Jigging rods

[M.G]

Had the Shimano Sensilite rods. Had an accident and they were broke. Am now looking a couple of new jigging rods. What is good out there that is very sensitive in a price range of $50.00-$115.00. Have looked at the Shimano Compre and St. Croix Avid series.

Thanks

[Eyez]

I'm not familiar with the shimano compre rods but I understand that they're excellent. I'm a big fan of st. croix, and I've been raving for a couple years now about the as66mlf as a jigging rod, though some people like the 6 footer more. Light, sensitive enough to feel a minnow wiggle on monofilament line 20 feet down, and not near as fragile as the high end rods of other brands.


Eyez

[River_eye]

I own an avid, but the series one by berkly gets my vote for best value for the money. Extremely lightweight, almost as light as the avids, and really nice fast action.

[ReelDeal]

I like the Cabelas XML rod 6'ML 1 piece. I have 2 and just order another in 6'6" M.

[Capt. Paul]

Have two avid 6.0 MF and I love them. Use them for all my jigging in the Detroit river, like them better than partners Loomis in the same price range. Sensitive, strong, great hooksets with the fast action and Ripcord SI. Highly recommend them.

[Capt. Paul]

Have two avid 6.0 MF and I love them. Use them for all my jigging in the Detroit river, like them better than partners Loomis in the same price range. Sensitive, strong, great hooksets with the fast action and Ripcord SI. Highly recommend them.

[Voyageur II]

I love my St. Croix rods, from jigging to spinning to casting to trolling to fly fishing, the only rods I own that are not St. Croix are my ice rods from Thorn Brothers.

[Chuckles]

Don't know what size jigs your using but the avid that's a 6'3" MXF is an amazing piece of equipment rated at 1/8-3/8oz.... the 6'9" intrigues me but haven't checked one out yet. Good luck with your choices... Chuckles

[Spoonbill]

Was looking for jigging rods last year at this time and based on the recommendations from a number of folks on this board bought a couple of St. Croix AS66MLF rods. Great investment! A tremendous rod...great sensitivity. The Compre may be very good too..can't speak to that..but the Avids are excellent.

[Mattman]

I imagine that the Shimano rods are pretty good. I've heard the main reason Shimano bought Loomis was for technology. I'm guessing Shimano's quality has improved.

The Avid is a great rod. You would not be dissappointed in that rod at all. St. Croix makes a great product at a good price with a very good warranty.

When choosing your rod take note of what weights of jigs you use the most. Then find a blank whose lure ratings bracket your jig sizes. In my experience St. Croix is very accurate with their lure ratings on their rods.

Length is mostly a preference issue. Seems most people prefer 6 footers for jigging.

If you like fast action rods the XF rated rods are quite fast indeed. Great jig rods. And drop shot rods. If you prefer a moderate to fast action rod, don't even consider the XF's.




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

Matt Davis

[Aaron Abaurrea]

There are many fine jigging rods on the market Im sure. I do a LOT of jigging on my home waters of Devils Lake ND. I had just about every brand (or so it seems) of jigging rods. Last year I picked up 5 Shimano Compre rods. I personally like the 6' and 6.5' rods, Med, and fast action. I believe its the CPS-60MA, but go to the Shimano website and you can pick the rod that best suits your fishing needs. I have recently made a move to longer jigging rods.

GO JIG A PIG!!!!
Aaron

[RDJ]

MG, I started buying and using Berkley Series Ones for Jigging and Blading and will not turn back. I prefer the 6' lineup, its just a quick, light rod that handles jigs well. SOS601ML for light jigs(1/4 and lighter), SOS601M for mid weight jigs(1/8-1/2) and the SOS601MH for the heavier side(3/8 and up). Reeds has had them on sale all winter and it appears still has most sizes. $59.99 each!! Buy 2 and shipping is free!! These are last years models with cork above and below reel seat, the new models have exposed blank above the reel seat. I haven't tried a new one so I'm not sure if there's a huge advantage to paying more for a current year model. Still, 2 Series One's shipped to your door for $120, to me thats a no brainer..Good luck and have fun.... I need to quit going to that site, everytime I check to see if they're still on sale like this I end up ordering 2 more. Now, where did I put that VISA card???? See ya...RJ in Montana..

[Homer]

If you find an extra $20 to add to your budget, consider looking at Rogue rods. Quality similar to the Loomis IMX series, at a fraction of the price.

[REW]

I picked up a couple of rogue rods last year.
I agree that these are rods with excellent action and nice light blank weight.

I was disappointed on some of the workmanship on the rods themselves (rather spartan) and some of slightly inferior qualtiy.
However, the blank itself is great with excellent action.

Actually, on one of the rods, I liked the rod so much that I stripped the blank of its guides reel seat and grips.

I then started from scratch and rebuilt the rods with the accessories that I like on my rods. Now it is a super rod.

Great blanks.

Take care
REW

[backlash]

I was wondering about the differences between the 6' and 6'6'' in the AS from St. Croix. I do a lot of wader fishing, casting jigs. I usually use a 6' rod but am wondering if I would get more distance from a 6'6''. Are there other advantages with going to the 6'6''? The only drawback I could see is that it is tougher to land fish in waders using a longer rod.

[Mattman]

I do quite a few rods for wader fisherman. Doing 3 7 footers for Smallmouth waders right now. I think that a longer rod helps a wader fisherman more than it hurts them. Being so close to the waters surface you are robbed of some of the big advantages of being in a boat when it comes to your rods. A longer rod is going to give you more distance on a cast, a quicker hookset, better line management. I don't think the extra 6 inches will be noticed on landing a fish but I bet it will be on just about everything else.




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

Matt Davis

[REW]

If you are doing wader fishing, there is no need to stop at 6 1/2 or 7 feet.

I have made some nice casting rods up to 14 feet long.
You can cast a VERY LONG way with a 14 foot rod. Super hook set, and really no issue in landing the fish.

As Matt suggested, lots of readily available 7 footers work very well.

There are also lots of 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2 and a few 9 foot rods as well.

The key things with these longer rods, is to make sure that you do some back weighting on the handle.

With any of these longer rods, they are going to be tip heavy, unless you add weight on the butt of the rod.

I don't like a long rod handle at all. So, even though the rod is longer, I typically don't make the back grip any longer than about 3/4" the distance to my elbow. When it gets longer than that, it begans to interfere with my casting. So, with the 10-12 inch back grip, if I need to get rod balance, I simply add back weight to the blank, before I add the cork. Thus all of the back weight is inside the cork, and invisable.

Take care
REW

[SUPERTROLLER]

I think RDJ just might have your best option here. If you can find St. Croix Avid rods anywhere for $115 or less, I'm positive that about 20,000 others here would like to know where this bargain bin is located. The Premier Series rods are in this range but the Avids are much higher. I've not fished with either the Berkley or Shimano rods mentioned but many people over the years have expressed great satisfaction with the Berkley Series One rods. It's probably a good idea to check them out somewhere near you to see if you like them and if they aren't priced the same as his reference, then order them. These rods where always priced around $100 in the past so to get them at such a discount just because of a handle change seems like a good idea. I'd probably like the cork in front of the reel seat better anyways. Good luck in your search. It's fun being able to afford a couple of nicer rods. Take your time and make sure you get something you'll really like.

[Backlash]

Thanks for the info. guys. I will probably go with the 6'6'' St. Croix. The reason I was asking about the length is that I had a buddy along with me once and he was using a 7' . He had a heck of a time landing big fish because of the length. When the fish was near, he would have to hold his rod almost verticle to the water in order to grab it. No, I don't carry a net with. I still have time to think about it. We still have a couple feet of ice in SD.

[Otter]

I love my 6' St. Croix jigging rods, but you mentioned you do wading and casting light jigs. In that case, I think tht you will be happier with the 6'6". I use 6'6" also for my rigging and bobber rods.

[Bill Sloneker]

REW, as the Rogue Rod rep in Minnesota I was surprised by your comments. The rods we build have FUJI Alconite concept guides and Fuji reel seats which should be totally comparble to Loomis and Croix product. We also sell our rods with the finely sanded naked finish rather than adding weight and cost to only make the rod shine. We will compare very favorably in weight to the Loomis IMX and Croix Avid for quite a bit less money and have a life time warranty to the original purchaser.
I invite anyone to Visit Rogue's web site at www.roguerodsusa.com and get a further education on our product.
Bill Sloneker
GuideMasters

[Noah Lott]

Bill,

I think REW was having a bad day. I have 6-7 Rogue Rods and you guys have nothing to apologize for.

p.s. I can't wait to see the new drop shot rod!

[Bill Sloneker]

If you live in the Minneapolis area we will be having a large assortment of the rods at our both includung the new drop shot rods.These rods have the REC Titanium Recoil Guides on them which are way cool and virtually indestructible. Thanks for the positive feed back.
Bill Sloneker

[Bill Sloneker]

I need some sleep! LOL!! The booth will be at the Minneapolis Sport Show March 3-7.
Bill Sloneker

[Noah Lott]

I've been bugging Lory to tell me where I could see the drop shot rod. It's good to know you'll have some at the show. I scheduled a business trip ;-) to be in the area while the show is running. Provided something else doesn't get in the way, I'll be there. Will you have your own booth? If no, which booth will you be in?

[Bill Sloneker]

We will be in the GuideMasters booth which will be featuring Rogue and the ProAnchor.
Bill Sloneker

[REW]

Bill,
With respect to my earlier comment, I found it to be true for one rod only.
The several other rods were just fine.

I didn't have any problem with the components, I just had a problem with the workmanship on one particular rod. i.e. the handle was poorly placed, and the guide placement was incorrect.

As I said, the several other rods that I have were just fine.

Absolutely love the blanks. A very superior product.

Thanks again for your attention, Bill
Take care
REW

[REW]

Bill,
With respect to my earlier comment, I found it to be true for one rod only.
The several other rods were just fine.

I didn't have any problem with the components, I just had a problem with the workmanship on one particular rod. i.e. the handle was poorly placed, and the guide placement was incorrect.

As I said, the several other rods that I have were just fine.

Absolutely love the blanks. A very superior product.

Thanks again for your attention, Bill
Take care
REW

[oh no]

Back pedal big fella, back pedal!

[Bill Sloneker]

"Oh no" , play nice now. I have always respected REW's feedback as his comments on this board tend to be well researched and practical. As a manufacturer we also want to here about any problems so we can keep happy customers. On that note to REW, please feel free to email me directly at bill@advancesales.net so if there are any pending warranty issues we can resolve them.

[senorgoogle]

i would recomend st. croix or lamiglass. G-loomis is too over priced and their return policy sucks the cack

[loomis guy]

Yea Loomis returns suck! Just called tues. new rod was at my door today! Beat that service.

[REW]

Bill,
Thanks for the offer.
As I said, I loved the blank, just didn't like the way that it was put together. Mostly personal preference, I suspect.
I took it apart, and rebuilt it with the handles and guides that I like on my rods, and it has become one of my favorite rods.

Thanks again.
REW

[bottomfisher]

I use Cabela's TXS Bass rod 6'3.It's great.I broke one last spring, called Cabela's, 3 days later a new rod was at my door. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!

[Mattman]

Loomis has the best warranty policy in the business. St. Croix is second.



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

Matt Davis

[Tripper]

I love Loomis rods, but maybe you guys in the States have it better than us in Canada when it comes to warranty service. Loomis Canada is difficult to deal with in my opinion. If they deem a breakage to be your fault (which seems to be most cases) you are charged for the broken section. Very rarely do they deem a break to be a flaw in the rod. There's definitely something to be said for American customer service. I've dealt with the people from St. Croix on a couple of occasions and they are great. Super friendly, and obviously interested in helping. Sadly, I can't say the same for most large Canadian retailers.

[Bill Sloneker]

Just to set the record straight: I have used Loomis and Croix rods over the years and have the utmost respect for them. However, that said, the Loomis warranty is no better than the Rogue warranty as they both have a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.
I have reveiwed the current Loomis warranty on their web site to be sure I would have my facts straight.
Bill Sloneker

[Mattman]

Bill - Does Rogue offer a program similar to Loomis' Xpeditor Program. This program is what puts Loomis on the top of the warranty game.



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

Matt Davis

[Bill Sloneker]

Matt, my comments were aimed at the standard warranty program which calls for the rod to be returned with $20 for shipping and handling which is the same for Loomis and Rogue. The expeditor program has a $65 cost associated with it which puts it in another category. We do have an over the counter warranty for larger dealers that has a a $40 cost associated with it. A Rogue 6' spinning rod retails for $139.00 compared to a Loomis IMX at $210.00 I can't speak directly for Rogue on this but from a customer perspective a $65 charge for a rod they paid $139 for may be a little steep.
I do agree that the Loomis program is attractive particularly for some that may have a favorite rod they need for an upcoming trip and do not want to wait a few extrs days.
Thank you for you feedback and comments.
Bill Sloneker

[Mattman]

Bill - Plenty of manufacturers offer a similar standard warranty as Loomis. Rogue included. But you said it all with, "The expeditor program has a $65 cost associated with it which puts it in another category." Indeed it does put it into another category. That is why Loomis has the best warranty program going. Not that Rogue or St. Croix or others have bad warranties, Loomis just has the best. The Xpeditor puts them on the top of the heap.

$65 is not too much to ask to get a new rod at your door in 2 days or less. And then have 30 days to return your broken one. As someone who is shipping and receiving rods quite a bit I know what an overnight delvery charge runs on a rod tube. $65 is a steal for that service.

Rouge offers an excellent warranty and I'm not trying to indicate otherwise. I wish Rogue all the best as I'm very impressed with the things I hear about their rod blanks. And their pricing. I've been trying to sell a few blanks as a matter of fact. And I will most likely be ordering one for myself quite soon.



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

Matt Davis

[Bill Sloneker]

Matt, thanks for the dialogue. If you happen to get down to the Minneapolis Sport show please look me up. I enjoy talking to individuals that build costom rods as they seem to have a good feel for what the fisherman wants and we can always learn something from guys like you.
Bill Sloneker

[Mattman]

IF I make it down, I will most certainly look you up Bill. It would be a pleasure.


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

Matt Davis

[Noah Lott]

With the money I save NOT buying Loomis rods, I could (with a clear conscience) go out and buy a new Rogue rod to add to my quiver while I waited for my warranty replacement. Rogue was extremely prompt and more than fair about replacing the rod I broke. That puts them at the top of the list as far as I'm concerned.

[Chuckles]

Thst is the beauty of a fair market economy - it's all about what floats your boat. That said I have built many loomis and st. croix rods and my wife wants me to build her a Rogue jigging stick for the spring walleye season so I'll get some insight into what you guys are raving about with Rogue. We'll give them a shot at impressing us! Chuckles