Vertical Jigging Rod

[walleye jigman]

What would you consider the ideal rod for vertical jigging blade baits (1/4 - 1/2 oz) when reservoir fishing? I am considering a St. Croix Legend Elite 6'3" medium power with Xfast action. Is their a downside to fishing with a rod with an Xfast action? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[neverenough]

>What would you consider the ideal rod for vertical jigging
>blade baits (1/4 - 1/2 oz) when reservoir fishing? I am
>considering a St. Croix Legend Elite 6'3" medium power with
>Xfast action. Is their a downside to fishing with a rod with
>an Xfast action? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.


Unlike crankbaits, quick hookset is key to catching fish with jigs, worms, or live bait. IMO a fast action is minimum, and an extra fast is the best.

G. Loomis offers a few jigging rods like the WJR742 spinning rod, fast action, medium power. They also offer a whole line of specific jig and worm rods which, I think, are casting rods. Fenwick also has a nice line of fast action rods. St. Croix, as you mention, also has a fine line of rods for jigging too. I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the above companies middle to high end rods. It's all a matter of what you prefer IMO. The feel of the handle, the balance, the price tag, the color, ect...

[Dodge1]

Loomis makes a line of spinning rods that are specifically designed for jig fishing.

http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/family.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032507&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441760493&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181201&bmUID=1169993901122

They come in 0, 1, 2, 3 and even 4 power and lengths from 5’ 1” to 7’ 10”. They also come in a variety of model (GL2, GL3, IMX, GLX) and needless to say prices.

When it comes to vertical jigging I prefer a 6’ to 6’ 8” length rod and while the GLX and the Elite are certainly sweet sticks, for this application I favor the IMX. Powers subjective but I’d suggest at least a 2 and wouldn’t go over a 3.

FYI, I’ve jigged with Elite’s, Avid’s, GLX’s and IMX’s and while I prefer the IMX you may not. Best advice is to compare the models side by side and pick the stick you prefer. Another option would be to let someone like Matt Davis (OtterRods), or REW, build you a custom jigging rod. Those two can also provide you with outstanding advice as to what blanks they prefer for your specific application and why.

[bdirks]

That rod is flat out awesome for vert. jigging. I own both the Tourney Elite and Avid series rods in the 6'3", X-fast set up and will say that they both are outstanding. The Tourney Elite series is lighter, which is better for jig fishing due to the fact that you have to hold onto the rod all day. Lighter weight means less fatigue. The rod tip is light allowing you to distiguish bottom types and contours and also allows you to do very subtle, short hops if necessary. The backbone of the X-Fast action is also great for jigging spoons, blade baits, and river jigs that have a tendency to flex the rod more when you lift. The x-Fast action gives you more control which is of the utmost importance when vert. jigging.

Add a small bodied reel and braided line, and you have a great vert. jigging setup. I just wish they made the same rod with a strait cork/Tennesee grip, then the rod would be absolutley perfect, atleast for me.

Just to mention, I believe that is the same rod Tommy Kemos used to jig up a win at the PWT Championships in 2006.

Good luck,
Brian

[REW]

Brian,
It is easy enough to make this rod with a Tennessee handle.
Give myself or Matt and call and we would happy to build one up for you.
Take care
REW

[REW]

This is a very ideal rod for that style fishing.

Depending on the width of the boat, and depth of water fishing - you might even find that a shorter 5'10" rod is even better for pure vertical jigging. Depending on the jig weight and the type line being used, you may like the shorter rod better than the slightly longer 6'3" rod.

Some folks feel that it is easier to see the tip - when vertical jigging on these shorter rods.

Both types are excellent. Just depends on your wishes.

Take care
REW

p.s.
If you fish during windy conditions, then many folks will opt for a shorter rod. There is less rod and line to catch the wind.

Conversely, if I am going to be using a rod for mainly casting, then I will opt for a 6'6", 7' or even 7'6" rod to get better casting distance.

[Brekk]

I like jigging 24/7. The other fellow that was talking about the IMX G-Loomis must also love to jig. This is a excellent all around rod. I have two models, a SJR721 fast action and a SJR720 EX. fast action. I use them both for rigging and jigging. You wouldn't go wrong on buying a G-Loomis. I prefer the SJR720 alittle more for jigging it can handle the lightest jig and all the way to a 3/8 with no problem. Once you get one in your hands and fish with it, you'll know why. The super high modulus graphite makes them unbelievably sensitive. If you got the cash get the cadilac. GLX. Good luck on your next rod purchase.

[Mattman]

The MXF from St. Croix is an excellent choice for what you are wanting to do. That is a popular blank with my customers for the type of fishing you are talking about.

Since you asked about down sides...I don't think you'd like cranking with that rod. It is not at all a forgiving rod for moving baits.


Matt Davis

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

[bigshooter]

i use an IMX SJR642S

finest vert jig rod i have ever fished.

[manitobawalleye]

rew just built me the exact rod last spring
st croix sciv 6-3 med x fast
blue alum tennesee handle
all blue guides also
the action of the rod is everything i wanted
we are actually just finallizing a sister rod in the 6-8" mxf
just sent rew a couple of photos to verify the threads and wrapping
a very nice rod to work all day

manitoba .... a 100,000 lakes
how many walleyes ????
i will never have enough time....

[Dan Palmer]

I recently had the opportunity to help in the design of a walleye jiggin rod from ESOX Rods. Handmade in the USA, very well balanced for all day long jigging, top notch components, careful detail into each and every rod. Dan Palmer NPAA#345