T rig rod question

[dj1975232]

I'm looking for a dedicated T rig rod.  I'm currently using Dobyns Fury 703c and 734c for these.  I'd like to step into the world of higher sensitivity and repurpose my current setups.   I have a couple rods that I've been looking at and was hoping for some real world feedback.  I'll be using 15-17# FC and 99% of the time using a 3/16 - 3/8 weight with a soft plastic in moderate cover.  A friend suggested the ALX Zolo Deputy.  He has one and it feels good but have also been suggested the G. Loomis GCX 853 or 854 JWR.  I'm looking in the $200-300 range for the rod and am open to other options if there are better ones our there.  Also I'd prefer cork grip.  

 

Would any of these fit what I am looking for in particular or is something else like a MBR be a better option?

 

Thanks for any input.  

[BrianMDTX]

I have no experience with those rods. But I just purchased a dedicated jig/Texas rig (mostly TR’s) rod a few months ago. A Kistler Helium HE-TCJ-70MH (TCJ stands for Texas rig/Carolina rig/Jig). Sale price was $247.00 (that’s still the listed price). It is easily the most sensitive rod I own and it is fantastic for Texas rigs (which is likely 50% of my presentations). Especially with braid (although I do not fish TR’s with braid). 

[NorthernBasser]

I have a ZOLO Deputy that I mainly use for spinnerbaits. I suppose it'd make a good t-rig rod, but I think there's better options.

 

Like BrianMDTX said, the Kistler Helium is a great rod. The 7'2 MH Shimano Expride is also a great option in your price range. 

[dj1975232]

In the Kistler Helium line, is there much difference in say the MH models with different lengths?  It looks like the 7' and 7'3" are same specs but is it just a different length or some change to the actual action.  I'm primarily a Kayak guy so I like to stay at 7'3" or shorter.  

 

In addition, in you experience with the weights I'm using would I be better served from the MHF 1/4-3/4 or HMHXF 1/4-1?

[roadwarrior]

Okuma Psycho Stick

https://www.tackledirect.com/okuma-psy-c-721mh-psycho-stick-casting-rod.html?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtO-kBhDIARIsAL6LordWF0LTRrzI5x3lQnETxMZ42mdmkebYZwfWIrcLtW6su_UMZnSiBZAaAkuSEALw_wcB

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, dj1975232 said:

I'm looking for a dedicated T rig rod.  I'm currently using Dobyns Fury 703c and 734c for these.  I'd like to step into the world of higher sensitivity and repurpose my current setups.   I have a couple rods that I've been looking at and was hoping for some real world feedback.  I'll be using 15-17# FC and 99% of the time using a 3/16 - 3/8 weight with a soft plastic in moderate cover.  A friend suggested the ALX Zolo Deputy.  He has one and it feels good but have also been suggested the G. Loomis GCX 853 or 854 JWR.  I'm looking in the $200-300 range for the rod and am open to other options if there are better ones our there.  Also I'd prefer cork grip.  

 

Would any of these fit what I am looking for in particular or is something else like a MBR be a better option?

 

Thanks for any input.  

 

You're going to get a lot of options on this one.  That weight range fits a lot of rods, both MH and H.  Action is personal preference.  That price range has a lot of winners in it (I'd go so far as to say that's the sweet spot for performance vs price).  I'm a falcon guy and love mine.  I also am a kayak guy (though I stand to fish).  I would suggest looking at the Falcon Cara Heavy cover jig.  Its a little longer than your range at 7'4", but it doesn't have a long butt.  Its rated 1/2-1 which hits your sweet spot (3/16 plus plastic is about a half ounce).  I fish mine with 17 mono.  Its rate heavy and fast, but that's a 6-power heavy (which for falcon is a light heavy) and while its a fast action it could have been called a moderate fast and you'd believe it too.  Its right on the edge.  It was designed for dragging baits through deep brushpiles and is a great texas rig rod (I think that's what's on mine right now).  I use mine for that, pitching jigs to moderate cover, bigger swim jigs (1/2 oz and up) and even moving bladed baits.  Great rod.

[Cbump]

1 hour ago, dj1975232 said:

HMHXF 1/4-1

Always this (or heavier) for me. 

[TNBankFishing]

3 hours ago, dj1975232 said:

I'm looking for a dedicated T rig rod.  I'm currently using Dobyns Fury 703c and 734c for these.  I'd like to step into the world of higher sensitivity and repurpose my current setups.   I have a couple rods that I've been looking at and was hoping for some real world feedback.  I'll be using 15-17# FC and 99% of the time using a 3/16 - 3/8 weight with a soft plastic in moderate cover.  A friend suggested the ALX Zolo Deputy.  He has one and it feels good but have also been suggested the G. Loomis GCX 853 or 854 JWR.  I'm looking in the $200-300 range for the rod and am open to other options if there are better ones our there.  Also I'd prefer cork grip.  

 

Would any of these fit what I am looking for in particular or is something else like a MBR be a better option?

 

Thanks for any input.  

At those weights I prefer a rod with a decent reserve of power. A St. Croix MHXF would have the tip to pitch and backbone to crack them. 
 

The reason I omitted the line of rods is just buy a used one. You can pick up an elite or x for less than $300 and they still have 12 years of warranty left. 
 

If you must buy new, at that price I’d choose a Levante EMTF if you can handle the length. An Expride isn’t a bad choice anywhere in their line either. I have no experience with ALX or Dobyns. 
 

 

[dj1975232]

Thanks I appreciate some new options.  Nothing like adding to the analysis paralysis.  The suggestion about used makes sense too.  It sounds like a lot of guys here buy and try until they find the right rod so the aftermarket might be a place to look.  

[TNBankFishing]

I highly suggest it. There is a flea market on this site and many more out there. I turned and burned about 12 rods last season hunting for my kayak tournament setup. Just be aware most manufacturers won’t cover damage if you buy it second hand. 
 

There is no paralysis if you keep in mind whatever you pick up in the $200+ price range will be great. Very few manufacturers build $200 dollar rods that are trash. Choose what looks nice and is the right length and taper for what you want. 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, dj1975232 said:

Thanks I appreciate some new options.  Nothing like adding to the analysis paralysis.  The suggestion about used makes sense too.  It sounds like a lot of guys here buy and try until they find the right rod so the aftermarket might be a place to look.  

 

if you want to consider used, there is a Falcon Cara Head turner on TW clearance section right now.  The HT is a great bottom contact rod also, though its 6'10" so not sure if that would put you off.  It was originally built as a short range pitching rod, but it functions great as a jig/texas rig rod, bladed bait rod, even walking baits and most anything else you want to throw.  I think I left my head turner home once in the past two years and I only carry 5 rods in the kayak.  It takes a very specialist day for me to leave it home.  Its listed at $189 right now and supposedly there is 15% off that with the 4th of july sale, though I haven't figured out where the discount gets applied or how.  If you can get it at $160 (that includes the discount), that's a steal.  Even if you end up not liking it for a texas rig rod you can either sell it on here to recoup your money in full or keep it to do other things.  

[Catt]

Kistler Helium 

HE7045HMH

7'0" Heavy Medium Heavy X-Fast

 

I will not spend $200+ on a used rod!

[FishTank]

If you can find it, a JDM Megabass P5 X-bites.

[Cbump]

51 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Falcon Cara Head turner on TW clearance

Do you have a link?

[casts_by_fly]

go to the clearance page on TW.  Then scroll down.  At the bottom is a lot of text for used items.  Its in the first couple.

[badfish79]

On 6/28/2023 at 10:29 AM, Cbump said:

Do you have a link?

go to the regular clearance section then scroll all the way down. the used items are listed with descriptions but no pictures. on mobile you have to expand the Clearance Used Items section.
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/liquidation.html
 

[casts_by_fly]

go to the clearance page on TW.  Then scroll down.  At the bottom is a lot of text for used items.  Its in the first couple.

 

And the discount is now being applied in your cart.  I just added it to my cart and it came down to $161.  Better buy it before I do.

[WRB]

St Croix Victory Marshall is everything you are looking for.

7’3”, MHF, 5/16 to 1 oz lures, very light weight rod with premium cork split handle. American made rods with good warranty and discounts available for 1st time buyers.

Tom

[LonnieP]

Another vote for the Kistler Helium. I’ve had a lot of rods in this price range and none of them come close in regards to sensitivity. 

[dj1975232]

3 hours ago, Catt said:

Kistler Helium 

HE7045HMH

7'0" Heavy Medium Heavy X-Fast

 

I will not spend $200+ on a used rod!

This and the 7’3” model are what I keep coming back to.  These Heliums seem to be universally well thought of.  Might just b time to pull the trigger.  

[1984isNOW]

1 hour ago, dj1975232 said:

This and the 7’3” model are what I keep coming back to.  These Heliums seem to be universally well thought of.  Might just b time to pull the trigger.  

I'm not sure if the 7'3 is XF but the 7 and 7'6 are. I have the 7, it's so sensitive I spent a good chunk of time learning not to set my hook into every piece of grass it bumped.

 

It's definitely a solid stick with real backbone, hybrid line for me. I think a little give somewhere in the system helps keep fish pinned, xf with braid would really require some attention not to rip lips pff.

[dj1975232]

Just placed the order for the Helium 7'3" HMHXF.  A couple days and we'll see.  Thanks for all the insights.  

[BrianMDTX]

@dj1975232 I normally use a 3/16” to 1/4” oz. weight on a 3/0 to 5/0 EWG hook, with baits ranging from 5” Senkos, 4” Rage  Tail Craws and 8” Mann’s Jelly Worms. That rod is great in those weight ranges. 

[dodgeguy]

Shoulda got a Dobyns Extasy

[Pogues2300]

30 minutes ago, dj1975232 said:

Just placed the order for the Helium 7'3" HMHXF.  A couple days and we'll see.  Thanks for all the insights.  

Awesome, hope you enjoy it!