Most durable rod?

I originally posted this in the Kansas forum, but received no responses after 90 or so views, so I figured maybe I would get more response from the main forum. I apologize for double posting.

I'm on the prowl for a tougher rod after breaking my BnM Sam Heaton. I mostly vertical jig brush from the banks of creeks. I'm looking for a rod that is durable and maintains some sensitivity in order to detect light bites. Preferably 11 or 12 feet in length with a good amount of back bone. Can anyone suggest something that suits my needs? I've heard that Southern Crappie rods are tough rods, but I've read online that they are a bit hefty to be used for dipping brush all day. Can anyone attest to how sensitive the Southern Crappie rods are, or their effectiveness as a jigging rod?

Any helpful input is appreciated. I'm not a brand loyalist by any means, so I'm open to pretty much any brand that meets my needs and is under $100.

Thanks,

Cole

I used to use B-n-M for years but kept having to buy replacement front halves for the Buck's jig poles . Changed to Ozark 11' forward seat jig poles about 4 years ago and have not broke one yet . They have plenty of backbone and yet plenty sensitive .:twocents They are sold by Meatgetter on here and Grizzly jigs too .

Wally marshall very tough

Wally Marshall Lews 1st class

I use the Southern Crappie and love em, use them for everything from slo trolling to cranking to single poling (dipping) with no complaints and no issues.

The b/m custom rod has been a staple for my family for years . That being said I have been using the Sam Heaton rods for 7-8 years and have yet to break one . ( I will order two tips monday since I said that ):biggrin

I like the Southern Crappie Rods too.

Hands down ProAngler rods are the beast of Crappie rods. Combine it with Bonehead Hi-Vis braid to increase sensitivity, and they can't be beat. I do have and use B&M, Southern Crappie, and Ozark rods as well, and I really like them all, but if I feel or see catfish or Carp in the vicinity, I fish strictly with my Proangler rods. In the video I have up in the forum (Late Summer Crappie Video) The rod I'm using Is a 10' rear seat B&M. My wife is using a Rear seat 10' Ozark and the other rod is a 10' ProAngler. The fish in these two pictures were caught with a Proangler 10'. Of course, all this is just my opinion.

Wally Marshall are the best I've used. BnM the worst. The Pinnacle Vertex are probably best value. Next, being Crappie Maxx.

southern crappie rods are tough,and for the price they cant be beat.they have just the right backbone and good sensativity at the tip.

Southern Crappie, and he sells jigging rods like you are after. Also for what you are doing you might take a look at the Todd Hukabee Meat Dragga rod.

I have 2 b n m 12" duckcomandor poles and love them. I have caught flatheads, buffalo, goo, and a pile of 3# perch on them. The b n m reels are awful, this is just my opinion.

I've narrowed it down to either a Southern Crappie or the Todd Huckabee rod, but still undecided.

I like the Southern Pro Rods.

Outlaw Crappie and Walleye Poles
great strong rods!

Never giving up my Richard Williams rods. That's all I'm saying.

+1 but I like a variety for different conditions and applications ie BnM, Crappie Wizard, Ozark,Eagle Claw,BP,Wally Marshall,etc I just like to try em all.Want to add a BoneHead and G rod to the arsenal though.LOL

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Originally Posted by chaunc

Never giving up my Richard Williams rods. That's all I'm saying.

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Originally Posted by warnerwalter

I've narrowed it down to either a Southern Crappie or the Todd Huckabee rod, but still undecided.

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Love my Todd Huckabee 10' Dippin rod, as much if not a little more than my 10' Sam Heaton :twocents

Have not had the pleasure of trying out any other brands, or rods, longer than 10' ... except my 14'ers (BnM brand models).

I do know that, if I was going to be using a 10-12' rod primarily for vertical jigging ... I'd want a rod that had a Tenn style handle. Main reason for that is because I could more easily balance the outfit with different size/weight reels, than with a rod that had a fixed reel seat. :twocents

... cp :kewl

You didn't say anything about price?

I've always been taught that good things are not always cheap. Breaking three or four 30 dollar rods while someone still has their 120 dollar rig will teach you this lesson. I see all too often on these threads where people talk about how "they love the warranty of a rod"... Funny thing... they love it because they broke one and had to return it. Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't break one?

Look at having a custom rod built. You might pay a little more up front now but you will get everything you want. The right handle (foregrip and rear grip) the right reel seat, the right length, the right weight, the right action, the right guide eyes. There are so many variables that a company cannot build every one of them for every rod. Hence the reason you see guys loving one over another. Example, Some guys love a Tenn. style handle. They like a particular rod company because they are the only ones that offer the handle they like in the rod action they prefer. Not much to choose from really.

Have a custom one built the way you want it... I'll bet you never ask who makes the most durable, best rod again!