Looking for the best Walleye Rod For Jigging for about $150
Fred_G
02-20-2002, 05:24 PM
Check this one out: http://www.reedssports.com/Cgi-Bin/Webc.exe/Catalog/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2832&p_catid=823&sid=2Qs4R83
Fred
Basically the entire line of St. Croix Avid series are great rods that sell for $150 - the medium light and medium action rods make great jig rods.
The walleye jig rods from bass pro - are wonderful rods as well - typically $100 - for their best rod.
Some of the models of Fenwick are great $100 - $150 rods as well.
The Gl - 2 G loomis sells for about that price as well and makes a fine jigging rod.
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You can talk about sensitivity, stiffness, balance - but the bottom line - what works for you.
In general a lighter rod is easier to balance, a lighter rod is typically more sensitive at the end of a long fishing day.
A higher modulus (translates to more expensive) graphite generally is stiffer, and lighter than a rod composed of lower modulus graphite.
I think that the two most important things for you as a jig fisherman are
1. Action - i.e. medium, medium light, fast tip, extra fast tip.
2. Balance - with the reel that you want to run, does the rod sit level in your hand -- if not, get a balancing kit to make it level, or find a different rod.
3. Weight - In general, if you go with a lighter phyaical rod weight - you are normally looking at a higher price, but it also normally translates to more sensitivity.
The thing that one must realize is that there is a tradeoff between all of these variables. i.e. action, weight, cost, modulus of graphite, balance, etc. etc. etc. It is up to YOU as the buyer to determine - which - if any or all - of these variables are important to you as a fisherman, and buy accordingly.
The key thing to remember is that most jigging applications involve in the long term use of this rod on a given day - so you are looking for light weight, sensitivity, balance, comfort - and correct blank action, and tip action for the most effective fishing.
Try out a couple - check them in the store - on the water is even better, then you decide what is best for you.
By the way - don't be mislead into believing that it is necessary to buy a $150 - $500 jig rod, to catch fish. Lots of walleyes are caught by $10 - k-mart specials. Does a more expensive rod fish better, is it more balanced, is itmore comfortable -- yes to all of these questions. However, it is only up to you to decide - which if any or all of these variables are important to you.
Take care
REW
Rockbanger
02-20-2002, 05:48 PM
I have become attached to Hagen's series 601. It is light weight, balance well, fast tip, and a good backbone. This rod sells for around $100 or slightly less.