ML/M rod suggestion

[MiceNReets]

I use spinning rod for light lures but looking for suggestions on a ML or M casting rod to toss more finesse baits.  Thinking of Evergreen Gizmos, small poppers, small jerkbaits, weightless plastics, ned rigs etc…. Plan to pair it up with a Daiwa PX Type-R using 6-8lbs mono most likely.    

[casts_by_fly]

I don’t have one but the phenix light rods are the usual first ones for the ‘not quite bfs’ range. 

[BayouSlide]

I have two Phenix Feather rods (Light Fast) with Curado BFS reels that I feel are great for anything from 1/8 oz. to 3/8 oz.

[JN94]

Not sure how light you're trying to go but I have a 6'10" Curado ML that I love. It's rated 3/16-1/2. I also recently purchased a Dobyns HP Extreme that's a 7' ML and like it in my limited experience with it

[MiceNReets]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.   I don’t think it’s easy to find Phenix Rods in Canada but I’ll definitely give them a look.    I’ll also check out the curado Rod.   I heard the new ones are good rods.    I was thinking 1/8-1/2 range.  Doesn’t need to be that low but at least nothing over 1/2.    I did come across a 13 fishing fate black 6’10 ML on sale locally.   I’ll have to look into that as well.  Anyone have feed back on that rod?

[softwateronly]

I've gone off the deep end recently on ML-M+ rods.  I'm finding lots of room in my fishing for this power range and really enjoy fishing them and use them for what you're describing and more.

 

Phenix 7'1 ML/F

Major Craft Days 6'92 M/F

Major Craft Days 360 6'10 M/RF

Expride 6'10 M/MF

Major Craft Black Porgy 7'82 M/RF

 

I'm contemplating selling the Phenix because the MC rods have enough tip to throw down to 1/8oz and have enough power to still fish jigs.  The Days 360 is still new to me and I'm looking forward to ice free water and getting some catching in.

 

scott

 

 

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

TW has the 7'2 ML Zodias marked down to $135. Reg. $220. I don't have that specific model, but they're great rods. I think the guys at TB recommend the Expride in that same model.

[Reel]

I have one of those ( Shimano Zodias 7' 2'' ).  One of my rods that I like the most.  Very, very, versatile.

 

Oups, I read back and you are looking for a casting rod.  This is a spinning rod..., sorry about that.  It's still a really nice SPINNING rod.

[MiceNReets]

6 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

TW has the 7'2 ML Zodias marked down to $135. Reg. $220. I don't have that specific model, but they're great rods. I think the guys at TB recommend the Expride in that same model.

I’ll give that a look.   I’m in Canada so depends what it costs after conversion.  

 

[casts_by_fly]

6 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

TW has the 7'2 ML Zodias marked down to $135. Reg. $220. I don't have that specific model, but they're great rods. I think the guys at TB recommend the Expride in that same model.

 

Funny enough I was just looking at that last night.  I have the ML zodias in the spinning and like it.  I'd love to fish the baitcaster for a day, but not enough that its woth buying one when I already have a ML in the basement that I don't use much.  Then again I'm a sucker for a sale...

[PaulVE64]

15 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

Thanks for the suggestions so far.   I don’t think it’s easy to find Phenix Rods in Canada but I’ll definitely give them a look.    I’ll also check out the curado Rod.   I heard the new ones are good rods.    I was thinking 1/8-1/2 range.  Doesn’t need to be that low but at least nothing over 1/2.    I did come across a 13 fishing fate black 6’10 ML on sale locally.   I’ll have to look into that as well.  Anyone have feed back on that rod?

13 Fishing was recently sold. I would be concerned about warranty coverage.

[MiceNReets]

44 minutes ago, PaulVE64 said:

13 Fishing was recently sold. I would be concerned about warranty coverage.

Just picked up a fate black brand new for $31 shipped.   I’ll take my chances for that right now.  Should enjoy this set up then I’ll probably look into a p5 or orochi x10 down the road.

 

who bought 13 fishing?   Did rapala buy them out or do they still own 49% of it (I think that’s how much they owned). 

[bx.versatile]

13 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

TW has the 7'2 ML Zodias marked down to $135. Reg. $220. I don't have that specific model, but they're great rods. I think the guys at TB recommend the Expride in that same model.

I picked this up during the holiday sale. It's sitting with the tags still and most likely going to return it.

 

I'll say it's closer to MH backbone. It doesn't load all that much with 3/16oz when I was testing tip out. Almost had to roll cast to get tip moving more. The sweet spot's probably 1/4 - 3/4 total weight.

 

I think it's more a power finesse rod, which I was looking for one, but I want the JDM Expride or Adrena ML/H version more instead.

 

The Steez "The Sensor" has the titanium tip which can get away with 1/8 oz total on roll/side cast. It's one of my most versatile rods. I say it's a powerful ML like tip and M backbone. But if you want to cast 1/8 oz decently you need a true Light rod/BFS reel IMO.

[PaulVE64]

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

Just picked up a fate black brand new for $31 shipped.   I’ll take my chances for that right now.  Should enjoy this set up then I’ll probably look into a p5 or orochi x10 down the road.

 

who bought 13 fishing?   Did rapala buy them out or do they still own 49% of it (I think that’s how much they owned). 

I think it was Rapala.

And for $31 I'd take that risk too.

[waymont]

Phenix Feather ML is really nice

[Boomstick]

I have three rods in this range. A ML/F rod which is roughly a true medium light, a ML/XF which runs heavy and a M/F which is a finesse medium. The latter is my favorite of the three for slightly heavier applications but it doesn't cast light ned rigs that well, and the ML/XF isn't that much better which is why I added a ML/F that runs lighter primarily. My kid has a Champion XP 702SF which bomb casts a 1/16oz ned rig jighead with a TRD on it and has no problem hitting the spot where the fish are at one of my favorite shore spots but my St Croix ML/XF could barely get it.

 

If I had just one to do everything on, I would go for a ML rod that runs on the heavy side. The Phenix Feather ML others recommended is probably about right judging from a 6-12lb line rating (not always an accurate indicator but often it is).

 

I would jump all over the 7'2" ML Zodias that @NorthernBasser mentioned if they still have that deal however, those are great rods at a great price too.