Frog and Flipping Rod Weight Comparison Chart

[genericname]

Frog Rod Weight and Balance Point Chart. I bought variety of rods for Frogging in Florida. I ended up getting Daiwa Tatula with full cork grip 7'4" Frog model with tangle free guides. Tangle free guides are a must for me when throwing braid especially in the wind. Ark Invoker and Tharp, Daiwa Tatula with full grip cork, and Zodias have tangle free guides. Long stiff powerful rods are generally not made for casting light frogs so the perfect model is tough to find. I caught a handful of good ones in the stuff with the Daiwa and it handles fish reasonably well. Below the chart are a couple of blanks that I read about of forums if you want to make a frog rod yourself. Also St Croix has a 7'4" frog model. Daiwa Tatula Elite line also has a frog rod. Hope the chart helps someone.

Rod Model	Length	Action	Power	Lure Weight oz.	Handle Length In.	# of Guides	Balance Point from Butt	Rod Weight oz.	Notes	Price
Shimano SLX A	7’5”	Fast	Heavy	½ - 1 ½	14-3/4"	9 + Tip	23”	4.9	Poor balance	$99.99
Shimano Zodias	7’5”	Fast	Heavy	7/16 – 1 ½	17"	8 + Tip	22 ½”	4.6	Not great just ok rather get the Ark Invoker for 80 dollars less.	$229.99
ARK Invoker	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 - 1 ½	15"	8 + Tip	21 ½”	4.9	Solid rod;tangle free guides	$149.95
ARK Invoker	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	¼ - 1	15 ¼”	8 + Tip		4.3	Sensitive rod not enough backbone for frogs.
ARK Tharp King Cobra	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 – 1 ½	16"	8 + Tip	21”	5.5	Needs update to bring weight down; tangle free guides	$129.95
Cashion ELEMENT	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	¼ - 1 ½	***/2"	8 + Tip	24 ½”	5.2	Broom stick. Maybe punch rod.	$129.95
Powell Diesel	7’3”	Fast	Heavy	¼ - 1	15"	9 + Tip	21 ¾”	4.7	Solid for open water	$99.99
Powell Diesel	7’6”	Extra Fast	Mag Medium Heavy	¼ - 2	16-1/4"	10 + Tip	25	5.0	Punching rod	$99.99
Abu Garcia Vertias PLX TE	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	3/8 – 1 ¼	15-3/4"	9 + Tip	21”	5.4	On stiff side could work; abu usually stiff	$179.95
Daiwa Tatula Full Cork Grip	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	¼ - 1 3/8	15”	9 + Tip	19 ½”	5.0	Most well balanced; soft tip; for open water	135.99 (Sale)
Daiwa Tatula Full Cork Grip	7’4”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 - 2	15”	8 + Tip	19 ½”	4.8	Casts light frog as well as expected.  Very well balanced. Strength.	144.49 (Sale)
Ark Cobb Series	7’3”	Fast	Mag Medium Heavy	¼ - 1	14 1/2 “	8 + Tip	20 ½”	4.3	Solid rod for the price would do for light frogging in a pinch	84.91 (Sale)

 

Rod Geeks - B476MHF 2.85oz

Hydra NG Series FL904F-NG 2.6oz

[Catt]

I throw the 7'3" Tatula TTU731MHFB,  Medium Heavy Fast. 

 

I'm usually throwing a Bronzeye 65 size frog.

 

Great write up ?

[DEPS_250]

Thank you for the write up. I am actually looking for a budget jig rod with a good amount of sensitivity and backbone while having a soft enough tip for properly dragging and popping football and swing head jigs over rocks, ledges and flats.

 

Out of all those rods you listed, which one would you recommend for 1/2-1oz football jigs and swing head jigs in open water?

 

I was looking at getting the Ark Invoker series. I don't know if I should get the Ark Invoker 7'6" Heavy or the 7'6" Medium Heavy. Which one would you recommend for 1/2-1oz jigs? Do you know if the micro guides are big enough for braid to leader connection knots like a uni to uni? 

 

I am also interested in the Powell Diesel 7'6" Mag Medium Heavy. You described it as being more of a punch rod, but would it be good for fishing jigs too? If it really does lean more towards being a punch rod, do you think it would be too fast and too much rod for fishing jigs in open water? 

[Cbump]

3 hours ago, Catt said:

I throw the 7'3" Tatula TTU731MHFB,  Medium Heavy Fast. 

 

I'm usually throwing a Bronzeye 65 size frog.

 

Great write up ?

I’m about to purchase this exact rod if I can get the omnia code to work. Wouldn’t have thought of It as a frog rod but that’s awesome that it’s so versatile. 

[Boomstick]

I have the 7'4" Tatula frog rod too and have nothing but good things to say. It's a beast of a rod and can pull them out of anything and casts quite well too.

5 hours ago, Catt said:

I throw the 7'3" Tatula TTU731MHFB,  Medium Heavy Fast. 

 

I'm usually throwing a Bronzeye 65 size frog.

 

Great write up ?

How's the medium heavy work out in really thick lily pads? I'd be hesitant to throw a frog in real thick lily pads with my 6'10" or 7'1" MH Tatulas although in sparer cover they do work.

[Deephaven]

I have a few frog rods and when I need a flipping stick use them.  I flip about.5% of my fishing time though so they almost always have frogs on them.  As soon as I am "in" to the weeds my favored stuck is a 904 Loomis salmon rod blank built out to 8'.  I've never seen anyone on my boT outcast it in length and have locked big uns up at the full length of the cast.  Right backbone, with enough action to cast and enough length to pull up slack and make bomb casts.

[WRB]

Hard to find a more universal frog rod then Irod IRG754F gen3 Fred’s Magic 7’5” HF, 3/8-2 oz.@$150.

Tom

 

[T-Billy]

7 hours ago, DEPS_250 said:

I was looking at getting the Ark Invoker series. I don't know if I should get the Ark Invoker 7'6" Heavy or the 7'6" Medium Heavy. Which one would you recommend for 1/2-1oz jigs? Do you know if the micro guides are big enough for braid to leader connection knots like a uni to uni? 

 

I'll recommend the 7'4" Mag Heavy Invoker for those heavy jigs. It's also outstanding for pitching 3/8 and up, and frogging. It's one of my favorite Ark blanks.

13 hours ago, genericname said:

Frog Rod Weight and Balance Point Chart. I bought variety of rods for Frogging in Florida. I ended up getting Daiwa Tatula with full cork grip 7'4" Frog model with tangle free guides. Tangle free guides are a must for me when throwing braid especially in the wind. Ark Invoker and Tharp, Daiwa Tatula with full grip cork, and Zodias have tangle free guides. Long stiff powerful rods are generally not made for casting light frogs so the perfect model is tough to find. I caught a handful of good ones in the stuff with the Daiwa and it handles fish reasonably well. Below the chart are a couple of blanks that I read about of forums if you want to make a frog rod yourself. Also St Croix has a 7'4" frog model. Daiwa Tatula Elite line also has a frog rod. Hope the chart helps someone.

Rod Model	Length	Action	Power	Lure Weight oz.	Handle Length In.	# of Guides	Balance Point from Butt	Rod Weight oz.	Notes	Price
Shimano SLX A	7’5”	Fast	Heavy	½ - 1 ½	14-3/4"	9 + Tip	23”	4.9	Poor balance	$99.99
Shimano Zodias	7’5”	Fast	Heavy	7/16 – 1 ½	17"	8 + Tip	22 ½”	4.6	Not great just ok rather get the Ark Invoker for 80 dollars less.	$229.99
ARK Invoker	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 - 1 ½	15"	8 + Tip	21 ½”	4.9	Solid rod;tangle free guides	$149.95
ARK Invoker	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	¼ - 1	15 ¼”	8 + Tip		4.3	Sensitive rod not enough backbone for frogs.
ARK Tharp King Cobra	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 – 1 ½	16"	8 + Tip	21”	5.5	Needs update to bring weight down; tangle free guides	$129.95
Cashion ELEMENT	7’6”	Fast	Heavy	¼ - 1 ½	***/2"	8 + Tip	24 ½”	5.2	Broom stick. Maybe punch rod.	$129.95
Powell Diesel	7’3”	Fast	Heavy	¼ - 1	15"	9 + Tip	21 ¾”	4.7	Solid for open water	$99.99
Powell Diesel	7’6”	Extra Fast	Mag Medium Heavy	¼ - 2	16-1/4"	10 + Tip	25	5.0	Punching rod	$99.99
Abu Garcia Vertias PLX TE	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	3/8 – 1 ¼	15-3/4"	9 + Tip	21”	5.4	On stiff side could work; abu usually stiff	$179.95
Daiwa Tatula Full Cork Grip	7’6”	Fast	Medium Heavy	¼ - 1 3/8	15”	9 + Tip	19 ½”	5.0	Most well balanced; soft tip; for open water	135.99 (Sale)
Daiwa Tatula Full Cork Grip	7’4”	Fast	Heavy	3/8 - 2	15”	8 + Tip	19 ½”	4.8	Casts light frog as well as expected.  Very well balanced. Strength.	144.49 (Sale)
Ark Cobb Series	7’3”	Fast	Mag Medium Heavy	¼ - 1	14 1/2 “	8 + Tip	20 ½”	4.3	Solid rod for the price would do for light frogging in a pinch	84.91 (Sale)

 

Rod Geeks - B476MHF 2.85oz

Hydra NG Series FL904F-NG 2.6oz

Quoted so I could read the comments in the chart. They're over under the ads in the OP in my android browser. Nice write up. I don't frog a lot but I bought two Ark Lancer pro 7'2" H during last falls BOGO sale, and like them for that task.

[Catt]

8 hours ago, Boomstick said:

How's the medium heavy work out in really thick lily pads? I'd be hesitant to throw a frog in real thick lily pads with my 6'10" or 7'1" MH Tatulas although in sparer cover they do work.

 

Tatula has more backbone than most people get it credit for. Medium heavy allows me to walk the frog easier, ideal for pin point accuracy, & it allows me to skip where a heavy doesn't. 

[Boomstick]

14 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Tatula has more backbone than most people get it credit for. Medium heavy allows me to walk the frog easier, ideal for pin point accuracy, & it allows me to skip where a heavy doesn't. 

I can agree with all of this. I would ideally walk the frog on my 6'10" MH/F Tatula, which doesn't have near the tip of the 7'1 MH/XF, maybe even a little less than I'd like but I still prefer it because it's shorter.

 

 

[Catt]

9 hours ago, Boomstick said:

the 7'1 MH/XF,

 

That's my jig rod ?

 

In my opinion at $150-200 there isn't a better series of rods available.

[LrgmouthShad]

14 hours ago, Catt said:

 

That's my jig rod ?

 

In my opinion at $150-200 there isn't a better series of rods available.

I will have to get one sometime. But coming from mostly iRods, I believe it’s probably going to be tough to impress me 

[kingmotorboat]

On 6/15/2023 at 6:50 AM, Catt said:

 

That's my jig rod ?

 

In my opinion at $150-200 there isn't a better series of rods available.

you haven’t tried the phenix feather or the new m1 have you?  Coming from a man that owns dobyns dx series I’ve put my dx’s down for these rods and they’re close to a third of the price 

[optimator]

48 minutes ago, kingmotorboat said:

you haven’t tried the phenix feather or the new m1 have you?  Coming from a man that owns dobyns dx series I’ve put my dx’s down for these rods and they’re close to a third of the price 

I’ve got a Feather ML I picked up on the TW Memorial sale. I’m have a ton of fun with that thing. I need to try one of their worm rods.

[kingmotorboat]

14 minutes ago, optimator said:

I’ve got a Feather ML I picked up on the TW Memorial sale. I’m have a ton of fun with that thing. I need to try one of their worm rods.

I have the feather 7’1 mh 7’1 h and 7’3 xh feather, two of the 6’9 ml and a 7’2 h m1. I’ve honestly been amazed 

[Catt]

On 6/15/2023 at 8:17 PM, LrgmouthShad said:

I will have to get one sometime. But coming from mostly iRods, I believe it’s probably going to be tough to impress me 

 

9 hours ago, kingmotorboat said:

you haven’t tried the phenix feather or the new m1 have you?  Coming from a man that owns dobyns dx series I’ve put my dx’s down for these rods and they’re close to a third of the price 

 

Ahh yes but have y'all tried the Tatula?

[kingmotorboat]

On 6/17/2023 at 7:32 AM, Catt said:

 

 

Ahh yes but have y'all tried the Tatula?

I owned quite a few of them. Loved them but this rod here. I’m telling ya Catt it’s one to check out. Happy Father’s Day also

[Catt]

3 minutes ago, kingmotorboat said:

I’m telling ya Catt it’s one to check out.

I don't need a new rod!

Ì don't need a new rod!

I don't need a new rod!

 

Happy Father's Day ?

[kingmotorboat]

On 6/18/2023 at 6:27 PM, Catt said:

I don't need a new rod!

Ì don't need a new rod!

I don't need a new rod!

 

Happy Father's Day ?

sorry for the late reply. You to man. Hope all is well back in Louisiana. I’ve had to deal with upset vols fans here after last night ? GEAUX TIGERS

[Catt]

21 minutes ago, kingmotorboat said:

GEAUX TIGERS

 

They won again tonight!

[kingmotorboat]

54 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

They won again tonight!

 

yessir my neighbor up here in Tennessee probably heard me yelling when our lake charles boy was pitching. How fired up he was got me fired up man

[genericname]

On 6/13/2023 at 7:26 PM, DEPS_250 said:

Thank you for the write up. I am actually looking for a budget jig rod with a good amount of sensitivity and backbone while having a soft enough tip for properly dragging and popping football and swing head jigs over rocks, ledges and flats.

 

Out of all those rods you listed, which one would you recommend for 1/2-1oz football jigs and swing head jigs in open water?

 

I was looking at getting the Ark Invoker series. I don't know if I should get the Ark Invoker 7'6" Heavy or the 7'6" Medium Heavy. Which one would you recommend for 1/2-1oz jigs? Do you know if the micro guides are big enough for braid to leader connection knots like a uni to uni? 

 

I am also interested in the Powell Diesel 7'6" Mag Medium Heavy. You described it as being more of a punch rod, but would it be good for fishing jigs too? If it really does lean more towards being a punch rod, do you think it would be too fast and too much rod for fishing jigs in open water? 

The Ark Invoker 7'6" MH is not stiff enough for my liking for jigs and large single hook baits. Id use it for exposed hook swimbaits and large top waters and light hardbody swimbaits. I like the rod but for jig maybe go for their 7'6"H, 7'1"H or the 7'4" mag model.. The leader knot is a bit of an issue with the smaller guides. 

 

I would not throw the Powell 7'6" for jigs in open water. too long too bulky there is really no need. Any heavy 7 - 7'4" rod will probably do the trick.

 

You can buy them all from tackle warehouse and cast them in your backyard as a test and send back what you dont like. I strongly recommend doing this. So many rods have specs that seem to be exactly what you want and when you get the rods it is either too soft stiff dead or heavy or whatever. 

On 6/15/2023 at 6:50 AM, Catt said:

 

That's my jig rod ?

 

In my opinion at $150-200 there isn't a better series of rods available.

 Man especially when using braid I don't like using XF rods. So much strain on forearms and wrists. You ever notice strain?

On 6/13/2023 at 10:10 PM, Boomstick said:

I have the 7'4" Tatula frog rod too and have nothing but good things to say. It's a beast of a rod and can pull them out of anything and casts quite well too.

How's the medium heavy work out in really thick lily pads? I'd be hesitant to throw a frog in real thick lily pads with my 6'10" or 7'1" MH Tatulas although in sparer cover they do work.

I was surprised at how well it casted. 

[genericname]

On 6/15/2023 at 9:17 PM, LrgmouthShad said:

I will have to get one sometime. But coming from mostly iRods, I believe it’s probably going to be tough to impress me 

I have an iRod punch rod and have tested another. The Invoker is similar in quality. Both have models that are worth checking out. 

On 6/14/2023 at 1:39 AM, WRB said:

Hard to find a more universal frog rod then Irod IRG754F gen3 Fred’s Magic 7’5” HF, 3/8-2 oz.@$150.

Tom

 

I don't like the overly long handles on that rod. does it affect your casting in anyway?

[Catt]

55 minutes ago, genericname said:

Man especially when using braid I don't like using XF rods. So much strain on forearms and wrists. You ever notice strain?

 

Nope! X-Fast is my favorite 

[bx.versatile]

On 6/16/2023 at 10:04 PM, kingmotorboat said:

I have the feather 7’1 mh 7’1 h and 7’3 xh feather, two of the 6’9 ml and a 7’2 h m1. I’ve honestly been amazed 

 

My favorite Phenix model is the 7'3  XH. I sold the other models cause it's too moderate for my test.

For the the 7'3 XH, it's more heavy and fast-moderate bend but it has plenty of backbone to pull fish out heavy cover. Long cast hook sets are fine too.

 

The thing is the rod is incredible light for its power, at 3.8oz I can walk the frog all day. I currently own 2 and plan to pick up the 7'7 XH for long cast frogs.