Best deep jigging rod/reel combo?

[Ron]

LAST EDITED ON May-10-00 AT 04:32PM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON May-10-00 AT 03:52*PM (CST)

What would you recommend in the way of a rod/reel combination for deep (15-45 ft, and a lot of it 30+) jigging with 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs? I'd be fishing mainly for walleyes, but the walleyes run big and there are also lots of 20 and 30# stripers in the lake, so I need something that handle them if I latch onto one. Since it's been a tough year and I owe myself a treat, price will be no object on this one. Thanks.

[AquaMan]

LAST EDITED ON May-10-00 AT 04:10PM (CST)[p]Are you looking for spinning or baitcasting rigs?

Look at the FigRig Rods. (FigRigRods.com) They have a heavy series, The Muskie Rods, that might be the ticket for that size fish/fight. The rods run $100-$120 and are very smooth. Otherwise the creame de creame...the Fiber Max PSB 662 ($182) would handle those with a little more finesse and provide you with a wider range of jigging styles and fish, while providing an smooth fight.

Personally, I like the (#1) Shimano and (#2) Daiwa spinning reels, but I know a lot of guys are talking about the Okura reels for the money.

Either way, have fun and save some $ for the bait, gas and beverages.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Ron]

LAST EDITED ON May-10-00 AT 04:34PM (CST)[p]I didn't post the clearest of messages, so I did an edit. I'm looking for a finesse rig that will also handle big walleyes and even bigger stripers if I happen to have the good fortune!

[Jeremy(WI)]

I've been using a G Loomis IMX SJR721 with a Daiwa Emblem S reel at a local dam fishing close to 40ft, casting 5/16 and 1/4oz jigs. Performs great and has good durability, pulled in a 60lb(estimate) paddlefish that snagged on my jig- had to be more wear and tear on my arm than the pole. Using the pole now with 1/16oz jigs catching crappie

[Weyes1]

LAST EDITED ON May-10-00 AT 10:58PM (CST)[p]Iwould recommend the St. Croix Legend Elite. You would probably want to go with the 6'3" M Extra Fast Action. I have two of the 6' ML with the fast actions and they are awsome! For a reel I would recommend the Pinnacle Dead Bolt Limited (DNL30). Pinnacles have the smoothest drag on the market. Believe me, I have tried a lot of different rods and reels and you can't beat this combination.
I would recommend getting a light reel, because the rods are so light. Let me tell you that the weight to power ratio will shock you. These rods have so much power and sensitivity you won't believe it. I could fish for days with these rods and hardly get tired from holding them.
Just my two cents.
Weyes1

[Ron]

I checked out my Bass Pro and Cabela's catalogs and couldn't find St. Croix. Did they stop carrying them, or are my headlights just getting dim?

[AquaMan]

I would still go with the Fiber Pro ISB 662 or the Fiber Max PSB 662. Both are Medium Fast 6'6" rods that have a fiber optic line running from tip to butt for incredible sensitivity. The backbone on this rod is so good you will set hooks without even trying.

Love these rods and you will too.

Add a Shimano Spirex SR-200RB with Fightin' Rear Drag and you have a very sharp rig. Wind on some Trilene XL or Fireline to top it all off.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Todd_NE]

I would personally try to separate rods out for over and under the 30' depth (roughly anyway)

For over 30' vertical jigging I go to a 7' spinning rod, under I like either 5'9". 6' - 6'3" is ok too. I think a good one rod compromise would be the 6'3" if you can only have one rod. I tend to like either short or long rods personally for jigging and have two rigged with different jig weights, personal preference I guess.

I like a longer rod for better hookset and line pick up, remember though your jiging motions are accenuated as you lengthen your rod. You might also try to get a bigger spooled reel. If you use superlines, get a "softer" action than if you use mono.

For light jigs, stick to ML or M rods. You might check out Fore Rods (custom St. Croix or Loomis at very good prices), or whoever you like. I would say that I use a lot of 5/8 oz jigs in 35+ water in slight to moderate current and I've found my lighter weight quality rods to handle them with aplomb.

Another consideration is handles. Length, style, etc. I like thin handles that are medium length with as short of a fore grip as possible, some guys hate longer handles, love short handles etc.

Have fun

Todd

[Jeremy(WI)]

St Croix rods are on page 45 of Cabelas Tackle Shop Catalog, page 39 of Master Catalog Spring 2000 edition 1