Rod and Reel Recommendations

[Largies4Life]

Hello All,

 

I currently have a Daiwa Tatula SV TWS in the 7:1 gear ratio that doesn't have a rod for it currently and am looking for a rod to pair it up with for this upcoming season. I have a frog rod, MH rod for jigs, M rod for topwater, crankbait rod, and a MH rod for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. Given what I have already, is there any rod that would fit in well to this lineup that I may be missing that would pair up well the Daiwa Tatula? Let me know if there is anything else I should add that would help. Thanks in advance!

[roadwarrior]

Jerkbait rod.

Mine is 6'10" MF with a soft tip.

[kayaking_kev]

Not sure if your frog rod is good for flipping/pitching or how much you use that technique, but the SV spools are good for that with it's faster initial startup, which leads to farther, more efficient flipping/pitching.

 

I think I've also heard that they are good for skipping using a baitcaster, but don't quote me on that. But, that is something I have no experience with so I can't recommend a rod for it, I'm sure someone else can.

[Fishes in trees]

  To the original poster:  You live in Wisconsin.   The factory story for St. Croix rods is in Wisconsin.  The stories of bargains that come out of that factory store are legend.   Take a road trip and drive to Park Falls, Wisconsin.  Bring your checkbook & Mastercard.  Talk to them about what rods you need/how you fish.  If I lived in Wisconsin I'd have all St Croix Rods, I might be a little poorer, and have a few more miles on my car, but I'd have all St Croix Rods, living within a day trip of their factory store. 

[walleyecrazy]

I will second the suggestion of a jerk bait rod. I prefer a little longer than most(I’m 6’4”) and use a Daiwa Tatula 7’ Medium power regular action. It’s got an awesome action for jerkbaits, and has a nice short handle so that it doesn’t get in the way. 

[DitchPanda]

Yep I'd go with a medium fast in the 6ft6 to 6ft8 for jerkbaits and poppers.

[Largies4Life]

I do already have a 6' 8" legend tournament M- X Fast that I use for top water and jerkbaits. Would a jerkbait specific rod be better do you guys think?

[roadwarrior]

No

[NorthernBasser]

48 minutes ago, Largies4Life said:

I do already have a 6' 8" legend tournament M- X Fast that I use for top water and jerkbaits. Would a jerkbait specific rod be better do you guys think?

You could get away with using that for jerkbaits. But if you're throwing topwater on it as well, you're not gonna wanna use fluorocarbon (which some prefer for jerkbaits). Since it's x-fast, you may wanna use mono/copolymer anyways.

 

If I were you, I'd get another 7'-7'2" med-heavy/fast. They are probably the most versatile action/power rods out there. So you could use that for other applications (swim jigs, Keitech's, heavier topwater/Whopper Plopper/etc). 

[FryDog62]

With an SV spool available, I'd take advantage of a skipping technique.  You already have a rod for jigs, so maybe a soft plastic presentation that also skips well.  I have a 7'1" Medium-Fast Mojo that is great for plastics like a Texas-Rigged weightless Senko, a tube or a Caffeine Shad. The Caffeine Shad is very versatile and maybe the best skipping lure I own (especially when on the right hook). Always have one on the deck, ready and rigged. 

[Deephaven]

2 hours ago, Largies4Life said:

I do already have a 6' 8" legend tournament M- X Fast that I use for top water and jerkbaits. Would a jerkbait specific rod be better do you guys think?

That is exactly what I would recommend for a specific jerkbait rod.  It is also what I would recommend for walking topwaters and such.  As for what to buy, I'd vary the length of the MH and get another to cover the spectrum.  ie, a slightly shorter one for skipping and a long one for bombing lures out.  Not sure which you have...