Boujie Jig/Texas Rig/Dragging Rod Comparison

[UmairF]

Debating between the 2023 Megabass P5 FMJ and the 2021 Daiwa Steez AGS Bottom Contact 2. Let me list some of the applications I’m looking for below:

 

- Flipping 3/8-1/2oz (without trailer) grass jigs and texas rigs into 6-20ft weedline edges.

 

- Launching 3/8oz (without trailer) jigs when I’m bank fishing

 

- Dragging 1/2-5/8oz (without trailer) football jigs/carolina rigs.

 

I fish in more grassy lakes/ponds and want the rod that’s got some power (not a broomstick or extra fast action) and versatile enough to cover the techniques listed above.

 

Would buy either of the 2 rods used so warranty is definitely a factor. I know Megabass leaves you hanging with used equipment but I heard Daiwa allows warranties to be transferred for the most part onto used rods (can anyone confirm this?).

 

If anyone owns these rods, I’d appreciate if you could compare the rod actions when fighting a fish or working a bait.

 

Thanks,

Umair

[casts_by_fly]

Any reason you're locked into those two and are you open to other rods?

[TNBankFishing]

NRX 873C CRR. I’ve owned and sold both of those rods and comfortably use my NRX for everything you asked about. It also carries a solid warranty and with BF coming up you might be able to snag a good deal. 
 

If you’re dead set on those two sticks I’d actually lean towards the Utility Player for those weights. The BC2 is certainly an ok pitching rod but it’s designed in my hands for dragging big ass footballs. 
 

Neither brand transfers warranties. The only brand I’m aware of that does is St. Croix on their victory and above lines. 
 

If you want to test out a solid jig rod pick up an Orochi braillist while they are on sale. It was my first step into higher end gear and I fished it hard for several years. 

[UmairF]

49 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Any reason you're locked into those two and are you open to other rods?

It was originally between those 2 and the NRX+ 894. I’m used to Shimano Expride B powers (I’m trying to sell 3 of them) and upgrade. I fish a lot of grass fisheries and want to get better at flipping through submerged milfoil weedline edges next year since that plays a huge deal in WI. The Shimano actions just feel a little stiff to me and after a season or 2 of owning them I want something with more secondary action in the blank like the FMJ and BC2. The NRX+ 894 is going to be too stiff similar to the Exprides with the Spiral X blanks. Additionally, I heard a lot of good things from people near me that love the FMJ and BC2 for those techniques specifically which added to my selections.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I 110% recommend the newer Expride B line for the $200-300 range. Just have too many rods and I’m trying to consolidate into fewer high-end rods, especially being a co-angler. I don’t plan on buying a bass boat anytime soon. Hopefully a nicer fishing kayak setup once I get some more space.

 

50 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

NRX 873C CRR. I’ve owned and sold both of those rods and comfortably use my NRX for everything you asked about. It also carries a solid warranty and with BF coming up you might be able to snag a good deal. 
 

If you’re dead set on those two sticks I’d actually lean towards the Utility Player for those weights. The BC2 is certainly an ok pitching rod but it’s designed in my hands for dragging big ass footballs. 
 

Neither brand transfers warranties. The only brand I’m aware of that does is St. Croix on their victory and above lines. 
 

If you want to test out a solid jig rod pick up an Orochi braillist while they are on sale. It was my first step into higher end gear and I fished it hard for several years. 

I was looking really hard at the NRX+ 873 CRR. Almost impossible to find on the used market but I’m sure it’ll pop up somewhere with the season coming to an end.

 

For context, I plan on replacing my Expride B 7’2 MH and Dobyn’s 734 Champ XP with the P5 Dark sleeper. I end up using both those rods for everything the Dark Sleeper can do. Mainly moving baits like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and chatterbaits all through grass.

 

I also already own a P5 XBites which is my dedicated lighter texas rig/lighter jig rod. I’m replacing my 7’2 H Expride B with either the FMJ or BC2 (but now you’re recommending the 873 CRR which is making me weigh my options out again haha). Which ever of the 3 rods I pick will be used for deeper water applications.

 

I don’t throw a football jig a whole lot but want to have a rod that can throw it and a C-Rig when needed, but PRIMARILY 3/8-1/2oz jigs and heavier Texas rigs through the weedlines. I do like the sound of the 7’5 BC2 because that extra length would help reach deeper water especially from the bank. Hoping the context regarding my other rods clarifies everything for you @TNBankFishing. 
 

What do you guys think? Still haven’t heard about the FMJ being good at dragging techniques from anyone as well but maybe it’s between the BC2 and 873 CRR now?
 

Appreciate the input,

Umair

[casts_by_fly]

8 minutes ago, UmairF said:

It was originally between those 2 and the NRX+ 894. I’m used to Shimano Expride B powers (I’m trying to sell 3 of them) and upgrade. I fish a lot of grass fisheries and want to get better at flipping through submerged milfoil weedline edges next year since that plays a huge deal in WI. The Shimano actions just feel a little stiff to me and after a season or 2 of owning them I want something with more secondary action in the blank like the FMJ and BC2. The NRX+ 894 is going to be too stiff similar to the Exprides with the Spiral X blanks. Additionally, I heard a lot of good things from people near me that love the FMJ and BC2 for those techniques specifically which added to my selections.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I 110% recommend the newer Expride B line for the $200-300 range. Just have too many rods and I’m trying to consolidate into fewer high-end rods, especially being a co-angler. I don’t plan on buying a bass boat anytime soon. Hopefully a nicer fishing kayak setup once I get some more space.

 

 

Well, if you change your mind, the Falcon Heavy cover jig was designed specifically for the applications you're talking about- dragging jigs across deeper cover.  I use it exactly for the applications you're talking about and I would suggest that it's what you've described- plenty of power and a fast tip but you actually get some bend in the top 1/3-1/2 of the rod on a hookset or good cast.  I know the Shimano worm and jig action that you're talking about as that's what my dad fishes.  They carry a lot of power high into the rod and are genuinely fast actioned and at the top end of a fast for a lot of them.  The HCJ lists as a fast action, but it's on the slower side of fast and has a lot more feel to it.  Really versatile rod.  It does what it's designed for really well.  I will most often have it rigged with a 3/8-1/2 oz weight or jig plus a chunk of plastic.  It's also my buzzbait and 110 plopper rod if you'll believe that.

 

[TNBankFishing]

6 hours ago, UmairF said:

It was originally between those 2 and the NRX+ 894. I’m used to Shimano Expride B powers (I’m trying to sell 3 of them) and upgrade. I fish a lot of grass fisheries and want to get better at flipping through submerged milfoil weedline edges next year since that plays a huge deal in WI. The Shimano actions just feel a little stiff to me and after a season or 2 of owning them I want something with more secondary action in the blank like the FMJ and BC2. The NRX+ 894 is going to be too stiff similar to the Exprides with the Spiral X blanks. Additionally, I heard a lot of good things from people near me that love the FMJ and BC2 for those techniques specifically which added to my selections.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I 110% recommend the newer Expride B line for the $200-300 range. Just have too many rods and I’m trying to consolidate into fewer high-end rods, especially being a co-angler. I don’t plan on buying a bass boat anytime soon. Hopefully a nicer fishing kayak setup once I get some more space.

 

I was looking really hard at the NRX+ 873 CRR. Almost impossible to find on the used market but I’m sure it’ll pop up somewhere with the season coming to an end.

 

For context, I plan on replacing my Expride B 7’2 MH and Dobyn’s 734 Champ XP with the P5 Dark sleeper. I end up using both those rods for everything the Dark Sleeper can do. Mainly moving baits like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and chatterbaits all through grass.

 

I also already own a P5 XBites which is my dedicated lighter texas rig/lighter jig rod. I’m replacing my 7’2 H Expride B with either the FMJ or BC2 (but now you’re recommending the 873 CRR which is making me weigh my options out again haha). Which ever of the 3 rods I pick will be used for deeper water applications.

 

I don’t throw a football jig a whole lot but want to have a rod that can throw it and a C-Rig when needed, but PRIMARILY 3/8-1/2oz jigs and heavier Texas rigs through the weedlines. I do like the sound of the 7’5 BC2 because that extra length would help reach deeper water especially from the bank. Hoping the context regarding my other rods clarifies everything for you @TNBankFishing. 
 

What do you guys think? Still haven’t heard about the FMJ being good at dragging techniques from anyone as well but maybe it’s between the BC2 and 873 CRR now?
 

Appreciate the input,

Umair

If you can find one the 873 is going to be the rod you want. Trust me, the extra 2 inches on the BC2 aren’t going to make a difference for pitching and the sensitivity goes on the NRX side. I’ve fished the last season as a co angler after about 5 years in a kayak. I consolidated just like you’re doing, and now keep it simple with 4-5 rods per trip depending on cover and expected presentations. 

[UmairF]

On 11/6/2024 at 4:26 PM, TNBankFishing said:

If you can find one the 873 is going to be the rod you want. Trust me, the extra 2 inches on the BC2 aren’t going to make a difference for pitching and the sensitivity goes on the NRX side. I’ve fished the last season as a co angler after about 5 years in a kayak. I consolidated just like you’re doing, and now keep it simple with 4-5 rods per trip depending on cover and expected presentations. 

Just ordered the 873 CRR in the + model. Really looking forward to it. Put in a lot of time researching and appreciate everyone’s input. Will follow up on how it performs on the water once I get some more time with it!

[TheBaitMonkey]

4 hours ago, UmairF said:

Just ordered the 873 CRR in the + model. Really looking forward to it. Put in a lot of time researching and appreciate everyone’s input. Will follow up on how it performs on the water once I get some more time with it!

You’ll love it! I fish a lot of the natural lakes in SE WI and Northern IL using the 873 with 3/8-1/2oz jigs from a kayak, it’s perfect for it. 

[UmairF]

Took it out on its first bank mission today and it did not disappoint! Threw a 7/16 oz football jig and man is it sensitive. Not that I expected anything less but I was counting every rock and twig it touched.

 

As far as the action while under load, it’s interesting how this rod bends under load at the first 30ish% of the rod. Didn’t catch any giants on it, but hooksets (with dragging techniques) are a little different with this type of action. The rod kind of absorbs the initial bite and screams at you to set the hook, all while keeping the fish pinned in the process.

 

I’m definitely curious to see how it performs with flipping grass jigs and moving baits like chatterbaits due to the action. Will need some more time with it to speak to it more next season. Going to 100% post a review video on my channel (YT: JadooBassin) next season.

 

Thanks,

Umair

[badfish79]

On 11/6/2024 at 7:56 AM, UmairF said:

For context, I plan on replacing my Expride B 7’2 MH and Dobyn’s 734 Champ XP with the P5 Dark sleeper. I end up using both those rods for everything the Dark Sleeper can do. Mainly moving baits like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and chatterbaits all through grass.

@UmairF I have always been curious about the differences between a DC734 and a P5 Dark Sleeper. I love throwing dark sleepers, swimjigs and spinnerbaits on my 734.

On paper both rods sound like they have the same action and power. I always assume the dobyns rod would balance better. What makes you like the Dark Sleeper better than the DC734?

 

 

[woolleyfooley]

Apologies in advance to the OP, but if anyone has experience with the steez ags, NRX+ etc I’d love to know how it compares sensitivity wise to a Dobyns champion extreme!

[UmairF]

7 hours ago, badfish79 said:

@UmairF I have always been curious about the differences between a DC734 and a P5 Dark Sleeper. I love throwing dark sleepers, swimjigs and spinnerbaits on my 734.

On paper both rods sound like they have the same action and power. I always assume the dobyns rod would balance better. What makes you like the Dark Sleeper better than the DC734?

 

 

@badfish79 I don’t currently own a P5 Dark Sleeper yet. I sold some of the rods I listed above so that I can grab one if I see a good deal this month. Will post a review on that rod once I get some time on the water with it.

 

As far as the Champ XP 734 I have a YouTube video I made specifically for it. Not sure how it conpared to the Dark Sleeper yet but hope it helps!

 

YouTube is JadooBassin. You’ll see a video with the rod if you scroll down.

 

Thanks,

Umair