NRX 901 SJR question

[Rodney Smith]

I am currently using an Expride 6’10 ML as my “do it all” finesse rod. I don’t fish the drop shot or Ned rig much any more. I more often than not have a 1/8 ounce Coolbaits underspin or 1/16 Okishira head w/Spark Shad tied on. I want one rod for all the light stuff. Would the 901 be the best rod to throw the swimbaits, spybaits, little tubes, finesse jerk baits, drop shot and Ned’s?

[Dumbbassanglr]

I was dissatisfied with that rod. It’s not as sensitive as it should be for an nrx but it’s tough to get a lot of sensitivity out of a moderate fast rod. I sold it and went to the curado 76 light but you could consider the zodias or imx pro 76 lights. I love my nrxs and conquests but I have to be getting my moneys worth and I don’t feel I did with that one but that’s just me.

[FishTank]

On 11/28/2022 at 4:59 AM, Rodney Smith said:

I am currently using an Expride 6’10 ML as my “do it all” finesse rod. I don’t fish the drop shot or Ned rig much any more. I more often than not have a 1/8 ounce Coolbaits underspin or 1/16 Okishira head w/Spark Shad tied on. I want one rod for all the light stuff. Would the 901 be the best rod to throw the swimbaits, spybaits, little tubes, finesse jerk baits, drop shot and Ned’s?

 

I have not fished the 901 but a local shop had one a few months ago and I was able to hold it in hand. It was definitely a nice rod but I wouldn't describe it as a do all finesse rod. The tip is very whipy. I don't think I would use it for jerkbaits, spybaits or small swimbaits. I could see it  being good for ned rigs and tubes (not sure about drop shot) but from what I was told at the shop and from what I have seen online, people use it for hair jigs like the Marabou which to me says smallmouth. 

 

For the stuff you have described, I have been using the 821 NRR with the exception of the 3in Spark Shad/Keitechs and finesse jerkbaits(Nanahan size and smaller). I have switched to throwing those on BFS gear.  The only thing with this rod is that I think it would be almost exactly like your Expride. Which makes think..... What's wrong with using the rod you have for those techniques?

[Rodney Smith]

The only dissatisfaction with the Expride would be the casting distance with really light lures.

[FishTank]

43 minutes ago, Rodney Smith said:

The only dissatisfaction with the Expride would be the casting distance with really light lures.

That's kind of how I feel about the 821. I also have the 803S NRX+ and I use it for wacky rigged senkos mainly but I have tried a spark shad with a 1/16oz head on both and the 803S will out cast it. Weird. For the Ned Rig and Dropshot the 821S is fine. 

 

I have a suggestion (but not a recommendation).... BFS gear. I have a few rods in upper price range but this set up will put you under the cost of an NRX+.... Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700 and a Shimano Aldebaran BFS. This set up has been a lot of fun for me for finesse fishing. The rod can do whatever in the light finesse category and the reel seemed like a cheaply made toy at first but it has proven to me that it can handle all sorts of stuff.  Also, why I say just suggestion instead of recommend. It's different and something I would research before going that direction.  

[Rodney Smith]

Good thought. I do have an Aldebaran/Expride 6’10 combo and love it. Having gone full BFS though. I have a lot of casting combos and only carry two spinning rods. NRX+ 852s and a ML. I think I am going to try a 902s. That should be a versatile rod. I ended up ordering a 901s and will be returning it. It is too whippy for me. 

[WRB]

Gary Loomis Edge rods are on sale now. 

Black Widow BWC DSR 733-1, 7’3” ML, 1/8-3/8 oz, 4#-8# line.

Tom