Thread: New Rod?

What JB just spoke of is what makes it so difficult to buy a rod unseen or on recommendations. We all like something a bit different. I had a Browning Silaflex and a Diawa Mini Mite reel as my first UL 40+ years ago and didn't know any different so thought it was the best ever. I literally wore out the gears in the reel and don't know where the rod got off to.

My favorite rods these days run a little stiffer than a UL in the base and mid section but with a soft tip. Too many surprise fish here. I was in the Orlando BPS and handled both the microlite and carbonlite rods. Felt OK to me but one was a bit too soft for my taste. All were between 5 and 6'6". The carbonlite was a feather compared to the microlite and more expensive. I try not to give a final vote on any rod until I strap a reel onto it and check the balance but I think if i were in the market for a rod I would have spent the extra funds for the lighter rod.

I've looked at the high dollar rods like Fenwick, G. Loomis, and St.Croix and in UL they feel like noodle rods to me. Their light actions are better suited for what I do. One G. Loomis was $239 and close to 5', not for me.

As someone has already said, my favorite rod these days is an out of production Lightning Rod. 6'6" and rated as medium but has a very soft tip that loads well and sends a tiny jig a long way. The reel is also out of production, a Diawa Capricorn that is ultra smooth. I urge you to handle one if you can ever find one used in good shape. The price when new was about $75 and is smoother than some of the new reels costing twice as much.

The Cabela's rods are nice for the money. I had a 5' til it went for a swim and wish I had it back all the time. Definitely worth a look if a store is close enough. Good luck in finding a new best rod. They're great once found but there's a lot to choose from.

Just bought a Browning air stream here on site . nice enough rod but has the feel of a light action rod . Plan to cast 1 1/2 sliders on brush tops .

Most will not pay a lot of money for UL rods....but for those that want something extraordinary in action...weight....sensitivity.......check out some JDM UL rods...the Ajing...and Mebaru types. Their UL actions are unlike anything you will find sold in the USA and sensitivity is off the charts. Their trout rods are also very unique. Not for everyone but an option for one looking for a great UL rod.


Regards

Check out the Lews Wally Marshall pro series rods. I bought one Monday, haven't fished it yet, but I sure like the feel and action. Mine is the 5'6" model.

two others that I've used quite a bit that I really like...

Quantum Smoke 6'3" medium light rod with micro guides. Not quite an unltralight, but I use it with 1/16 beetle spins for bream and small bass.

Daiwa Presso, 6' ultralight. Not sure if these are still available. My wife got it for my birthday present a coup,e of years ago. This thing is one sweet little rod.