Rod Question- Walleye Angler Signature Series

[tj1n]

I'm in the market for a new jiggin rod...Today I compared a bunch of high end models (medium light action) and think I've convinced myself that the HM85 Walleye Angler Signature Series is the best my money (not much) can buy?

I also looked at their 45M rod for this year and it seems like one heck of a rod. I will be equipping either rod with a Shimano Stradic as I'm sold that this is the best reel for jiggin/riggin. What's your opionion considering these prices:

HM85 w/ Stradic reel combo price $169
or
HM45 w/ Stradic reel combo price $144

Can and will this be an effective combo for riggin as well or is the rod too short?

Thanks in advance,
Travis J.

[Dutchman]

I've got 4 of the BPS HM85 rods, and there a sweet rod. I also have 3 of the HM54 Extreme rods, and these to are great rods, right now you can buy 3 HM 54 Extreme rods for the price of 2, a very good deal. This would allow you to get one each for different aplications. Just a thought....


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[tj1n]

Dutch, where can you buy two of the HM54 and get the third FREE and how much are the first two?

Also, for jigging should I go to the 1000 series Stradic vs. the 2000?

Travis J.

[REW]

You can go with either size reel for jigging, and either will work fine.

I have had several of the 1000 sized reels over the years, and still do, but I seldom use them any more.

The main reason is the number of cranks that it takes to retreive a long cast jig.

Lets say that you are having to cast a good bit - to avoid spooking the fish. You know that the fish are in a particular spot - but you need to stay a good distance away from them to keep from spooking them.

The situation is then ; you have a relatively small fish holding area - relative - i.e. to the length of your cast - that actually hold fish.

Thus, when you clear the fish holding area, it is to your livewells advantage to quickly reel your line, jig and bait in for another cast - past the area that holds fish.

With a larger sized reel, it will take fewer turns to reel in this line. Also, the larger reel, because of the inherently fewer loops in the line will allow you to cast even further.

For example - if you look at the record distance casting reels - you will find them to have an extremely large spool - off the front of which - is spooled the line. Again, the larger the spool size - the less friction, the fewer loops, and the further you will be able to cast. Also, the larger the spool size - assuming that the gear ratio is the same - the fewer number of cranks will be required this same - long casted line.

Take care
REW

p.s.
I know that you mention the Shimano Stradic -- it is truley a fine reel. However, don't overlook some of the Cabella's and Bass Pro - "house reels". Many of these represent an excellent quality reel, at a very reasonable price.

If you check the assembly points for the Shimano reels - of various models, and some of these "Cabella's and Bass pro house reels" you will find that they are assembled in the same areas. i.e. Pakastain, Korea, Mexico etc. etc. etc.

They are assembled in these areas for one simple reason - cheap labor. But, although the labor is cheap - does not mean that they still don't produce an excellent reel.

[tj1n]

Rew/Dutch,

Thanks for the insight.. I love these rods at least out of the water. I like that they are so easily balance with the screw on the butt. Planning on buy the 6' ML, is this enough rod to use for Riggin as well or should I do as Dutch suggested and get a longer one too or will one in the 6'6" range be better for both?

Also, I think I'm convinced to change over my fireline to Power Pro 10/2 green moss. Any insight here?

Why can't I just pick the powerball #'s correctly?

Thanks again,
Travis J.

[REW]

If you have a soft tipped rod, with good back bone - it will work fine - both as a jig stick and as a rigging stick.

A better rigging stick is a longer rod, that stays softer back into the rod - this would be considered a moderate action rod. This allows the fish to pick up and run with the bait a bit, before feeling the bait. This allows you to open the bail and feed line, before the fish feels the bite.

Start with the 6'ml, or 6'medium for jigging and get the 6'6" or 7' medium light for rigging.

I personally am using the 7' and the 7'6" rods exclusively for rigging.

I tend to use either a 6 or a 6'6" for jigging.

If I am river jigging straight down - I will often use a 5'10" extra fast for its extra feel that I get with this rod.

Take care
REW

[Marble Eyes]

Travis-Go to or get ahold of BPS. I received their mailer yesterday.

They have the Shimano Stradic Reels with a BPS Rod for 119.00
during a week long sale that starts next week I believe. I saw them on a rack when I was down there a couple of weeks ago, and at the price they had then, (somewhere around 150.00) I was tempted to pick up a couple. Come next week, I will own two more. :)

I personally like the 2000 size, I have one spool rigged up with 6/2 fireline for jigging and the other with Yozuri 8 lb. mono/fluoro. for other applications.

[walter]

tj1n,

I would agree with Dutchman, the HM85 is the way to go. My G-Loomis jig rod takes a back seat to the HM85 and it was more than twice the price. Also, I would stay away from the HM54. The HM85 has much more sensitivity.

[Gary Parsons]

Hi guys,
Just wanted to let you know that the 6 foot HM-85 jigging rod is new this year and replaces the old 5'9" version. The HM-85 modulus graphite blank gives an unbelievable amount of sensitivity coupled with light weight. The rod was in fact designed to compete with rods that were three times more costly and after fishing with this walleye weapon we think you'll agree. Sorry if I sound a little like a commercial, but of all the rods we designed for BP, the 6 foot and 7 foot HM-85 rods are the ones we are most proud of and we think they are the best value on the market. We've always felt that even when they were offered in the 5'9" and 6'6" lengths they did not get the credit or exposure they deserved. As a side bar, almost everyone of my partners on the PWT trail who has been in a jigging bite and used one of these rods has ended up purchasing one or more! That's a pretty good indication of their functionality! OK I hear ya...no more soap box. Well Good Luck and hope to see you on the water. Gary Parsons

[RDJ]

I'm using one of the IM-8 6'ML Walleye Angler "Jiggin" rods and just love it. I'm using it with a 1000 series BPS "Pro Qualifier" reel and the two make a great set up. Well balanced and light enough to jig for extended periods of time with out strain or discomfort. I have used the rod for jigging up to 1/2 oz but feel this was about the outer limits as far as weight goes. To me with this size lead the rod was loading up pretty well to pick it up. Wasn't horrible but I would go to a Med action to for this size jig or up. I would also like to comment on the reel as well. The BPS "Pro Qualifier" spinning reels are well worth a try. Very tightly made with crisp and solid anti-reverse. Super smooth reel with nice drag system and best of all, if you watch the flyers they quite often have them on sale for substantial savings since their BPS products. Just FYI for who ever wants to read it.
As far as the rod being used for Rigging, I personaly would not. In fact I am going to be upgrading my main rigging rod and am going to try one of the 7' 85M rods. I just don't feel that the 6' rod will allow for the kind of line pickup needed for rigging and a nice long hook set. Also, if you like to use any heavier weights like 1/2 or 3/4 regularly, the 7' will definitely handle it better. Just my opinions, good luck with whatever you buy. RJ in Montana

[tj1n]

I bought the 6' ML HM85 today with a Stradic reel for $165. I love this rod.

I also checked out the new Scheels Outfitter series and they have yet to unveil their newest rod using the St. Croix Elite blanks which is gonna sell for $150 -

Anyway I bought last years version of the 6'6" MH Outfitter in the IM8 blank for 1/2 price ($30) at Scheels in Sioux Falls today, which I thought was a great deal.

Also, FYI - Scheels is going to be holding their 100 yr. anniversary sale the first week in March and I was told they are gonna have the best prices they've ever had on all "Outfitter" gear including: Raingear, Rods, Reels, Bags, etc.... Save your money!!!! I will.

Travis J.