Yes another question about a rod

[Hawgfinder]

So I was just down at the Classic and visited a number of rod booths and well it seems like most guys are power fisherman and struggled to answer a simple question, which really is not in my opinion? So I’m looking for a Ned rig rod , 1/32 ounce jig head with a 3” roboworm I am throwing into the wind because that’s what works for me most of the time.  My thought or what I want is a ml 7’2”-7’4” rod with a fast action around 200$ with a small fore grip so my finger is on the rod blank no threads exposed because it’s irritating. And I feel like a 7’ rod just doesn’t get it done for distance and I’m using a Shimano Vanford 3000 reel with 8# Yo-zuri hybrid line. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any input because it seems like a unicorn at this point 🤷🏻‍♂️

[steves191145]

St croix makes a 7ft 3 med xfast that would fit the bill. I have it in their legend tournement bass line but it's In others as well. They have a 7ft10 ml xfast that would work well for that too.

[WRB]

I have the SC Victory 7’3” MXF rod mentioned above with Vanford 2500 reel.

You are using is too large diameter for your application IMO.

I use 5# Maxima Ultra Green  copoly .008D or 7 # Sunline Sniper .008F FC, both about equal knot strength. 

[Jig Man]

I’m not sure what you are going to get with your proposed setup.  I have a 7’ St Croix ml Premier with a 2500 reel.  I use it for 1/16 oz Ned with a TRD.  I would be hard pressed to throw a 1/32 with it.

[thediscochef]

36 minutes ago, WRB said:

I have the SC Victory 7’3” MXF rod mentioned above with Vanford 2500 reel,

The you are using is too large diameter for your application IMO.

I use 5# Maxima Ultra Green  copoly .008D or 7 # Sunline Sniper .007D FC.

do this

[papajoe222]

No argument on either of the St.Croix mentioned, I have a Med and a Med/Lt Triumph. However, the OP is looking for a rod with a small fore grip and I don't know that SC offers one. 

[JediAmoeba]

TTEL761MLFS

 

The Tatula Elite 7'6" ML comes in at $190. It's designed for Hair Jigs but works great for Ned Rigs.

[PhishLI]

4 hours ago, Hawgfinder said:

I feel like a 7’ rod just doesn’t get it done for distance and I’m using a Shimano Vanford 3000 reel with 8# Yo-zuri hybrid line. Any thoughts or suggestions?

For baits this light where distance is your priority, ditch the plastic line and go light braid mainline to leader, or no leader, and fill your spool. Your distance will increase by quite a bit either way. Line twist related problems will practically disappear.

[J Francho]

Smaller diameter line, whether braid or not will help greatly. I don't go any higher than line in the 6# for fluoro and not less than 10# for braid. 
 

As for the rod, you'll get a ton of suggestions. My new stock answer is get an extra-medium power and slow-fast taper. 😝

[WRB]

The OP is looking for a rod without threaded reel lock nut and a fore grip, Victory has a cork fore grip, not short but the index finger can touch the rod blank.

Longer rods are not good casting into the wind you want the cast to stay low and not sail in the wind.

Tom

 

[casts_by_fly]

Have a look at the zodias 7’2” ml/F. I have the 6’9” version and it will do what you’re asking. I imagine the 7’2” would also. Negligible hardware above the reel, no exposed threads. 

[Reel]

I have the 7' 2'' Zodias and it's a terrific rod: one of a kind, very versatile .

[waymont]

If you get a L or ML power rod 7'-7'3" you're golden. Just switch to 8lb braid, and you can cast so much farther and easier with better sensitivity.

[Motoboss]

I switched to This  line in 12# with 8# floro leader and have been really pleased throwing tiny neds, weightless creature baits and hair jigs on a 7’1” Phenix Feather MLF  rod with a 500 reel.
Could go to 8# but would never use it on a 3000 reel as it’s getting towards throwing thread.

[webertime]

I like my Phenix Recon 762 for this stuff

[MickD]

17 hours ago, WRB said:

you want the cast to stay low and not sail in the wind.

Then cast side arm. 

 

I can cast almost  as high with a 6 foot rod as I can with a 7 foot rod, if I try.   If one is having distance as a major criteria in his casting of light lures, then length is important, and longer is better.  The proposal to go up in length is appropriate.  With longer length comes a sacrifice in balance and accuracy to some degree.  If one is willing to accept these in the interest of getting max distance, sounds right.

 

I find it interesting that most of the comments don't even mention power, which is the most important characteristic in casting-matching the power of the rod to the lure weight.  

[WRB]

It helps to read the OP’s opening statement.
Tom 

[J Francho]

Any ML/F or ML/XF rod around 7' will work. The line choice of 8# Yo-Zuri is a hindrance. That's why it's getting more focus than the rod selection. 

[Boomstick]

On 3/25/2024 at 8:05 PM, steves191145 said:

St croix makes a 7ft 3 med xfast that would fit the bill. I have it in their legend tournement bass line but it's In others as well. They have a 7ft10 ml xfast that would work well for that too.

The 7'3" M/XF is a little heavy for a 1/32oz or even 1/16oz ned rig. The 6'10" ML/XF would be a much better option in the St Croix line, but still won't cast as far as some.

 

My suggestion would be a Dobyns 702SF, or maybe even a 701SF for a 1/32oz ned rig. My kid has a Champion XP 702SF and it launches a 1/16oz ned rig very well, much better than my 6'9" ML/XF St Croix rod which runs a bit heavier. Seeing how well that cast, I went out and got a Daiwa Tatula Elite 7' ML/F rod for ned rigs - definitely lighter than the St Croix so we will see how it works out this year.

[Hawgfinder]

Thanks for all the suggestions . I agree lighter line will help just get a little nervous around rocks and zebra mussels though. I’m not a fan of braid so there’s that. Old school line to the bait kind of guy. I do believe a little longer rod casts farther than a shorter rod will definitely downsize my line. I like the rod suggestions I’ll give them all a look. Thanks 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Length does not always equal power in lighter rods and that's what you need to get a considerable increase in distance.  With mid price point light rods, you're going to notice a loss in crispness of action the longer the blank is.  IME, you have to get into flagship models to get that super crisp action with light rods approaching 7'6  7'3 is as long as I would recommend going and I feel that a 7'1 is ideal.  You can actually cast farther with a shorter rod using light braid than a longer one using nylon and the braid will greatly increase sensitivity.

Those robo neds have a good amount of salt and are considerably heavy in comparison to other Ned baits, likely approaching 1/8.  

I'm not a fan of the newer SC ML for bottom contact.  I love SC and sadly my 7'1 Ml F Tatula blows it away sensitivity wise and that's the first rid I recommend.  The other would be the 7'2 L F M1.  Really your fingers have good blank contact with the Tatula, but the M1s reel seat designs allows for full contact if that's a priority.  

[Hawgfinder]

Great insight. I used a 7-7 feather lite and could throw the rig I used a mile but that rod now is for lighter hair jigs. I was looking for a shorter rod cuz well my front deck isn’t huge and all the longer rods take up room. Went with the Zodias 7’2” mlp love me some zodias and thanks to cast by fly it was a great suggestion hopefully it works out as great as the other zodias rods I have. 

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, Hawgfinder said:

Great insight. I used a 7-7 feather lite and could throw the rig I used a mile but that rod now is for lighter hair jigs. I was looking for a shorter rod cuz well my front deck isn’t huge and all the longer rods take up room. Went with the Zodias 7’2” mlp love me some zodias and thanks to cast by fly it was a great suggestion hopefully it works out as great as the other zodias rods I have. 

let us know here how it is when you have it in hand.