 

If you want warranty go with dobyns, g loomis or st croix

 

If you want fit and finish go with megabass

[RoLo]

 

> Shimano Expride  ~$270

> Kistler KLX           ~$300

> Phenix Recon        ~$200 

 

Roger