Soft plastics combo

[DN3]

Need a dedicated soft plastics rod….my goal this year was to learn to fish soft plastics and it just didn’t happen….going to double down and keep trying…looking for a dedicated soft plastic rod and reel….what do you guys recommend? What length, action, etc? Reel/line suggestions? 

[PourMyOwn]

You're going to get bombarded with options- all of them will be good. 

 

I use Daiwa TD Zillion in 7.1 and a custom 7' MH rod (Esox is the brand). The reel is definitely older, but it is a tank. I always buy used reels, I feel like I get way more for my money. 

 

To help others answer your questions,  what is your budget?

 

 

[Jig Man]

I use a custom built 7.5’ rod with a Curado 70 and 12# fluorocarbon line.  I’m guessing that it is probably a medium (MHX 903 blank with CRB elite guides #524 and a Fuji reel seat).  It also does a decent job with crank baits.

[scaleface]

I use a 7 foot heavy action rod for heavy cover and a 7 foot mh for lighter cover and more open water. A longer rod would be better for hvy cover but they wont fit in my truck bed so I make do . .

[DN3]

3 hours ago, PourMyOwn said:

You're going to get bombarded with options- all of them will be good. 

 

I use Daiwa TD Zillion in 7.1 and a custom 7' MH rod (Esox is the brand). The reel is definitely older, but it is a tank. I always buy used reels, I feel like I get way more for my money. 

 

To help others answer your questions,  what is your budget?

 

 

 

probably $200-$300 for the rod, same for the reel

[FrnkNsteen]

If I am fishing weightless plastics, I use a spinning rod about 6'10"" to 7' in a ML or M, specifically Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth, HMX or HMG. I also have a couple Phenix Feathers I like in a 7'1" M that fish like a ML.

 

For casting rigs, I've got texas rigged worms, lizards and creature baits on a Shimano Zodias 7'1" MH and a Dobyns Kaden 714c. The Kaden is rated a heavy but fishes more like a MH.

[Bankbeater]

6'6" m/f spinning combo for lighter weighted plastics, and going weightless.  For plastics with heavy weights I usually use a 6'6" mh/f BC combo.

[roadwarrior]

Okuma PSY-S- 72 M/ Stella FK2500/  #6 Tatsu 

 

https://okumafishingusa.com/products/psycho-stick-rods

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/default/cPath/4027_4029_4034_7037/reel/spinning/shimano/2022-stella.html  $609 US

[LrgmouthShad]

Light stuff? iRod Harold’s Lone Star Special 12lb big game

 

Heavy stuff? iRod 704C 15lb big game

 

Easy

 

 

[WRB]

What is your idea of “soft plastics”?

1. 4” to 6” worms, drop shot or finesse.

2. 7” to 8” worms, Texas rigged, bullet weight.

3. 9” to 12” worms, “.    

4. 4” to 5”creatures Texas rigged, bullet weight.

5. 5 to 6” Senko’s wacky rigged.

6. 3.5” to 4.5” swimbaits, 1/8 - 1/4 oz jig head.

Spinning, 2500 reel, 5 to 8 lb FC line, 6’8” to 7’3” Medium XF rod for # 1, 5 & 6.

casting, 100 size reel, 10 to 15 lb  FC line, 6’10” to 7’4”, MHXF or MHF rod for #2, 3 &  4.

Tom

[Cbump]

1. Weightless senko t-rigged - 7.1 Zillion SV, Tatula Elite AGS Brent Erhler Finesse, 14lb fluoro 

 

2. Light t-rig - Tatula SV Limited 7.1, Daiwa Rebellion 73MHF, 15lb fluoro

 

3. Heavy t-rigs/pitching - JDM Daiwa Zillion TW HD 7.1, Dobyns Champion Extreme DX746, 20lb fluoro

or

Daiwa Tatula 150 8.3 w/ power knobs, Falcon Bucoo SR Amistad 73HF, 20lb fluoro

 

4. Punching - Daiwa tatula 200hs 7.3, St Croix Bass X 7’3”HF, 65lb braid 

 

5. Carolina Rig- Daiwa Tatula Elite 8.1, Dobyns Champion 804c c-rig special, 20lb fluoro

 

All fluoro is Sunline or Seaguar. 
 

Not really a one size fits all soft plastic setup imo. 

[Cbump]

Forgot- 

 

Drop Shot/shakey/underspin: Shimano Stradic 2500, Daiwa Tatula Elite Randy Howell 7’3” MXF, 20lb braid, 10lb fc leader

 

Wacky/Ned/Flukes: Daiwa Exceler, daiwa aird x 6’6” medium spinning, 20lb braid, 12lb fc leader 

 

Wacky: Daiwa Exceler, H2O 7’ MLF, 20lb braid, 10lb fc leader

[Jrob78]

Yeah I have 10 or 12 rods that might see some soft plastic duty. Like @Cbump said "soft plastics" isn't a one size fits all thing and can vary from UL to XH.

[padon]

general texas rigged worms etc. shimano expride 72 medium heavy.shimano curado 150mgl. 

[ErieCan]

What kind of cover/structure will you be fishing? From boat or shore? 

 

Generally, a 7' to 7'3" MH, fast action rod will cover all of the bases. 

 

I fish submerged grass mostly, and I really like the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass 7'3" H-XF for ribbon tail worms, weightless senkos, and various other plastics. I've throw as light as a 3/16oz weight and up to 3/8oz with them and this rod is great for running them through grass and almond grass edges.  A Daiwa Zillion SV TW pairs great with it as well as a Shimano Metanium. If those are out of your price range, a Daiwa Tatula SV103 or Shimano 150 MGL would be great too. I typically use 16lb Sunline FC Sniper.