Advice on a JDM UL Game Rod? Lunakia vs Eradicator vs Soare XR vs Evergreen

Need some advice on a rod. Specifically to invest in my first ever high end JDM UL game rod. This will be used for very small panfish and small stocked lake trout here in Canada. Only fishing urban lakes w/ no boat.
I am looking for extreme sensitivity. I want to cast 1/32 oz jigs with soft plastics from the bank at a lake since i have no boat so looking for a rod minimum 6ft and can send these lights lures 60ft + from shore.

Can’t decide between the following:
- Tenryu Lunakia 610 (currently in stock)
- Abu Garcia Eradicator Real Finesse Slow Taper Special 6’7” (out of stock… worth waiting?)
- Shimano 21 Soare XR 6’4” (in stock)
- Splurge on an Evergreen Superior limber tip 6’10” years (in stock)
- G loomis panfish rod (in stock)

Unless someone has other recommendations for a bank angler w/ no boat and need a long enough rod with very good sensitivity for light soft plastic jigs? Im open to other rod suggestions. I feel the area trout rods are not sensitive for my jigging applications

Also i live in canada, any other sites besides jdmtackleheaven, digitika, and platco that I can buy these rods? Cant find anywhere that has the Abu Garcia in-stock

I advise you to go with a selection of rods in stock. On out of stock rods you could possibly wait forever. Pretty sure the slow taper special is gone for good. Many rods are hard to source now. All of the rods on your list will be far better than a Loomis Panfish. I would go for the Evergreen or Lunakia...with the Lunakia being a great buy for $275 from Tenryu Lunakia LK6102S-MLT – JDM TACKLE HEAVEN

Regards

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Originally Posted by yoloboie

Need some advice on a rod. Specifically to invest in my first ever high end JDM UL game rod. This will be used for very small panfish and small stocked lake trout here in Canada. Only fishing urban lakes w/ no boat.
I am looking for extreme sensitivity. I want to cast 1/32 oz jigs with soft plastics from the bank at a lake since i have no boat so looking for a rod minimum 6ft and can send these lights lures 60ft + from shore.

Can’t decide between the following:
- Tenryu Lunakia 610 (currently in stock)
- Abu Garcia Eradicator Real Finesse Slow Taper Special 6’7” (out of stock… worth waiting?)
- Shimano 21 Soare XR 6’4” (in stock)
- Splurge on an Evergreen Superior limber tip 6’10” years (in stock)
- G loomis panfish rod (in stock)

Unless someone has other recommendations for a bank angler w/ no boat and need a long enough rod with very good sensitivity for light soft plastic jigs? Im open to other rod suggestions. I feel the area trout rods are not sensitive for my jigging applications

Also i live in canada, any other sites besides jdmtackleheaven, digitika, and platco that I can buy these rods? Cant find anywhere that has the Abu Garcia in-stock

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Should have added...not sure where you heard area trout rods were not sensitive....the reality is a high end area trout rod is extremely sensitive....but there are none that I know of longer than 6'7". Other stores.....Asian Portal....Fishing Shop Kiwi..Japan Tackle.

Regards

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Should have added...not sure where you heard area trout rods were not sensitive....the reality is a high end area trout rod is extremely sensitive....but there are none that I know of longer than 6'7". Other stores.....Asian Portal....Fishing Shop Kiwi..Japan Tackle.

Regards

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Thanks Alphahawk. Your youtube videos got me into this whole sport, so thank you for sharing all your UL fishing experiences.

I have limited knowledge on area trout rods. I heard they were not sensitive only referencing the Daiwa iprimi series and the Daiwa presso ST that i tried from my friends but I felt they were not sensitive for my soft plastic jigging? I guess the area trout rods are meant for crankbaits and spoons in japan, and not meant for jigs?

if we were to ignore length, would getting an area trout rod be better for me since im mainly fishing trout?

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Originally Posted by yoloboie

Thanks Alphahawk. Your youtube videos got me into this whole sport, so thank you for sharing all your UL fishing experiences.

I have limited knowledge on area trout rods. I heard they were not sensitive only referencing the Daiwa iprimi series and the Daiwa presso ST that i tried from my friends but I felt they were not sensitive for my soft plastic jigging? I guess the area trout rods are meant for crankbaits and spoons in japan, and not meant for jigs?

if we were to ignore length, would getting an area trout rod be better for me since im mainly fishing trout?

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Area trout rods shine in flat calm water...in a stream situation not so good. When one gets into the high end JDM rods...area....Azing...Mebaru.....hybrid light game....they will all be extremely sensitive. When comparing rods feel some will feel more crisp than others but then we get to nit picking. My most favorite rod is still my Slow Taper Special...somehow they managed to have a very soft rod with amazing feel and sensitivity....which is hard to do. If it was readily available I would say get it...but it is not. If you wanted to spend the money the Limber Tip would meet your needs for sure...I do not own one but know several who do and they assure me it is all it's cracked up to be. But from what you told me I keep going back to the 610 Lunakia. You may also want to take a look at the Tict Ice Cube 69P and 69F. Hard for me to answer which will be best when all of the rods we have discussed will truly shine on trout in flat water.


Regards

I have the tict, evergreen, and lunakia and to be honest if I were to pick one I’d go with the lunakia great rod and to me for the price can’t beat it. Randy is the man he is the top wizard to me of jdm rods all I can speak of is what he taught me and what I’ve bought. Thanks again Randy. Good luck you will not be disappointed either way


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Yamaga Blue Current 67TZ Nano Jig Head Special would be another good option. Digitaka has one in stock.

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Originally Posted by Cliffardo

Yamaga Blue Current 67TZ Nano Jig Head Special would be another good option. Digitaka has one in stock.

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I have had my eye on that but backed off hearing that ajing rods are very stiff. I don’t own an ajing rod or know anyone who does to feel what one is like.

Carbon content on the TZ Nano is very high (99% I think). So it must be very sensitive.


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Originally Posted by dannypeoples

I have had my eye on that but backed off hearing that ajing rods are very stiff. I don’t own an ajing rod or know anyone who does to feel what one is like.

Carbon content on the TZ Nano is very high (99% I think). So it must be very sensitive.


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I owned two TZ rods. Got rid of both of them and regret it to this day. I’ve sold a few rods here and there to be able to purchase more. But I regret selling any of them…LOL.

Regards


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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I owned two TZ rods. Got rid of both of them and regret it to this day. I’ve sold a few rods here and there to be able to purchase more. But I regret selling any of them…LOL.

Regards


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Randy! You’’’ll bankrupt me [emoji23]

It’s back on the list.


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The Tz Nano is not an Ajing rod. If you go to Digitaka and click on the specific rod model, you can then click on "official site" and it will take you to the yamaga website. They have detailed descriptions of their rods, including bending curves. I have the cheaper Blue current 3 version and it has a progressive bend. It's a 90% graphite rod so about $100 cheaper, but still a great ultralight rod.

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Originally Posted by Cliffardo

The Tz Nano is not an Ajing rod. If you go to Digitaka and click on the specific rod model, you can then click on "official site" and it will take you to the yamaga website. They have detailed descriptions of their rods, including bending curves. I have the cheaper Blue current 3 version and it has a progressive bend. It's a 90% graphite rod so about $100 cheaper, but still a great ultralight rod.

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Not sure where you got that info but it is wrong...it is most definitely and aji..ajing rod. Read in the specs...target species horse mackerel (Aji) and rockfish. All the marketing for this rod shows it next to an aji.
Regards

BlueCurrent JH-Special 67/TZ NANO | YAMAGA Blanks

Regards

I apologize if i provided any misinformation on the BC 67/TZ JH-Special. Could it possibly be closer to a hybrid like the Lunakia than a true Ajing rod? Not all the JH Specials even have the same taper. For instance, the 62/TZ has a more parabolic bend that goes from tip to butt. Sounds like it might be the most fun for throwing light jigs. I do not own the 67/TZ, but I do own the 69 Blue Current III. They have almost identical bend curves with the 69/III being just a tad stiffer. My 69/III has a soft and progressive bend that hits the backbone about 40 inches from the tip, near the ferrule. It will easily throw a 1/32 jig and still has the backbone to land bigger fish. I also own a Major Craft Aji-Do 682L and the difference is night and day. If anyone wants to experience the true sense of an Ajing rod, they should try the Aji-Do! It has a micro thin 11 inch solid carbon tip that does most of the bending, and hits the backbone about a foot after that. I like to fish for bluegill with one inch Gulp minnows on a finesse drop shot rig and I can't imagine a better rod for that application. However, if I want to cast and work a jig, I use the 69/III since it loads so much better.
Cheers!

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Originally Posted by Cliffardo

I apologize if i provided any misinformation on the BC 67/TZ JH-Special. Could it possibly be closer to a hybrid like the Lunakia than a true Ajing rod? Not all the JH Specials even have the same taper. For instance, the 62/TZ has a more parabolic bend that goes from tip to butt. Sounds like it might be the most fun for throwing light jigs. I do not own the 67/TZ, but I do own the 69 Blue Current III. They have almost identical bend curves with the 69/III being just a tad stiffer. My 69/III has a soft and progressive bend that hits the backbone about 40 inches from the tip, near the ferrule. It will easily throw a 1/32 jig and still has the backbone to land bigger fish. I also own a Major Craft Aji-Do 682L and the difference is night and day. If anyone wants to experience the true sense of an Ajing rod, they should try the Aji-Do! It has a micro thin 11 inch solid carbon tip that does most of the bending, and hits the backbone about a foot after that. I like to fish for bluegill with one inch Gulp minnows on a finesse drop shot rig and I can't imagine a better rod for that application. However, if I want to cast and work a jig, I use the 69/III since it loads so much better.
Cheers!

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It is more like a hybrid but Yamaga Blanks has never used that term that I have seen. You are correct about the Aji Do rod but one thing to keep in mind is Major Craft…for whatever reason….makes their rods much faster than other manufacturers. A fast rated rod from them would be an x fast from most manufacturers.

Regards


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I’ve made some silly fishing purchases but one of the best things I did was purchase a second 6’7” Eradicator before its price went crazy and now it’s pretty much disappeared.

I bought it over 2 years ago and have never used it. When it arrived, I took it out of the rod pouch to examine it and then put it in a pvc pipe where it has been for the last two years.


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Originally Posted by TXPanfisher

I’ve made some silly fishing purchases but one of the best things I did was purchase a second 6’7” Eradicator before its price went crazy and now it’s pretty much disappeared.

I bought it over 2 years ago and have never used it. When it arrived, I took it out of the rod pouch to examine it and then put it in a pvc pipe where it has been for the last two years.


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Smart move on your part. I think ultraslab did same. I should have…still ranks as my most favorite rod.

Regards


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Originally Posted by TXPanfisher

I’ve made some silly fishing purchases but one of the best things I did was purchase a second 6’7” Eradicator before its price went crazy and now it’s pretty much disappeared.

I bought it over 2 years ago and have never used it. When it arrived, I took it out of the rod pouch to examine it and then put it in a pvc pipe where it has been for the last two years.


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Wanna sell lol


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Originally Posted by tattoodrew84

Wanna sell lol


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[emoji23]

Eradicator 67 Slow Taper special is hard to come by. I hope it does come back into production.


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i have been checking twice a day since august
for either the 6 foot 7 or the 6 foot 9 eradicator rod.
ebay and everywhere else i can think of, your not going to find one of those more than likely.
i had buy one off of someone at going price plus shipping if i could locate a seller, but my hope is very dim even for that to happen.

I’ve toyed with the idea of posting my 6’7” Eradicator a few times but never have. Could end up regretting it?

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Originally Posted by tattoodrew84

Wanna sell lol


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No thanks. I’m good. [emoji1787] I will eventually need it as I’m sure I’ll end up breaking the first one somehow. Ha


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Originally Posted by VaCrappieMan

I’ve toyed with the idea of posting my 6’7� Eradicator a few times but never have. Could end up regretting it?

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I’d hang on to it as you may never have a chance to get another one for a decent price.


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Originally Posted by VaCrappieMan

I’ve toyed with the idea of posting my 6’7” Eradicator a few times but never have. Could end up regretting it?

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if you decide to, my offer stands.
i am looking for that one as well as the 6 foot 9 model, i personally would like both models.

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Originally Posted by TXPanfisher

No thanks. I’m good. [emoji1787] I will eventually need it as I’m sure I’ll end up breaking the first one somehow. Ha


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Understood


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I bought 2 as well, love them, but my Evergreen Limber Tip is still my favorite.

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Smart move on your part. I think ultraslab did same. I should have…still ranks as my most favorite rod.

Regards


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

I bought 2 as well, love them, but my Evergreen Limber Tip is still my favorite.

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Dang one of you guys could spare me one lol. I want in on the fun hahaha


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Area trout rods shine in flat calm water...in a stream situation not so good. When one gets into the high end JDM rods...area....Azing...Mebaru.....hybrid light game....they will all be extremely sensitive. When comparing rods feel some will feel more crisp than others but then we get to nit picking. My most favorite rod is still my Slow Taper Special...somehow they managed to have a very soft rod with amazing feel and sensitivity....which is hard to do. If it was readily available I would say get it...but it is not. If you wanted to spend the money the Limber Tip would meet your needs for sure...I do not own one but know several who do and they assure me it is all it's cracked up to be. But from what you told me I keep going back to the 610 Lunakia. You may also want to take a look at the Tict Ice Cube 69P and 69F. Hard for me to answer which will be best when all of the rods we have discussed will truly shine on trout in flat water.

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I ORDERED THE ROD!!! Got the 6’10” model. It’s arriving next monday. Cant wait to try it

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Originally Posted by tattoodrew84

I have the tict, evergreen, and lunakia and to be honest if I were to pick one I’d go with the lunakia great rod and to me for the price can’t beat it. Randy is the man he is the top wizard to me of jdm rods all I can speak of is what he taught me and what I’ve bought. Thanks again Randy. Good luck you will not be disappointed either way


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Thank you!!! I ended up getting the lunakia! Its coming on monday. In your opinion what makes the evergreen more premium then the lunakia? Would you say the sensitivity difference is night and day?

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Originally Posted by TXPanfisher

I’ve made some silly fishing purchases but one of the best things I did was purchase a second 6’7” Eradicator before its price went crazy and now it’s pretty much disappeared.

I bought it over 2 years ago and have never used it. When it arrived, I took it out of the rod pouch to examine it and then put it in a pvc pipe where it has been for the last two years.


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Im so sad i missed out on the sale of those. Hold on to that rod with your dear life. Might not be another chance to get them at that price!

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Originally Posted by jawjatek

I bought 2 as well, love them, but my Evergreen Limber Tip is still my favorite.

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I one day want to splurge and save up for the evergreen limber tip. I just ordered the lunakia today. In your opinion why is it your favourite? Want to know if the higher price tag is actually worth it. Cant find any reviews online as they are all in non english videos

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Originally Posted by yoloboie

Thank you!!! I ended up getting the lunakia! Its coming on monday. In your opinion what makes the evergreen more premium then the lunakia? Would you say the sensitivity difference is night and day?

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Congrats on the new rod you should love it. As far as limber tip in all honesty not worth the extra cost between the lunakia and evergreen to me but I’m no pro just a plain country fisherman lol. Don’t get me wrong it’s a nice rod but I can’t tell a lot of difference myself.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by yoloboie

I one day want to splurge and save up for the evergreen limber tip. I just ordered the lunakia today. In your opinion why is it your favourite? Want to know if the higher price tag is actually worth it. Cant find any reviews online as they are all in non english videos

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I should have mentioned it is my favorite for CRAPPIE using light jigs. Since I mostly fish for crappie, I use it the most. For bream and crackers the Eradicator RF STS 6'7" is my choice.. The Limber Tip has unreal sensitivity, especially when the fish grabs the jig without a thump. It is immediately obvious to me when this occurs; I instantly feel the weight. Also, it is a sentimental choice, since I caught my PB crappie and PB shellcracker on it. I fished with it a year before I bought the Eradicator, after using ultraslab's ERF STS one day, I had to have one. Randy's praises also were a factor. Then, I broke the tip section (being careless), and had to order another top half, and so I threw another one in the shopping cart, so I will have a spare. This time of year, I mostly use The ERF, since I am targeting bluegills and shellcrackers mostly.

Forgot to mention I found the Evergreen on sale for under $550, shipped from Asia - that never happens.

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Originally Posted by yoloboie

I ORDERED THE ROD!!! Got the 6’10” model. It’s arriving next monday. Cant wait to try it

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Have had the chance to try it out? If yes, what’s your impression?


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