Rod n reel for small jigs like trout magnet

I ordered this and it is to come in today --

Shimano Fishing Vanford 1000 F

But since I ordered a few days ago, I just happened to find and read hours and hours of JDM reel posts and I am wondering if I made a mistake. How does this Vanford stack up against JDM reels?

I mostly fish for bass but also like ultralight to catch bluegills and also will go after crappie. My main lake has big bluegills up to 1 lb or more and crappie can be decent size, too. The coppernose bluegill I've been catching are real strong fighters. Also catch an occasional bass on these tiny trout magnet jigs. Caught a 5 lb. bass a few days ago on the trout magnet.

I also need a JDM rod. I am not willing to buy the ultimate rod n reel yet, I would rather buy mid range until I get more experience. Even mid range reels and rods seem to be $200 to $400 each rod and each reel and I am willing to spend that.

And then I will likely buy more than one rig!

I have been using a B 'n' M Sam Heaton Super Sensitive 8 ft rod and Pfleuger President 20 size. Also, a Shakespeare Micro Series 7 ft rod and $30 Lews reel. So, these are not expensive rigs. Have enjoyed the longer 8 ft rod on the big bream, that is a hoot. I did buy a JDM rod, a Major Craft, but it broke more than once and I don't see the point of getting it repaired again, I suspect it is defective.

If I had to choose between two rods of equal price and abilities, I'd opt for the longer one but I am open to whatever is best! I hope to find a combo that will cast these small Trout Magnet jigs decently. Sometimes, the casts are just too short! I know line plays a part in that and I have 2-lb test SOS that I have tried and I haven't liked it but I am going to try again and again until I might decide it is just not for me and stick with 4 lb. test. I also have two Varivas small test lines to try.

Please give your thoughts. And if you think the Shimano Vanford was not a good choice, chime in on that. I paid $252 including tax for it. TIA!

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Originally Posted by livemusic

I ordered this and it is to come in today --

Shimano Fishing Vanford 1000 F

But since I ordered a few days ago, I just happened to find and read hours and hours of JDM reel posts and I am wondering if I made a mistake. How does this Vanford stack up against JDM reels?

I mostly fish for bass but also like ultralight to catch bluegills and also will go after crappie. My main lake has big bluegills up to 1 lb or more and crappie can be decent size, too. The coppernose bluegill I've been catching are real strong fighters. Also catch an occasional bass on these tiny trout magnet jigs. Caught a 5 lb. bass a few days ago on the trout magnet.

I also need a JDM rod. I am not willing to buy the ultimate rod n reel yet, I would rather buy mid range until I get more experience. Even mid range reels and rods seem to be $200 to $400 each rod and each reel and I am willing to spend that.

And then I will likely buy more than one rig!

I have been using a B 'n' M Sam Heaton Super Sensitive 8 ft rod and Pfleuger President 20 size. Also, a Shakespeare Micro Series 7 ft rod and $30 Lews reel. So, these are not expensive rigs. Have enjoyed the longer 8 ft rod on the big bream, that is a hoot. I did buy a JDM rod, a Major Craft, but it broke more than once and I don't see the point of getting it repaired again, I suspect it is defective.

If I had to choose between two rods of equal price and abilities, I'd opt for the longer one but I am open to whatever is best! I hope to find a combo that will cast these small Trout Magnet jigs decently. Sometimes, the casts are just too short! I know line plays a part in that and I have 2-lb test SOS that I have tried and I haven't liked it but I am going to try again and again until I might decide it is just not for me and stick with 4 lb. test. I also have two Varivas small test lines to try.

Please give your thoughts. And if you think the Shimano Vanford was not a good choice, chime in on that. I paid $252 including tax for it. TIA!

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Nothing wrong with the Vanford....but for about same money you could have bought an Abu Garcia Revo MGX Theta 1000S. The MGX is a much better reel than the Vanford. As to the rod there are many out there that will do what you want to do with a Trout Magnet. I gave up on US market lines a long time ago. While nylon line is not my line of choice it is probably the best for all around use. Of course I use 2-3 pound test lines exclusively. I can get very good casting distance with Varivas Twitch Master 3# test line with a diameter of .128mm. Stepping down to a JDM 2# test line you can have diameters as low as .117mm....which will cast very very good. Right now sourcing any of this is hard to do....but some thing's can be found. FishingShop Kiwi has the Theta reel in stock. ABU GARCIA Revo MGX Theta 1000S Reels buy at Fishingshop.kiwi I am not affiliated in anyway with them....
Regards

Line: 4# is too heavy if you want more casting distance. Try a line no thicker than .15mm. 2# Trilene Sensation or 2# Trilene XL are good options. 2# Stren Crappie is also good. The ones Alphahawk mentioned are better.

Major Craft rods are good. If you liked the one, get a similar model in that price range.

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

FishingShop Kiwi has the Theta reel in stock. ABU GARCIA Revo MGX Theta 1000S Reels buy at Fishingshop.kiwi I am not affiliated in anyway with them....
Regards

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That’s not a bad price on the Theta. They have a decent selection of gear.


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I've done a LOT of reading and I thought consensus seemed to be that 4.8:1 is preferred over 5.2:1. Both the Vanford and the Theta are 5.2:1. As for the why the Theta is "better," please advise as to why if you can. I appreciate help.

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing. And things change and opinions change when certain rods are discovered to be better at this. So, if anyone can recommend a rod circa May 2021 thinking, it's appreciated!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by livemusic

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing. And things change and opinions change when certain rods are discovered to be better at this. So, if anyone can recommend a rod circa May 2021 thinking, it's appreciated!

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Keep it simple, and just pick one from Chris Stewart’s inventory:

https://www.finesse-fishing.com/fine...ning-rods.html

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Originally Posted by livemusic

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing....

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It’s a “Mary Ann or Ginger” question. You can’t lose. Just pick one.

I guess every rod manufacturer can produce a defective rod. I have 3 MajorCraft rods and they all seem very well built.

If you would consider another MajorCraft Rod, the new MajorCraft Finetail matches well with the MGX Theta 1000. I have the FAX-632SUL which is the new one. I also have one of the old Finetail series. Last time I looked Digitaka had the FAX-632SUL in stock. Alphahawk did a review of it on his youtube channel.

The Major Craft Finetail FAX SUL is a ridiculously good rod for the money. I've got the 632SUL and it's a superb panfish rod as far as I'm concerned.

That being said, I'm in the market for another JDM rod. I broke my Tenryu Rayz Alter and may not be able to replace the tip. Suggestions???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by livemusic

I've done a LOT of reading and I thought consensus seemed to be that 4.8:1 is preferred over 5.2:1. Both the Vanford and the Theta are 5.2:1. As for the why the Theta is "better," please advise as to why if you can. I appreciate help.

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing. And things change and opinions change when certain rods are discovered to be better at this. So, if anyone can recommend a rod circa May 2021 thinking, it's appreciated!

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I prefer low ratio reels to work micro jigs. But it is a personal preference. The Theta has 3 more bearings than the Vanford. The Theta has 2 bearings in the line roller which will help keep line twist down. The Theta is a low inertia reel…..meaning it takes little effort to rotate. Line management is great on the Theta….it has a better drag stack in my opinion….carbon fiber drag washers. As to the rod. How much fun factor do you want….what power rating…slow or fast action? As of right now, from the several dozen rods I have purchased the Major Craft Fine Tail Area Stage rods are the most sensitive…most fun for the amount of money spent. There are a lot of better rods but the price goes up of course.

Regards


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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

it has a better drag stack in my opinion….carbon fiber drag washers.

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interesting point – always though felt washers were better for light lines due to smoother operation

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Originally Posted by s_v

interesting point – always though felt washers were better for light lines due to smoother operation

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That has been the conventional wisdom but it is changing. Carbon is considered a must in the heavier reels used in saltwater….meaning say 4000 series reels and up. If one only has one reel and fishes a lot…as I did at one time….felt needs a lot of maintenance. The Theta is the only reel I own that has a multi stack drag and to tell you the truth it is over kill in my opinion for a 1000 series reel but it is buttery smooth. Then again the drags on the other reels I own are very smooth also. I have switched out all my felt washers to carbon and I feel I have a better range of adjustment. I know one thing for sure…..I wish I would have had carbon drags those 2 decades I spent fishing the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. We flat burnt up some felt drag washers there.

Regards


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

That has been the conventional wisdom but it is changing. Carbon is considered a must in the heavier reels used in saltwater….meaning say 4000 series reels and up. If one only has one reel and fishes a lot…as I did at one time….felt needs a lot of maintenance. The Theta is the only reel I own that has a multi stack drag and to tell you the truth it is over kill in my opinion for a 1000 series reel but it is buttery smooth. Then again the drags on the other reels I own are very smooth also. I have switched out all my felt washers to carbon and I feel I have a better range of adjustment. I know one thing for sure…..I wish I would have had carbon drags those 2 decades I spent fishing the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. We flat burnt up some felt drag washers there.

Regards


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exactly

Ultimately Shimanos left a bad taste in my mouth when I had binding issues with normal US market reels. I do have a shimano stradic ci4 that hasn’t had any issues but I don’t think I’ll be buying anymore shimanos. I have the Theta mentioned above and I do like it but I seem to gravitate more to the JDM Daiwa’s. The Daiwa Luvias would probably treat you right. I have the 2000 series and I also have the new Daiwa Luvias Airity which is a great reel. I would think you would be happy with the Daiwa Ballistic as well. You might be fine with the Vanford. As far as rods go I don’t target bass at all so can’t help you much there.

Randy where do you get your carbon drag washers?

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Originally Posted by livemusic

I am not willing to buy the ultimate rod n reel yet, I would rather buy mid range until I get more experience.

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To your other questions in the other thread: this is exactly how you end up with multiple rods. You start with $200 JDM rod, and it is amazing. Then you wonder what would be your experience with $400 JDM rod. You buy one, and, to your horror, it is even better than the first. So on and so forth.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gillfishn

Randy where do you get your carbon drag washers?

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I got mine from HPR Bearings on ebay.

Regards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by s_v

To your other questions in the other thread: this is exactly how you end up with multiple rods. You start with $200 JDM rod, and it is amazing. Then you wonder what would be your experience with $400 JDM rod. You buy one, and, to your horror, it is even better than the first. So on and so forth.

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LOL, that is a great answer, I get it! Look forward to that experience, bad luck with the Major Craft was a bummer but I will try again!

I’m a big fan of the shallow spools on the JDM reels. I have two, the Abu Garcia MGX Theta and a Diawa Caldia


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