JDM rod for pulling large redear out of cover?

I've got a tubular tip Triplecross that's good at this but looking for another go-to JDM rod for this purpose. I need to be able to turn these big redear or you will not land them. I catch some of these fish off of duck blinds that are made of bamboo/cane. These 12inch shellcrackers will break you off in a New York second if you can not turn them.

I like the Triplecross, but really want another option. I actually have horsed a few out with the SUL Finetail rod but you have to tighten the drag down quite a bit to do that. I only use 2lb SOS, keep that in mind.

That line is too light, IMO, just sayin', and no rod will make up for it. Not in the brush. Tict Ice Cube Rockin' Power, with 4 lb test K9 flouro, has worn them out for me. I am talking about +1 lb fish, regularly. Too bad it just went up in price 4000JY at Digitaka.

I have hauled many a honkin' big cracker out of the brush and trees with that very combo, and posted the pictures here. This year I plan to do it again with that rig as backup to my new Evergreen Limbertip, but that rod is crazy-expensive and hard to find, if not impossible. It has a slow tip that hooks fish instantly, but a stiff backbone in the bottom half. I have horsed many a nice bass away from the timber already with it. I just did a thread in panfish about a big cracker, my 1st of "21, so I am pretty sure it should do just fine. I KNOW the rockin' power will - with the right line.

When I got on them good last year, I tried it with Gamma 2 lb panfish, and it was not enough, no. I even had the JDM polyester orange Varivas 2.3 lb on one rod, and that was a disaster with a capital D. That K9, though, works great. It's probably really a 6-7 lb line; I have not tested it. The big 'crackers always seem to bed right next to the hairiest snags, so I no longer fool with ultra-light lines when fishing for them, especially in that particular water.

I've landed a 10 lb class largemouth on my Triple Cross (TCX-T682AJI), but I use it as a dock shooter only. The Tict RP and the Evergreen are my go-to casting rods.I think if you just used a stronger line you could turn them with that.

Gamma 4# Polyflex or Panfish either one breaks at 8.5 pounds actual and has beated muskies to 38 and 40 inches and largemouths to 22" for me. Gamma Fluorocarbon Edge 4# breaks at actual 7#.
I have been using Polyflex 4# as my main line for years and cannot say enough good, except that I switch to Gamma ESP Ice 4# in early and late open cold water because it is softer and smaller diameter, but it also breaks at about the same as 2# Panfish which is right at a true 4#.
Furthermore Gamma corp is easy to deal with; so I buy my lines direct from the manufacturer online.
Disclaimer: I have zero financial interest or connection beyond simply being a satisfied customer.

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

That line is too light, IMO, just sayin', and no rod will make up for it. Not in the brush. Tict Ice Cube Rockin' Power, with 4 lb test K9 flouro, has worn them out for me. I am talking about +1 lb fish, regularly. Too bad it just went up in price 4000JY at Digitaka.

I have hauled many a honkin' big cracker out of the brush and trees with that very combo, and posted the pictures here. This year I plan to do it again with that rig as backup to my new Evergreen Limbertip, but that rod is crazy-expensive and hard to find, if not impossible. It has a slow tip that hooks fish instantly, but a stiff backbone in the bottom half. I have horsed many a nice bass away from the timber already with it. I just did a thread in panfish about a big cracker, my 1st of "21, so I am pretty sure it should do just fine. I KNOW the rockin' power will - with the right line.

When I got on them good last year, I tried it with Gamma 2 lb panfish, and it was not enough, no. I even had the JDM polyester orange Varivas 2.3 lb on one rod, and that was a disaster with a capital D. That K9, though, works great. It's probably really a 6-7 lb line; I have not tested it. The big 'crackers always seem to bed right next to the hairiest snags, so I no longer fool with ultra-light lines when fishing for them, especially in that particular water.

I've landed a 10 lb class largemouth on my Triple Cross (TCX-T682AJI), but I use it as a dock shooter only. The Tict RP and the Evergreen are my go-to casting rods.I think if you just used a stronger line you could turn them with that.

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Maybe I'll go back up to 4lb SOS for that particular setup. I'm looking at the Ice Cube, which model do you have?

IC-69P-Sis I think is the model, the Ice Cube Rockin Power, 6'9".

If you are looking for quality fluorocarbon, consider Kureha Seaguar R18 Limited. I've used from 1 lb to 6 lbs. They are just great – low stretch, quality surface. In my hands, they are all true to their test – I've tested them on Bouz checker several times, always break at the indicated strength, within experimental error of course. Purchased from Japan, they are priced better than many of the USDM Seaguar offerings.

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Originally Posted by no1son

Gamma 4# Polyflex or Panfish either one breaks at 8.5 pounds actual and has beated muskies to 38 and 40 inches and largemouths to 22" for me. Gamma Fluorocarbon Edge 4# breaks at actual 7#.
I have been using Polyflex 4# as my main line for years and cannot say enough good, except that I switch to Gamma ESP Ice 4# in early and late open cold water because it is softer and smaller diameter, but it also breaks at about the same as 2# Panfish which is right at a true 4#.
Furthermore Gamma corp is easy to deal with; so I buy my lines direct from the manufacturer online.
Disclaimer: I have zero financial interest or connection beyond simply being a satisfied customer.

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I’m trying the Gamma 2lb Panfish first time this year, so I was following this thread as to tough cover conditions. According to Gamma the true strength is well over 4 lbs, but I have really rocky bottom cover to deal with almost the whole stream. Hopefully this year to use floats to just cruise above the rocks and be able to use 2lb. 4 is always an option if my plan doesn’t work out.
Bob

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

IC-69P-Sis I think is the model, the Ice Cube Rockin Power, 6'9".

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I wonder how this rod compares to my 7'3" tubular Triplecross rod? There's the drift, finesse and power model in the Ice Cube. Is Digitaka the best place to purchase the Ice Cube?

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Originally Posted by redearhoosier

I wonder how this rod compares to my 7'3" tubular Triplecross rod? There's the drift, finesse and power model in the Ice Cube. Is Digitaka the best place to purchase the Ice Cube?

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No idea on that comparison. The Tict is stiffer than my Yamaga Blanks BC 71TZ Nano 7'1" rod, if that helps.

Digitaka is where I bought mine - in 2019. I broke the tip within a week, and had to order a new top section. Later that year, an errant trailer strap hooked it by the stripper guide as I was launching the boat, and I dragged it behind the truck across a rough parking lot about 75 yards. Nothing broke, but it suffered some bad scratching, and the stripper guide was yanked out of the wrap cleanly, so I super-glued it back in and have been fishing it ever since. IMO it is a tough rod to survive my shenanigans. I am a lot better now about rod abuse, especially the Evergreen, but Randy would probably gasp and shake his head seeing me haul them around, strung up, with no case.

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

No idea on that comparison. The Tict is stiffer than my Yamaga Blanks BC 71TZ Nano 7'1" rod, if that helps.

Digitaka is where I bought mine - in 2019. I broke the tip within a week, and had to order a new top section. Later that year, an errant trailer strap hooked it by the stripper guide as I was launching the boat, and I dragged it behind the truck across a rough parking lot about 75 yards. Nothing broke, but it suffered some bad scratching, and the stripper guide was yanked out of the wrap cleanly, so I super-glued it back in and have been fishing it ever since. IMO it is a tough rod to survive my shenanigans. I am a lot better now about rod abuse, especially the Evergreen, but Randy would probably gasp and shake his head seeing me haul them around, strung up, with no case.

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Wow, I thought i was bad!!! Hmm, I don't know what to buy!!

I would look at the 2018 6' 10" Corto. It will do what you are wanting to do. As to line....SOS 2# test breaks between 3.75 and 4 pounds. The SOS 4# test breaks at 6-7 pounds. I would take a good look at the Varivas Twitch Master low stretch nylon....it's the real deal. You can get some 5# test that is only .165mm diameter. I guarantee you with that line, and that rod, you will get them turned and headed your way.

Regards

I am spooling up some Twitch Master to try out instead of my usual 2 lb Gamma Panfish. Could be just what I need. Full moon coming up..

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

I am spooling up some Twitch Master to try out instead of my usual 2 lb Gamma Panfish. Could be just what I need. Full moon coming up..

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That 2 lb Gamma PF is pretty darn strong. Hung up on the stream bottom yesterday:banghead and really had to pull steady to finally get it to break. Stretch wasn’t bad at all. When I can fish it a few times I’m going to report how it worked for me. So far I like it and have a positive impression.
Bob

For what it’s worth I agree on the 6.10 Corto and the 6.10 Rockin Power being good options for the crackers. I love the 3lb twitch master line as well. Good stuff!

6.10 Corto and 3lb Twitch Master Nylon Varivas line has been spanking some big bass off the bank this Spring. Slip up to 4lb test and those Crackers will be in the live well. Attachment 396961Attachment 396962