Jigging Rods? IMX, GLX, St Croix?

[Tailwind]

This may be an old arguement. I would consider that I have an above average talent for jigging. I had a conversation a while back with another jigger and he was expounding on the difference in rods. In short, he said that moving from a regular rod (IM7, Berkley ...) to a St Croix (or G Loomis) lifted his fish catching ability to another level. Has anyone else experinced this? I like the Loomis line but, will moving from a IM7 to a IMX or even a GLX make that much difference? Given everything else equal. Will it put more fish in the boat. Stan

[Homer]

In certain situations, it can. I received a G Loomis Walleye Series jigging rod as a gift last year, and the increase in sensitivity over my Berkely Series One in definitely noticeable. I don't think that there's any difference in my catch rate when the bite is on, but the Loomis really shines when things slow down. I outfished my partner 15 to 3 one trip this year, and many of my fish were hooked under the mouth or in the cheek. I could tell when fish were just bumping my jig, while he could only feel bites.

Is the increase in sensitivity worth the extra price? That question depends on the fisherman. I never would have considered buying a high-end rod before, but I've since gone out and bought another one. I also pinch pennies in most other aspects of my life in order to allow me to splurge on my tackle.

[EB]

I had to opportunity to fish with a friend who happens to be on the pro staff of one of the companies you mentioned. I had never owned a "premium" rod in my life, nor had I ever fished with one. A Berkly Series One was as "expensive" as I had ever dared to go when it came to rods. After spending a day with my buddy using his rods I was absolutely and completely amazed. I could feel things that I had never dreamed of while using a fishing rod. I was "converted" that day to the benefits of using such a fantastic tool. I have only been able to afford to replace four of my old rods, but my results have been worth every penny to me. Funny how alot of guys I know (I used to be one) don't think twice about $30,000 for a boat, but won't spend a couple hundred box on a rod.

[Michael Scott]

Good posts already; I'll contribute my two cents' worth. I have been a "St. Croix" guy for probably 15 years - got started on their muskie rods - and now use several St. Croix casting and spinning rods for walleye and other species. I did pick up some Loomis rods recently; can't wait to try them out...
To me the best St. Croix rods feel very sensitive and softer and less stiff/brittle than Loomis; so far I prefer the softer feel. After using the Loomis rods for a while I have a feeling I will prefer them for jigging and rigging. Plenty of other applications for the St. Croixs.
The questions are which tool does the job most effectively for you and what's your budget?
Note: At a sport show last year I gave myself a side-by-side blind test (i.e. I had my eyes shut) by tying an eight-ounce jig to both St. Croix and Loomis rods on 6 pound mono and bouncing the jigs in a pool. Not scientific, I realize, but I picked the St. Croix rod as a better combination of feel, sensitivity, etc. four out of four times....could be I am just accustomed to St. Croix. If you shop well and buy right you can get a good value for a new rod or try a used one from a respectable angler.
Final tip: I believe we are much better off saving up for one or two premium rods, even if it takes a while, than settling for less than premium rods. We could probably sell off our underused gear and raise more than enough cash for a St. Croix or Loomis. Also, invest in a good quality rod case to protect your rods.

[Ron]

I have GLoomis GLX and St. Croix Legend Elite (different lengths and actions) jigging rods. In my opinion, they are a notch above the competition. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I like the GLoomis blanks a bit better and the St. Croix reel seats better. Check them both out and buy the one that appeals to you.

[Mattman]

I have to agree with the above posters. Until this season my high end rod was a Berkley Series One. I just got done building my fourth Loomis rod. I'll never buy another mass produced rod again. I can't believe what I was missing. Consider getting a custom rod. A custom Loomis is even nicer than a factory Loomis. The color wraps you want, the guides you want, the handle you want, the seat you want......

[Firetiger(MN)]

What about a Fenwick Techna AV??

[Paul Neumann]

Fishing rods are like golf clubs. Each one has a specific use designed into it, jigs, crankbaits, livebait, etc. The more expensive rods (Loomis, St. Croix) are extremely technic specific. The materials and the construction make them lighter, and stronger, but drive the price up. They definitly improve your sensitivity, I also think they improve your confidence. After all if your not happy with your bait your not going to catch anything. When you go and shop for a high dollar rod make sure you know exactly what you want it for. I know you were talking about jigging rods. Make sure you get exactly what you came for because you can spend up to $300. Check out the Shimano V rods. They're not real popular yet but i think you'll be impressed. They're extremely technic specific and about half of the cost of a GLX. The biggest difference between them and a Loomis is weight. I actually like their actions better.

[petekiwt]

Has anybody tried the high-end Scheels rod that supposedly use Loomis blanks. They're quite a bit less expensive, but I'm curious how they compare.

[Fin Addict]

I have had all 3, a Loomis IMX, St. Croix Legend Elite and a Techna AV. All 3 will increase yourfish catching ability and enjoyment dramatically. Took my son down to the river one day last summer, I used a 722 IMX and he used a 6'6" Fenwick Gold Wing ML action(a pretty good rod). I was outcatching him 6 to one til I offered to switch rods w/ him. In seconds he had a fish folowed by another and another. Suddenly we were 1 to 1. Have seen the same w/ my dad and brother as well (they both fish IMX's now as well).

I would agree w/ Ron that the seat on the St. Croix is nicer than the Loomis and I would also agree w/ him that the IMX blank feels better to me. In my opinion the Legend Elite is not rated correctly by St. Croix. They are very nice for the low end (rated lure size) of their rating and dogs for the higher end. Why do you think the rep picked 1/8 oz weights for his test? At 1/4 oz or higher, the Loomis would win hands down. A custom Loomis from Thorne Bros. is even a notch nicer.

The Techna AV is also very nice. Comfortable seat and a very sensitive rod. I love mine. A bit slower than the Loomis thus more forgiving near the boat. Nice balance and well built.

If you made me pick one brand I would go w/ the IMX. To really enjoy fine rods such as these,you need to use them w/ jig weights matched to the individual rod. You will probably want at least 2 once you get your first.

[Tailwind]

What about the G Loomis Walleye jigging series rods? What are the blanks? Looking at the price, are they IMX? Stan

[Dave in Mpls]

My understanding, after talking to a Loomis rep at length at the Mpls sport Show this spring, is that the Walleye Series is a hybred between the GL3 and the IMX, leaning more toward the GL3. For my money, I'd buy an IMX over the Walleye Series.

Regards

[slick2526]

I dont see why you people waste your money on thoose rods. Have you ever looked at Cabelas or even a local brand made by a store. I can almost Guarantee that the Graphite blank will be a G-loomis and 50-100 bucks less. Cabelas rods are excellent also. http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998ACAiAG/IB302D Got to the website and take a look at the xml walleye series, the plain xml series, the platinum zx and the platinum zx innercast series. The innercast zx is the lightest, strongest, most sensitive graphite available and is on sale for 50 bucks right now. If you want to wait I could email yah and tell you how I like mine. Or if you would prefer give me a message at okumavenger@icqmail.com