Finesse Rod

[BassBlowup354]

I'm looking into a new finesse rod and I want something that can do it all. By that I mean throw wacky rigs,drop shots,ned rigs, and shakey heads. I want something in that 7'3 range because i predominantly throw ned rigs and wacky rigs. At the same time I wanna start throwing drop shots and shakey heads, and a 7'3 isn't too long yet I can still get more distance with a bait than with a 7'0. I don't know if I should throw a medium or medium light. I was thinking of getting the Shimano Zodias in their old model in the 7'3 medium light but I feel like it would be a little light for shakey heads. It can be done but not effectively. If you have rod suggestions that would be great. I would prefer the brands like Shimano, Dobyns, G-loomis, Daiwa, St.Croix, and even Megabass.

[Finessegenics]

I’m partial to St Croix. If your budget is around $200, the Avid X is a good rod. The mojo bass is also very good for just under 150$. There is a Mojo 7’1 Medium but that’s as long as their spinning rods go. Same with the Avid X, the longest rod in that lineup is also 7’. I’ll leave the decision of which brand to go with up to you. They all make good products and you’ll end up with something you like. 
 

Id definitely go with a M over a ML. I can’t imagine throwing a wacky rigged GY Senko on my ML rod. They’re pretty heavy (the worm itself is 3/8 oz but don’t quote me on that) and cast a lot better on a M rod. Same with a shakeyhead. Even if the jighead itself is an 1/8 oz, throw on a 6-7 inch finesse worm and the bait is approaching a 1/4 oz. That’s too much for a ML rod. The only issue I see is if you’re throwing 1/16 oz ned rigs, it’ll be a bit tougher on a M. The M is still overall a more versatile stick if you truly only needed one spinning rod. 

[BrianMDTX]

6 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

I can’t imagine throwing a wacky rigged GY Senko on my ML rod.

I cast a 5” Senko WR all the time on my Daiwa Procyon MLXF rod. No issues at all. Actually prefer it over my Fenwick HMX MF. 

[Finessegenics]

2 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I cast a 5” Senko WR all the time on my Daiwa Procyon MLXF rod. No issues at all. Actually prefer it over my Fenwick HMX MF. 

My Mojo bass MLXF has to the same lure rating as your Procyon, 1/8-1/2. That covers all the weights I tend to throw on spinning gear. I like stroking 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz tubes on spinning gear, but I’d never do it on my ML.  To me it seems like unless I’m fishing vertically,  anything 3/8 oz or more just doesn’t feel right for MLXF. I didn’t mean it was impossible and of course there would be no issues using my ML rod. I just meant to say that in my experience it’s been more comfortable on a M. 
 

Not all rods are created equal either so whatever label they thrown on means nothing. I actually used to own a HMX MF and I found that thing to feel more like a MH. The tip was way too stiff for my liking. It was sensitive but I didn’t like the overall feel. Never threw a wacky rig on it though so I wouldn’t know what that’s like. 

[NOC 1]

3 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

I’m partial to St Croix. If your budget is around $200, the Avid X is a good rod. The mojo bass is also very good for just under 150$. There is a Mojo 7’1 Medium but that’s as long as their spinning rods go. Same with the Avid X, the longest rod in that lineup is also 7’. I’ll leave the decision of which brand to go with up to you. They all make good products and you’ll end up with something you like. 
 

Id definitely go with a M over a ML. I can’t imagine throwing a wacky rigged GY Senko on my ML rod. They’re pretty heavy (the worm itself is 3/8 oz but don’t quote me on that) and cast a lot better on a M rod. Same with a shakeyhead. Even if the jighead itself is an 1/8 oz, throw on a 6-7 inch finesse worm and the bait is approaching a 1/4 oz. That’s too much for a ML rod. The only issue I see is if you’re throwing 1/16 oz ned rigs, it’ll be a bit tougher on a M. The M is still overall a more versatile stick if you truly only needed one spinning rod. 

Ml is what I ordinarily use for 1/4 oz baits. All of my ML are rated either 1/16-3/8 or 1/8-1/2. that puts 1/4 oz right in the sweet spot in my opinion.

[BrianMDTX]

2 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

Never threw a wacky rig on it though so I wouldn’t know what that’s like. 

That’s one bait I use a lot with the Procyon. Sometimes it’s comparing apples to oranges when it’s one rod manufacturer against another as concerns actions. One’s M feels like another’s ML or MH sometimes. I like the MLXF action on that Procyon as it seems to really add some action to the WR after the initial sink with minimal rod movement, and it sets the hook fast on the retrieve. 

 

I caught a 4.5 lb green bass a few weeks ago on that rod with a Shimano Sienna 2500 and 8 lb YZH. I had to adjust the drag a bit (my drags tend to initially run on the light side), but it had no problem playing and reeling in that bass. I’m pretty impressed with the Procyon. The Aird X gets a lot more press but I’d get another Procyon in a heartbeat. 

[shimanoangler]

This is a great topic, as I'm constantly looking to achieve the same thing that you are, ie a rod that can fish multiple techniques well.  And I to like the longer rods.   Couple of suggestions, on the very high end, Daiwa Steez medium rod fish is something like 1/8 to 3/4.  It's only 7 ft, but it's capable of handling a wide array of weights.  The Steez 7'6" MML is also weight rated from 1/8 to 3/4.   Stepping down a little bit, the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Ehler 7'1" rod has wide lure rating as does the Megabass Brigand (and Orochi XX Enforcer) 7'4" .    The Megabass rod is really nice.   

 

So there's a couple options for you to try.  Good luck.   

[gall]

So I kinda agree with the others my ml dobyns I use for baby torpedos and other lighter weight plastics and 1/8 tubes that are single dip. When I'm throwing weightless senkos or light wacky rigs or t rigs or double dip tubes I use the m mojo bass. That being said the ml can really launch some baits especially the baby torpedos. 

[NOC 1]

18 hours ago, NOC 1 said:

Ml is what I ordinarily use for 1/4 oz baits. All of my ML are rated either 1/16-3/8 or 1/8-1/2. that puts 1/4 oz right in the sweet spot in my opinion.

I'll take this back. I didn't quite get that you were only talking spinning gear. I was referring to ML casting rods which are going to be a bit heavier in power and action than are ML spinning rods..

[Glaucus]

A Dobyns 3 power in whatever model fits your price range would be perfect for "everything" finesse. The 2 power would be better for some things like a Ned, but the 3 power is still more than capable and is good for everything else too.

 

[BassBlowup354]

21 hours ago, shimanoangler said:

This is a great topic, as I'm constantly looking to achieve the same thing that you are, ie a rod that can fish multiple techniques well.  And I to like the longer rods.   Couple of suggestions, on the very high end, Daiwa Steez medium rod fish is something like 1/8 to 3/4.  It's only 7 ft, but it's capable of handling a wide array of weights.  The Steez 7'6" MML is also weight rated from 1/8 to 3/4.   Stepping down a little bit, the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Ehler 7'1" rod has wide lure rating as does the Megabass Brigand (and Orochi XX Enforcer) 7'4" .    The Megabass rod is really nice.   

 

So there's a couple options for you to try.  Good luck.   

I find this crazy but I have searched into all those rods and they all seem to look good for the tactics i am looking at.

[.ghoti.]

The spinning rods I use for finesse  bass fishing are both ML Diawa. I have two MXF Avids, which do not get used for finesse apps.