How Much $$$ on a Heavy Rod

[FishNTell]

Good Morning, I got into bass fishing last year and have really become addicted. I've done a lot of reading and video watching and finally decided to branch out into (what was for me) more expensive gear. I got a MHMF Falcon rod for 99 and a MHF daiwa tatula elite for 179 last year. I can't say I've noticed a massive difference from cheaper rods but they are fun to fish and I've caught fish with them. I give that context because I'm thinking of getting a heavy powered rod this year for frogging and some smaller (1-2 oz) swimbait fishing. (I do love to jig fish but my tatula elite is rated up to an ounce and I haven't fished heavier jigs than that thus far.) My question is, how much do I really need to spend to get a good quality Heavy rod? What I'm doing is not bottom contact stuff so would a Daiwa Aird-x heavy rod for 55 be sufficient or will I notice a big difference spending around a 100 for a heavy rod with those techniques? I have the money, I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth it after branching out into some more expensive gear? Thanks for any help!

[MN Fisher]

12 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

What I'm doing is not bottom contact stuff so would a Daiwa Aird-x heavy rod for 55 be sufficient

I'm a fan of the Aird-X line - but the Heavy will not handle 2oz swimbaits unless you're really careful...the max rating is 1.5oz (yes, I have one - used for frogs, flipping, pitching)

[FishNTell]

8 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I'm a fan of the Aird-X line - but the Heavy will not handle 2oz swimbaits unless you're really careful...the max rating is 1.5oz (yes, I have one - used for frogs, flipping, pitching)

Thank you, I actually saw some of your posts in other threads about that rod, even if I don't go up to 2oz swimbaits (I'm just learning and trying new stuff, I've never actually used any that big) would that rod be worth it mainly for frogging and some swimbaits? If i can afford a 100 dollar rod, do you think the difference would be worth with it?

[Sir Shamsalot]

10 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

Good Morning, I got into bass fishing last year and have really become addicted. I've done a lot of reading and video watching and finally decided to branch out into (what was for me) more expensive gear. I got a MHMF Falcon rod for 99 and a MHF daiwa tatula elite for 179 last year. I can't say I've noticed a massive difference from cheaper rods but they are fun to fish and I've caught fish with them. I give that context because I'm thinking of getting a heavy powered rod this year for frogging and some smaller (1-2 oz) swimbait fishing. (I do love to jig fish but my tatula elite is rated up to an ounce and I haven't fished heavier jigs than that thus far.) My question is, how much do I really need to spend to get a good quality Heavy rod? What I'm doing is not bottom contact stuff so would a Daiwa Aird-x heavy rod for 55 be sufficient or will I notice a big difference spending around a 100 for a heavy rod with those techniques? I have the money, I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth it after branching out into some more expensive gear? Thanks for 

Dobyn Fury 735c Magnum Heavy Frog rod for about $119. It's got a very flexible tip and just lauches frogs and more. It's rated 3/8 to 1 1/2 oz. It will frog, cast lighter swimbaits, punch, pitch, flip. At its price IMO its the absolute best buy for what your looking for. I have mine paired with a Tatula 150, and I use it for in-line spinners for weed walleye. It's just incredibly versatile, and never ever leaves the boat.

 

On the other higher dollar side, I also have a St Croix 7' 4" HF Legend Xtreme. There I'm paying a premium for sensitivity for jig/bottom dragging techniques. 

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

Thank you, I actually saw some of your posts in other threads about that rod, even if I don't go up to 2oz swimbaits (I'm just learning and trying new stuff, I've never actually used any that big) would that rod be worth it mainly for frogging and some swimbaits? If i can afford a 100 dollar rod, do you think the difference would be worth with it?

If you can swing another $20 over that $100 - go with a Dobyns Fury.

 

3 minutes ago, Sir Shamsalot said:

Dobyn Fury 735c Magnum Heavy

I would say the 765Flip - that'll handle the 2oz swimbaits.

[Teal]

It depends on how much u plan to use it.  I probably have as many or more Heavy action rods as I do mh.  

[FishNTell]

9 minutes ago, Sir Shamsalot said:

Dobyn Fury 735c Magnum Heavy Frog rod for about $119. It's got a very flexible tip and just lauches frogs and more. It's rated 3/8 to 1 1/2 oz. It will frog, cast lighter swimbaits, punch, pitch, flip. At its price IMO its the absolute best buy for what your looking for. I have mine paired with a Tatula 150, and I use it for in-line spinners for weed walleye. It's just incredibly versatile, and never ever leaves the boat.

 

On the other higher dollar side, I also have a St Croix 7' 4" HF Legend Xtreme. There I'm paying a premium for sensitivity for jig/bottom dragging techniques. 

Thank you for the response, just for my understanding, when it comes to buying a more expensive heavy rod for frogging, is the difference going to be how it casts since I'm not talking about a feel type presentation?

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

Thank you for the response, just for my understanding, when it comes to buying a more expensive heavy rod for frogging, is the difference going to be how it casts since I'm not talking about a feel type presentation?

In this case, it's about warranty. Aird-X has a 1 year warranty, Fury has a limited lifetime warranty.

 

Also, it's a bit more responsive so it makes twitching frogs a bit easier - next year my Aird-X is changing to either a Fury or Sierra...ran out of funds for this year.

[jbsoonerfan]

3 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

Thank you for the response, just for my understanding, when it comes to buying a more expensive heavy rod for frogging, is the difference going to be how it casts since I'm not talking about a feel type presentation?

 

IMO, it is how the rod casts as well as how it loads on a bite that are important but for me, I want it to be comfortable. I will sometimes throw a frog for 5-6 hours straight and this is usually when it is starting to get hot. I need a rod that is lightweight and comfortable to fish for long periods of time. I use a Shimano Expride (7'2 H or 7'3 XH) and while it is a $270 rod and plenty sensitive for bottom contact, I find it to be a perfect frog rod because of how comfortable they are.

[FishNTell]

Just now, Teal said:

It depends on how much u plan to use it.  I probably have as many or more Heavy action rods as I do mh.  

Since I started bass fishing, the majority of my time has been with Texas rig senkos/other plastics and jigs, I'm branching out, I've never really frogged but I want to learn so this will admittedly be a rod I use less. In this situation, how much would it take me to get a quality heavy rod do you think? What else do you do with the heavy rod, just the traditional punch/ flip, bigger jigs, frog and swimbait? 

[Sir Shamsalot]

11 minutes ago, FishNTell said:

Thank you for the response, just for my understanding, when it comes to buying a more expensive heavy rod for frogging, is the difference going to be how it casts since I'm not talking about a feel type presentation?

Let's compare the Dobyns Fury to the Champion frog rods. What you get is a lighter rod with some higher quality components. Often the extra cost is saving wear and tear on you as you fish. Though sometimes its about extra sensitivity.

[FishNTell]

19 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

In this case, it's about warranty. Aird-X has a 1 year warranty, Fury has a limited lifetime warranty.

 

Also, it's a bit more responsive so it makes twitching frogs a bit easier - next year my Aird-X is changing to either a Fury or Sierra...ran out of funds for this year.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about the warranty piece

16 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

IMO, it is how the rod casts as well as how it loads on a bite that are important but for me, I want it to be comfortable. I will sometimes throw a frog for 5-6 hours straight and this is usually when it is starting to get hot. I need a rod that is lightweight and comfortable to fish for long periods of time. I use a Shimano Expride (7'2 H or 7'3 XH) and while it is a $270 rod and plenty sensitive for bottom contact, I find it to be a perfect frog rod because of how comfortable they are.

I see where you're coming from. Another question then. I can get a daiwa tatula Xt Heavy for about 20% off, do you think that's worth it for my purposes?

[jbsoonerfan]

I can't say for sure what would work best for you. If you don't plan to use it a lot or don't know for sure yet how much you will use it, then I would say get the rod that fits your budget the best. I throw the A rig and Swimbaits on a Shimano Intenza that I got for $95. I might spend 20-25 hours during an entire year throwing it. If it were a technique I were going to dedicate more time to, then you bet I would buy a higher quality rod.

[FishNTell]

2 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I can't say for sure what would work best for you. If you don't plan to use it a lot or don't know for sure yet how much you will use it, then I would say get the rod that fits your budget the best. I throw the A rig and Swimbaits on a Shimano Intenza that I got for $95. I might spend 20-25 hours during an entire year throwing it. If it were a technique I were going to dedicate more time to, then you bet I would buy a higher quality rod.

Ok yeah this is more of branching into new techniques. I've had no success with topwater fishing to this point. I will try it cause I bought some frogs but I'm still expecting my bread and butter to be the other things I've had the most success with thus far. I definitely won't be spending several hours frogging though I understand the reasoning for those who do and are good at it.

[jbsoonerfan]

Well a frog bite is something that you can easily get addicted to. I still remember this one like it was yesterday.

[FishNTell]

2 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Well a frog bite is something that you can easily get addicted to. I still remember this one like it was yesterday.

Good grief, nice, on what kind of frog? Let me guess, 6 to 7lbs?

[jbsoonerfan]

6-08 on a Booyah Pad Crasher

[FishNTell]

10 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

6-08 on a Booyah Pad Crasher

Sweet, just bought a booyah the other day. A toadrunner though, can't wait till the spring!

[Boomstick]

If the Daiwa Aird-X heavy is anything like the 7'1" Tatula H/F rod, than that would make a pretty good all around heavy rod, although it's designed up to 1.5 oz so for for 2oz swimbaits you might be out of luck.

 

The Dobyns Fury 735C is also pretty good but has roughly the same upper limit. It has a little less tip so you can really cast lighter lures well, but enough backbone to horse them out - although the Tatula H/F was pretty good in this aspect as well.

[roadwarrior]

21 hours ago, Teal said:

It depends on how much u plan to use it.  

This goes for most presentations. MHF has multiple applications, but there are technique 

specific rods that you might like better. A prime example is deep diving crankbaits. For

occasional use you jig rod is just fine, but there are MUCH better alternatives.

[Mbirdsley]

I was impressed with Abu Garcia veritas Heavy rod when I was looking for a punching rig last year. I believe it is rated up to 1 1/2 oz. Hind sight I should have bought that instead of the st.croix bassx rod.  The veritas was $99 bucks and the bass x was $119

[Sphynx]

In my opinion, a frog rod is a great place to save some money, a lot of what you're paying for with higher priced rods is sensitivity for better bite detection...which you simply don't need on a frog rod since you get to use your eyes for bite detection, as long as it comes from a reputable company with a reputation for building durable products you should be ok to spend a bit less.

[WRB]

See if Dobyns has any DC795C still available with $100 discount.

Tom

[FishNTell]

9 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

This goes for most presentations. MHF has multiple applications, but there are technique 

specific rods that you might like better. A prime example is deep diving crankbaits. For

occasional use you jig rod is just fine, but there are MUCH better alternatives.

If I understand you correctly, are you saying I can use my MHF Tatula Elite for frogging and be relatively ok? I know MHF is used for a ton of different applications but I've read and heard many people say you "need" a heavy powered rod for frogging

2 hours ago, Sphynx said:

In my opinion, a frog rod is a great place to save some money, a lot of what you're paying for with higher priced rods is sensitivity for better bite detection...which you simply don't need on a frog rod since you get to use your eyes for bite detection, as long as it comes from a reputable company with a reputation for building durable products you should be ok to spend a bit less.

This is really what I was trying to get at when I asked the question, but I guess I want to know how far does that go really? I have the money to spend 100 now on a heavy frog/swimbait rod but what will be the difference between a Dobyns/diawa/st. croix brand rod in that price range and say a Berkley  H/F lightning rod I saw for 35 the other day at Cabelas. I don't want to sound naive (I know some things are faked and some people just don't know what they're reviewing) but it did have very good reviews online..

[Sphynx]

4 hours ago, FishNTell said:

If I understand you correctly, are you saying I can use my MHF Tatula Elite for frogging and be relatively ok? I know MHF is used for a ton of different applications but I've read and heard many people say you "need" a heavy powered rod for frogging

This is really what I was trying to get at when I asked the question, but I guess I want to know how far does that go really? I have the money to spend 100 now on a heavy frog/swimbait rod but what will be the difference between a Dobyns/diawa/st. croix brand rod in that price range and say a Berkley  H/F lightning rod I saw for 35 the other day at Cabelas. I don't want to sound naive (I know some things are faked and some people just don't know what they're reviewing) but it did have very good reviews online..

You certainly can use a standard 7ft/MHF rod for frogging, now I wouldn't use it for the real heavy slop, but if your not fishing in the real heavy stuff you can get away with it. If you want a -dedicated- frog rod, I see no advantage to buying a MH over a H, but I have thrown a lot of frogs and caught a fair number of fish on one, mostly using Booyah Pad Crashers and Booyah Poppin' Pad Crashers, 6/1 reel and 30lb PowerPro, it's hardly ideal, but I was carrying a 2 rod arsenal on my big rig and it caught fish, I'd feel pretty comfortable fishing a 7'6/HF Lew's American Hero rod, and a 7 or 8 speed reel and 50/65 lb braid, you don't have to spend a ton on a frogging setup, a Lew's American Hero combo and 150 yards of 65lb power pro would set you back about $150 shipped to your door through TW, which is a whole lot less than any combo I typically fish these days.