OK, need more advice on purchase of new Rods

[huskertko]

The other day a started a topic of whether I should  new reel or upgrade my rods, and as I suspected everyone suggested the rod upgrade.

Well, now I need some advice on that subject.  I currently have a St Croix MF 7' that I use for crankbaits and spinnerbaits and occasionally t-rigs.  I also have a Quantum that came in a combo that is MH, I assume fast action, that I use for t- rigs, spinnerbaits, jigs, pretty much all around except crankbaits. I also have a TD flippin stick that virtually never gets used, occasionally as a c-rig rod.  So I have three reels for three baitcasting set-ups, currently only using two since I don't use the flippin stick very much.

My question, finally, is this, I have about $250 to spend, should I get one really good rod, ie, Loomis IMX, to use for jigs and t-rigs, and then use my Quantum as my primary spinnerbait rod?  Or should I get two rods, say a St Croix Avid for jigs/t-rigs and a St Croix Premier for spinnerbaits?

[Raul]

Rod sensitivity unless you are slow rolling spinnerbaits in contact with structure/cover is not as important as it is fishing with bottom contact baits like worms and jigs, so you don 't need a state of the art ultrasensitive rod, fish literally impale themselves when striking a spinnerbait, you don 't have to wait until you feel a fish biting.

Get an IMX for worming.

[huskertko]

Makes sense to me. :-[

[roadwarrior]

I sugget that you consider getting a G.Loomis IMX MBR844C.

[huskertko]

I sugget that you consider getting a G.Loomis IMX MBR844C.

I am not totally clear on "loomis speak"  I know the 84 is a 7 foot rod, and the last 4 is the action of the tip, but is 4 a fast, slow, moderate tip?  I am also trying to stay with 6-6 rod since I usually fish from the bank or from a personal pontoon, but not totaly opposed to a 7 footer

[Siebert Outdoors]

I sugget that you consider getting a G.Loomis IMX MBR844C.

Yeah what he said

http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/alltackle/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441761005&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032505&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181201&bmUID=1164142347476

Check out fatfish farmer on ebay.  He can save you $'s and you can probably put some of that towards another rod or reel

[roadwarrior]

The MBR series are all "fast action." (7 X 12") = 84. The third digit, "4" is the power rating. In this case (844), is a Heavy Power/ Fast Action rod.

[huskertko]

Thank you, is the Heavy power necessary for jig and t-rigs in relatively light vegitation and cover, or could I use a MH?  How is the H with say, 3/8 oz jigs or weightless Ika's?

[Raul]

A heavier action rod will allow you to set the hook hard without much effort ( usually just a snap from the wrist is enough to penetrate even bone ), cast heavier lures without sacrificing the ability of casting lighter baits and to horse the fish out of almost any cover.

Loomis ratings are:

1 Medium light

2 Medium

3 Medium Heavy

4 Heavy

so any rod with the digit "1" at the end of the model number will be a medium light and so on.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I'm right there with you.  I personally think a MH rod would be more versitile.

[roadwarrior]

I think the MBR 844C is too heavy for those lures.

I fish all soft plastics, light and medium weight jigs on medium power/ fast action spinning tackle. Maybe an 843 would be better for you, but I have not fished that rod.

[Alpster]

MBR 843 is sweet for soft plastics. I just sold my MBR 843C GLX, but I am going to replace it with the very same blank and spiral wrap the guides. It's the best all around baitcasting rod you can own. If you really want a 6' rod I have a CR722 GLX and a CR724 IMX on the fleamarket board that are beautiful rods and selling very cheap. Check out high end rods thread on the fleamarket board.

Ronnie

[Siebert Outdoors]

Thank you, is the Heavy power necessary for jig and t-rigs in relatively light vegitation and cover, or could I use a MH? How is the H with say, 3/8 oz jigs or weightless Ika's?

IMO that is a preference call.  I use a Heavy most of the time for T rig or jig in 3/8.  But the med/hvy works good too.  I just like the extra power.   I've never thrown an ika but I would think its not much different then a senko, which the MH would be better for.  

goods of both with what I think.

843

spinnerbaits

senkos (ika)?

top water like buzzbaits

844

jig

t rig

c rig

With that aside,  I would buy the one that you will use more since you are only buying 1 so if you fish a senko 90% of the time I would go with a 843. Just an example.

[huskertko]

Thank you, is the Heavy power necessary for jig and t-rigs in relatively light vegitation and cover, or could I use a MH? How is the H with say, 3/8 oz jigs or weightless Ika's?

IMO that is a preference call. I use a Heavy most of the time for T rig or jig in 3/8. But the med/hvy works good too. I just like the extra power. I've never thrown an ika but I would think its not much different then a senko, which the MH would be better for.

goods of both with what I think.

843

spinnerbaits

senkos (ika)?

top water like buzzbaits

844

jig

t rig

c rig

With that aside, I would buy the one that you will use more since you are only buying 1 so if you fish a senko 90% of the time I would go with a 843. Just an example.

What got my on this kick is I really want to learn how to fish a jig and become more proficent and confident it it.  I very rarely fish a senko anymore other than on spinning gear, wacky rigged, but I do fish t- rigs and weightless Ikas, which are far heavier than a weightless senko

[.ghoti.]

I'd go with the MH rod myself. In use MH rods for all my plastics and jigs. Only use heavy power rods for musky fishing. You've indicated that you have a heavy rod that doesn't get used much. Why get another one? Just my opinion.

6'6" is a good length for bank fishing, but I use a 7' a lot for bank fishing plastics. Doesn't work well for cranks and spinners. Don't know how tall you are.

You may consider putting that TD rod on the swap/sell board. Tell everybody what you're looking for. Somebody may step up with a mutually beneficial swap. You never know.

Cheers,

GK

[lubina]

I sugget that you consider getting a G.Loomis IMX MBR844C.

This is a dream rod for any jig or med. soft plastic ( Ikas ). Any better is call GLX, how much better, ....I did not know until I fished with one......indescribable!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fishing Doug]

This spring I picked up a MBR783 from fat fish farmer on ebay. This is my favorite rod-light weight, sensitive. I primarily use it for spinnerbaits but also use it for soft plastics. I don't have any experience with the "4" power but the "3" power is fairly stiff and seems to work well.

my 2cents.

FD

[Guest avid]

I own and enjoy Gloomis in the IMX and GLX series.

I also own and enjoy St. Croix rods in the Avid, Tournament Bass and Legend Elite.

Given your budget and needs, I would get the EC66MHF. In St. Croix speak, this is a 6'6" medium heavy, fast action rod in their top of line Legend Elite series. I have bought the exact same rod from Reeds. It is a delightful rod, and perfectly suited for your needs. The price is unbeatable considering this a reputable mainstream retailer.

ps - The cap is very cool looking

[mike bat]

id say a 6ft6 med-hev st croix tourney bass ..... worm and jig rod ..... theres a 2 in 1 and youll still have fifty bucks in your pocket .... well o yea and one killer rod ,,, with great senativty .....  ;D just my thought  ;D

[Hawgin]

Okay, I just have to throw my hat in the ring on this deal just so you have plenty of options.  While I agree that Loomis is the top of the line in rods, not everyone likes the price tag that goes with them.  I have fished with an IMX on a few occassions, and in my opinion my Fenwick AVC70MHF is very close in sensitivity and weight, but at a price of about $100 less than the same rod in a Loomis IMX.  Fenwick also makes an AVC66MHF that would work if you are wanting a shorter rod.  This has been my rod of choice for fishing jigs and plastics for the last few years.  

I just want to make sure you check all your options.

[Raul]

have fished with an IMX on a few occassions, and in my opinion my Fenwick AVC70MHF is very close in sensitivity and weight, but at a price of about $100 less than the same rod in a Loomis IMX.

That 's exactly the point, very close but not identical, reason why the IMX is $100 more. Got several GL2, they are also very close in weight and sensitivity, they also cost $100 less.

[Hawgin]

But is that $100 worth it, especially for the average weekend angler or bank beater?  If I were fishing tourneys every single weekend, then maybe it's justified, but $100+ is a lot of money to justify for a rod that weighs a 1/4 to 1/2 oz less, and is minimally more sensitive.  I'm not saying that Loomis isn't the best because it is, but should I run out and by a Ferrari because it's a little faster and handles a little better than a Corvette for 3x's the price, just to drive it back and forth to work?

[shimanogloomis man]

id go with a loomis check out fatfishfarmer on ebay u should be able to get any rod from 50 to 100 cheaper ;D great guy to deal with

[Hot n Tot]

But is that $100 worth it, especially for the average weekend angler or bank beater? If I were fishing tourneys every single weekend, then maybe it's justified, but $100+ is a lot of money to justify for a rod that weighs a 1/4 to 1/2 oz less, and is minimally more sensitive. I'm not saying that Loomis isn't the best because it is, but should I run out and by a Ferrari because it's a little faster and handles a little better than a Corvette for 3x's the price, just to drive it back and forth to work?

That's why it's so hard to give someone advise on different rods, $100 has a different value to each of us. As does how different rods feel to individuals. I have several Loomis IMX rods, but actually prefer the feel and power of the St. Croix rods (even the Avids) to the GL3 & IMX Loomis rods. Now the GLX Loomis is an awesome rod in every respect and well worth the extra dollars (to me). Also bear in mind, that using terms such as MH and Heavy become very confusing when comparing rods from these two manufacturers. A MH IMX (MBR series) is not a very powerful rod to me, however pick up and Avid rated MH and you'll be holding onto a very powerful rod indeed! If you have the bucks, look at GLX 1st, alternatively you can find Legend Elites for considerably less if you shop around for the older green models. These rods are far superior to IMX, but I honestly believe the GLX is above it...hard to say why until you fish with one. In short, handle the rods, compare them side by side and then decide what exactly you want to use it for and buy the best one you can afford. Sorry, I guess this got long winded

[Hawgin]

H n T, I think you stated the point I was trying to make better than I could have.  Yes, GLX's are great rods, maybe the best rods.  I won't deny that, but you also pay the "best" price for them.  It just seems like some people won't accept the fact that there are some more reasonably priced, high quality options other than Loomis and Shimano.