Thread: Rod Recommendation

Oops, double post.

Thanks to all y'all for the replies so far.

I've several OA rods already, most of which I'm very satisfied with, but nothing has stood out amongst their Inshore rods for me.
So I'm looking at some name brand for better specs/quality and most of all, sensitivity.
Basically it's a freebie with the gift cards, so I'm good with the higher cost.

Yes, I usually try to match the rod/reel before buying.

What I'm really looking for is recommendations on a rod dedicated for the two primary species.
Something really sensitive yet with backbone.
I want to feel the bottom working a jig, feel a freelined shrimp kicking and when the fish pick it up.

Will Med-light be too light for the pier?

Fast or X-fast for best sensitivity and hook sets?

Since we often need 1/2-1oz of weight on a Carolina rig for Flounder, should I go with a Lure rating of 1/8-5/8 or 1/4-3/4 or heavier?
Will it matter since generally not casting far or repeatedly, more a matter of sensitivity?

Heck, the more I think about it the more I think I want a rod for each.... My name is John and I'm a gear junkie.

Originally Posted by jollymon

FYI on the St.Croix Mojo rods, look at there website at the Mojo surf ,there is a video, watch it.

It's the only place were they tell you that it was engineered for Braided line. Not Mono.

Not saying you can't use it, it just won't cast worth a hoot, I know because I did it,

A St.Croix Rep. Hooked me up with one, I though it was going to be "The Hot Casting Deal",

Nope, so I called him and told him about it, He had no idea, we went over all the obvious questions.

No clue, So I send customer service a email and give them a shot, Well the first thing they asked me was what Braid was I using, told them Mono not Braid, They said that Mojo's were made for Braid.

That's when they asked if I'd watched the video, it's in there, and it's true for all the Mojo's

Wish they had put it out in the specs. Filled it with Braid and it's a killer.

I had the same concern, bought the Mojo surf spinning rod and noticed the small guide openings, I thought it was a mislabeled casting rod. I emailed St.Croix and yes they are designed for braid line. Not being a braid fan I returned the rod.

Went with...
Shimano Teramar 7' Med/Fast, 8-17# line, 3/8-1oz lure
Daiwa BG SW 3000, spooled with 10#

Have decided that this is my new Spanish rig.

Just gonna have to get another rig, shorter/lighter, there was another Teramar, a 6'6" Med/Fast, 6-12#, 1/8-1/2oz, that wanted me to take it home too.

Surprised here that no one has mentioned the 7'6 uglystik inshore select rods. I've a few of them and they cast well, are of a reasonable weight and are tough as nails. They are significantly less whippy than the gx2 line and a much better rod in my opinion. For 50-60$ very tough to beat. Mine are rated 1/8-3/4 and they cast very well with up to an ounce (never tried more than that). Primarily fish mine with Mitchell 198 reel and have caught plenty of stripers, hybrids of good size, largest fish was a 20 lb flathead cat that grabbed a jig in tailwater current at high release (20,000 cu/ft/sec at the dam). If you can imagine fighting a 20 lb flathead in current below tailwater like that you'll understand my considereable faith in these rods. Only downside I've found is that they don't break down for travel.

Shakespeare's Ugly Stiks have a well deserved good reputation.
They make rock solid, no frills, functional rods that are inexpensive, yet not cheap... Yeah, there's a difference.

I have one Ugly Stick and am pleased with it, I use it primarily as a Catfish rod, but also for general purpose bottom fishing.
It's a Big Water 7', Heavy, 15-40# line, I've an original Penn Battle 5000 on it spooled with 20# mono.
It's seen some big Cats, Reds and rays.

John, if you want a dedicated trout rod, I would recommend going to J&M and take a look at the Contour XT6 Graphite 7' - 6-12 lb. line, 1/4 - 5/8 oz lure wt. It has a light tip for casting weightless live shrimp but enough backbone to handle that stud when he decides to bite and it is very light weight. 2500 series reel with 6 lb. mono or fluorocarbon. Would also make a good flounder rod.

If you still have Bass Pro Shop gift cards, Look at the Ugly Stick ISSP 1170 1ML 7' Medium Light 6-15 lb. line 1/8 - 1/2 oz. lure wt. It has a split grip, casts weightless live shrimp pretty good but don't have quiet as much backbone as the Contour. I use both the Ugly Stick and the Contour and both are very good speck rods in my opinion.

Finally went back with another GC and bought the Teramar 6'6", Medium/Extra Fast, 6-12#, 1/8-1/2oz.
Going to pair with either a Penn 4300SS or 4400SS.

That aught to work well for Specks/Flounder.