Anyone use a Loomis SJR 721 for jigging?

[Rapaleye]

I know a lot of you on this board like to use the IMX SJR722 for verticle jigging (I searched the archives) but have any of you used the Loomis IMX SJR721 or SJR720 for jigging 1/4 oz and lighter? I am looking for a rod to work lighter line and jigs and cross over as a panfish rod. What do you think?
Jim

[Jim S.]

Hey rapaleye,

I am fortunate enough to have both a 721 GLX and a 722 IMX that I use for jigging. I've got 6 lb. mono on the 721 and 8 lb. on the 722. As do most of the other Loomis users, I use the 722 for heavier jigs and deeper/faster water. The 721 is as good as they get for 1/4 oz and unnder. I've easily thrown 1" Power tubes on a 1/16th oz. jighead even though there are other rods that do it better, like the 720 you mentioned. IMO, the 720 is a better "crossover" rod for panfish, even though I don't use one. The 721 is more for bigger fish as it will easily handle big smallies as well as big 'eyes. I believe you'll love the 720 for what you want to do. Good fishin' Jim.

[REW]

I also have the same rods as the previous post.
i.e. a 721 glx, and a 722 IMX.
Interestingly enough - because of the different graphite - the relative stiffness, and relative fish handling ability of these two rods are almost identical.

I typically use the 721 all the time, but the action of the two rods is remarkably similar.

The glx graphite is a bit stiffer than the IMX. The imx graphite is a bit stiffer than the gl3. The gl3 is a bit stiffer than the gl2.

So, if you compare a gl 2 721 - to a glx 721 - the two rods will be like night and day. i.e. the gl2 will be significantly heavier, but it will be also markedly softer.

I do have to admit - that for much of my fishing, I think that the glx 721 is really too stiff.

As the previous post mentioned - for a cross over rod - the 720 is really a better choice.

The thing that my friends and I have both found, however, is that we still fish with both the 721 and the 722 - and they tend to be our favorite rods. Excellent feel, excellent balance, and super hook setting ability. The thing that you have to do, however, with both of these rods - is to fish with a light touch. i.e. because of its relative stiff tip - compared to a gl2 - 721 or a 720 rod - you have to fish with an almost open palm - when the bites are really light, so that you can feel the tickle of the bites.

If you use a bit lighter action rod, you can then - not only feel the tickle of the light bites, but you can also see the twitch of the rod tip. The problem, is that some rods, have this light tip going too far down the blank - and then, when it comes time to set the hook, there is not enough backbone to get a good hook set - and you lose another fish.

That is why, most of my friends as well as myself, tend to use a rod that is very slightly heavier, than required, simply not to lose fish on the hook set.

Smmary - the 721 - it the top of the line when it comes to a jig rod.
The Fenwick Technica, the St. Croix legend elite - are all rods of similar quality. Pick up any of these three rods in the medium light actions, and you will find the actions, and weight of the rods nearly identical.

You choose the one that works best for you.

By the way - if you choose to use the braids or other super line, or fire line - that has little stretch - then it is relatively easier to move to a softer action rod - one that might be actually labeled light action, or going to a st. croix premier, a g loomis gl2 or 3, or a fenwick hmg - all of which have softer and less stiff graphite - and still get excellent jigging results.

Again, you have lots of wonderful choices out there.

Take care
REW

[eek]

I have a 720 GL2 that I use all the time for smallmouth bass and shallow water walleyes. It works great for casting in confined spaces like smaller creeks and around docks etc. I keep 2 spools for it. 1 with 6 lb Fireline and 1 with 6 lb. Walleye green Magnathin. I find that this material GL2 is much tougher and somewhat more springy then any of my other GLX or IMX rods are. I have had some success with this little rod on almost everything from crappies and bluegills to fan casting light top water lures for smallmouth,including floating worms. However in deeper water I much prefer the longer rods, my favorite of all is the HSR 9000S in GLX. That rod really excels with light jigs, and even better with a light lindy rig or split shot rig. You need to practice with it, it is very easy to jump the gun, and take it right away before the fish gets the bait completely in it mouth.


eek

[JAK]

I use the GLX 721 for all of my 1/4 and 5/16 oz jigging. As you already know most of us that use it ,LOVE it. I have used it for some panfish, but a year ago I got talked into trying the SJR IMX 6400 for crappies. It works as well as my GLX does for Walleyes. In fact before the year was out I had to by a second one for my wife. Really ....it is that good!

When you can afford it, do yourself a favor and give it a try. I doubt that you would be dissapointed!

[Homer]

I'd think you'd do better with the 720 as a crossover rod. I vertical jig with WJR741s on the Detroit River, and have no problem fishing jigs up to 5/8 oz. with those rods. They're not light enough for my liking to use on panfish. Personally, my crossover rod is the IMX SR-842-2, although that's used for panfish/light rigging instead of panfish/jigging.

[Jim S.]

REW,

Thanks for expanding on my followup post regarding the Loomis rods. With many apologies to rapaleye for "stealing" time from his post but I wanted to quickly ask REW for his thoughts on the SJR782 GLX compared to the 721 GLX as another jig stick to consider. REW, have you ever "stillfished" (not sure what you mean but I assume it's lake fishing/casting jigs) with the 782 rod? The tip action feels lighter (in the store) than my 721GLX yet it's rated a '2'power by Loomis. I am considering this rod as MY ultimate stillfishing rod as I agree the 721 excels for vertical applications. Your thoughts, please...Thanks, Jim S.

[Rapaleye]

REW,
Thanks for taking the time to give such a thorough answer to my questions. I know you give a lot of good information on this board and it really helps guys like me make good decisions. Buying a $200 dollar rod is something I typically would put a lot of thought into and input like yours and the rest really helps.

Jim S. no problem jumping into the thread, I too would like to hear about the 782.

Thanks to all of you for your answers.
Jim