Jigging Rods- What are you Using?????

[Jeff S]

I asked this post previously; & All I got were (at least seemed too)
responses that "everybody" seems to use G Loomis rods?

Is this what everybody fishes?

What to the "less affluent" people of the world use?

Thanx

[MeSoPoor]

I make less than I care to discuss. No fancy boat or electronics. I usually go fishing with buddies that have boats or fish from shore. But, I do buy Loomis. I will have them for the rest of my life and they help me catch more fish!

[Me fullof it]

Ya right!

[Fred_G]

While I do have a Loomis Walleye Series rod (6' 2" light) which I use a lot, I also have a Berkley Gary Roach rod (7' 0" Medium) that I like very well. I use this more for the 3/8 oz and up jigs and for rigging. I also have some Fenwick HMG series rods that I like very well. I don't believe that you have to buy Loomis to get quality and sensitivity. There are many other rods out there that will do the job very well at substantially less cost. Just my opinion. Fred

[MeSoPoor]

"Ya right," which part? Do you not believe that someone who doesn't make much can't afford a Loomis. It is all in priorities. I am single, pay three hundred a month for rent, and don't even have a home phone. However, my one passion is fishing and I now have six Loomy's. It will be eight by opener. Their quality and sensitivity is second to none and that is why I buy them.

[Tom (Mich)]

I spend a mountain of cash each season in my pursuit of fish and game, although I have no Loomies. I'd much rather spend the $$ on high quality reels. For jigging, I use the Roach series rods and they've worked great for me. That said, I've never used one of the high end rods, so I may not be aware of what I'm missing.

[sib]

jeff,
i fish with my nephews(7 & 9) on a regular basis. my rods maybe landing a lunker one moment and in a swashbuckling sword fight the next. so, naturally i don't want to put to much into rods that get used in such a manner. i look for decent rods at good prices. to me what it's made of is more important than who makes it. i have a couple gander mt guide series that fit that bill and have no real complaints. cabela's also has their line of gear, which may be of similar quality. both companies have rods made of Im6, Im7 and Im8. I usually go with Im7.

"go outside and play"
sib

[no phone but have a computer]

bser, no phone but have a computer, just tell them about the rod u use and leave the bs on someother site

[Lund_Dude]

I have a personal preferance for StCroix. I have a couple Legends, but my favorite jig stick is a 6' ML Avid. I have a 7' ML custom rod from B&B Rods in Ripon, WI that was built on an Avid blank that I use for Lindy rigs. I have broken a couple St Croix rods in stupid events (including a boat accident) in all cases StCroix replaced the rod at no charge (other than shipping). I am a satisfied customer.

[MeSoPoor]

What is your problem? No, I don't have a phone, no B.S. I don't have a computer either, but use one at work. And for jigging I like a 721 IMX LOOMIS, no B.S. Any particular reason you are so cynical?

[Jeff S]

I've been playing with rods as I go in stores.

I've kinda come the the conclusion you have.
The Roach Rods in the Lighting rod series & the HMG Fenwicks feel real good to me.

The Loomis Walleye series felt "not so good" in the store.
The above two felt better to me.

But; The IMX in the LOomis felt the best of all......but $200

jeff

[AquaMan]

I'll throw it in since you asked. FigRig and St. Croix in that order.


AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

[Ron]

Enjoy your GLoomis 721 and ignore the jackasses. Good fishing - it's a fantastic rod!

[River_eye]

I use a St. Croix avid for jigging. I only have two rods period. Mostly cause I like to travel light, and also, rods get very pricey. Although, I did make sure that my jigging rod was top notch.

I don't have a big budget, but I've never regreted spending the extra cash on a quality rod.

River eye

[Ron]

What model, and will it handle 1/16 to 3/8 ounce? Thanks.

[Dutchman]

Everybody has a preference when it comes to any kind of rods. I would suggest to those on a budget to check out the rods and rod and reel combo's at Bass Pro Shops. I have used the Pro Qualifier models for years and they are exellent rods. There are other lines included that are also good rods with a considerably smaller price tag. It's worth looking at on a cold night to keep ones thoughts on soft water fishing. :)

[Juls_WI]

All I use and have are St. Croix rods. I received my first one a couple of years ago, and fell in love with it the first time I used it.
For jigging rods, I have three Avids in the 6', 6'6", and a 7'. Two Legend Elites. One is 6'6", and the other is a 7'rod. All of them are Med/Fast action rods (Just my preference). I think the sensitivity of these rods is excellent. That's just my opinion though. I haven't fished with a Loomis, so I can't say which is better.
My 2000USFA partner,used the Loomis rods, and said he was very pleased with them.

Juls

[Pardner]

They don't seem to be putting out the same quality as they did in the not to distant past. In mho you are better off getting a high end blank (doesn't have to be Loomis) and having someone custom make the rod you want.

I got a buddy in Ohio that does first class masterfull work. Lifetime unlimited guarentee as well, and less than market prices. If you are interested E.Mail me.

Take care Pardner

[Weyes1]

Since you ask, I was using a St. Croix Legend (older model) 6'6" ML and a BP Walleye Angler 6'6" ML for jigging. This spring I got two 6'ML St. Croix Legend Elites and now consider them the Best rods I ever laid my hands on. Well worth the cost.
My best advice would be to purchase a fishing rods that you can afford, feels good to you, and has a good reputation and stands behind thier product. If you follow this advice you will find a large selection to choose from.
Weyes1
Kevin Clark

[Backwater Eddy]

Yup, can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear, Yup-Yup!

BUT!

Matching your need's to what the situation dictates is just smart fishing.

I look for a durable rod that has the proper casting characteristics and feel for the job and not just a name on a rod. Some name's cost 2 times more than the rod itself!

I look around and bend a lot of rods before I know what one is right for the situation and if I can't find it, I have it made to my needs. Most custom rods are under the price of a high dollar big name rod and made from the same blanks, go figure that one out? Must be the 3-D stickers I figure?

Rod's are like a mechanics tools, if we get too cheap we can get bloody knuckles and colorful words let fly! The Job then takes longer and becomes no fun fast.

Like a mechanic I do look for a warranty, a rock solid no BS type give me a new one warranty! You fill less closets with broken rods that way.

Needs/Price=satisfaction

BE........><,,>

[Orange Barrel]

For trolling I use a 6'6" $19.99 Fleet Farm rod. I still catch the same amount of fish that a Gary Roach rod will. The fish are after the lure not the rod and when the fish strikes the speed sets the hook not the rod.
For jigging and pitching i use either my Fenwicks or my trusty GM Guide Series that works just the same as a G-Loomis or better. To me, once you know how your rod reacts you will understand what to look and feel for when fishing.
But hey, if your mad at your money, by all means buy the most expensive thing you want. It's your money.
Orange Barrel

P.S. But if you need to get rid of your money, my wifeand I have a new baby on the way and college sure can be expensive so send it my way. LOL

P.S.S. She's Due June 16, 2001(OTTER STREET) AAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

[FJH1]

All I use are St. Croix rods. I've never fished with a G.Loomis so I can't comment. Currently I have a couple of Legend Elites, half a dozen Avids, a number of older Legends and six Pro Glass trolling rods. I seem to add to the collection every year:-). My new acquisition for 2001 were a couple of Avids 5'9" extra fast tip for vertical jigging in rivers. Can't wait to give them a test run, too much ice right now :-(. I started out using St. Croix Premier rods and as my experience (and check book) increased I've gradually moved up to their highest levels of rods. I've never been disappointed and have had occasion to use the warranty.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Jack]

I fish a lot but I am not an expert. I fish about 100 days per year and about 60 of those days are fishing out of state. I am not rich but money is not my biggest problem anymore.

I have lived in the same house for 33 years although better homes in better neighborhoods are available. My home and neighborhood are comfortable and quite adequate for my needs. My automobile is a Buick instead of a Cadallic because I see no need to spend an extra $14,000 on something that would do the same thing my Buick does; that is provide comfortable, dependable transportation.

My point is why spend extra money for rods when lightening rods or IM6 or IM7 rods from Cabelas will do the job just as well as the high end rods? The thing I look for in a rod is a cork handle that provides the most contact for my hand when holding a spinning rod.

I am sure there are those that actually have better results with a $200 rod and there are those that think they do better with such a rod. I am not telling them they are wrong, I just think you should be practical in your choices.

[WAeyes]

Less affluent?..........here! I am extremely happy with a combo rod and reel I got out of Bass Pro last year. The rod is a Bass Pro Extreme HM54 graphite 6 1/2 ft. medium action. It is very sensitive and oh so comfortable in the hand. Match that with a Shimano Stradic 2000 reel and it is a great set up at a moderate price, $140 for the combo. Bought separately it would have cost me $205. Maybe not the most expensive rod, but sure feels good.

[Schrof]

Jeff,

I use St.Croix, Premier Series, 6'6" medium spin rod. Approx $80. Have had excellent service over the years. Last year I broke a 5 year old rod 3 days before leaving to Canada. Spoke to St.Croix, they sent a new model rod next day, before receiving the broken rod- that's service!

[Tallmike]

I used the 6' 2" Loomis walleye rod all last summer/fall for jigging and have absolutely loved it. I had but broke a 6' 2" Gary Roach "Pulse" rod that I liked very well. This has brought about a change in my thinking, to either have a decent cheapie rod or a top of the line rod, eg. Fenwick HMG, Loomis, St. Croix Avid, etc. The cheapie is there for use as a loaner rod to guests/kids. The loaner is a 6' 2" Silstar Lexus, IM6 graphite, and for which I paid a mere $20 plus shipping. I still have a 5' 9" Gary Roach "Pulse" and it was the rod which got my largest 'eye of 2000. (not that big, only 5# 12 oz, but still a nice fish). If you break any of these nicer rods but NOT guaranteed past one year, it could get into ones pocketbook a bit too much. Right now, I just wish I had the spare bucks for the 6' 3" St. Croix Legend Elite with the extra fast action. Ah...drool.
Tight lines to all; Spring and open water is coming.

[it's not the rod that catch's fish]

bait,technique, presentation! Remember that and you will catch fish!

[But]

What if you are fishing on a windy day with the right bait and presentation, but don't feel the fish because you bought a twenty dollar pole with no sensitivity? If you think that you will catch as many fish with a cheap rod vs. a GLX Loomis than you obviously haven't used one!

[Neal/CO]

I like the Bass Pro Shop rods also. I bought a XPS Extreme 7 ft, MH action baitcasting rod last year. They cost 80 bucks. I use it for bouncers and as my main Pike rod. I still like it more than about a dozen other baitcasting rods I have held in the last year, including rods that cost twice as much.