Help me choose a spinning rod for weightless plastics/shakey heads/etc

[OneUp]

Hey fellas, this is my first time posting and I just wanted to say how much I've already learned here. Keep up the good work guys/gals!!

On to my question, I'm looking to pick up a 6'6" - 7' spinning rod to fish mostly dropshot rigs, shakey heads, and weightless texas rigs. Thus far I'm trying to decide between a BSR802, BSR803, PR844S, SJR782, etc but I'll also take a look at St. Croix and Shimano offerings. I'd really like something that can cast from 1/8 oz all the way to 5/8 oz. Obviously sensitivity is my prime consideration. Any reccomendations or things to consider?

Also, does the St. Croix tend to run a little heavier than a Loomis, or vice versa?

[bigfruits]

take a look at the bsr852 as well. id recommend  that rod for the presentations mentioned.

[Goose52]

I've been shopping for a new spinning rod to use primarily for soft plastics as well - but not with a rating as heavy as 5/8 oz - I'm interested in up to 3/8 - maybe 1/2. I've been looking mostly at the the Loomis SJR782, and the St. Croix Avid AVS69MLXF.

St. Croix lists the rod weights on its web site - Loomis does not so you can't comparison shop based on weight unless you find someone that has the Loomis model that you're interested in and can weigh it. However, as a comparison, my Loomis GLX MBR842 7'mf casting rod weighs 4.4 oz - the comparible St. Croix Avid (7'mf) is listed at 4.1 oz FWIW. Weight is not the only factor related to sensitivity...

[Bass Junkie]

  I'm not familiar with the models you spoke of but a 7' ML works great for this technique. I believe the Avid AVS69MLXFis similar.

[roadwarrior]

My primary rod is a St. Croix ES70MF. The PR844S

might be my favorite, but the tip is too soft for

T-rigged soft plastics and shaky heads.

Other suggestions include the Avid AVS68MXF,

G. Loomis SJR783 or 843. I have not fished the

BSR852, but it gets rave reviews!

Good luck!

8-)

[Raul]

SJR782S is what I use for those.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I have the DSR822S for Drop Shot Rigs, the GLX SHR822 for shakyhead jigs, and the GLX BSR852 for weightless plastics.  Though, if I had to take with me just one rod to cover all three techniques, it would be the GLX BSR852.  I really think this is the best all around spinning rod that is made.  I bet you will be pleased.  Good Luck in your search.

[OneUp]

Wow, sounds like the BSR852 deserves a look.  I'll definitely try to check one out. 

[OneUp]

My primary rod is a St. Croix ES70MF. The PR844S

might be my favorite, but the tip is too soft for

T-rigged soft plastics and shaky heads.

Other suggestions include the Avid AVS68MXF,

G. Loomis SJR783 or 843. I have not fished the

BSR852, but it gets rave reviews!

Good luck!

8-)

Am I safe to assume that a St. Croix "Fast" runs a little closer to a Loomis "XFast"?

[roadwarrior]

No. The 'power rating" tends to be understated

by St. Croix vs G. Loomis, but the "action rating" is

the same. What throws a wrench into the equation

is variance in the tip, regardless of the brand or

rating: some are soft and some are firm!

Specifics for a couple of the rods mentioned:

St. Croix ES70MF: This is really medium heavy power,

fast action, firm tip.

G.Loomis PR844S: Medium power, moderate action, soft tip.

Loomis SJR843S: Exactly as described...medium

power, fast action, firm tip.

8-)

[Bronzefly]

Wow, sounds like the BSR852 deserves a look. I'll definitely try to check one out.

Have a look at the one I have in the Flea Market!

It's a phenomonal rod, I just don't need two of them!  It will cover your range better than most other spinning rods out there - 5/8 oz is a pretty hefty bait for a spinning rod that can also handle a 1/8 oz. drop shot, but this rod has surprising backbone!  Good luck in your search either way! 8-)

[OneUp]

@roadwarrior

Thanks for the info, I'm going to take a look at the St. Croix you mentioned before deciding.

@Bronzefly

I found your ad in the Flea Market, if I were positive on my choice of rod, you'd already have a PM. That is a heck of a deal.

[repper]

If I were in your shoes I would jump all over the chance to get Bronzefly's rod. great rod at a great price. don't see how you could do any better. fortunate timing.

[flipinstick88]

I picked up a St. Croix LTBS68MXF this winter, its awesome, best all around finess rod I've ever used.

[jeb2]

I have the SJR783 in both IMX and GLX and like them both quite a bit. I find anything longer than that gets in my way when fishing weightless jerkbaits when I'm trying to keep it deep. A longer rod is harder to keep from splashing in the water on the downward jerks.