Loomis question for roadwarrior

[fishindad]

Greetings!

I have a question for roadwarrior and any other users of the Loomis PR844S rod. I am wanting to get a premium spinning rod, 7-7.5 ft. to throw 4"-5" single tail grubs for smallies. With 1/8-1/4 oz darter heads, typically, and mostly 3/16th oz. My decision comes down to the SJR902 IMX or the PR844S GLX rod. I am thinking that a mod action is better? I now own most to all fast action (MBR as well as Techna AV). I will also use either 6-8lb. (dia) Tectan or perhaps 10 lb. Fireline. In your opinion(s), which rod would work better, the 902 or the 844? I know it's apples (IMX) to oranges (GLX) thus not a fair comparison but I care more about function really, especially if I use Fireline. Is the 844 really a "live bait only" kinda rod? The 902 was designed for big water tubes and grubs which I now do but with a 6 1/2 footer. Can anyone help a guy out? Thanks much!

Jim

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

G. Loomis rates their saltwater rods differently than freshwater equipment. The PR844S is rated M/F, but I think it's medium-heavy power/ moderate to almost slow action. I think this rod or its baitcasting twin (844C) would make a GREAT crankbait-topwater-jerkbait rod. The action is too slow for soft plastics. I use mine exclusively fishing for smallmouth, using live bait. It is my favorite rod and I have it matched with a Shimano Stella 2500FB.

p.s. Give the Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft a try. I recommend #6 to most guys, but I fish #4 too. I am sure you will like this line much better than Fireline.

[fishindad]

Thanks for the advice roadwarrior. The reason I asked is because the grubs I fish have an open (exposed) hook though much "beefier" than a live bait hook. I think the PR would have enough backbone to drive the hook in as long as I keep pressure on the fish. What about one of the Bronzeback rods such as the SMR882-SP or the SMR822-SP in GLX? Both are I assume typical fast action Loomis rods. It's just that I want (don't we all) maximum sensitivity, extra casting distance, and tops at keeping the fish hooked (not that I lose many big smallies). It's a lot of cash to drop one one rod but it would be my main rod for grub fishing which is my favorite technique. Thanks. Oh and I will give the 6 lb. Yo-zuri line a try for sure!

[roadwarrior]

Get the PR844S and see if it works out for you fishing grubs. If it does, great! If it doesn't you will find other uses for this equipment. As I said earlier, this is my favorite rod and you will like it, too. Otherwise, I would consider the SJR843S.

[dgquail]

I use a Loomis BCR803 glx, to fish grubs. After fishing several loomis rods both spincast and baitcast, I settled on this rod because of the "extra fast" tip rating. I can feel a leaf on my hook. I fish 1/4 oz. gama. jig heads with 4" grubs.  Personally, If I was deadset on a spincast and going to exclusively fish grubs, I would try out one of the Loomis Shakey Head rods. They have the "extra fast" tip and plenty of backbone. Hope this helps.

ps-if you have a choice, buy the "GLX", it is worth it

[fishindad]

Thanks fellows. I will try to get to Cabela's soon and feel the PR844S for myself. I don't think they have the GLX Bronzeback rod on the floor which is too bad. I want to stay away from extra fast action rods, they just don't work for me as far as keeping big smallies buttoned. I will drop the coin for a GLX since it will be my main smallmouth rod also. Good fishin' to you...

Jim

[dgquail]

GOOD FISHING!