Favorite spinnerbait rod recommendations

[Aaronj12]

Looking to hear your favorite spinnerbait rod for 3/8 to 1/2oz for more targeted accurate casting. Im think either a cara head turner or imx pro 812c SBR. Possibly a GLX 843 or 844MBR. 

[gim]

Two years ago I bought a 7 foot MH St Croix Bass Mojo that is specifically designed for a spinnerbait.  I've used it now for 2 full seasons.  I'd definitely buy another one.  I bought it at Cabela's during their spring sale when I traded in an older rod and received a $25 discount.

 

That line of St Croix rods may be discontinued.  You might still be able to find one somewhere though.

[LrgmouthShad]

42 minutes ago, Aaronj12 said:

cara head turner

I have the expert. I’m sure you will love the cara. My Head Turner is the real deal

[casts_by_fly]

1 minute ago, LrgmouthShad said:

I have the expert. I’m sure you will love the cara. My Head Turner is the real deal

same. I’ve considered buying the Cara to have a second. 

[MontclairDave]

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

same. I’ve considered buying the Cara to have a second. 

Expert Head Turner is my fav rod for moving single-hook baits (swim jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits). Also can be a short frog rod in a pinch. And handles 6” Mag Drafts well. My most versatile rod. 

[FrnkNsteen]

I typically have a hard time justifying the cost of rods like the IMX Pro or Falcon Cara that was mentioned for moving baits like spinnerbaits.

 

I have a couple 7' Mojo MHMF "Spinnerbait" models that worked well for light baits, but in my opinion had too soft of a tip for the 3/8 - 1/2 oz that you mentioned. I like the rods though and currently have them setup with Whopper Plopper 90s for topwater.

 

My two spinnerbait rods right now are a Lews Custom "Spinnerbait" model with the Gforce torque handle or whatever they called it and a old school TD Fuego 6.3:1 reel. That Fuego is a perfect fit on that rod in my opinion and is comfortable as the day is long. The other is a Megabass Levante Diablo Spec R with a clean old Shimano 201E7. I run a little lighter baits on the Lews (1/4 - 3/8) and heavier baits (3/8 - 1/2oz) on the Levante. They both do a nice job!

[DennyB]

I prefer a 6 1/2 ft rod for the ways I fish. That said, I fish a spinnerbait probably 75% of the time. I use a GLX 743 and really like it.

[LrgmouthShad]

While not necessary, a rod that is sensitive is helpful for spinnerbaits. It becomes more difficult to feel a spinnerbait when it is moving slower or deeper. Some people may prefer a fast action for spinnerbaits. I prefer a moderate fast and heavy monofilament with a tight drag. When I feel a fish bite, I tend to be very fast on the hookset with spinnerbaits. A moderate fast with elastic monofilament slows me down. The tight drag is to provide enough force to force down the wire, if necessary, and to get the fish’s head moving in my direction. Finally, a shorter rod helps with accuracy. 
 

All of the above are reasons why the Head Turner is such a fantastic spinnerbait rod. It balances best with a 1/2oz spinnerbait, but can throw 3/8 or 3/4. I would not go heavier or lighter.

[MickD]

Loomis SB812 blank built as a baitcaster, CCS = 22.9 ERN, 77 Action Angle.  It is described as Medium Power, Fast Action.  

[Bird]

I only throw 3/8 spinnerbaits, casting gear, straight braid.

Fenwick elite M-MF.

[Catt]

Diawa Tatula TTU711MHXB 

 

Just so happens it's an excellent jig rod.

[KP Duty]

I used an 843 mbr Loomis for a long time.  Great stick, but I imagine the Head Turner (also a 1/4-3/4oz rod) would do just as well.  I'm using a 705 Edge first strike ATM...it has an NFC IM blank.

[TnRiver46]

Nvm 

[LrgmouthShad]

1 minute ago, TnRiver46 said:

Mojo bass ! 

Um… sir… this is a Spinnerbait thread 

 

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, Bird said:

I only throw 3/8 spinnerbaits, casting gear, straight braid.

Fenwick elite M-MF.

I purchased a couple of the ET Smallmouth casting rods when they were going for less than $80.  The 6' 10" MH-MF rated 3/8-1 oz. was one of them.  Previously I've used a MF or MHF depending on weight, but your post makes me want to try this rod for spinnerbaits.

[TnRiver46]

29 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Um… sir… this is a Spinnerbait thread 

 

Hahahaha woops I read it too fast, thought it said spinning rod 

 

carry on, nothing to see here. I know absolutely nothing of how to use spinnerbaits 

[GReb]

14 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

same. I’ve considered buying the Cara to have a second. 

The Cara and Expert Head Turners have a different action. The Cara is much quicker in the tip and handles more like a typical industry fast action. 

[waymont]

The GLX 844 mbr is your choice! 100%

And a ton of others baits too

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, GReb said:

The Cara and Expert Head Turners have a different action. The Cara is much quicker in the tip and handles more like a typical industry fast action. 

that’s what I expected of it. Glad to hear that’s right. 

[MIbassyaker]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I purchased a couple of the ET Smallmouth casting rods when they were going for less than $80.  The 6' 10" MH-MF rated 3/8-1 oz. was one of them.  Previously I've used a MF or MHF depending on weight, but your post makes me want to try this rod for spinnerbaits.

 

I picked up one of these as well a number of years ago and it is still my favorite rod for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and buzzbaits.

[casts_by_fly]

6 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

While not necessary, a rod that is sensitive is helpful for spinnerbaits. It becomes more difficult to feel a spinnerbait when it is moving slower or deeper. Some people may prefer a fast action for spinnerbaits. I prefer a moderate fast and heavy monofilament with a tight drag. When I feel a fish bite, I tend to be very fast on the hookset with spinnerbaits. A moderate fast with elastic monofilament slows me down. The tight drag is to provide enough force to force down the wire, if necessary, and to get the fish’s head moving in my direction. Finally, a shorter rod helps with accuracy. 
 

All of the above are reasons why the Head Turner is such a fantastic spinnerbait rod. It balances best with a 1/2oz spinnerbait, but can throw 3/8 or 3/4. I would not go heavier or lighter.

i am on board with all of this. Agree on the 3/8 lower limit. Personally I’d rate it 3/8-3/4 or 3/8-1 as a usable rating. A 3/8 spinnerbait is about 1/2 ounce total and fishes fine. A 3/8 chatterbait with a bigger trailer the same. If i was fishing 3/8 oz often then I’d grab the finesse jig first or the 6’8” MH. 

[JediAmoeba]

I got a rod that was supposed to be a spinnerbait, bladed jig rod 2 years ago. A Tatula Elite 7'4" really moderate rod. I hate it. I have tried to like it but I like to feel what the bait is doing and that mushy feeling just doesn't work for me. So I am back to using a 7' Tatula MH Fast Action rod with braid to leader and enjoy it much more...

[Aaronj12]

3 hours ago, waymont said:

The GLX 844 mbr is your choice! 100%

And a ton of others baits too

Ive heard nothing but great things about these. How do you think the 843 would do with 1/4-3/8 spinnerbaits? 

[Aaronj12]

4 hours ago, GReb said:

The Cara and Expert Head Turners have a different action. The Cara is much quicker in the tip and handles more like a typical industry fast action. 

Would the expert be better for lighter spinnerbaits like a 1/4” or 3/8 without a trailer? 

[Eric 26]

I’m going with the Okuma TCS-A 7’-0” medium + moderate fast rated for 3/8-3/4 ounce lures. Nice soft tip to launch a bait a mile but enough backbone to set the hook. I have mine paired to a Tatula 80 with 10 pound Seaguar Basix fluorocarbon.