13 fishing fate black spinning rod question

[Eric 26]

Ok so my son purchased a 13 fishing fate black rod in medium power,  I’m thinking about exchanging it for a medium light power to be used for Ned rigs. Anyone else who has experience with the 2 rods? I’ve read through the Ned rig setups post and it seems pretty evenly split between med light and med rods. I’m currently using a x-fast light powered and I have a couple medium rods but I don’t have a med light. I feel like I know the answer but I’m afraid of the med light being too moderate in action which I’m not looking for.

[bulldog1935]

I looked up the Fate Black - the whole line is listed as Fast.

My experience is with Omen Green, the whole line is also listed as Fast, and they are, with ML flex in the rod tip.  They list the Fate Steel line as Mod-Fast, so I would expect the Fate Black to be faster. 

Also notably in the OG, spinning ML and casting ML, the spinning rod has a "longer" soft tip, and is rated for 1/16 oz at the low end, vs. 1/8 oz on the casting rod.  Between those, I'd take the casting rod for neds. 

Note the Fate Black ML is rated 1/8 at the low end - it may be just the rod you're looking for for neds. 

[newapti5]

I used to have two Fate black rods, the first generation, not the green 2nd gen. The spinning Medium one broke like a twig after a couple trips. The whole top section was brittle.  But the 7'6 medium heavy has been a stout rod for many years now, after handling many big ones. All I am saying is, watch out for the quality of that line of rods, the QC on it isn't that good IMO.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The ML would be better for 1/16 and 1/10 ned heads with traditional size ned baits.

[bulldog1935]

9 hours ago, newapti5 said:

I used to have two Fate black rods, the first generation, not the green 2nd gen. The spinning Medium one broke like a twig after a couple trips. The whole top section was brittle.  But the 7'6 medium heavy has been a stout rod for many years now, after handling many big ones. All I am saying is, watch out for the quality of that line of rods, the QC on it isn't that good IMO.

Their warranty is excellent.  My OG ML casting is the only rod I've ever broken, on a really dumb high-stick set when I was taking the lure out of the water and the redfish wasn't done with it. 

I really like fishing this rod, light-in-hand, transmits lure action feel, turns fish with shoulders. 

The rod transmits every blade of grass. 

I called  13Fishing expecting a discount replacement - they told me if it was fishing it was warranty, I cut the rod label section, mailed it in and 10 days later, a new rod arrived. 

Oh, and I landed the fish. 

[newapti5]

Don't get me wrong; I am quite fond of 13 Fishing's rods. I still own several Omen and Envy series, Black and Green, and a couple of Muse Gold spinning rods. None of them gave me any problems. As for the broken Fate Black, I got the refund from the merchant, so I had never dealt with 13 Fishing's customer service. But I heard it's pretty good as well. 

[Eric 26]

Ok so bear with me as this could take a bit. First off thank you guys for the advice especially @bulldog1935 your knowledge is as varied as your tackle selections. I realize this is nowhere near as popular a brand as ?”Dobyns” as far as lower/ moderate priced rods so your guys input is helpful        @newapti5@GetFishorDieTryin thank you guys. With that said my son has a window of opportunity to return this rod so I’m probably going to wind up keeping it. The rating is only a 1/16 difference and I do have a light powered rod I’m currently using for neds, I’ve also noticed the rod in question has a pretty “soft” action all the way to the backbone. With that said do you guys think a 1/10th oz Ned head with say a z-man 2-3/4” finesse plastic would be doable? My other option will be to see if my local tackle shop will “trade/swap” with me. Overall I’m really liking the look and feel of the rod especially when I asked him for a defy black rod which is a little cheaper. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds, I really appreciate any responses and enjoy reading them all. Lastly I’m planning on pairing the rod with a 13 fishing creed 2000 spinning reel with 8lb Daiwa J-braid x8.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

You can get by tossing a 1/10+trd with the M.  It's not going to toss or fish it as well as the ML would IMO but you can get by.  You can always find a slightly heavier plastic if it feels too light.  

8lb J braid would be ideal.  It will help with casting distance and sensitivity.  

I really think 13 has some good rods, but I would stay away from the spinning reels.  Brand new they dont feel bad, the problem they dont seem work very well after a while.  

Daiwa gives you the best reel for under $100 and it's not very close IMO.  I would recommend a Regal LT 2500 or 3000.  Very smooth and lighter then a similar price Shimano by nearly 2oz.  Cant beat it for $60. The 2500 and 3000 are virtually the same size with the spool on the 3000 being a hair wider.  The 3k has a T shaped knob and longer handle and the 2.5k has the flat I knob with a shorter handle.  

 

[Eric 26]

Update: I found out last night my son went ahead and ordered the med light for me and sent me a pre paid return label this morning. So I guess in the end I will be using the med light after all? @GetFishorDieTryin I appreciate the heads up on the reel, I bought it for $30.00 at Dicks a couple years ago and although I agree my first choice would be a Daiwa I’m going to use this reel until it pukes out. Thanks again to you guys for the information ??

[Eric 26]

Just wanted to give a follow up. I received my replacement (med.light) rod this week, it was a nice surprise as it wasn’t supposed to come until 2nd week of March.  I’m kind of shocked as I think I remember the med. powered rod being a little more moderate in action where as the med light feels faster? I’m not complaining and testing it next to my current rod of choice for Ned rigs, a 6’-3” x-fast light powered rod it seems the action is comparable, especially when compared to my 6’-6” med powered fast action rod (mod. fast) which was my 2nd choice for Ned rigs. Can’t wait to get this rod on the water this upcoming season. Once again thank you to those who responded to my original post.