Questions about rods/set up

[ErieCan]

Hey all, 

 

I'm looking to fish for LM in cover this season (deeper weed beds, lillypads, grass, and reeds). I'm not new to bass, but I've fished mostly SM on flats and structure.

 

I'll be fishing a large bay of Lake Erie. Clear water and miles of weed beds, marsh edges, pads, etc. 

This season, I'm investing in a couple rod/reel combos for the purpose. I've already bought a Quantum Smoke S3 PT and a Fenwick HMG 7' Med/fast rod (HMGs tend to be on the stiffer side and this rod feels closer to a MH). 

As well, I just bought a Daiwa Lexa 300 WN HS. 

 

I'm thinking the HMG rod/reel I'll spool with fluorocarbon for swim jigs and such for fishing the deeper weed bed areas? So I think the other rod should be something for flipping/punching the pads, reeds, and general slop.  What kind of rod would suit an all-around frog/punching rig set up? 

 

I already have a crankbait combo and lots of various spinning combos. So I'm hoping with these two new combos, I will have all the bases covered. 

[FishTank]

Not sure what your budget is but I like the G. Loomis 844C IMX for what you mentioned above. 

[WRB]

IROD IRG754F is about $150 and do everything you need. Dobyns DC735C is a higher end choice. Depends on your budget.

Tom

 

[ErieCan]

37 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Not sure what your budget is but I like the G. Loomis 844C IMX for what you mentioned above. 

 

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

IROD IRG754F is about $150 and do everything you need. Dobyns DC735C is a higher end choice. Depends on your budget.

Tom

 

 

What action/speed would you suggest? I was looking at a Daiwa Tatula TTU741HFB Frog rod. Its 1/2oz-2oz. Seems like it might be a one trick pony though. 

[WRB]

IRG754F (gen 111)  is 7’5” fast rated 1/2-2oz very universal.

DC735C/S is 7’3” fast rated 1/4-1 1/2 oz excellent all around rod $220

DC736C/S is rated 3/8-2 oz.

Haven’t fished with Tatula rods so no opinion.

Tom

 

[Boomstick]

3 hours ago, ErieCan said:

 

 

What action/speed would you suggest? I was looking at a Daiwa Tatula TTU741HFB Frog rod. Its 1/2oz-2oz. Seems like it might be a one trick pony though. 

The Tatula Frog rod is a little too much of a broomstick for jigs. You could probably flip in a pinch, but it's not the best option. You'll have no trouble pulling them out from the thickest of cover, and it casts nicely too. 

 

For an all around heavy rod, I like the Dobyns 735C. It has a little bit less tip so you can cast but it's designed for flipping, so it's a pretty versatile rod. I'd recommend the Sierra which is in the price range of the Tatula although if you have the money to spend, you can step up to the Champion XP.