We just got sponsored by G. Loomis and I have to pick out a couple rods.

[Thad]

Well our fishing team here at Radford finally got our first big sponsor. While it's not a lot it's a good start. They are allowing each member to buy two rods at 50% off. I think I'm going to go with an all around cranking rod and a smaller swimbait rod.

For the crankbait I think I'm going to go with the: G. Loomis Crankbait Casting 843 7' Med. It looks like a good versatile crankbait rod rated for 1/4oz to 5/8oz lures. My favorite way to crank is to crash a RC 1.5 or 2.5 into brush. This rod should work for this, right?

For the Swimbait rod I want something that I can throw smaller swimbaits. I think the biggest I would throw would be a Huddelston 6". I would also like to use this for my bigger cranks and bigger spinnerbaits if possible. We can only carry 5 rods so some of them have to double up.

I'm looking at their smallest swimbait rod: G. Loomis Swimbait Rod 904 7'6" Med Hvy. It rates for 1/2oz to 3oz. That seems about perfect for what I want it for.

Let me know if you have any better suggestions for what I'm trying to accomplish.

[flechero]

While you asked for different advice...   I wouldn't waste this opportunity to get some IMX or GLX worm or Jig rods.  ANY COMPANY makes a good cranking stick and several make good swimbait rods.  

Having said that, congratulations on picking up a sponsor!

[fathom]

as far as the cbr's, you may wanna look hard at the 845...imo, far more versatile than the 843.

[roadwarrior]

While you asked for different advice... I wouldn't waste this opportunity to get some IMX or GLX worm or Jig rods. ANY COMPANY makes a good cranking stick and several make good swimbait rods.

Having said that, congratulations on picking up a sponsor!

Great advice.

Congratulations, too!

8-)

[RockvilleMDAngler]

Loomis rods are known for their sensitivity so I would definitely go with a GLX jig/worm rod.  You can get a decent cranking stick or swimbait rod anywhere.  That being said the 843 is a hell of a cranking stick for shallow cranks, I love mine.

[Pigsticker]

While you asked for different advice... I wouldn't waste this opportunity to get some IMX or GLX worm or Jig rods. ANY COMPANY makes a good cranking stick and several make good swimbait rods.

Having said that, congratulations on picking up a sponsor!

Great advice, also picking up a sponsor like that is awesome!!!

I too would suggest getting an IMX or GLX worm/jig or flipping stick.

Cranking and Swimbaits requires less feel than worming or jigging. You can pick up good cranking and swimbait sticks for very cheap compared to a GLX

[SimonSays]

Nice sponsor! makes me wish my school had a fishing team, go for a glx or imx =D

[Danny1991]

While you asked for different advice... I wouldn't waste this opportunity to get some IMX or GLX worm or Jig rods. ANY COMPANY makes a good cranking stick and several make good swimbait rods.

Having said that, congratulations on picking up a sponsor!

I agree! and thats AWSOME that their sponsoring ya'll!! Congrats

[Tin]

Their drop-shot rods are second to none.

Very sweet deal by the way. 8-)

[Thad]

I have some worm and jig rods. Looks like I may be selling them. I may hold on the swimbait rod for now.

We're fortunate to have this opportunity. Right now we're talking with Shimano, we should know something in the next couple days with them.

[Thad]

Well I've been looking at the GLX Jig and Worm rods and can't decide on one. I want it to be versatile but have enough backbone to fish a 1/2 oz. jig in 20 foot of water.

Trying to decide between these:

GLX Jig & Worm Cast 853 7'1" Med Hvy

GLX Jig & Worm Cast 854 7'1" Heavy

[Thad]

I just found the GLX Mag Bass Series. Can tell me the difference between the GLX Mag Bass and the GLX Jig and Worm Series?

[fathom]

mag bass (mbr) rods are fast action...more all-around.

jig and worm (bcr) are extra fast...incredible for plastics.

for 1/2 oz. jigs in 20', would go with the bcr 4...the bcr 3 can do it, i just think the 4 handles 1/2 oz. better...3/8 oz. and i would go with the 3.

[mrbassky]

My Favorite is the GLX BCFR863. Its a light flipping stick that is also good for casting heavier baits. Its MH has a soft tip with some backbone as well. Its $440 dollars so you will be getting your moneys worth. Its not too long (7'2) to use going down a bank its fairly accurate but it also is long enough to make some longer cast as well. I use it for long casts with power baits, small swimbaits, frogging (same as Loomis frog rod with better graphite), and pitching all but the heaviest stuff. Best Pitching rod I have ever used. Straight from the Loomis site.

"For years, anglers have asked us for a lighter flipping stick. One you can pitch or flip a smaller bait into lighter cover and along rocky shorelines. One that doubles up nicely for a big topwaters or small to medium swimbaits. Here you go!"

After that go with a good casting rod. I have several but I dont know what type you would prefer because its more of an individual thing than pitching. The best thing about Loomis rods is their light so they cast with great accuracy. If you just want to lauch a crankbait there are plenty of other options but when I get a Loomis its for something I need accuracy. Just my 2 cents

[djmax22]

WOW!!! Don't miss a chance to get one of the worm/jig glxs. I would suggest the BCR854. If you do a lot of flippin I would pick up the BCR894 GLX as well.

I also own 2 Loomis swimbait rods (955 and 957). I think the worm.jig would be the better value here, but if you do decide to go with the swimbait rod I can recommend the with 955. It works any thing from a mission fish to a 8"HUD.

[Furbit]

If I am not mistaken, I believe the Mag Bass has SIC guides while the other GLX has recoil guides. If this is the case I would go for the SIC guides if you use braided line. Mag Bass GLX Casting 844C 7' Heavy is the best worm/jig rod I have ever used and it also doubles as a pretty good frog rod also.

Whatever the case, congrats on picking up a great sponsor.

[mattm]

the 904c is a great small swimbait rod.  Rated for lures 1/2-3oz.  I loved mine, and a guide that was sponsered by G Loomis bought one after trying mine one day.  Unbelivable rod that is absolutely perfect for what it is designed for.

[Bassn Blvd]

Thad, I have the CBR843 and pair it with a Diawa Sol (only Diawa I own).

This is an AWESOME set up BUT it is a tad light for deep cranks that run over 5'. I am currently looking at the next level higher in the Loomis line of crank rods to add for my deeper cranks.                  

I also have the GLX BCR853 and yes it has recoil guides. This is my favorite worm/jig rod and I'm ordering another one. I have it paired with the Calcutta 100 DC. Best set up out there IMO. Extremely sensitive.

I just listed 2 Loomis rods for sale in the flea market, GLX MBR844C and the same model but in the IMX series. MINT condition. Less than 2 hours use. Selling at $100 below retail for both. Check them out.

[ThomasL]

Ditto on the magbass,they have sic's and are the original loomis rods before shimano put there two cents in and the (specialty)rods began being made.I still use there cr series in 6' either imx or glx,the medium action is a good allaround stick for worms up to 6-7",spinnerbaits to 1/2 oz and cranks to 3/8 oz,thats the size i normally use anyway.

[NOVA Angler]

Thad, I have the CBR843 and pair it with a Diawa Sol (only Diawa I own).

This is an AWESOME set up BUT it is a tad light for deep cranks that run over 5'. I am currently looking at the next level higher in the Loomis line of crank rods to add for my deeper cranks.                  

I also have the GLX BCR853 and yes it has recoil guides. This is my favorite worm/jig rod and I'm ordering another one. I have it paired with the Calcutta 100 DC. Best set up out there IMO. Extremely sensitive.

I just listed 2 Loomis rods for sale in the flea market, GLX MBR844C and the same model but in the IMX series. MINT condition. Less than 2 hours use. Selling at $100 below retail for both. Check them out.

I agree with Bassn Blvd.  I have the CBR 843 and while I really like, I think it's a little on the light side for what I need.  If I had to pick just one I would go with the CBR 845.  With that said, neither of these rods would be my first choice if I had the opportunity to buy a couple at 50% off.  I would be looking for a good jig and worm setup.