REW – HSR9000S?

[Dodge1]

I know you’ve built a couple of these rods and I’ve read your old postings but I’m still in somewhat of a quandary. I would be using this rod primarily for casting/trolling #5 and #7 raps and pitching ¼ oz jigs, but in your opinion; is the IMX really worth the extra $’s over the GL3/GL2?

[Mattman]

Dodge1 - Not to step in before REW can reply but... On REW's recommendation I built myself a HS9000 in GL2. I also built one for my brother-in-law. Mine is a spinning rod and his is a spiral wrapped baitcaster. GREAT ROD for rigging! Haven't fished with a better rigging rod. I don't think that the IMX would be a better choice for that though. And REW seems to feel the same way. The IMX has a much stiffer action to it. And for rigging a softer action is much better, for me at least. I think that you would like the IMX HSR9000 very much for throwing jigs, but for trolling I don't think you'd like it as much as a GL2 or 3 because of its stiffness.


Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

Matt Davis

[REW]

Matt is exactly correct.

The IMX is fine for pitching 1/4-1/2 oz jigs.
I think that it is a bit stiff for casting any thing lighter.
It would also be fine, if you were casting crank baits.

However, for trolling, Iwould just as soon have a gl2 or gl3 - softer overall rod.

Also, for rigging - I agree that the gl2 or gl3 is a much better rod.

As far as jigging is concerned - I think that for most instances, the 7'6" standard length of the hms9000 is a bit on the long side. I tend to use a jigging rod no longer than 7 foot, and generally a 6 to a 6 1/2 foot rod. If I am river fishing, and want to be close to the boat: I use a 5 1/2 foot rod - for vertical fishing.

Note:
One place that I have found that an IMX 9000 rod really excells, and that is pulling spinners with about 1/2 to 3/4 oz weight. The rod loads very nicely with this weight, and pull of the spinner, but still have a soft enough tip to see the action of the bait; and enough butt strength for the larger fish.

Take care
REW

[ND]

In my arsenal of jigging rods I carry a 7.6 length......in drifting , I find ocasional need for reach that the longer rod offers.The " reach", is a comfort thing along the shore and in shalower water.Has paid off in past........but is not the only rod on board.

[Dodge1]

REW and Matt, thank you both for the help.