Okuma Frog Rod

[Eric 26]

First timer asking a question here, I’m looking at the Okuma TCS series rods to pair with a Shimano SLX to throw frogs and buzzbaits on but I’m not seeing anything anywhere on which rod would be best. I’m thinking the 7’-3” heavy to replace a lews carbon fire 7’-3” heavy as I’m finding the lews doesn’t have much tip action. Any suggestions? Looking to stay at or under $150.00. Also looking at Daiwa Tatula XT.

[Hook2Jaw]

I'd consider the Daiwa Tatula Bass 7'3" Heavy as well. 

[Hammer 4]

I've got the Tatula XT 7' 4" frog rod, pretty happy with it so far. Does a good job of casting a size 65 live target frog, rod is fairly light, and I like the action on it. Great value for the $$$ IMHO.

[new2BC4bass]

 

A couple threads on the TCS.

 

I believe the rod you are looking at is also known as the Mat Daddy.  A bassresource article on the rod.

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

 

I've wanted to try a TCS, but haven't managed to pull the trigger on one.

 

[Eric 26]

I believe the mat daddy is a 7’-11” flipping stick. Not looking to go over 7’-4””. Thanks for the options guys.

[RoLo]

13 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I believe the mat daddy is a 7’-11” flipping stick. Not looking to go over 7’-4””. Thanks for the options guys.

 

You're on the right track. 

The benefits of a shorter frogging rod, outnumber the benefits of a longer rod.

 

Roger

[Bluebasser86]

I have that 7' 3"  TCS as well as one of the 7' 11" Matt Daddy rods. The Matt Daddy is everything it's rated as being. The Frog rod is a great jig and T rig rod, but would make a very poor frog rod IMO. It does not have the backbone, or tip that I look for in a frog rod. The Tatula may be a better option. I'm using a Falcon Bucoo SR 7' 4" that has been an excellent frogging rod.

[Tizi]

The 7'4" Tatula has been a fantastic frog rod for me.  Nice tip for walking, easy to throw into the slop all day long.  Very happy with it. I have it paired with a Tatula 200 and 65 lb J-braid.

[BoatSquirrel]

Buy the Tatula.  Okumas are overbuilt and heavy.

[Eric 26]

Thanks Bluebasser86 happy to hear from someone who owns the rod, I’m having a hard time finding any tcs or evx series rods in any of the shops by me as I would like to feel them in person.

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, BoatSquirrel said:

Buy the Tatula.  Okumas are overbuilt and heavy.

Love my original Tatulas, but take exception to your Okuma statement.  Liked my first 7' MF Helios enough to go buy a second.  TT weighed the rod they tested at 3.4 oz.  Going by this I would say there are a lot of other rods that are overbuilt and heavy.  Let's start with Dobyns. 

[Str8BraidPowa]

Have had good luck with my  St. Croix Bass X 7'4" HF, my fishing partner has the same rod in the MOJO line up we are both pleased with them, but I would save the $40 and stick with the Bass X.

[Eric 26]

Thanks Str8braidPowa, I didn’t think to look at the bass x line but I will now.