Falcon Cara power/action and model recommendation

[BrianMDTX]

So, it sounds rather strange to be asking for power/action recommendations for certain presentations we all fish regularly. Such as, Texas rigs are pretty much a standard MH/F or maybe a M/F (depending on the actual rod’s true power and flex vs. what it’s rated, as one manufacturer’s MH/F doesn’t always match equally with another’s). 
 

But looking at Caras and what Falcon is recommending, I don’t see that. If I wanted a rod for Texas rigs, it looks like Falcon’s recommendation is the Amistad (7’ 3” H/F 7 Power). I have a 7’ 6” H/F for frogs and I can’t see why I’d really want or need a H/F for Texas rigs when 90% of the time I’ve used a MH/F with much success. But I have zero experience with Caras and their H/F may be more in line with another’s MH/F. 
 

If you fish Texas rigs with a Cara, what model do you use/recommend)? I mainly fish ponds no more than 8’ deep, with possibilities of catching bass between 7-8 lbs, fishing 5”-9” soft plastics with 3/16 to 1/4 oz. weights. 

[Catt]

Falcon's rating system is a little weird.

 

CC-6-1610 Head Turner

6' 10" Heavy Moderate Fast

[rangerjockey]

The Amitad was always my favorite Jig/T-rig rod.  Falcons fish more moderate than typical for the rating. It's perfect for the weights your looking to fish.

Anything heavier I like the 7ft. lizard dragger . IMHO it's kinda short for a C-rod but a great big worm rod.

[BrianMDTX]

That kinda jives with other reviews, etc. I’ve read. Seems like many like the Amistad. As a heavy, how is it as far as balance and weight? I’m not a big fan of most heavy actions due to the large blanks. But as they also have XH rods, maybe their H are sized like most MH? 

[Catt]

1 hour ago, BrianMDTX said:

I mainly fish ponds no more than 8’ deep, with possibilities of catching bass between 7-8 lbs, fishing 5”-9” soft plastics with 3/16 to 1/4 oz. weights

 

In my opinion you really don't need a heavy rod. If notice Falcon doesn't list many medium heavy.

 

The Amistad is rated for 1/2-1 1/2 oz, you ain't throwing anything that heavy.

 

 

[Derek1]

I agree with @Catt  there a bit weird. All of the falcon rods I have will fish above the listed weight. They also fish there listed low end just fine. I have the expert head turner and used it to fish every thing from jigs t Riggs spinnerbait and chatter baits. It does great. In the Cara line I have the eye crosser and finesse jig rod. The finesse jig rod would be what you would call a normal mh. It will handle most of your  t rigg and jig needs. Also throws chatter baits and spinner baits really well. The eye crosser, is basically a shortage amistad. It’s friggin awesome. Easily my favorite of the bunch. It handles all my heavy rod needs. From heavier t rigs 3/8’s to 3/4 ounce jigs. Will throw a chatter bait well also. Does awesome with 5” plus soft Swimbaits. Great 6” mag draft freestyle rod. Great shorter heavy power rod without being to stiff at the same time. I find them all very versatile. 

[BrianMDTX]

19 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

In my opinion you really don't need a heavy rod. If notice Falcon doesn't list many medium heavy.

 

The Amistad is rated for 1/2-1 1/2 oz, you ain't throwing anything that heavy.

 

 

Good point. Just looking at specs and not lure recommendations, either the Finesse Jig or Swim Jig rods (both MH/F and 5 Power) would likely suit me best. The Finesse Jig throws 3/16 to 5/8 oz. A little shorter (6’ 10” vs 7’ 2”), but the Swim Jig is only weighted to 3/8 oz. That would take bigger worms off the plate. 

4 minutes ago, Derek1 said:

I agree with @Catt  there a bit weird. All of the falcon rods I have will fish above the listed weight. They also fish there listed low end just fine. I have the expert head turner and used it to fish every thing from jigs t Riggs spinnerbait and chatter baits. It does great. In the Cara line I have the eye crosser and finesse jig rod. The finesse jig rod would be what you would call a normal mh. It will handle most of your  t rigg and jig needs. Also throws chatter baits and spinner baits really well. The eye crosser, is basically a shortage amistad. It’s friggin awesome. Easily my favorite of the bunch. It handles all my heavy rod needs. From heavier t rigs 3/8’s to 3/4 ounce jigs. Will throw a chatter bait well also. Does awesome with 5” plus soft Swimbaits. Great 6” mag draft freestyle rod. Great shorter heavy power rod without being to stiff at the same time. I find them all very versatile. 

We replied at the same time. But as you fish the Finesse Jig, your opinion carries weight lol. I think that may be the one. 
 

What reel and line do you have on your rod?

[Derek1]

20 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

Good point. Just looking at specs and not lure recommendations, either the Finesse Jig or Swim Jig rods (both MH/F and 5 Power) would likely suit me best. The Finesse Jig throws 3/16 to 5/8 oz. A little shorter (6’ 10” vs 7’ 2”), but the Swim Jig is only weighted to 3/8 oz. That would take bigger worms off the plate. 

We replied at the same time. But as you fish the Finesse Jig, your opinion carries weight lol. I think that may be the one. 
 

What reel and line do you have on your rod?

On the finesse jig rod I have a currado 150 mgl. With 30 pound power pro. It’s a sweet set up. 
On a side note, you mentioned small pond and not needing to go to heavy. I have caught all my 10” Swimbait fish. Along with all my mag draft and big paddle tail fish in small ponds. 
to the point where I usually bring a Swimbait and heavy rod to the pond. 
I’m also gonna bring a BFS rig this season, so go figure. Lol. 

[Catt]

20 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

not lure recommendations

 

This is why I don't give my rods names!

 

If I throw a chatterbait on my jig rod it doesn't get confused!

 

My favorite Worm/Jig rod was a Shimano Crucial 6' 10" Medium Heavy X-Fast...it was listed as a spinnerbait rod.

 

Now y'all may understand why I put a reel on the rod, string it up, put a lure on it before I buy it.

[casts_by_fly]

You’ve got most of the gist of falcon ratings above. Falcon has two levels of ‘heavy’ in their ratings- a 6 power and a 7 power. Their medium heavy 5 power is a medium heavy.  The 6 power is a light heavy.  The 7 powers are true heavy. I find their lure weight ratings pretty close.  Also, most of their rods track across the different lineups and are fairly similar.  The more expensive ones have higher end graphite so they are lighter and more crisp. They are more sensitive.  Casting actions though are pretty close. 
 

in terms of what you’re asking, in the cara lineup I would suggest either the dragger 1 or the heavy cover jig rod. You’re talking a 1/4 oz plus a fair sized worm.  I think you like 5” senkos if I remember right. You’re going to be right around 3/8 total weight on the low end and up to an ounce if you’re throwing big worms. I have the expert amistad rated 3/8-2 but I’d call it more like 1/2-2. It needs 3/8 oz plus a beaver to pitch well.  It doesn’t have a light enough tip to overhead cast a quarter ounce and a 5” worm. The cara version is supposed to be just a little lighter in the very tip but not very different. 
 

the heavy cover jig is 7’4” and while it’s rated 1/2 on the bottom end, it has a nice light tip.  It will do a quarter ounce plus plastic with no problems. The dragger 1 is your standard 7’ heavy.  I have the bucoo version and it’s a great all around bigger rod.  I used my bucoo for 1/2 oz bladed baits a lot and it’s a great rod for that. I wanted the same in the expert lineup and bought the 7’ 6 power without realizing that one is a moderate action for big cranks (and I don’t like it).  The cara version is back to the MF.

 

I saw the head turner recommended above. I love my head turner. It was originally designed as a light/short pitching rod for around docks and tight places. It’s really good for that. If you like a shorter rod for your Texas rigs then it has the right power and action. I use mine for swim jigs and chatterbaits mostly because it’s a great length for sidearm casting in the kayak.  
 

The finesse jig is too light for me for a Texas rig unless you’re throwing lighter wire hooks. A standard wire 1/0 is about right. It doesn’t have the power to drive home a thicker hook as well as some of the others. I do love the rod, but it’s lighter than what you’re asking for. 
 

the swim jig rod rating is odd.  It was designed to throw swim jigs but rated for the head weight of the swim jig, not the overall weight of the jig.  It would be a 1/4-3/4 rod if they rated it normally. It’s a nice rod and would also be a good choice for you if you prefer the lighter side for Texas rigs. It’s a true MH.

 

I have most of the rods mentioned in this thread in either the expert or Cara lineup. 
 

 

[BrianMDTX]

10 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

You’ve got most of the gist of falcon ratings above. Falcon has two levels of ‘heavy’ in their ratings- a 6 power and a 7 power. Their medium heavy 5 power is a medium heavy.  The 6 power is a light heavy.  The 7 powers are true heavy. I find their lure weight ratings pretty close.  Also, most of their rods track across the different lineups and are fairly similar.  The more expensive ones have higher end graphite so they are lighter and more crisp. They are more sensitive.  Casting actions though are pretty close. 
 

in terms of what you’re asking, in the cara lineup I would suggest either the dragger 1 or the heavy cover jig rod. You’re talking a 1/4 oz plus a fair sized worm.  I think you like 5” senkos if I remember right. You’re going to be right around 3/8 total weight on the low end and up to an ounce if you’re throwing big worms. I have the expert amistad rated 3/8-2 but I’d call it more like 1/2-2. It needs 3/8 oz plus a beaver to pitch well.  It doesn’t have a light enough tip to overhead cast a quarter ounce and a 5” worm. The cara version is supposed to be just a little lighter in the very tip but not very different. 
 

the heavy cover jig is 7’4” and while it’s rated 1/2 on the bottom end, it has a nice light tip.  It will do a quarter ounce plus plastic with no problems. The dragger 1 is your standard 7’ heavy.  I have the bucoo version and it’s a great all around bigger rod.  I used my bucoo for 1/2 oz bladed baits a lot and it’s a great rod for that. I wanted the same in the expert lineup and bought the 7’ 6 power without realizing that one is a moderate action for big cranks (and I don’t like it).  The cara version is back to the MF.

 

I saw the head turner recommended above. I love my head turner. It was originally designed as a light/short pitching rod for around docks and tight places. It’s really good for that. If you like a shorter rod for your Texas rigs then it has the right power and action. I use mine for swim jigs and chatterbaits mostly because it’s a great length for sidearm casting in the kayak.  
 

The finesse jig is too light for me for a Texas rig unless you’re throwing lighter wire hooks. A standard wire 1/0 is about right. It doesn’t have the power to drive home a thicker hook as well as some of the others. I do love the rod, but it’s lighter than what you’re asking for. 
 

the swim jig rod rating is odd.  It was designed to throw swim jigs but rated for the head weight of the swim jig, not the overall weight of the jig.  It would be a 1/4-3/4 rod if they rated it normally. It’s a nice rod and would also be a good choice for you if you prefer the lighter side for Texas rigs. It’s a true MH.

 

I have most of the rods mentioned in this thread in either the expert or Cara lineup. 
 

 

What I throw the most are 5” Senkos, Zoom Tricks, Mann’s Jelly Worms, Fat IKA’s and Neko Machos. On either a 3/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu EWG. I may toss a few other creature baits like Rage Tails or X-Zone Adrenaline Craws, but the others listed above are my go-to’s. 

[casts_by_fly]

2 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

What I throw the most are 5” Senkos, Zoom Tricks, Mann’s Jelly Worms, Fat IKA’s and Neko Machos. On either a 3/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu EWG. I may toss a few other creature baits like Rage Tails or X-Zone Adrenaline Craws, but the others listed above are my go-to’s. 

I weighed a 5” yum dinger because I had one out and it was 5/16 oz. I think a fat ika would be similar. With a quarter ounce weight you’re still in the 1/2 oz total weight range. I think a trick worm is a little lighter, jelly worm a little heavier. Realistically you’re in the 3/8-3/4 total bait range.  In the falcon lineup, that’s a 6-power. If you want a shorter rod, the head turner.  If you want longer the hcj. 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

 

In my opinion you really don't need a heavy rod. If notice Falcon doesn't list many medium heavy.

 

The Amistad is rated for 1/2-1 1/2 oz, you ain't throwing anything that heavy.

 

 

very true that they don’t list many as medium heavy (4 or 5 depending on the lineup mostly, a couple more in the bucoo lineup). However like you note below, a rating is just a start until you put a reel and lure on it. Falcon has two levels of heavy- a 6 and a 7 power. Most other companies heavy will be closer to the 7 than the 6. Consider the head turner.  It’s a heavy moderate fast but only rated for 1/4-3/4. It isn’t what I’d consider a heavy, though it’s more than a lot of medium heavy rods. It’s also faster than a moderate fast. I’d call it a fast action. It’s perfect for 3/8-1/2 bladed baits, pitches a 3/8 jig and plastic well, and does a whole lot of good with 3/8-1/2 oz top waters. That’s not your typical heavy rating. 

[BrianMDTX]

24 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

I weighed a 5” yum dinger because I had one out and it was 5/16 oz. I think a fat ika would be similar. With a quarter ounce weight you’re still in the 1/2 oz total weight range. I think a trick worm is a little lighter, jelly worm a little heavier. Realistically you’re in the 3/8-3/4 total bait range.  In the falcon lineup, that’s a 6-power. If you want a shorter rod, the head turner.  If you want longer the hcj. 

Out of those two, I’d opt for the Headturner. Anything over 7’ 2” is difficult in my small boat when trying to land a bass. A 6’ 10” would likely be good. Most of my casting rods are 7’ (except the Fenwick HMX HF which is 7’ 6” and not a rod I use often), so a 6’ 10” is pretty much the same. 
 

I just wish there was a dealer close by with Caras in stock. 

[MidwestBassAttack]

I vote for the Amistad XH. I used it for 3/8oz weights, plus hook, creatures, senkos, and Ol’ Monsters. The Amistad alone felt too mushy to me for my presentations.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, BrianMDTX said:

Out of those two, I’d opt for the Headturner. Anything over 7’ 2” is difficult in my small boat when trying to land a bass. A 6’ 10” would likely be good. Most of my casting rods are 7’ (except the Fenwick HMX HF which is 7’ 6” and not a rod I use often), so a 6’ 10” is pretty much the same. 
 

I just wish there was a dealer close by with Caras in stock. 

In that case the head turner is the right rod for you. It’s a great rod. 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, MidwestBassAttack said:

I vote for the Amistad XH. I used it for 3/8oz weights, plus hook, creatures, senkos, and Ol’ Monsters. The Amistad alone felt too mushy to me for my presentations.

Are you using mono/fluoro or braid?  I use braid on mine due to vegetation. Heavy mono works well too but I can see why you’d call it mushy in comparison. The XH is a true heavy duty and more than most people need. If I were throwing half ounce jigs and bigger then I’d go there but for 3/8 plus plastic on braid it’s great for grass and pads. 

[Derek1]

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

You’ve got most of the gist of falcon ratings above. Falcon has two levels of ‘heavy’ in their ratings- a 6 power and a 7 power. Their medium heavy 5 power is a medium heavy.  The 6 power is a light heavy.  The 7 powers are true heavy. I find their lure weight ratings pretty close.  Also, most of their rods track across the different lineups and are fairly similar.  The more expensive ones have higher end graphite so they are lighter and more crisp. They are more sensitive.  Casting actions though are pretty close. 
 

in terms of what you’re asking, in the cara lineup I would suggest either the dragger 1 or the heavy cover jig rod. You’re talking a 1/4 oz plus a fair sized worm.  I think you like 5” senkos if I remember right. You’re going to be right around 3/8 total weight on the low end and up to an ounce if you’re throwing big worms. I have the expert amistad rated 3/8-2 but I’d call it more like 1/2-2. It needs 3/8 oz plus a beaver to pitch well.  It doesn’t have a light enough tip to overhead cast a quarter ounce and a 5” worm. The cara version is supposed to be just a little lighter in the very tip but not very different. 
 

the heavy cover jig is 7’4” and while it’s rated 1/2 on the bottom end, it has a nice light tip.  It will do a quarter ounce plus plastic with no problems. The dragger 1 is your standard 7’ heavy.  I have the bucoo version and it’s a great all around bigger rod.  I used my bucoo for 1/2 oz bladed baits a lot and it’s a great rod for that. I wanted the same in the expert lineup and bought the 7’ 6 power without realizing that one is a moderate action for big cranks (and I don’t like it).  The cara version is back to the MF.

 

I saw the head turner recommended above. I love my head turner. It was originally designed as a light/short pitching rod for around docks and tight places. It’s really good for that. If you like a shorter rod for your Texas rigs then it has the right power and action. I use mine for swim jigs and chatterbaits mostly because it’s a great length for sidearm casting in the kayak.  
 

The finesse jig is too light for me for a Texas rig unless you’re throwing lighter wire hooks. A standard wire 1/0 is about right. It doesn’t have the power to drive home a thicker hook as well as some of the others. I do love the rod, but it’s lighter than what you’re asking for. 
 

the swim jig rod rating is odd.  It was designed to throw swim jigs but rated for the head weight of the swim jig, not the overall weight of the jig.  It would be a 1/4-3/4 rod if they rated it normally. It’s a nice rod and would also be a good choice for you if you prefer the lighter side for Texas rigs. It’s a true MH.

 

I have most of the rods mentioned in this thread in either the expert or Cara lineup. 
 

 

What line do you have the finesse jig rod in. I have it in the Cara. I don’t think of it as that soft. I just got it half way through last summer, so don’t have a lot of time with it yet. I throw a 3/16 bullet weight and a 6” worm on a 3/0 hook no problem. I don’t have heavy grass or cover though. 

[GReb]

I use the Cara Head Turner and Heavy Cover Jig

[Catt]

1/4-3/4 or 1/4-1 oz is all ya need for Texas Rigs. 

[jbrew73]

I think the swimjig rod is excellent for Texas rigs.  I feel like the weight rating they use is for swimjig weight plus trailer.  I believe it would be perfect for your listed weights and plastics.  If you like shorter rods the head turner will work great.
 

In my experience the Lizard dragger is too hvy for your needs.   

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, Derek1 said:

What line do you have the finesse jig rod in. I have it in the Cara. I don’t think of it as that soft. I just got it half way through last summer, so don’t have a lot of time with it yet. I throw a 3/16 bullet weight and a 6” worm on a 3/0 hook no problem. I don’t have heavy grass or cover though. 

I have the expert version. Soft isnt the right word. It has a true fast action and the lure weight is right on the money for me so long as you are looking at total lure weight.  It does really well with the lighter end of casting weights for sure.  A weightless fluke casts a mile but at the same time I’ll fish it with a 1/2 oz chatter bait and trailer (total weight just over 3/4 oz). It’s my favorite topwater rod for walking baits and other treble hook topwaters.  For setting the hook on a regular or heavy wire single hook around a 4/0 or bigger I don’t think it’s the best choice. I throw light wire swim jigs or sniper jigs on it, but those are lighter wire hooks. If that is your primary use (which was the original ask) I think the head turner is a better choice. For me, the finesse jig is closer to a medium in power and the hook setting power isn’t quite there on it for bigger single hooks. 

[Derek1]

11 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I have the expert version. Soft isnt the right word. It has a true fast action and the lure weight is right on the money for me so long as you are looking at total lure weight.  It does really well with the lighter end of casting weights for sure.  A weightless fluke casts a mile but at the same time I’ll fish it with a 1/2 oz chatter bait and trailer (total weight just over 3/4 oz). It’s my favorite topwater rod for walking baits and other treble hook topwaters.  For setting the hook on a regular or heavy wire single hook around a 4/0 or bigger I don’t think it’s the best choice. I throw light wire swim jigs or sniper jigs on it, but those are lighter wire hooks. If that is your primary use (which was the original ask) I think the head turner is a better choice. For me, the finesse jig is closer to a medium in power and the hook setting power isn’t quite there on it for bigger single hooks. 

I agree 100% with this post. Pretty spot on description of the rod. 

[MontclairDave]

23 hours ago, Catt said:

Falcon's rating system is a little weird.

 

CC-6-1610 Head Turner

6' 10" Heavy Moderate Fast

x2. I have the Head Turner and though it’s rated Heavy it’s much more like a MH+ and great for the lures you’re throwing. Shorter length makes it a great pond rod where banks are tight to trees and you want to avoid tangling with overhangs. The Amistad, though I don’t own one, is one rating power higher. Overkill.

22 hours ago, Derek1 said:

I agree with @Catt  there a bit weird. All of the falcon rods I have will fish above the listed weight. They also fish there listed low end just fine. I have the expert head turner and used it to fish every thing from jigs t Riggs spinnerbait and chatter baits. It does great. In the Cara line I have the eye crosser and finesse jig rod. The finesse jig rod would be what you would call a normal mh. It will handle most of your  t rigg and jig needs. Also throws chatter baits and spinner baits really well. The eye crosser, is basically a shortage amistad. It’s friggin awesome. Easily my favorite of the bunch. It handles all my heavy rod needs. From heavier t rigs 3/8’s to 3/4 ounce jigs. Will throw a chatter bait well also. Does awesome with 5” plus soft Swimbaits. Great 6” mag draft freestyle rod. Great shorter heavy power rod without being to stiff at the same time. I find them all very versatile. 

Been eyeing (haha) the Eye Crosser for the lures you mention plus also a short frog rod on moderate to heavy cover. Do you frog with it? What type of cover?

[casts_by_fly]

10 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

 

Been eyeing (haha) the Eye Crosser for the lures you mention plus also a short frog rod on moderate to heavy cover. Do you frog with it? What type of cover?

 

I just picked mine up (eye crosser) a couple months ago so haven't gotten to fish it in earnest yet.  People call is a short amistad, but I don't think that's fair.  I would call it a big head turner.  I think if you lined up a finesse jig, a head turner, and an eye crosser with 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 oz chatterbaits they would all fish the same across all three.  Balance, feel, action are all so close to the head turner that its uncanny.  I had it on a pond for some quick lure trials in december and its going to be a great rod for me.  I'm going to use it for big chatterbaits and spinnerbaits in the spring (3/4-1 oz) and then frogs when the time comes.  It would make a pretty good pitching rod but I have others to cover that (HCJ and amistad).  

 

If you want to try before you buy, shoot me a PM.  You're not very far down the road.