baitcasting rod for light weight texas rigs

[Dockhead]

Looking for specific recommendations for a casting rod that will be great for 1/8 ounce texas rigs. Light cover/open water for the most part, probably 12 lb. flouro on the reel. (Maybe something that I could throw braid on if the need arises.)

But mainly a rod that is extremely sensitive and capable of throwing light weight baits a solid distance. Feel free to throw in info. about the reel you have the rod paired with as well.   

Will probably want to stay around $200 mark, give or take $50.

Thanks for the help.

[SeanW]

There are alot of choices that will fit the bill here. The abu Veritas in a 7' MH at $99. A Powell 703 or 734. The new Abu Verdict would be a great choice as it has the adjustable butt handle. Im sure there are also some Dobyns rods, but Im not familiar with the model #'s. Duckett fishing has some really light rods if you can see the eye's well enough to thread the line(I cant).

Id suggest taking your reel and a weight to the tackle shop and try some rods out. Its the best way to test em and find what feels good to you.

[Raul]

For that money to do that: GLoomis CR722/MBR782 IMX.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I use a Daiwa Zillion 7'M for 3/16-3/8oz jigs and 1/8-3/8oz t-rigs, shakey heads, and tubes.  It's got plenty of power for cover and really sensitive.  You can get them for under $200 on eBay.  I would recommend it to anyone.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I've got a M Crucial Drop Shot casting rod that I use for light t-rigs.  10-12 pound Yo-zuri on the reel.  Great tip on that rod, more than enough backbone also.  You may want to check out Pinnacles new lineup of rods also.  I've been very impressed with the one I've got.

[TBendBassin]

Falcon Cara T7 Micro Guide Casting Rods 6'10" Med Hvy

[MArnold]

Revo S at Walmart .com $100

All Star Team rod at BPS or Academy Sports $80

This is the combo that I use for throwing Power worms!

[David P]

I really like the Dobyns 733 Champion and 743 for 1/8oz bullet weights and t-rigged worms, brushhogs, etc... The 733 is rated 1/4oz and above, but with the weight of the plastic, I've had absolutely no problems casting 1/8oz t-rigs. Sensitive, light, all around very nice rod for that price point.

As Craiger said below, you can also opt for the 702, great for 1/8oz baits also. It's a little softer tip and lighter, little less versatile, but definitely good for light baits as well.

[Craiger12]

Dobyns Champion 702C. However, if you want the ultimate in sensitivity and styling, you can step it up to the Champion Extreme DX742C. The additional length will help with casting and really makes a difference on hooksets, especially with a lot of line out. If you hurry, you can pick up the DX742C from BTD for $260. I guarantee you will not be disapointed with either, especially the Champion Extreme.

[FD.]

Revo S at Walmart .com $100

All Star Team rod at BPS or Academy Sports $80

This is the combo that I use for throwing Power worms!

I would go with the SX and a 7'3" Med Fast or MH Fast

[Dockhead]

Falcon Cara T7 Micro Guide Casting Rods 6'10" Med Hvy

That gives me an idea. I have an Amistad, and it actually has a pretty nice tip to it. I have been using it for pitching, mostly 3/16 and up weights, short distances. But it may work for my casting duties.

Thanks!

[Dockhead]

I use a Daiwa Zillion 7'M for 3/16-3/8oz jigs and 1/8-3/8oz t-rigs, shakey heads, and tubes.  It's got plenty of power for cover and really sensitive.  You can get them for under $200 on eBay.  I would recommend it to anyone.

Had not thought about a Zillion. I have the 7'6" Heavy, and like it a lot so far.

Will definitely give that one some thought. It would be tough to go to the medium though, even though it would probably cast better than the mh.

Thanks for the idea.   

[Dockhead]

I really like the Dobyns 733 Champion and 743 for 1/8oz bullet weights and t-rigged worms, brushhogs, etc...  The 733 is rated 1/4oz and above, but with the weight of the plastic, I've had absolutely no problems casting 1/8oz t-rigs. Sensitive, light, all around very nice rod for that price point.

As Craiger said below, you can also opt for the 702, great for 1/8oz baits also. It's a little softer tip and lighter, little less versatile, but definitely good for light baits as well.

Thanks for the info. regarding the Dobyns rods guys. Have wanted to try one for quite awhile now.

Is the 743 you speak of in the Extreme line David? I have come to like rods over 7 foot, so now I am thinking the 733 or 743 would be the way to go.

What are the main differences in the Champion and Champion Extreme lines?

Thanks for the help.

[Craiger12]

The 743 is in the Extreme series. The 733 and 734 are in the Champion series. The main differences between the lines are better blank material (meaning increased sensitivity) and components on the Extreme rods. You will also find the Extreme series to have a slightly faster action than the Champion series, when comparing the 733/734 to the 743/744. This is why many feel the Extreme series is better for fishing contact baits. Also, the Extreme series looks better than the Champion line IMO, but this is truly personal preference. I will defer to David for more specifics on the differences between the two lines, as he is far more experienced with the Dobyns lineup than I am.

I will add that I agree the 3 power Dobyns rods would make excellent rods for casting medium to larger plastics with a 1/8oz weight or when fishing in some cover. However, if the plastics you plan to throw will be smaller/lighter, I would likely opt for the DX742 in open water situations.

Regardless of which series you choose to go with, I assure you that you won't regret your purchase.

[MNGeorge]

For that money to do that: GLoomis CR722/MBR782 IMX.

Totally agree on MBR 782 IMX.  We often go lighter than 1/8 even to weightless as in Wacky rigged stick worms and that rod throws them with ease.  You can usually pick one up on Ebay for around $150, especially if you're not in a rush to get one.  I have a REVO STX HS on mine as do several of my fishing friends, but I think any reasonably good quality reel will let you take full advantage of the rod.

[BigMoneyGrip]

Falcon Cara T7 Micro Guide Casting Rods 6'10" Med Hvy

This is the exact rod I just got. I caught the sale that Tackle Warehouse had. It's propped up on the tree right now and I'm just waiting on Christmas!

[northern basser]

kistler ltx II 7' MH casting,  fast act.   Last years model brand new on ebay $199.  1/8-3/4oz. lures.

[weewilly]

Plus-1 on the kistler's.I have 11 of them and just really like the way they feel and perform.   PM or e-mail me I have some more info and sugg,but can't Pm yet.   

[BASSclary]

M/XF crucial has been working for me 

[adclem]

Falcon Cara T7 weightless worm rod along with a TD Fuego.

Later,

[barroncooper]

Falcon Cara T7 Micro Guide Casting Rods 6'10" Med Hvy

yes sirrr. X2

[philsoreel]

If you are going to spend $200 give or take $50....There's not a rod out there that can touch a Cumara in my opinion. Weight and sensitivity are unrivalled. I got mine for throwing a little heavier T-rig it is a 6'8'' Med Hvy. Extra fast paired with a Shimano Core 50. I typically throw 3/16-3/8 T-rigs and jigs. A 1/8oz T-rig is the smallest I throw on mine, but it still handles it quite well.

Much like you, I put a figure in my head($250) and went and felt of every rod I could find in that price range. The Cumara is what I ended up with. Just go feel the rod's and decide for yourself. Don't buy one because I or anyone else say this rods better than that one.

[jeb2]

Dobyns Champion 702C. However, if you want the ultimate in sensitivity and styling, you can step it up to the Champion Extreme DX742C. The additional length will help with casting and really makes a difference on hooksets, especially with a lot of line out. If you hurry, you can pick up the DX742C from BTD for $260. I guarantee you will not be disapointed with either, especially the Champion Extreme.

I agree. I got my DX742 on one of TW's recent sales and it was well under $250 delivered. Great rod for throwing sub-1/4oz rigs and jigs. Nice backbone and great sensitivity. Much better than my Loomis GLX BCR852 for that work. It feels almost like a light 3 power rod really, which is perfect for the kind of fishing I do with it. So maybe more like a 2.5, at least compared to my Loomis 2 and 3 power rods.

[Red]

I use the Lamiglas Excel 734C for throwing power worms with 1/8 tungston.  Paired with a Revo S-L I can cast it a country mile.  I do use braid however cuz I am normally fishing heavy cover.

[catchnm]

!/8 oz. weighted t-rigs are what I've thrown almost exclusively for the past three years now. I've used many rods and reels for this. I'm not in the financial bracket as some others here, so I'll just tell ya what I have used and what I am currently using. Started out with low end rods, Daiwa Team-V and All Star Classics. Both of these are $50 class rods. The All Stars more sensitive than the Daiwas. Using Citica D reels mainly and they were great for throwing the light weight rigs. Let me add here that out of all the reels that I've used for this technique the six-pin centrifugal braked reels work best. I purchased three of the Fenwick Techna AV rods last spring and WOW, what a difference. Set me on a path of acquiring more sensitive rods. I have found that there are some quite sensitive rods that can be had for $100 and under. St. Croix, Fenwick, All Star, and Falcon are four that make rods that are in this category for retail prices. Sales at the different sites and stores help a fellow to get more expensive rods at a decent price. Academy has a "rod blowout" a couple times a year and the more expensive rods are really marked down at this time.

I now use the above mentioned Fenwicks in 6'6" med. action and med/hvy, recently went to 7' rods, and the favorite is one I bought used here at the classifieds forum. It's a 7' med/hvy St. Croix Premier, love it. Was tossing a 1/8 oz. weighted Rage Craw just last Wednesday on this with a Pflueger TrionLP narrow spool reel wound up with 10 lb. YoZuri Ultra Soft. Was even pitching this rig 5-10 yards into the brush piles and having no problems with "professional overruns". I also now use a 7' med. action moderate taper All Star Platinum, and here goes.....a 7' BPS Tourney Special med/hvy. All the BPS rods are a bit on the heavy side, but man do they detect a strike! The Johnny Morris series rival many of the rods that are far more expensive. I tried out a 7' med Kistler Carbon Steel and a Browing Midas 7' med action but found that they were just to limber. Bottom line.....I use med. to med/hvy action rods the most for 1/8 oz. tex-rigs. I have also found that 6'6" med. action tends to be a bit stiffer that a 7' med. action and works better for the lighter t-rigs. I use Shimano Citica 200E reels, Pflueger Trions, 1 CU200B Curado, and H20 Xpress Mettle reels. All have the six-pin braking and all are spooled with 10 lb. YoZuri Hybrid Ultra Soft. 12-15 lb. Trilene Big Game will help get you a slower fall rate when you need it though.

Might not be what the others are recommending but for what I might pay for one rig I can have two this way. Not dissing anyone....Just my very humble two cents.