Falcon Cara Finesse Jig Casting Rod

[JN94]

For owners of this rod - how would you rate it's action? Is it a true moderate fast (per "most" companies standards, let's call it) or a little quicker/slower? Falcon's ratings are kind of all over the place so it's tough to get a feel for anything from their website. I own a Cara Dragger 1 (7' Heavy Fast) and I think it's a perfect fast action. If anyone out there owns both, I'm curious how this one compares. I'm looking for a new rod to throw mostly 1/4-5/8oz lures on (1/4oz jigheads + paddletail, weightless senkos, finesse jigs, etc.) for creek and inshore fishing in my kayak. I really like my other Cara and would like to add another to the lineup and this one has a lot of the things I'm looking for. Is this rod stiff enough to set the hook on heavy wire finesse jigs/small texas rigged plastics with EWGs? Most of what I'd be throwing would be a 2/0-3/0 hook size. I'd also be using braid. Some other similar rods that I own that I like the tapers on are the Dobyns Sierra 682 (6'8" Medium Fast) and a Dobyns Champ XP 702 (7' Medium Fast). I also own a Shimano Teramar XX 6'9 Medium Fast that I absolutely hate. I think it is much more so a moderate action than a fast one. If anyone has any insight on this and could let me know I'd really appreciate it!

[rangerjockey]

The rod that's now called the finesse jig was originally the Eakins jig rod. It was made to flip Jim Eakins 5/16 oz signature jig here in the Ozarks.

Falcon has tightened that rod up over the years but its still a finesse jig / topwater rod.

For what your looking to do I'd go with the Headturner or if you don't mind the length the Amistad.

[JN94]

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

The rod that's now called the finesse jig was originally the Eakins jig rod. It was made to flip Jim Eakins 5/16 oz signature jig here in the Ozarks.

Falcon has tightened that rod up over the years but its still a finesse jig / topwater rod.

For what your looking to do I'd go with the Headturner or if you don't mind the length the Amistad.

Thanks for the reply! I looked at the head Turner but am worried it will be a tad heavy for what I'm trying to do. The vast majority of what I'll be throwing will be in the 3/8-1/2oz range. I'd really love a 6' 10" ideally so Amistad is out. Amistad also I think would be too heavy for what I'm doing

[casts_by_fly]

I have the expert version of the finesse jig.  I also have the Expert head turner.  I have the dragger 1 in the bucoo SR.  And I have a bunch of other falcons across the bucoo, expert, and Cara lineups.  My FJ currently has a 1/8 oz jighead with a 3.3 keitech on it.  Great rod for that.  The FJ was/is my primary topwater rod for 1/2 oz walking baits and similar poppers.  I throw a plopper 90 on it some times.  Its a good rod for a 3/8 (or smaller) bladed baits and I've thrown a 1/2 oz chatterbait with a Zako on it to good effect (total bait weight about 7/8 oz) though I'd say there are better choices if you're going that heavy.  It throws an unweighted soft jerkbait a long way and while I don't fish senkos I'm sure you could cast one 30+ yards with this rod.  Obviously its a great finesse jig rod for 3/16 FJ with a little rubber trailer.  It was also my primary swim jig rod for light wire swim jigs all of last year (the 7'2" swim jig rod will take that this year).

 

I'd put the action on the faster side of MF.  Its hard to compare to the dragger given the power differences.  My bucoo dragger has the same specs as the cara version so I'm going to assume they are similar for action (though different for weight, responsiveness, sensitivity).  In other models I've found this to be reasonably close.  On that assumption, I'm going to tell you the FJ is not quite as fast actioned as the Dragger, though it isn't a mile off.  For what you're describing, I think its probably the right rod for you.  The amistad is definitely going to be too heavy.  The head turner might be a little heavy, though I think the Cara version has a lighter tip than my expert.  The other rod to consider is the Cara medium heavy.  Same 1/4-3/4 rating, 2" shorter at 6'8", and a fast action.  Touch faster and a touch more power than the finesse jig, not quite as much power as the head turner.  I picked one up this year to try with walking baits in the kayak (see if the 2" shorter makes a material difference) but after fishing it a few times now I can see that its a great close quarters rod.  It will do everything you're asking and do it very well.  Its probably better than the FJ for the 3/0 EWG hooks and light texas rigs.

[JN94]

23 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

I have the expert version of the finesse jig.  I also have the Expert head turner.  I have the dragger 1 in the bucoo SR.  And I have a bunch of other falcons across the bucoo, expert, and Cara lineups.  My FJ currently has a 1/8 oz jighead with a 3.3 keitech on it.  Great rod for that.  The FJ was/is my primary topwater rod for 1/2 oz walking baits and similar poppers.  I throw a plopper 90 on it some times.  Its a good rod for a 3/8 (or smaller) bladed baits and I've thrown a 1/2 oz chatterbait with a Zako on it to good effect (total bait weight about 7/8 oz) though I'd say there are better choices if you're going that heavy.  It throws an unweighted soft jerkbait a long way and while I don't fish senkos I'm sure you could cast one 30+ yards with this rod.  Obviously its a great finesse jig rod for 3/16 FJ with a little rubber trailer.  It was also my primary swim jig rod for light wire swim jigs all of last year (the 7'2" swim jig rod will take that this year).

 

I'd put the action on the faster side of MF.  Its hard to compare to the dragger given the power differences.  My bucoo dragger has the same specs as the cara version so I'm going to assume they are similar for action (though different for weight, responsiveness, sensitivity).  In other models I've found this to be reasonably close.  On that assumption, I'm going to tell you the FJ is not quite as fast actioned as the Dragger, though it isn't a mile off.  For what you're describing, I think its probably the right rod for you.  The amistad is definitely going to be too heavy.  The head turner might be a little heavy, though I think the Cara version has a lighter tip than my expert.  The other rod to consider is the Cara medium heavy.  Same 1/4-3/4 rating, 2" shorter at 6'8", and a fast action.  Touch faster and a touch more power than the finesse jig, not quite as much power as the head turner.  I picked one up this year to try with walking baits in the kayak (see if the 2" shorter makes a material difference) but after fishing it a few times now I can see that its a great close quarters rod.  It will do everything you're asking and do it very well.  Its probably better than the FJ for the 3/0 EWG hooks and light texas rigs.

Ok interesting. This is awesome info. Thank you! I actually called Falcon this morning and they recommended a Head Turner. They said the FJ might be too light. I think I feel the same way as you - that the HT might be a hair heavy. I know it could get the job done but I really like the feel/castability of my other medium powered rods rated 1/4-5/8. I've got plenty of 1/4-3/4 rated rods and they just don't throw these lures in the 3/8-1/2oz range quite as nicely. Maybe the tip on the HT is just soft enough though to pull it off. I'll likely end up ordering a HT and see how it goes but am going to do some more poking. I am having a really hard time finding exactly what I want. If anyone has any other recs for something like the following I'd take a look (any brand):

 

- $300 or less

- 6'10" (would look at a 6'9" but strongly prefer 6'10". Will not look at any other lengths)

- rated 1/4-5/8 (a M power for most companies)

- fast action

- split or full grip

- cork grip

[a1712]

3 hours ago, JNorman said:

Thanks for the reply! I looked at the head Turner but am worried it will be a tad heavy for what I'm trying to do. The vast majority of what I'll be throwing will be in the 3/8-1/2oz range. I'd really love a 6' 10" ideally so Amistad is out. Amistad also I think would be too heavy for what I'm doing

A half ounce Jig + the Trailer can lead to a full ounce+ bait. Brian.

[JN94]

4 minutes ago, a1712 said:

A half ounce Jig + the Trailer can lead to a full ounce+ bait. Brian.

I'm talking about total lure weight. Not head weight. A lot of what I throw is 1/4oz heads + 5-8 gram plastic = ~1/2oz

[rangerjockey]

3/8 isn't too light for the head turner. It's just a more versatile rod than the finesse jig.

The Dragger was meant to be a Carolina rig rod. I like it for 1/2-5/8 oz football heads.

Falcons in general are a little soft and moderate for their ratings.  The lizard dragger however is a fairly powerful rod.

If you can't do the length I get it but the Amistad and swim jig are the best jig rods Falcon makes.

 

[LogFinder]

I don’t own any caras but I do have an assortment of lowriders and experts. In the past I’ve used the lowrider finesse jig rod with zero issues up to a 3/8 finesse jig. Once I hit the 1/2 oz mark I move up to the HeadTurner, Dragger, or Amistad. Personally the amistad is way too heavy for a finesse jig. Generally my finesse jig is on 12-15lb line so a 7 power rod ends in heartbreak for me. As far as action goes I feel like the finesse jig rod falls on the faster side of modfast. It’s just slow enough to load up nice but fast enough to still be able to bury a jig hook on a war eagle heavy finesse. This past weekend I was throwing a 1/4oz Cumberland finesse jig on the expert headturner and the lowrider dragger just to try something a little different(they are a touch lighter weight than the FJR). After ripping huge holes and jumping fish off I’ll be going back to my FJR and sticking with it. 

 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

3/8 isn't too light for the head turner. It's just a more versatile rod than the finesse jig.

The Dragger was meant to be a Carolina rig rod. I like it for 1/2-5/8 oz football heads.

Falcons in general are a little soft and moderate for their ratings.  The lizard dragger however is a fairly powerful rod.

If you can't do the length I get it but the Amistad and swim jig are the best jig rods Falcon makes.

 

 

For the expert head turner (and the bucoo pitchin stick) I find 3/8 to be the very bottom end of the weight I prefer to throw on it.  A 3/8 plus plastic is fine but a 3/8 hardbait or a 1/4 oz + plastic (total bait 3/8 oz) is going a little too light to truly load up the tip on a cast.  You can do it, but if that's what I'm planning to throw all day I'll put it on another rod instead.  Even a 3/8 oz chatterbait with a light trailer like a split tail is lighter than I prefer on it.  The Cara version might have a lighter tip (I've heard that, but haven't held one).

 

I only just picked up the swim jig rod and have 2 trips on it, but I can see that.  I think its going to be a favorite for me.  Great 3/8 finesse swim jig rod which is something I fish a lot.  I have a buzzbait tied on it right now and I think its going to be great for that.  I've read its the best lipless rod falcon makes and I can see that being possible.  I think it would also be a great light texas rig rod for a quarter ounce and worm.

 

Have you fished the heavy cover jig rod?  I think I prefer it to my Amistad, though they are different rods so it might just be my use cases.  I like the amistad a lot but I think the HCJ is better.  

[rangerjockey]

55 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

For the expert head turner (and the bucoo pitchin stick) I find 3/8 to be the very bottom end of the weight I prefer to throw on it.  A 3/8 plus plastic is fine but a 3/8 hardbait or a 1/4 oz + plastic (total bait 3/8 oz) is going a little too light to truly load up the tip on a cast.  You can do it, but if that's what I'm planning to throw all day I'll put it on another rod instead.  Even a 3/8 oz chatterbait with a light trailer like a split tail is lighter than I prefer on it.  The Cara version might have a lighter tip (I've heard that, but haven't held one).

 

I only just picked up the swim jig rod and have 2 trips on it, but I can see that.  I think its going to be a favorite for me.  Great 3/8 finesse swim jig rod which is something I fish a lot.  I have a buzzbait tied on it right now and I think its going to be great for that.  I've read its the best lipless rod falcon makes and I can see that being possible.  I think it would also be a great light texas rig rod for a quarter ounce and worm.

 

Have you fished the heavy cover jig rod?  I think I prefer it to my Amistad, though they are different rods so it might just be my use cases.  I like the amistad a lot but I think the HCJ is better.  

 

No, I've never fished that rod but where I fish I can't see a need for it. 

[casts_by_fly]

Just now, rangerjockey said:

 

No, I've never fished that rod but where I fish I can't see a need for it. 

It is my default 3/8-1/2 oz pitching jig/texas rig rod.  It has a tip that feels like the head turner but the butt power almost of the amistad.  Great rod.

[JN94]

Well it sounds like the Head Turner is the slight favorite here. If I order it, I'll get it in the Cara line. I'm still concerned it will be just a hair on the heavy side. If 3/8 total weight is on the absolute bottom end and it won't load the cast properly, then I don't think it will be the right rod. There are for sure days where I will throw lures that weight all day. On an unrelated note - does anyone have any experience with doing custom builds with ALX? I've never fished an ALX but don't think I've ever seen a negative review on them. Thinking I may go that route since I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. 

[optimator]

I can’t help with Falcon but I just ordered my 2nd ALX. I already have a Toadface that does pretty much anything you’d want it to do. I ordered a Deputy from TW yesterday. Hopefully I’ll have it in time for the weekend. It was nice dealing direct with the company owner on my first one. 

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, JNorman said:

Well it sounds like the Head Turner is the slight favorite here. If I order it, I'll get it in the Cara line. I'm still concerned it will be just a hair on the heavy side. If 3/8 total weight is on the absolute bottom end and it won't load the cast properly, then I don't think it will be the right rod. There are for sure days where I will throw lures that weight all day. On an unrelated note - does anyone have any experience with doing custom builds with ALX? I've never fished an ALX but don't think I've ever seen a negative review on them. Thinking I may go that route since I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. 

I’ll let you know on the head turner tomorrow. I’m planning to go and I have a yum dinger rigged on that rod right now. 

[JN94]

12 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

I’ll let you know on the head turner tomorrow. I’m planning to go and I have a yum dinger rigged on that rod right now. 

That would be awesome. Thanks!

[rangerjockey]

13 hours ago, JNorman said:

Well it sounds like the Head Turner is the slight favorite here. If I order it, I'll get it in the Cara line. I'm still concerned it will be just a hair on the heavy side. If 3/8 total weight is on the absolute bottom end and it won't load the cast properly, then I don't think it will be the right rod. There are for sure days where I will throw lures that weight all day. On an unrelated note - does anyone have any experience with doing custom builds with ALX? I've never fished an ALX but don't think I've ever seen a negative review on them. Thinking I may go that route since I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. 

I have a Enox BMJ. Sensitivity wise I would say it's pretty close between it and a Cara. Build wise The ALX is a better-looking rod and overall, I'd pick it over the Cara but it's also more expensive.

[JN94]

15 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

I have a Enox BMJ. Sensitivity wise I would say it's pretty close between it and a Cara. Build wise The ALX is a better-looking rod and overall, I'd pick it over the Cara but it's also more expensive.

Awesome. Thanks! This is great info. I appreciate you letting me know. Going to do some more digging on ALX

[JN94]

On 5/30/2023 at 9:16 PM, casts_by_fly said:

I’ll let you know on the head turner tomorrow. I’m planning to go and I have a yum dinger rigged on that rod right now. 

How'd she do yesterday?

[casts_by_fly]

On 5/30/2023 at 10:29 PM, JNorman said:

That would be awesome. Thanks!

 

12 minutes ago, JNorman said:

How'd she do yesterday?

 

I didn't manage to get on the water yesterday (back door install was FUBAR and they didn't leave till 8PM) but I did yard cast it as rigged.  Its a 5" yum dinger on a 3/0 EWG (maybe even a light wire EWG).  Expert head turner, Shimano Met, 17 lb suffix elite mono.  My reels are zero spool tension and moderate brakes.  I could cast the dinger just fine, but the rod didn't load hardly at all.  I was sidearm and roll casting it.  I had to up the brakes to keep overruns down as it just felt light on the rod.  If I was on the water and needed to fish it then I would (and I will on the next outing because I'm taking that rod).  But if I was buying a rod intending to fish weightless stickbaits it wouldn't be that one.

 

Separately, I put the same dinger on the same hook on my FJ.  Slightly different setup with 14 lb supernatural and an Abu MGX.  Since the rods are fully rigged I'm not going to swap around reels for a full comparison.  But just feeling the rod itself, the FJ loads up a lot better with a dinger comparatively.  I was able to roll cast it a lot easier with just a flip and have it fly off the rod.  In fact, since I plan to fish a dinger on this next outing, I've put the FJ in the truck to go with me specifically for that purpose.  Since I only carry 5 rods, I have to leave one out and as much as it pains me, it might be the head turner with the met if you can believe that.  Every other rod has a specific purpose in the lineup on that trip and the HT is the odd one out.

 

if I were the guy at Falcon rating the rods, I would give the FJ a 1/4-5/8 rating and the HT a 5/16-3/4 rating (maybe 3/8 on the low end).  I feel like that's where they are better suited instead of the same 1/4-3/4 rating.

[JN94]

13 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

 

I didn't manage to get on the water yesterday (back door install was FUBAR and they didn't leave till 8PM) but I did yard cast it as rigged.  Its a 5" yum dinger on a 3/0 EWG (maybe even a light wire EWG).  Expert head turner, Shimano Met, 17 lb suffix elite mono.  My reels are zero spool tension and moderate brakes.  I could cast the dinger just fine, but the rod didn't load hardly at all.  I was sidearm and roll casting it.  I had to up the brakes to keep overruns down as it just felt light on the rod.  If I was on the water and needed to fish it then I would (and I will on the next outing because I'm taking that rod).  But if I was buying a rod intending to fish weightless stickbaits it wouldn't be that one.

 

Separately, I put the same dinger on the same hook on my FJ.  Slightly different setup with 14 lb supernatural and an Abu MGX.  Since the rods are fully rigged I'm not going to swap around reels for a full comparison.  But just feeling the rod itself, the FJ loads up a lot better with a dinger comparatively.  I was able to roll cast it a lot easier with just a flip and have it fly off the rod.  In fact, since I plan to fish a dinger on this next outing, I've put the FJ in the truck to go with me specifically for that purpose.  Since I only carry 5 rods, I have to leave one out and as much as it pains me, it might be the head turner with the met if you can believe that.  Every other rod has a specific purpose in the lineup on that trip and the HT is the odd one out.

 

if I were the guy at Falcon rating the rods, I would give the FJ a 1/4-5/8 rating and the HT a 5/16-3/4 rating (maybe 3/8 on the low end).  I feel like that's where they are better suited instead of the same 1/4-3/4 rating.

Got it. I really appreciate you testing it out and letting me know. The HT sounds like a great rod and I will definitely come back to it in the future. But sounds like it's not the one I'm looking for here. The hunt continues!

[casts_by_fly]

nah, don't keep hunting.  Just order the finesse jig and fish it.  Its a great rod for a lot of things and I think its just what you're looking for.

[CountryboyinDC]

I have the older, US-made Cara (T7) finesse jig rod - I'm assuming they're the same taper in this new line.  I use it for a number of things when I'm fishing shallow, shoaly rivers.  I would say that the most common bait on it is a 3.3 Keitech on a 1/8 oz. keel waited swimbait hook.  I also fish the heavy-finesse jigs from Santone and War Eagle with what is usually a light trailer (Paca chunk or Missile Baits twin-tailed grub), lightish T-rigs, and occasionally a small (but usually 3/8 oz +) spinnerbait.  Falcon is sort of inconsistent with their rating, in my experience, and this rod is no exception.  I don't have any other MH that fishes this light.  But with braid and a 12 lb fluro leader, I have no problem with hooksets with the finesse jig.  Definitely a favorite; I have a spare one in the attic should this one break.

[JN94]

Does anyone have any experience with a Megabass Destroyer P5 Bait Finesse? Link here:

https://megabassusa.com/product/destroyer-p5-f3-610x-bait-finesse/

 

I've never fished a MB rod so any info would be appreciated if they've got something unique I ought to know about. Also this rod seems like way overkill for a BFS rod with this lure rating, so I'm assuming it will have plenty of power for what I'm looking to do