It might finally be time- spinning rod recommendations

[casts_by_fly]

Hi all,

 

I fish a spinning rod about twice a year from the boat.  Once is the first trip at ice out when I'll fish for bass and pike all morning, come back around the launch, and pull the spinning rod out to go catch a bag of crappie.  The other will end up being a random Tuesday when I think finesse might be in the cards that evening so I chuck one in the back well of the kayak 'just in case' and then never use it.  Its not that I don't know how to use one- I've fished a spinning rod for 35 years now.  There's nothing else I'd carry right now if I was going for trout in the creeks or panfish in a pond or walking the surf.  I've got those covered.  It's just if I'm fishing anything from 10 lb test or heavier and a 1/4 oz or heavier then I'm going to throw it on a baitcaster.  

 

That said, I try to add something or learn something every year.  I might just dedicate 1 of my 5 rod slots in the boat to a spinning rod for most of this year.  I thought about it last year but I don't love the ones I have enough and in fact when I pick one up I think I'm losing something or downgrading.  The only way I'm going to pull the trigger in the boat is to pull the trigger on a new rod.  So here's what I have, do/don't like, and what I'm prettty sure I'm looking for.  Then you tell me the rod I need to pull it off.

 

• I've got a 25 year old $25 (at the time) ML berkley from Walmart that's my lighter rod.  It was cheap then and is about the same now.  Its light to fish, both physical weight and power.  Its a moderate action.  If it was faster action and more crisp then I think it would be right.  It will fling a 1/16 trout magnet a long way and a 1/16 head plus a 2" grub goes further than you can properly fish it on that rod.  That's the bottom end of weight I want to throw (in bass terms, 1/20 head and a 2" TRD creature).  I'll probably be in the 1/16-1/8 ounce lead plus a 2-4" plastic range most of the time.
• I've got two Fenwicks- one HMG and one HMX, both 10 years old.  The HMG is 1/8-5/8oz and lists ML power, though I would dispute that.  I'd call it a MF action.  The HMX is a medium power, 1/4-3/4, and MF action all of which I'd agree with.  The HMX is way too much rod for me, though its nice and light in the hand.  The HMG is closer to what I'd class as a medium power than a medium light.  It will throw 1/8 oz, but the rod will probably also throw a 1/2 oz without thinking about it.  That's more than I want.  I think my practical top end total weight will be 3/8 oz.  That would be a 4" plastic on a 1/8 oz head or thereabouts.
• Whatever rod happens along, its getting a 2000 body sized shimano (probably) reel.  I really love that size factor if I can find one.  It might be JDM.  Something like a Miravel to Stradic level.  That's for another thread.  It will also probably get 10 lb 832 and a light leader (6-8 lb).
• I prefer shorter to longer.  That's not popular now, but 7' feels long in a spinning rod.  If the answer is a 7' rod that would be okay, but I'd prefer shorter I think.
• If it can be 2-piece with all of the above then you win.  That lets me pack it down in the rear well instead of taking a slot in the racks.
• My rods are mostly $200-250 range.  Something in there would be great.  You might be able to sell me on a $350 rod if it was the best thing since sliced bread.

 

From the above, i 'think' what I want is a 1/8-3/8 ML XF in pretty high modulus and 6'8"-6'10".  Some rods I've thought about on paper:

• Falcon expert 'dropshot' 6'10" 1/8-3/8 F.  I fish falcon rods already, the expert series are great- light and sensitive.  Safe choice.
• Shimano Zodias 6'9" ML, 1/8-7/16, F.  My dad has the 7' M zodias and it feels good, but is more rod than I want.  The ML might be more than I want with the 7/16 rating, but I'm not sure.  The 7' Light model at 3/32-3/8 is interesting also and might even be a better choice for me.  The expride B equivalents have the same specs for some extra $$.
• St Croix Avid 7', ML, 1/8-3/8, 2 pc.  I've built this rod before for a customer and its a pretty solid choice.  It was a while ago though and I think I'd like something with a touch lighter tip and a touch faster action.  Its a good baseline to compare against though.
• St Croix legend Elite ML 6'10" 1/8-3/8 XF.  This hits all the specs on paper except price and pc.  If I went this high, I doubt I'd be throwing it in the rear well of the boat so 2 pc is less critical.  I know how good legend elites feel.  I built a bunch of SCIV spinning and fly rods for customers and I still have the 9' 10 wt downstairs.  Its premium graphite.  I don't think I want to built a rod right now, but if I was pushing into this price bracket I'd consider it.  With sales and bonuses I think I coud get this close to my price point.
• St Croix legend Elite ML 6'3" 1/8-3/8 XF. Wildcard choice.  Maybe too short, but I fished a 6' rod for a long time.  I'd love to handle this rod and see what its like.

 

Anyone own any of the above or another rod that hits all of my marks?  I've got plenty of time to work this through since we're at the 'skim ice' season here.  I could also be open to JDM options since the reel will probably be JDM also, though would need more info.

 

Thanks,

rick

[MN Fisher]

St Croix Victory - 6'10" ML/XF

 

I've got the Mojo version of this and it's a great finesse rod...the Victory should be even better.

[Reel]

I've got a few Zodias rods, old and new generations and one of the most versatile is the 6'9'' ML.  It can be used for a variety of applications from Spy baits, to ned rigs and shaky worms.  The 7 foot L rod is a bit slower and softer, more finesse oriented.

[Gera]

Expride B 6'10" M or ML 

There are still some sales going on, may find it under your target price. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The answer IMO is a Orochi whipsnake.  In terms of versatility and build quality. its very impressive and surprisingly powerful.  

SC has changed their actions with the new SC 3/4+ material for the worse IME  The Victory 6'10 feels great in hand, but what they did with the new SC material gave it a softer tip section.  That softer tip kills any kind of light weight sensitivity to the point where you can hardly feel bottom composition dragging a 1/8 tungsten DS weight.  In comparison I have rods 1/3 the price that will blow that ML Victory away sensitivity wise.  The Victory line was rushed, but to overlook something like sensitivity on a DS rod is embarrassing.  Ive relegated mine to a spybait and JB rod.  If you do want to go with SC, I recommend staying with LE as they still have that classic SC XF ML action that made me a SC fan as kid.     

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Lately 90% of my spinning applications see a ML F or XF

[FrnkNsteen]

I don't know that I can be much help here because I REALLY have a hard time finding a spinning rod I like. I fish with three fingers in front of the stem and HATE most rods with reel seat threads at the front of the handle, so that really limits my options.

 

My favorite is my 6'9" ML Fenwick Elitetech Smallmouth rod that I use for wacky rigs, but those aren't available anymore. The closest I've found lately is the Fenwick Elitetech Bass models. I recently picked up a ML that I believe was 6'9". I put one of my Vanford 3000 on it and and I think I like it. 

 

Others I have gotten recently are Phenix Feather FTX with the funky plastic reel seat, Daiwa Tatula, and the second most recent Fenwick HMG. I see they appear to have just come out with a new model, but don't know that I like the new reel seat. The newest one I have gotten are kind of goldish bronze blank and have the blank exposed on top.

 

Don't know if that helps, but might be some choices to look at. I want all my spinning rods to balance perfectly on my middle finger, and most of the options I listed do that pretty well.

[LCG]

Daiwa Rebellion 6'8" ML-F 

Rated 3/32- 1/2oz

Two piece rod

Paired with a Daiwa Tatula LT 2000 

Light weight, balanced, and sensitive.

 

[Mobasser]

I can't really comment on very many of the newer high end rods. I also like a shorter length rod.                    My favourites are Fenwick HMG 5'9 med fast action. All Pro, 6'6 med fast action, Tennessee handle. I have two of the All Pro rods. Both have graphite TN handles. Very comfortable reel seat in all weather.

[casts_by_fly]

Thanks gents, good feedback so far.

 

Anyone fish the Loomis GLX 722 and 782 SJ rods?  At retail they are over my price range, but mint used ones are on the top end.  The 782 SJR at 6'6" and 1/8-3/8 feels like a pretty solid choice based on my wish list.

 

thanks

rick

 

1 hour ago, Mobasser said:

I can't really comment on very many of the newer high end rods. I also like a shorter length rod.                    My favourites are Fenwick HMG 5'9 med fast action. All Pro, 6'6 med fast action, Tennessee handle. I have two of the All Pro rods. Both have graphite TN handles. Very comfortable reel seat in all weather.

 

I too like a tennessee handle but that's one constraint too far.  If I were to build one I would probably do that.

14 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

The answer IMO is a Orochi whipsnake.  In terms of versatility and build quality. its very impressive and surprisingly powerful.  

SC has changed their actions with the new SC 3/4+ material for the worse IME  The Victory 6'10 feels great in hand, but what they did with the new SC material gave it a softer tip section.  That softer tip kills any kind of light weight sensitivity to the point where you can hardly feel bottom composition dragging a 1/8 tungsten DS weight.  In comparison I have rods 1/3 the price that will blow that ML Victory away sensitivity wise.  The Victory line was rushed, but to overlook something like sensitivity on a DS rod is embarrassing.  Ive relegated mine to a spybait and JB rod.  If you do want to go with SC, I recommend staying with LE as they still have that classic SC XF ML action that made me a SC fan as kid.     

 

Tell me more about the Orochi?  I assume you have one?

 

Rick

[roadwarrior]

Freshwater

LEGEND TOURNAMENT BASS SPINNING7 reviews

 

The next generation of Legend Tournament Bass is the latest in St. Croix Rod design, materials, and angler recognized feedback.  Featuring specific handles, lengths, powers, and actions for today’s latest techniques, the next generation also delivers two new materials to your arsenal. All models will feature, a strategic lay-up of exclusive SCIV and SCVI, and select models, a carbon fiber hybrid with internally active Linear S-Glass. 8 new spinning models feature: 

7'1" Versatile, Medium, Fast - $300.00

[casts_by_fly]

13 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Lately 90% of my spinning applications see a ML F or XF

 

If you were to pick a blank to do what I'm talking about, what would it be?  I haven't stayed current on the market the past 10 years so I'm out of the loop on blanks.  Something like an MHX Elite or EliteX or maybe the point blank PB691MLXF?

3 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Freshwater

LEGEND TOURNAMENT BASS SPINNING7 reviews

 

The next generation of Legend Tournament Bass is the latest in St. Croix Rod design, materials, and angler recognized feedback.  Featuring specific handles, lengths, powers, and actions for today’s latest techniques, the next generation also delivers two new materials to your arsenal. All models will feature, a strategic lay-up of exclusive SCIV and SCVI, and select models, a carbon fiber hybrid with internally active Linear S-Glass. 8 new spinning models feature: 

7'1" Versatile, Medium, Fast - $300.00

 

But the blue blank is just so... gawdy.  

[Boomstick]

On 12/6/2023 at 10:16 AM, MN Fisher said:

St Croix Victory - 6'10" ML/XF

 

I've got the Mojo version of this and it's a great finesse rod...the Victory should be even better.

The Victory 6'10" ML/XF is a pretty solid all-purpose finesse bass rod. If you can only have one, that's a perfect choice.

 

I really like the Dobyns Champion XP 702SF for light drop shots and ned rigs a lot - it casts the 1/16oz ned rigs effortlessly. But it's a little lighter so you may want a medium powered rod to go with it.

[Big Hands]

I had been putting hands on a variety of rods for months and by itself, there was something about that Whipsnake that spoke to me. One day, I went in to the local tackle shop thinking I was going to walk out with an Orochi XX Whipsnake.

 

I had handled the rod by itself and thought it felt great. I brought a Fuego LT 2000S-XH (JDM) with me to assess the balance of the rod and reel together just to make certain I would like it.

 

The funny thing was that once I put a reel on it, the balance didn't feel like I anticipated that it would. It felt tip heavy to me, which is weird given that it is what I would describe as a ML power fast action rod. 

 

I spent the next hour and a half trying several rods with my reel and others they had in stock. Lots of them from Phenix, St. Croix, Shimano, Dobyns, Daiwa and Loomis.

 

To make a long story slightly less long (or will I. . .), I walked out with a Zodias 7' ML/F and a new Tatula LT 2000D-XH. I liked the Expride and a Loomis NRX a little better than the Zodias, but I was already pushing the limits of my budget dreaming about the Whipsnake (the Expride was (is) really nice, but I liked the Zodias nearly as much). The Loomis was next level, and I would not have regretted the fishing part of owning one, but I wasn't handling the $550 price tag very well.

 

My Light action spinning rod is an 7' Expride (I bought used for $200)  and I really like it.

 

The Whipsnake is listed at 6'11" and the Zodias I bought is listed as a 7' rod, but from the reel seat forward, the Zodias is about the same length as the Whipsnake. This means the the Whipsnake has a shorter butt section than the Zodias, and I think this is at least partially why I didn't care for the balance of the Whipsnake. I don't think a L, ML or M spinning rod ever needs to feel tip heavy, and the Whipsnake did for me. There are too many other great choices out there IMHO. If they would.

 

It took me a bit to adjust to the EVA grip as I generally prefer cork. I even considered selling it for that reason alone. But I have made my piece with the EVA grip section, and it has become one of my favorite rods to use for a variety of techniques. I always have 10 lb braid to fluoro leader on it and it has caught several nice fish for me. 

 

I'm not necessarily suggesting you buy a Zodias, but it sounds like it could make your short list given the criteria you list. What I do suggest though is to take try the reel (or one like it) on the rod and make sure that there aren't any deal-breakers that surface. 

 

Another time I also came across a spinning rod I bought that would not hold a reel foot securely. It had a proprietary reel seat. I really liked the rod other than that. That company makes an almost otherwise identical rod with a Fuji reel seat that I traded for and I no longer have the squirmy reel seat issue to deal with.

 

Those two things serve as good examples of why I mount a reel on any rod I'm considering (especially relatively expensive rods) so that I can catch those issues before I plunk down my money. We all have our own somewhat unique things we like or we don't like.

[WRB]

On 12/6/2023 at 7:16 AM, MN Fisher said:

St Croix Victory - 6'10" ML/XF

 

I've got the Mojo version of this and it's a great finesse rod...the Victory should be even better.

I had the this Victory rod and wouldn’t suggest for bass fishing.

Tom

[MN Fisher]

45 minutes ago, WRB said:

I had the this Victory rod and wouldn’t suggest for bass fishing.

Tom

Have to chalk it up to personal preference, Tom, as I love the Mojo version and @Boomstick said "The Victory 6'10" ML/XF is a pretty solid all-purpose finesse bass rod. If you can only have one, that's a perfect choice. "

[MIbassyaker]

I have a 6'10" ML/XF St. Croix LTB from a generation ago, and it's terrific for all things finesse.  I haven't tried the Victory, though, or the new LTB.

[Choporoz]

On 12/7/2023 at 7:24 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

I don't know that I can be much help here because I REALLY have a hard time finding a spinning rod I like. ......

 

My favorite is my ...Fenwick Elitetech Smallmouth rod . 

 

+1

 

I started looking for another good spinning rod a couple years ago....I have acquired a few and none were as good as my ETSM...Shimano, Fenwick, Custom...none really ever felt great for me.

   Good luck.  You may need to try a few before something clicks.  I tried different reels, lines, lure weights... the cork fore grip on the ETSM just feels perfect.  But it is more than just the grips...balance, casting, tip....I guess I am probably more demanding or sensitive when it comes to lighter lures.  I did find a perfect for me dropshot rod in Dobyns DX 702, but I'm still looking for perfect shaky head, 1/16 jig, and Ned rods.

   

[FrnkNsteen]

2 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

+1

 

I started looking for another good spinning rod a couple years ago....I have acquired a few and none were as good as my ETSM...Shimano, Fenwick, Custom...none really ever felt great for me.

   Good luck.  You may need to try a few before something clicks.  I tried different reels, lines, lure weights... the cork fore grip on the ETSM just feels perfect.  But it is more than just the grips...balance, casting, tip....I guess I am probably more demanding or sensitive when it comes to lighter lures.  I did find a perfect for me dropshot rod in Dobyns DX 702, but I'm still looking for perfect shaky head, 1/16 jig, and Ned rods.

   

Yes, .... I couldn't agree more. I LOVE the grips on those Elitetech Smallmouths. Wish someone would copy them!!

 

You're right though,.. It wasn't just the handle, they were perfectly balanced and fished great too! When they came out, I bought 4 of them. One 6'9" ML, two 6'3" MF, and a 6'3" MH.

 

Unfortunatwly I smashed one of the 6'3" MF with the support rod on the Minnkota TM and my wife accidentally knocked the 6.3MH overboard over deep water 😲😲 so I only have two left. 

[FishTank]

Take a look at the Megabass Triza F1-66XSTZ Yamasemi.  It is a 3 piece travel rod that comes with two tips, a Fast and an X-fast. These rods are a work of art.  They have them in stock at Asian Portal Fishing. 

[Alex from GA]

If you roll your own look into the Rainshadow Immortal or Eternity line.  I recently built an Immortal 6'8" IMMWS68MXF for finesse worms with 6 or 8 lb mono.  It replaced the same blank in 6'2" for the same thing.  Very sensitive and has caught several large, to me, bass.  Over 4 lb Alabama and Shoal Bass.

[Susky River Rat]

 I have a 6’6” St. Croix premier ML I love for light Ned’s, drop shot. I have a great feel with it. They have a 6’ and a 7’ two piece I think too. Not a high priced rod but, I like to use middle of the road equipment. I’m just a river fishermen not going after DD largies.

[WRB]

I have both the Victory 7’MF & 7’3” MXF rods, both are good finesse bass rods. Now SC offers the 6’10” MXF and that rod should be very good.

The original 6’10” MLXF rods tip was a noodle and difficult to get a hook set up using nose rigged with Owner Mosquito or Gamakatsu size 1 hook using Finesse worms.

The bass simply jump off because no hook penetration.

My hook set with finesse worms is firm lift and reel, rarely loose a bass. Changed the rod to MXF for drop shot and works perfect.

Tom

[casts_by_fly]

16 hours ago, Big Hands said:

I had been putting hands on a variety of rods for months and by itself, there was something about that Whipsnake that spoke to me. One day, I went in to the local tackle shop thinking I was going to walk out with an Orochi XX Whipsnake.

 

I had handled the rod by itself and thought it felt great. I brought a Fuego LT 2000S-XH (JDM) with me to assess the balance of the rod and reel together just to make certain I would like it.

 

The funny thing was that once I put a reel on it, the balance didn't feel like I anticipated that it would. It felt tip heavy to me, which is weird given that it is what I would describe as a ML power fast action rod. 

 

I spent the next hour and a half trying several rods with my reel and others they had in stock. Lots of them from Phenix, St. Croix, Shimano, Dobyns, Daiwa and Loomis.

 

To make a long story slightly less long (or will I. . .), I walked out with a Zodias 7' ML/F and a new Tatula LT 2000D-XH. I liked the Expride and a Loomis NRX a little better than the Zodias, but I was already pushing the limits of my budget dreaming about the Whipsnake (the Expride was (is) really nice, but I liked the Zodias nearly as much). The Loomis was next level, and I would not have regretted the fishing part of owning one, but I wasn't handling the $550 price tag very well.

 

My Light action spinning rod is an 7' Expride (I bought used for $200)  and I really like it.

 

The Whipsnake is listed at 6'11" and the Zodias I bought is listed as a 7' rod, but from the reel seat forward, the Zodias is about the same length as the Whipsnake. This means the the Whipsnake has a shorter butt section than the Zodias, and I think this is at least partially why I didn't care for the balance of the Whipsnake. I don't think a L, ML or M spinning rod ever needs to feel tip heavy, and the Whipsnake did for me. There are too many other great choices out there IMHO. If they would.

 

It took me a bit to adjust to the EVA grip as I generally prefer cork. I even considered selling it for that reason alone. But I have made my piece with the EVA grip section, and it has become one of my favorite rods to use for a variety of techniques. I always have 10 lb braid to fluoro leader on it and it has caught several nice fish for me. 

 

I'm not necessarily suggesting you buy a Zodias, but it sounds like it could make your short list given the criteria you list. What I do suggest though is to take try the reel (or one like it) on the rod and make sure that there aren't any deal-breakers that surface. 

 

Another time I also came across a spinning rod I bought that would not hold a reel foot securely. It had a proprietary reel seat. I really liked the rod other than that. That company makes an almost otherwise identical rod with a Fuji reel seat that I traded for and I no longer have the squirmy reel seat issue to deal with.

 

Those two things serve as good examples of why I mount a reel on any rod I'm considering (especially relatively expensive rods) so that I can catch those issues before I plunk down my money. We all have our own somewhat unique things we like or we don't like.

 

Thanks.  This is very useful.  Tip heavy is maybe the biggest no no for me for a light spinning rod.  Like you said, there is no need with a light power spinning rod (or most any rod).  In this case, the Zodias is firmly on the list.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Alex from GA said:

If you roll your own look into the Rainshadow Immortal or Eternity line.  I recently built an Immortal 6'8" IMMWS68MXF for finesse worms with 6 or 8 lb mono.  It replaced the same blank in 6'2" for the same thing.  Very sensitive and has caught several large, to me, bass.  Over 4 lb Alabama and Shoal Bass.

 

The immortal was also on the list if I were to build one.  Not sure I want to put in the effort though since an off the rack rod would also work just fine for me.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 12/7/2023 at 10:34 AM, casts_by_fly said:

Thanks gents, good feedback so far.

 

Anyone fish the Loomis GLX 722 and 782 SJ rods?  At retail they are over my price range, but mint used ones are on the top end.  The 782 SJR at 6'6" and 1/8-3/8 feels like a pretty solid choice based on my wish list.

 

thanks

rick

 

 

I too like a tennessee handle but that's one constraint too far.  If I were to build one I would probably do that.

 

Tell me more about the Orochi?  I assume you have one?

 

Rick

Orochi Whipsnake is IMO the most complete finesse rod I've ever used.  Its slightly heavier then some MLs, but the ergonomics and balance are so good you don't feel it at all.  Build quality and materials used are outstanding.  The power reminds me an older GW GLX Mag light I used to have, very fast responsive tip with considerable power in the lower end.  The Victory 6'10 has a similar feel in the lower end, except for a glass tip which makes the feel very flat sensitivity wise.  I had never had one in my hand until about a year ago and they just happened to be right next the SC LTBs.  While the LTBs were nice, the whipsnake felt better in every way to me.

All I can really recommend is that you find one so you can get it in your hands and go from there.