Rod for T rigs, braid to leader, moderate vegetation

[Swest18x]

Looking for advice on a t rig rod. My one lake has moderate vegetation, nothing matted so no punching. Weights and hooks probably on the lighter side. I own a couple rods I could probably do it with (Dobyns 735c and ALX 7'3 Promise), but I dont know if either are really ideal. I'm a braid to leader guy if that makes a difference. Getting proficient at this technique is my goal this year, my experience is mostly with moving baits, so I want to be using the right gear. If you don't like these rods or have a better suggestion let's hear it. Not that I need to buy another rod but hey, worse things could happen.

[softwateronly]

I have a champ 735 and throw mag worms on it.  I have too many rigs so this is one I leave up at my in-laws, meaning it's not my 1st choice for the technique, but it does just fine.  When I have all my rods with me, I tend to lean on the poison adrena 6'11M+ as my worm rod.  I also fish braid to leader.

 

scott

 

[JediAmoeba]

Probably - what type of dobyns rod is it? A 5 power crank stick isn't going to be it. But a 5 power graphite would be alright.

 

I usually use a mh 7'-7'3" MH Power, Fast Action rod for up to a 1/2 oz weight and smaller plastics. If the weight or the plastics are heavier I will use a H Power, Fast Action graphite rod.

[Swest18x]

It's a frog rod, definitely not for cranking. 

If I'm braid to leader, should I use more moderate action to prevent ripping lips or bending out? I read that somewhere once and that's what's gotten me questioning these two rods. I'd like to slow fall some creature baits on an unpegged sinker, so I won't necessarily be using superline hooks.

[softwateronly]

Set your drag properly and all line types and rods will work. It’s just gonna be a preference thing. The 735 is a good action for worms and jigs, soft tip with good backbone.  You will catch fish. 
 

scott

[GReb]

What size weight and hook will you use? 
 

I use 1/8oz and 4/0 standard worm hook. My lake has lots of pads and stumps. As long as it’s not too thick I mainly use a Falcon Cara Head Turner. It’s an amazing worm rod if you like a shorter stick. I bought it for lighter spinnerbaits and top water but I like it better for worms. 

[Dan N]

I would say the ALX rod would be a great choice, however I’m also a believer in never having too many rods👍🏻

I myself don’t use braid for that application, so could see where a moderate action would work

[casts_by_fly]

as above, what weight range are you talking?  You said 'light' but for me 1/8 oz is light while for the texas guys 3/8 might be light.  

 

GReb's suggestion of the head turner is a good one if you like a shorter rod (6'10").  Its a light fast tip with a lot of backbone up the rod.  Mine is for bladed baits primarily, but I throw jigs and light texas rigs on it at times.  With braid it would maybe not quite have as much give as I'd prefer for a lot of things, but for texas rigs it would be a good choice still.  A 1/8 oz weight and a 5" senko would work but otherwise a 1/8 oz weight is a bit light for that rod.  Start it with 1/4 oz on the lead and add plastic.  I'd say the sweet spot for it is 1/4-3/8 weight plus plastic of about any size.  If that's your range and you want a longer rod, then the 7'4" heavy cover jig is a really good choice too.  Not quite as fast as the head turner, but still fairly fast action and perfect for braid.  Also makes a great big buzzbait or 110 plopper rod.  If you're staying at or under 3/8 oz all the time and especially if you are going to 1/8 oz a lot, then the 7'2" swim jig rod is a great choice.  Fast action and quick tip like the head turner, but 1 full power down.  It is my swim jig rod and my light texas rig rod.  It does other things well, but I have one of those two things tied on every trip and that rod goes with me every trip so...

[waymont]

My favorite for your description is a Loomis 843 mbr rod. I only fish braid to a leader, and it’s a perfect rod with 15lb leader. If you want a little more power get an 844 mbr. I use a 735 champion, but I think it’s a bit heavier than you need.

[Bass Rutten]

When I encounter light to moderate vegetation which is almost all I fish here (central Florida), I use a Kistler helium 7'0" light-medium-heavy (3.5 power) and 30lb braid to a 10-12lb copoly leader. It's designed with a medium tip and a medium-heavy backbone. It's got enough power to pull bass out of cover but the softer tip makes it super versatile and allows me to get pretty finessey with it especially when paired up with a daiwa sv reel. I can pitch a 3/16 finesse jig and trailer no problem or a 1/8oz trick worm shakyhead, right up to your standard 1/4 and 3/8oz Texas rigs. That said, any medium-heavy can do the job just fine, but if the monkey's calling this rod will shut him up real quick.

[rangerjockey]

I've been a Falcon and Loomis guy for many years but.. The new Fenwicks are outstanding.

You didn't mention a budget but the World Class 7ft3 MH ( basically a copy of the Loomis 873) is very impressive.

I also have an Elite but it is a 6ft8 medium ,popper ,stickbait, 1/4 oz. spinnerbait rod.  

It shares the same reel seat as the World Class and I actually like it as well or better than the CI4.