JDM Rod and Website Reccomendations

[digitalvoid]

Possibly going to be in the market for a new rod. I've been thinking about a JDM rod. I'll be looking at an UL or SUL and would prefer a 7', 1 piece(not totally necessary), spinning rod. Something that can throw 1/64 ounce jigs, which seems to be .3g

 

Normally I would do a lot of my own research on a buy like this, but I just don't know where to start. A lot of sites seem to be sold out of everything I look at or are just a pain to navigate.

 

Not looking to spend a ton. But I think something under 200USD should be obtainable, just need a starting point.

 

Thanks in advance. Tight lines!

[garroyo130]

Majorcraft Finetail area rods are great I have both the regular area 602 and glass area 632 and both have performed exceptionally. Both ordered through plat 

 

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/default/language/en/cPath/38_4056/rod/trout-salmon.html

 

For a 7', I'd probably go with UL.

 

@ 1/64th, I'm guessing you plan on throwing trout magnets? These rods do well with those. Biggest bang for your buck though will definitely be using a class 2lb or even 3lb line. I like Varivas Twitch master. 

 

***EDIT*** I probably wouldn't order through them since everything says they will check with the maker. I had to play that game when I ordered a different rod through them and it was a pain. 

 

These guys are good  

 

https://jdmtackleheaven.com/collections/major-craft-finetail

[digitalvoid]

Just now, garroyo130 said:

Majorcraft Finetail area rods are great I have both the regular area 602 and glass area 632 and both have performed exceptionally. Both ordered through plat 

 

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/default/language/en/cPath/38_4056/rod/trout-salmon.html

 

For a 7', I'd probably go with UL.

 

@ 1/64th, I'm guessing you plan on throwing trout magnets? These rods do well with those. Biggest bang for your buck though will definitely be using a class 2lb or even 3lb line. I like Varivas Twitch master. 

 

Haven't used the trout magnets too much to be honest. Mule Fishing jigs and plastics. What do you mean by "regular" area? I'm assuming the "glass" area is fiberglass, those aren't as sensitive as a carbon blank, correct?

[garroyo130]

2 minutes ago, digitalvoid said:

Haven't used the trout magnets too much to be honest. Mule Fishing jigs and plastics. What do you mean by "regular" area? I'm assuming the "glass" area is fiberglass, those aren't as sensitive as a carbon blank, correct?

 

Correct. They divide rods into area which is stillwater and stream. Stream rods tend to be shorter and stiffer. 

 

The glass is a fiberglass blend I believe. Its a very light rod and honestly gets used more than my other rods since it feels better going from jigs to spoons and small crankbaits.

 

These will throw donkey tail jrs a good distance.

[digitalvoid]

12 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Correct. They divide rods into area which is stillwater and stream. Stream rods tend to be shorter and stiffer. 

 

The glass is a fiberglass blend I believe. Its a very light rod and honestly gets used more than my other rods since it feels better going from jigs to spoons and small crankbaits.

 

These will throw donkey tail jrs a good distance.

I don't see any 7' rods. Does it really matter to much if the rods are meant to throw lighter lures? Still have the mindset that a longer rod is better for casting distance, but maybe that only applies if the rod is meant to throw heavier lures ?‍♂️

[garroyo130]

I try to get my most used weight in the middle of the rods range. 

 

Unless youre stuck on JDM, this would make a good rod. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/TFO-Trout-Panfish-Spinning-Piece/dp/B076HBLTFS/ref=sr_1_7?crid=MIKOAWHLL49X&keywords=panfish%2Brod&qid=1678154513&sprefix=panfish%2Bro%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

 

if youre throwing the 1/64th jig head with the donkey tail jr youre throwing closer to 1/32 which will cast fine on this rod. If youre throwing the 1/80 head JDM is definitely the place to look.

[digitalvoid]

1 minute ago, garroyo130 said:

I try to get my most used weight in the middle of the rods range. 

 

Unless youre stuck on JDM, this would make a good rod. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/TFO-Trout-Panfish-Spinning-Piece/dp/B076HBLTFS/ref=sr_1_7?crid=MIKOAWHLL49X&keywords=panfish%2Brod&qid=1678154513&sprefix=panfish%2Bro%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

 

if youre throwing the 1/64th jig head with the donkey tail jr youre throwing closer to 1/32 which will cast fine on this rod. If youre throwing the 1/80 head JDM is definitely the place to look.

Maybe but I cast considerably farther with 1/32 than a 1/64. I also don't know the conversions. I don't throw anything lighter than 1/64 because I don't think I could with my current rods. Not stuck on JDM just don't really have that much faith in products from the US. What is .9g in reference to like 1/32 or 1/64?

[garroyo130]

1/32 is .885g

 

One thing to be aware of with JDM UL rods is that they are super thin. It doesn't mean they break easily but it took me a while to stop treating them like they were made out of glass. 

 

What are you fishing for?

[digitalvoid]

7 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

1/32 is .885g

 

One thing to be aware of with JDM UL rods is that they are super thin. It doesn't mean they break easily but it took me a while to stop treating them like they were made out of glass. 

 

What are you fishing for?

Mainly panfish but get the occasional bass due to using jigs and plastics. Maybe I'm focusing on the lure weight too much. I'd like to be able cast a 1/64oz jig and plastic as far as I can with a 1/32oz jig and plastic. I'm using the thinnest 2lb mono I can find. I suppose JDM rods will actually handle 1/64 quite a bit better than a rod in the US that is rated for 1/32

[garroyo130]

Yeah if your goal is distance, I would go to a JDM SUL. The 632SUL Finetail is a great rod for the money. Ive handled up to 2lb bass with the UL version and I'm sure the SUL would also do well (although I do keep a loose drag set at 1lb). 

[digitalvoid]

4 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Yeah if your goal is distance, I would go to a JDM SUL. The 632SUL Finetail is a great rod for the money. Ive handled up to 2lb bass with the UL version and I'm sure the SUL would also do well (although I do keep a loose drag set at 1lb). 

Do you think going SUL vs UL would yield a noticeable difference in casting? Or would just switching to a JDM UL be a good enough difference with what I currently have? 

[garroyo130]

What are you currently using? I went from a bass pro panfish rod rated 1/32 to a Majorcraft Trapara UL as my first rod and there was a noticeable difference. IMO to get the most out of a JDM SUL you really want to be using ester lines or braid. If you will keep using 2lb mono, I think the UL is a better choice. 

[digitalvoid]

5 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

What are you currently using? I went from a bass pro panfish rod rated 1/32 to a Majorcraft Trapara UL as my first rod and there was a noticeable difference. IMO to get the most out of a JDM SUL you really want to be using ester lines or braid. If you will keep using 2lb mono, I think the UL is a better choice. 

13 Fishing Defy Silver. I don't mind switching lines. Someone else I was talking with suggested Varivas Twitch Master line. Do you have a link to the line you use? 

 

[garroyo130]

Twitch master is what i use in 3lb. Its a good line. You might get more distance with Varivas Super Trout Advance 2lb but youll also break off more. 

 

https://www.varivas.fishing/products/super-trout-advance-twitch-master-vls/

[digitalvoid]

5 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Twitch master is what i use in 3lb. Its a good line. You might get more distance with Varivas Super Trout Advance 2lb but youll also break off more. 

 

https://www.varivas.fishing/products/super-trout-advance-twitch-master-vls/

Thanks for all the info! I just wish they had bigger spools of line. Out of curiosity, what reel do you pair with your rods?

[garroyo130]

13 minutes ago, digitalvoid said:

Thanks for all the info! I just wish they had bigger spools of line. Out of curiosity, what reel do you pair with your rods?

 

I have a previous gen Nasci C2000S, and a Sahara C2000S which is just as good. They are a bit oversized for the rods but something about the Sahara 500 just didnt work for me even though it was smaller and probably balanced better. I did swap out the roller bushings to bearings from hedgehog studio.

[Tatulatard]

Consider ajing rods too if you want a long rod with  solid carbon tip and some backbone. You also have normal spinning rod bass lines as well. Finetails = trout.  Ajing = micro jigs for salt shore bound fish.  Bass rods = bass rods.  Also your 1/64 ounce jig head will have the additional weight of a hook and softbait.  You might want to invest in a scale and weigh some baits to see what they weigh and what rod is best suited. 

 

Just gonna drop off this link to the new day's rods just because.

https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/days360/

[garroyo130]

4 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Consider ajing rods too if you want a long rod with  solid carbon tip and some backbone. You also have normal spinning rod bass lines as well. Finetails = trout.  Ajing = micro jigs for salt shore bound fish.  Bass rods = bass rods.  Also your 1/64 ounce jig head will have the additional weight of a hook and softbait.  You might want to invest in a scale and weigh some baits to see what they weigh and what rod is best suited. 

 

Just gonna drop off this link to the new day's rods just because.

https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/days360/

 

I was going to recommend the Tenryu Lunakia (Ajing) but its gone way up in price and is now like $260

[Tatulatard]

Another thing to consider is species.  Something that works well for trout or paper mouth crappie is not going to be the same as a similar power rod designed for bass.  

[digitalvoid]

2 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

Consider ajing rods too if you want a long rod with  solid carbon tip and some backbone. You also have normal spinning rod bass lines as well. Finetails = trout.  Ajing = micro jigs for salt shore bound fish.  Bass rods = bass rods.  Also your 1/64 ounce jig head will have the additional weight of a hook and softbait.  You might want to invest in a scale and weigh some baits to see what they weigh and what rod is best suited. 

 

Just gonna drop off this link to the new day's rods just because.

https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/days360/

Good idea on the scale! My wife has a USPS one for her business. I think I can change it to display grams.

 

Would there be any distinct disadvantages to using an Ajing rod in freshwater? Would they potentially be not as sensitive? I heard about the Ajing rods on FB and just started looking at those too. 

 

I don't think I've ever used a solid tip rod before either. I'm guessing that helps with sensitivity. 

 

Definitely have a good starting point to start my own research. Are there any brands that I need to stay away from?

 

Thanks for all the input and help guys! Tight lines

[Tatulatard]

31 minutes ago, digitalvoid said:

Good idea on the scale! My wife has a USPS one for her business. I think I can change it to display grams.

 

Would there be any distinct disadvantages to using an Ajing rod in freshwater? Would they potentially be not as sensitive? I heard about the Ajing rods on FB and just started looking at those too. 

 

I don't think I've ever used a solid tip rod before either. I'm guessing that helps with sensitivity. 

 

Definitely have a good starting point to start my own research. Are there any brands that I need to stay away from?

 

Thanks for all the input and help guys! Tight lines

How useful an ajing or trout rod is going to be for you will depend on what species you are targeting.  A solid carbon tipped UL rod will be great for crappie but struggle to get hooks into a bass unless your really load the rod.  

[digitalvoid]

2 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

How useful an ajing or trout rod is going to be for you will depend on what species you are targeting.  A solid carbon tipped UL rod will be great for crappie but struggle to get hooks into a bass unless your really load the rod.  

Panfish(crappy, gills, pumpkin seed, perch) in general, occassionally a rock bass. Just by default because of using jigs and plastics, I will hook into a largemouth bass on occasion. 

[Tatulatard]

14 minutes ago, digitalvoid said:

Panfish(crappy, gills, pumpkin seed, perch) in general, occassionally a rock bass. Just by default because of using jigs and plastics, I will hook into a largemouth bass on occasion. 

Streams or lakes?  If you are stream fishing and hiking in a trout stream rod would be great.  If you want a longer rod with some power deep deep down then an ajing could be good.  I'm not aware of jdm panfish rods so you woukd have to take something from another species line that would fit your use.

[digitalvoid]

7 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Streams or lakes?  If you are stream fishing and hiking in a trout stream rod would be great.  If you want a longer rod with some power deep deep down then an ajing could be good.  I'm not aware of jdm panfish rods so you woukd have to take something from another species line that would fit your use.

Primarily lakes. From what I've been seeing from the responses here and other places it will be either a trout rod or ajing rod. The ajing rods have a lure weight that's closer to what I'd be using than a trout rod. There are a ton of companies to look at and figure out what rod would be best suited for me

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I’ve never seen a rod cast lighter baits further unless the higher weight severely overloads the rod which isn’t the case here. Something you might want to look into: I suspect the 1/32 jig with trailer might actually be heavier overall and/or more streamlined. Assuming all else is equal: reel, line, wind etc. something sounds off.