High-end 1/2oz Jig rod

[pcakes55]

Looking to upgrade my Dobyns dx745/Tatula setup. I strictly throw 1/2oz jigs in all cover (open water, skipping, pitching, etc) and it is by far the best action rod I have used for this technique, however I am looking to possibly upgrade/ball out a little depending what kind of feedback I get. 

 

For rod, I want to stick with full grip cork rear handle and prefer cork or some kind of covering over the seat nut. Some rods I am considering are:

 

Xtasy 725/755

Conquest 844/904

GLX 844 mbr/ 894 fpr

Expride/Poison Adrena?

 

For reels, I prefer to stick with Daiwa. I have been looking at the new Tatula Elite, Zillion & Steez. I can skip fine with a plain low-end tatula but just want a super nice skipping reel.

 

Opinions welcome, thanks

[WRB]

Loomis NRX fits your description better then GLX.

When I was faced with this situation went with a custom build because wanted the top end rod blank, guide train, reel seat, length and balanced with the reel used.

Alex at ALX made my jig rods and BR site sponsor can help you, give them a call.

Tom

[FishTank]

I have the 844C GLX and have the 844 Conquest on my list to get next year.  I also have the the 853C NRX.  I sometimes wish I picked up the 854C but it's a close tie between the 844C and 853C as to which is my favorite jig rod.  The 844C is more versatile but the 853C just has that something special that makes it a fuzz more sensitive and better for jigs.  

 

As far as reels go, I have the Steez SV TWS and the Antares 70A.   Overall, the 70A is my favorite.  It's slightly smoother, it can cast further (if that's your thing), is great for flipping and is just a pleasure to fish but the Steez is actually more practical.  When it comes to skipping, to me it's not reel specific as much as it is a skill you acquire, just like skipping a rock across the lake. 

[pcakes55]

Just now, WRB said:

Loomis NRX fits your description better then GLX.

When I was faced with this situation went with a custom build because wanted the top end rod blank, guide train, reel seat, length and balanced with the reel used.

Alex at ALX made my jig rods and BR site sponsor can help you, give them a call.

Tom

Thanks, I don't disagree. The NRX is a sick rod, but they don't come in full cork rear and they don't feel strong in my hands for setting the hook on jigs (I know they are plenty strong, just preference)

[WRB]

1 hour ago, pcakes55 said:

Thanks, I don't disagree. The NRX is a sick rod, but they don't come in full cork rear and they don't feel strong in my hands for setting the hook on jigs (I know they are plenty strong, just preference)

That is why a custom rod built to your exact requirements is a good choice, full premium cork handle and 2 1/2” cork lock ring etc, etc. Take to Alex.

Tom

PS, welcome to the BR site.

[waymont]

Get the GLX and save some money.

[roadwarrior]

The GLX MBR844C is my favorite production rod.

 

[Bandersnatch]

Good options out there but they aren't full cork. Nrx 894c & Steez AGS Bottom Contact Rod. 

[TBAG]

19 hours ago, FishTank said:

I have the 844C GLX and have the 844 Conquest on my list to get next year.  I also have the the 853C NRX.  I sometimes wish I picked up the 854C but it's a close tie between the 844C and 853C as to which is my favorite jig rod.  The 844C is more versatile but the 853C just has that something special that makes it a fuzz more sensitive and better for jigs.  

 

 

I guess it's just me but I think my NRX 853c feels way too underpowered for even a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer. I only throw lighter 1/4 or 5/16 jigs plus trailer and lighter texas rigs on it.

[FishTank]

4 hours ago, TBAG said:

 

I guess it's just me but I think my NRX 853c feels way too underpowered for even a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer. I only throw lighter 1/4 or 5/16 jigs plus trailer and lighter texas rigs on it.

 

I kind of thought the same thing at first but once I found the right reel to put with it and started to catch a few fish (big ones), it was just fishing pleasure with plenty of backbone.  In a way, this rod is sort of deceptive with its power.  The mid section of the rod is so light feeling that it may feel tip heavy but it's not.  Hook sets are easily over done with this rod.  I have lost a few fish by just over torquing it when they first hit.  I would say the sweet spot with this rod is a 1/2oz jig with trailer but not much heavier than that.   I have also fished the Megabass Dark Sleeper with this rod, both 1/2oz and 3/4oz and it is has been amazing.   

 

To take it to another level, you should try the 803S NRX.  It feels like you could just snap it easily on some of the smallest bass but it will surprise you.  Using live bait, I have caught some catfish when fishing for smallmouth that were in the 10lb range and it handle them easily.

[Bandersnatch]

If we're talking high end and the glx 844 is fantastic I'd think the conquest would be a stellar option 

[Dirtyeggroll]

Another vote for Steez Bottom Contact

[TBAG]

22 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

I kind of thought the same thing at first but once I found the right reel to put with it and started to catch a few fish (big ones), it was just fishing pleasure with plenty of backbone.  In a way, this rod is sort of deceptive with its power.  The mid section of the rod is so light feeling that it may feel tip heavy but it's not.  Hook sets are easily over done with this rod.  I have lost a few fish by just over torquing it when they first hit.  I would say the sweet spot with this rod is a 1/2oz jig with trailer but not much heavier than that.   I have also fished the Megabass Dark Sleeper with this rod, both 1/2oz and 3/4oz and it is has been amazing.   

 

 

What?!? 1/2 oz jig plus trailer on the 853c? I just can't imagine it, haha.

 

Are you fishing mainly open water, no way I could see it working in any type of cover.

 

I'll take your word for it and try a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer again but no way on a 1/2 oz plus trailer. lol

[FishTank]

23 minutes ago, TBAG said:

 

What?!? 1/2 oz jig plus trailer on the 853c? I just can't imagine it, haha.

 

Are you fishing mainly open water, no way I could see it working in any type of cover.

 

I'll take your word for it and try a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer again but no way on a 1/2 oz plus trailer. lol

 

Cover all the time.  I fish this rod pretty much every time I am out.  It is my primary jig rod.  I usually fish both Saturday and Sunday and usually tournament on one of those days so it sees tons of casts and fish.   Including this guy last year....

 

 

 

[Jmoney402]

Don't have a large variety of experience with high end rods, but if you can get your hands on to try a St Croix Legend Elite 7'1" MH XF, I love it for skipping. Perfect action (light tip, strong backbone), balanced very well, pretty light and pretty sensitive. 

 

Also, i learned to skip on a Tatula Elite, which is also a great long distance casting reel 

[Mat_ski]

I am surprised FMJ has not been mentioned yet. 
 

[TBAG]

On 12/29/2020 at 12:43 PM, FishTank said:

 

I kind of thought the same thing at first but once I found the right reel to put with it and started to catch a few fish (big ones), it was just fishing pleasure with plenty of backbone.  In a way, this rod is sort of deceptive with its power.  The mid section of the rod is so light feeling that it may feel tip heavy but it's not.  Hook sets are easily over done with this rod.  I have lost a few fish by just over torquing it when they first hit.  I would say the sweet spot with this rod is a 1/2oz jig with trailer but not much heavier than that.   I have also fished the Megabass Dark Sleeper with this rod, both 1/2oz and 3/4oz and it is has been amazing.   

 

To take it to another level, you should try the 803S NRX.  It feels like you could just snap it easily on some of the smallest bass but it will surprise you.  Using live bait, I have caught some catfish when fishing for smallmouth that were in the 10lb range and it handle them easily.

 

I forgot to ask, what reel do you have paired with your 853c?

 

I have a Curado K on mine right now but got a new Curado 70 MGL XG for Xmas and it'll be paired with the 853c.

[FishTank]

Just now, TBAG said:

 

I forgot to ask, what reel do you have paired with your 853c?

 

I have a Curado K on mine right now but got a new Curado 70 MGL XG for Xmas and it'll be paired with the 853c.

 

Antares 70A (left handed JDM version).   Amazing reel.   It balance well with this rod and it just has that special feel to it.  I have also tried a Steez SV TWS, Shimano Curado K and DC, 2012 Antares and a Bantam.  I liked the Antares the best with this rod.