The best/perfect Hair Jig rod

[JMac603]

4 hours ago, Beardedtacklejunkie said:

I appreciate that feed back.  I’ve been doing research that is basically leaving me between the Flyssa or the St. croix.  

ive been using a Daiwa Exist on another application however I really don’t see the need for 2 of them which is why I’m trying to see other reals like the tatula, kage or Airity (if it ever comes out in USA). I don’t have much experience with the Shimano spinning reels like the Stella or Exsence but would love to hear if anyone has opinions on them.  
 

 

I am also very curious on mono as I assume it would allow the jig to sink a bit slower in the water column?

I don't know if I'd invest into the St Croix hair jig rods (I have the LTB and the Victory). I'm unfamiliar with the Flyssa but I'm unimpressed with the St Croixs. They handle fish just fine but just don't cast or balance as well as I'd hoped a 7'10". 

 

As far as reels - I really like MQ bodies. I like the Ballistics and dig the new Tatulas. I have the Certate in the 3k size but that's a perfect match for my ned/drop shot rod. I'd love to get into an Exist someday but little rich for me right now. 

 

I haven't tried straight mono yet but I'm also interested to see how that is. I'm also very anxious to spend more time with the Resolve bass rod as I enjoyed the balance and overall feel of that. 

[JMac603]

On 5/29/2023 at 9:40 AM, Beardedtacklejunkie said:

I appreciate that feed back.  I’ve been doing research that is basically leaving me between the Flyssa or the St. croix.  

ive been using a Daiwa Exist on another application however I really don’t see the need for 2 of them which is why I’m trying to see other reals like the tatula, kage or Airity (if it ever comes out in USA). I don’t have much experience with the Shimano spinning reels like the Stella or Exsence but would love to hear if anyone has opinions on them.  
 

 

I am also very curious on mono as I assume it would allow the jig to sink a bit slower in the water column?

I fished straight #6 mono on my 7'6" St Croix Avid and a 4k tatula. Wasn't really a fan of the distance I got. After thinking about it, I should've probably ran #4 for comparable diameter to fluoro. I feel like the small difference won't be a huge difference. Hooked into plenty of fish (first largie of the year) with no issues other than less casting distance. 

[Cody28]

I know this is an old post, but I recently got a Flyssa and to me it is THE rod. Haven’t spent a ton of time with it yet, but it seems to be spanking every other rods I’ve tried for this type of fishing.

 

My only issue I’m having right now is finding a reel to pair with it. I have a few Shimano Vanford 2500s, but they’re too light for such a long rod. Currently throwing an old Sedona on it (because it’s heavy) which balances nicely, but the reel just feels so clunky in comparison to the Vanfords I usually fish. 
 

Any reel suggestions for a 7’6” light+ hair jig rod? 

[JMac603]

On 11/24/2023 at 5:55 PM, Cody28 said:

Any reel suggestions for a 7’6” light+ hair jig rod? 

It sounds like you're a Shimano guy so I won't be much help there as I prefer Daiwa. I've landed on the TFO 7'6" ML Resolve as my hair jig rod paired with a Daiwa Ballistic MQ and it's a neutral balance just in front of the top cork on the blank. For me this means I have a pinky below the reel and the rest of my hand above. I have rather large hands so it puts two fingers on the blank, which I really like. 

 

I've tried the Tatula MQ and the Certate. I'm not much a fan of the Tatula MQ because the bail wire diameter got smaller in physical diameter but is bigger in rotational diameter and hits my fingers while reeling. I love the Certate but the Ballistic is a better balance for the Resolve rod. 

 

Wish I were more help with the reel. 

[Reel]

I've got a few 7'6'' spinning rods and they balance out well with a reel around 7 to 8 ounces.  If you want to stay with the Vanford, you can go to the 4000 size gaining in distance and stopping power but with the right weight.  If you want to stay with the 2500/3000 size, you can go to the Stradic ( FL or FM) ou even to the Twin Power.