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I have a birthday coming up, and I've decided I want to upgrade my crappie arsenal. I'm looking to get something to use as my main jig casting rod. I fish out of a kayak, and my casts are usually short and in or around heavy cover. So, I'm thinking a 6' rod is about what I want.
Anyway, what are some good rods, say sub-$70? I'm thinking light action, 6'(ish), and I'd prefer it to be one-piece. I'll probably be pairing it with a Pflueger President reel.
Not the length your looking for, but I LOVE my b&m Sam Heaton super sensitive 7ft. rod that I have paired with a president reel. Less than $50.
If you do a forum search you will find all the info you need to help make your decision about a spinning rod. This subject has been discussed many many times on here.
Regards
My main jig casting rod is a ESP PowerLite 6'6" rod, and I couldn't be happier with it. It does come in a 6' version ... and the only difference in the two is the 6' version does not have the 6" extended handle (poodle tail) ... which in your case would be a plus.
They can be seen here : https://www.norsemenoutdoors.com/pro...wer-lite-rods/ .... but, I'd suggest checking Grizzly Jigs Catalog ( https://www.grizzlyjig.com/skins/ski...es/catalog.pdf ) on pg 28 for a better price (~$55).
I'd also suggest that you buy a rod FIRST, and THEN find the size/model reel you want to put on it !! Because, if it doesn't balance with the rod, it's not going to be much fun to use. I like to put the reel on the rod & then lay them across an outstretched finger ... right at the front tip of the handle or on the blank where it enters the handle. If it pretty much balances on my finger, I'm good with it. If it falls quickly towards the tip or handle, I'm looking at another reel !!
And just a FWIW .... I received the rod free, as a field tester for the VP of Marketing for ESP rods. But, I am in no way beholding to or affiliated with Norsemen Outdoors or any other partner of theirs, including the VP of Marketing.
Those ESP rods are great... I have 2 of the 6ft power lite versions that I throw jigs with...
Thanks, guys! Those rods look like the best option I've seen so far. And thanks for the links, crappiepappy. I'd never heard of grizzlyjig.
Just pointing out, if you scroll to the bottom of the page there are links to our sponsors. Check that out, just click on them. Grizzlyjig is there. Good luck in your search."D"
I have been using the Lew's Wally Marshall pro spinning rod in 6' and it cast well and is one piece. They are about $40.00 at Cabela's. They have the smaller guides, and several of them for the length of rod. It also has the split grip if your into that kind of thing. It balances well with a size 30 president in my opinion.
Been buying Fenwick for years and putting President reels on them. Best rod & reel combo for around 125. Reel has a little to much retrieve at times. Just don't get exciting and pull the hook out. I generally get the 6 for 6 for reach. Used kayak for years and got use to the length when they run around the boat. It allowed me to reach out and not get caught up in any gear or kayak.
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Another vote for the Sam Heaton Super Sensitive in 7' length. A great rod at a very fair price. Check it out at Grizzly Jig for the best price.
Check out proangler rods ! Best rod I’ve ever used for the money around 50-60 bucks never felt the thump better than on one those!:twocents
Berkley Lighting Rod
Ugly Stick is plenty sensitive and tough. Easy on the wallet.
Ill second the Wally Marshal pro series casting rod. I've got the 7' rod that I bought this fall and I'm starting to love it. It's super light(IM8 graphite) and sensitive. Not sure I like the one piece due to issues with transporting but still worth it.
Thanks for all the recommendations, everyone! I'm looking into each of them as they come. A lot of good-looking rods so far.
Browning air stream....
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St.Croix "Premier" if you can swing it..."Triumph" if you need to save a little. Premier is USA made...Triumph is China I think. I have two Triumph. And actually they have been about as good as the Premier. I have about 20 rods for small jig casting of different makes but I throw these St. Croix the most. I just use a light action 6 ft or 6'6".
By all means I do believe in supporting the sponsors.... You'll lose fewer fish with a rod that has good action throughout the entire rod...it's harder for the fish to work the hook loose.
I just looked at their website...looks like they have a panfish series now made in Mexico...don't know much about them...
I just picked up a 7 ft. st croix premier UL paired it with a pflueger president. Sweet rod and setup for flicking 1/64th and 1/32 jigs on 4 lb mono. I prefer alittle bit longer rod.
Just bought a rod from pro angler very nice rod great backbone but is a two piece but fair price should give them a look good rod for the money
I notice several are mentioning 2 piece rods as if they may be inferior to a one piece rod. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is not 1980......the problems with a 2 piece rods have long been fixed. Many prefer a one piece...and that is what it is....a preference. That is fine because we all have our preferences.....but a quality 2 piece is in no way inferior to a one piece rod.
Regards
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Follow up question... How do you like the slip ring setup? I've never used a rod with them, and I don't know how I feel about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrappiePappy
By themselves .... I'm 50/50Quote:
Originally Posted by eminart
With added tape wrapping .... solid as a rock !!
I've used my 6'6" with and w/o tape (currently w/o) ... and have yet to have the reel come loose from the rings. I originally put tape on just because I was like you & didn't really trust the rings. Had another rod with a graphite Tenn handle, that did not have the rings, and used regular black elec tape ... worked fine at first, then the tape got hot sitting in the Sun & stretched during use. The reel never came off, but the looseness of the reel was worrisome to me. Never had that problem with the Scotch "colored" vinyl elec tape & rings.
Picture of reel taped on, along with rings :
Attachment 279446
Thanks! After looking online and at all the local stores, I'm leaning toward those rods. I'm also kind of considering ordering parts and building my own, but the cost would be more, plus the added work.