Finesse Jig Rod

[fantasy19]

I'm looking for a technique specific rod specifically to throw the Keitech Tungsten Football Jig Model 2 Version 2 jig in 1/2oz. This Finesse Jig has a tiny hook, so I'm not looking for the typical MH/H Fast action rod that you need to set a big jig hook. I'm looking for something in the 7-4+ range that will have a softer tip, but not sacrifice sensitivity. I'd like to keep it to around $300 if possible, but open to suggestions that go over that range as well.

Jig - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Keitech_Tungsten_Football_Jig_Model_2_Version_2_/descpage-KTFJV2.html

Thanks!

[softwateronly]

I throw that keitech, 1/4oz fireworks jig, free rigs, tubes, finesse scroungers, and other light wire hooks with Major Craft Black Porgy 5G 7'8 M/RF w/ a 10lb floro leader.  It's a fantastic rod that I'm always finding a reason to pick up.  Highly recommend.

 

https://www.digitaka.com/item/29/6/140/4573236273983

https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/5g/blackporgy/

 

scott

 

[casts_by_fly]

Falcon Cara heavy cover jig.  7'4", Rated 1/2-1 oz, heavy, fast.  But its a 6 power falcon heavy which is on the lighter side of heavy.  And the 'fast' action isn't really that fast.  It's got a nice top third bend for what you're describing.  And it was designed to drag football jigs.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I use a 7'1 M F for my keitech, picasso and Beast Coast footbals, but I dont go over 3/8.  

Maybe a Dobyns Champ 7'4 Heavy F or Brailist.

I like Dobyns H blanks, they feel like a MH to me, but are balanced really well so they feel great in hand.  The actions are bit slower than most, so the F has some tip to it especially when you get 7'3 or 7'4.  Its just a matter of figuring out if you want the 1/4-3/4 H or the 1/4-1oz H.  Water is really shallow around here, I dont use 1/2 often, so Im not positive on which one to go with.

The Brailist is a purpose-built jig rod, but its got more of Japanese taper so its a slower action than most jig rods, they call it Med F.  People either love them or hate them, so I suggest finding one and getting it in your hand before you commit.  

[WRB]

Dobyns DX742CSGHD 7’4” M/F, 3/16-5/8 oz. Look for sales at ALF.

Tom

[fantasy19]

44 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

I throw that keitech, 1/4oz fireworks jig, free rigs, tubes, finesse scroungers, and other light wire hooks with Major Craft Black Porgy 5G 7'8 M/RF w/ a 10lb floro leader.  It's a fantastic rod that I'm always finding a reason to pick up.  Highly recommend.

 

https://www.digitaka.com/item/29/6/140/4573236273983

https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/5g/blackporgy/

 

scott

 

 

Thank you! I've never owned a 2pc rod. I will look into this one. 

 

38 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Falcon Cara heavy cover jig.  7'4", Rated 1/2-1 oz, heavy, fast.  But its a 6 power falcon heavy which is on the lighter side of heavy.  And the 'fast' action isn't really that fast.  It's got a nice top third bend for what you're describing.  And it was designed to drag football jigs.

 

Thank you! I've heard about this brand before concerning finesse jigs. I will look into this one. 

 

38 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I use a 7'1 M F for my keitech, picasso and Beast Coast footbals, but I dont go over 3/8.  

Maybe a Dobyns Champ 7'4 Heavy F or Brailist.

I like Dobyns H blanks, they feel like a MH to me, but are balanced really well so they feel great in hand.  The actions are bit slower than most, so the F has some tip to it especially when you get 7'3 or 7'4.  Its just a matter of figuring out if you want the 1/4-3/4 H or the 1/4-1oz H.  Water is really shallow around here, I dont use 1/2 often, so Im not positive on which one to go with.

The Brailist is a purpose-built jig rod, but its got more of Japanese taper so its a slower action than most jig rods, they call it Med F.  People either love them or hate them, so I suggest finding one and getting it in your hand before you commit.  

 

The Dobyns' taper is definitely slower. I own the Fury 733 and 734, but I only use them for moving baits, as the sensitivity is not that great with straight fluorocarbon. I'd expect the Champion line to have much better sensitivity though. 

 

40 minutes ago, WRB said:

Dobyns DX742CSGHD 7’4” M/F, 3/16-5/8 oz. Look for sales at ALF.

Tom

 

Dobyns does seem like a good direction to go. I can probably find a dealer close to me and check them out before ordering online. I love my Fury rods. I just hope the sensitivity on the Champion Series matches that of other high-end rods. I know the taper would be great. 

[MRQturbo]

1 hour ago, fantasy19 said:

 

Thank you! I've never owned a 2pc rod. I will look into this one. 

 

 

Thank you! I've heard about this brand before concerning finesse jigs

 

 

The Dobyns' taper is definitely slower. I own the Fury 733 and 734, but I only use them for moving baits, as the sensitivity is not that great with straight fluorocarbon. I'd expect the Champion line to have much better sensitivity though. 

 

 

Dobyns does seem like a good direction to go. I can probably find a dealer close to me and check them out before ordering online. I love my Fury rods. I just hope the sensitivity on the Champion Series matches that of other high-end rods. I know the taper would be great. 

They do not... I sold off all my champions once I got my hands on my 1st megabass orocchi...sensitivity was not even close in my hands... The only dobyns I still use are their graphite cranking rods (704cb, 705cb and 765cb)... A no go for bottom contact sensitivity for me.. 

[fantasy19]

9 minutes ago, MRQturbo said:

They do not... I sold off all my champions once I got my hands on my 1st megabass orocchi...sensitivity was not even close in my hands... The only dobyns I still use are their graphite cranking rods (704cb, 705cb and 765cb)... A no go for bottom contact sensitivity for me.. 

 

This info is key. Thank you very much for this!

[softwateronly]

19 minutes ago, MRQturbo said:

They do not... I sold off all my champions once I got my hands on my 1st megabass orocchi...sensitivity was not even close in my hands... The only dobyns I still use are their graphite cranking rods (704cb, 705cb and 765cb)... A no go for bottom contact sensitivity for me.. 

 

9 minutes ago, fantasy19 said:

 

This info is key. Thank you very much for this!

 

I'll second this.  Sensitivity is not a strong suit of the champ series.  

 

scott

[fantasy19]

6 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

 

 

I'll second this.  Sensitivity is not a strong suit of the champ series.  

 

scott

 

Thank you! I will be looking more towards Falcon or Megabass. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The Dobyns I suggested is actually 340$ sorry.

Daiwa makes a 7'5 Tatula AGS that you try to get your hands on.  Usually their tapers are faster, but @7'5 and being purpose built for FB jigs it should be great.  There is a catch the guides are super light and sensitive, but they arent as durable as SS.  As long as you don't abuse he rod and sock it when its transport or stored with a bunch of other rods you shouldn't have issues.  I got a couple of their SW AGS rods last year.  I wasn't sure about the AGS guides, but after a good season of fishing them with the on beach and jetty they held up really well.  I don't know if they actually increase sensitivity or its just the lighter tip that gives the illusion of that, but so far, I was impressed enough to buy another.  

[MRQturbo]

Megabass p5 xbites or nrx plus 893 is what I would use for 3/8 finesse jigs... 1/2 Oz I'd step up to nrx plus 873 or 894...a bit above your price range but you can find them used or on sale closer to your budget..