14 replies to this topic

[smartfood5]

Just moved to AZ from OR and there are no salmon/steelhead to be found! Started bass fishing in the canals here in PHX and am enjoying it. Would like to get a rod that matches up well with my Curado 200DHSV (was my salmon/steelhead reel).

Needs:
Castability: gotta cast very far (ideally to the other side of the canal haha, which is about 70 feet roughly)
Sensitivity: been hopping swimbaits across the bottom (15ft) with success, but need good sensitivity to feel it when they pick it up to move it vs. chomping on it; haven't branched out much in terms of other techniques, but maybe an all-around, decent at everything, great at nothing rod would be good.

I've been pretty partial to G Loomis rods, but am wiling to branch out!
$100-200 range is fine (new or used)

All reccomendations are appreciated!

[John G]

You did not mention the weight of your swimbaits. I use my Loomis MBR844IMX to cast Gambler Big EZ's with a Curado 200DPV and I get plenty of distance. The Big EZ with a 1/8oz weighted hook weighs roughly 3/4oz. If I were using a smaller swimbait, I would look at a Loomis MBR843. You can find used, in great shape, MBR843 IMX's on eBay all the time.

[smalljaw67]

Jonh G is right, bass fishing swimbaits range from 1/4oz to 6oz or more. The price range you stated, 100 - 200 isn't going to get you a Loomis unless it is a GL2 and in my opinion the components used in that rod plus the weight, it is heavy, don't warrant anywhere near that price. The distance you are looking for can be done with just about any length over 6' so what kind of preference do you have on length. If you provide a little more specifics you'll get a lot of good suggestions.

[smartfood5]

I'm hopping berkley realistix 3" shad. They're pre-weighted/hooked but don't have a weight on the package. If I had to guess, I'd say 3/4 oz. I prefer 2 piece rods for convenience, but am leaning towards a 7 foot 1 piece, based off of info I've read on this site. Let's just say $200. thanks for the feedback so far!

[Megastink]

Powell!!!! out Powell. IF you want a 7' MH or H rod for swimbaits, then your money could not be spent on a better rod, especially for $140. I suggest a Max series, either model 704 or 705. They come with a lifetime warranty.

If you dont care about a warranty, you could get the 7'2" Diesel Series (a GREAT rod for the price) and pay $70!

All Powell rods are lightweight, strong very sensitive, and most importantly, AFFORDABLE. Check them out:

powellco . com (no spaces)

[Hi Salenity]

Have you looked at the Rage rods? I also like Kistler rods.

[NitroZ9]

Take a look at the Denali Rosewood series which run about $200. These are very comparable to the Loomis IMX I had been using in regards to sensitivity. The construction is high quality. As far as 7 foot rods, I'm using the 7 ft. MH and H worm/jig rods. They also have a Jadewood series which range $90-$100.

[webertime]

Phenix Recon 715c. Balances great with a Curado, 7'1" 3/8-1 1/4 oz baits. I've had mine out half a dozen times already throwing paddletails, spinnerbaits, jigs and flipping t-rigs. My new favorite rod.

[BASSclary]

As much as I love my Powell's, for 200 I would suggest a St.Croix Avid. They are a better rod in the sensitivity department, and their customer service and warranty are fantastic.

However, I enjoy fishing with my Powells more. They are still plenty sensitive, but have a better balance and are a bit lighter.

I have not used a Phenix Recon yet, but if you like the styling they might be the best rod out their, and at a great price. Supposedly every thing about the rod is great, including EXCELLENT sensitivity. But i've never used one.

Edit: Whichever rod you choose, a 7' MH/F 1 piece rod will be the most all around rod.

[John G]

Check out the MBR843's on ebay. Look at the completed listings. There is no reason why you can't get your Loomis IMX for less than $200.00

[Bluebasser86]

Another vote for a St. Croix Avid. Great rods for a reasonable price and great customer service if anything ever happens to it. I'd probably go for the 7' MH/F or 7' MH/XF in your price range. I use a MH/F to cast swimbaits and do a pretty similar retrieve to what it sounds like you're doing and have great success, only difference is I'm using a Premier but it still doing everything I need it to do.

[flash]

You'll want a very long rod to fish swimbaits and to get across that canal from shore...I would either try one of the 8ft or 8'6" hot shot rods or backbounce rods from Loomis.

[Michael DiNardo]

Another vote for the 7' Avid.

Mike

[smartfood5]

Ended up picking up a BCR803 GLX from the flea market on this forum (member: dmat) at a fair price. 6'8". Took it out and caught a few bass with it and am happy with the rod overall. Considering trading my RH Curado 200DHSV for a LH of equal quality/wear as I cannot get used to casting with my left hand and get tired of casting right, switching hands, then trying to set the hook with my left. I'm just not that coordinated apparently.

[SoCalFisher]

Never mind just saw you found a rod.