MontclairDave

Looking for a medium baitcasting rod for kayak (jerkbaits, small topwaters etc) so I need a rod with a not-too-long handle. Eying ALX Zolo 6” 9” Medium (Rosa) and ALX site lists handle as 9.25” (end of butt to back of reel seat, they say). But TW has the handle listed as 13 1/2”. Same deal for Shimano Zodias: TW has their 7’ MH listed as having a 15 3/4” handle (!!) versus Shimano site, which lists it as 9.6” I’m actually more interested in the 6’ 10” Medium Zodias but TW has no handle length listed for that one; Shimano has it as 9.6” . Any ideas why the difference? I assume difference ways to measure handle? (Back of reel seat versus front?)

Have been eyeing the Zodias 6’ 10” Medium casting model for jerkbaits, small cranks and topwaters. But I am a kayaker and have heard the handle is a bit long. From your post, seems like that may be more of an issue for the 7’-plus Zodias? Just wondering how you think the 6’ 10” would handle out of a yak.

Do you use leaders? I’ve heard the T Wing on the Daiwas are not friendly to line-to-leader knots.

Just those baits? Seems pretty light for the lure range of the rod, which maxes out at 1 oz. I’ve been eyeing this rod for kayak fishing, as well, like the OP. But I am hoping to use it for heavier jigs and Texas creature baits up to 3/4 ounces and also frogging in light cover. Have you use it for any of those applications? Others? Is this a niche rod or more of an all-arounder for you? Thanks!

$150 spinning rod that I didn’t know had micro guides. I HATE micro guides; very unfriendly to leader knots. Although... fishing it with straight braid in stained water made me realize that I actually am getting as many bites as I did with the leader. So maybe it’s all working out!?

Ordered one of their new graphite rods in late December on sale and no sign of the rod yet. Customer service has been fairly responsive and promises if the rod doesn’t come by 2/15 they will ship me out a new one. Not sure I care too much about which blank it’s built on, as long as I actually get a rod from them eventually.

interesting you mentioned throwing frogs with a MH/F. I’ve been researching my first BC rod and been watching a ton of frogging videos and nearly everyone uses a 5 powered (heavy action) rod—until I came across a few that said MH rods in general have some advantages, such as a softer tip for walking frogs, a bit more castability in tight spots, and for me most importantly, adequate power for fishing light to moderate cover (which is what my northern lakes mostly have). I’m a newbie to BC so we shall see this spring and summer if I’m right! (Got a Kistler Graphite 6’ 9” MH).

Well, after reading all of these great posts I decided to hedge my bets and get a new SLX DC reel with a very generous TW gift certificate from the family for Xmas and a slightly used regular SLX off eBay. DC going on a 4 power MH 6’ 9” Kistler Graphite (their newest rod line) for $99 sale (regular $150; I think Kistler’s sale, buying direct from them, ends 12/31?). SLX will go on a 5 power frog rod yet to be bought but probably a Dobyns 705 Mag heavy. As many of you noted, both reels will need me to develop an educated thumb to avoid backlashes so i don’t think I’ve confused things with getting both, but we shall see. And the advice on proper casting as a way to avoid backlashes sounds spot-on, so if you see some crazy dude practicing roll and sidearm casting on a frozen baseball field in NJ, that might be me! Thanks again for all the great feedback.

Great info Sam, this will be a huge help with any reel I decide to get. Much appreciated!

That’s great! Yeah, I’ve read to use mono at first to keep backlashes manageable. I’d be great to go straight to braid since that’s primarily the line I’ll be using, with and without a leader. What BC reel did you choose for your son?

x2 Tackle Advisors is by far the best non-biased source for reel reviews and repair tips. His video on the Fuego is what decided me on getting that reel, along with the BG. Great stuff.

Getting a new baitcaster and eyeing the Shimano SLX DC. Why DC? Because I’m new to baistcasting and I want to shorten the learning curve after a bad initial (non-DC) BC experience a few years back (use error I am sure). But I’ve read the posts that say learning how to thumb a non-DC reel, in the long run, will ensure the best long-term experience with baistcasting. So here’s my question: why not get the DC, use its braking system to at least get comfortable with baistcasting on the 4 setting, and when I get a bit more comfortable with it, start lowering the setting and practicing more thumb control? Will the experience/learning I’d gain doing that help me when I switch to a non-DC reel? (Not sure I want to incur the extra expense of DC reels every time I add a BC setup for different applications.) Thanks!

That’s a funky Amazon listing, specs on reel aren’t very specific. I’d suggest the 3000 model, details below, but it’s not in stock. I got mine at a local tackle shop. https://www.jandh.com/products/daiwa-fglt3000d-c-fuego-lt-spinning-reels.html eBay probably has them.

Daiwa BG is best $100 reel I’ve bought so far, and it will do double duty in fresh and salt. Also, no love for Daiwa Fuego spinner? Just got the 3000 this spring and caught a ton of LMB out of my kayak on it. Very light reel, smooth as butter. Nasci definitely on my list to try next.

x2 on the Avid 68MXF for Senkos, for me no issues with grip. Super sensitive rod, great tip for precise casting and enough backbone for light cover but if you get into thick lily pads or hydrilla and you don’t plane the fish out of there quickly, you may be underpowered.

Yup sorry the MH.

Anyone have any experience with this power/length Zodias? What baits does it handle well; and can you throw a small hollow-bodied frog and/or buzz toad on it? Thanks!

Do you think the action/tip of the 704 is significantly different than the 734? I’ve fished 7’ rods out of the kayak and they’re fine. A bit worried the extra length might be an issue; but not sure, since I’ve never thrown one that long (from a kayak at least).

Trying to resurrect this thread because Dobyns Sierra rods are on sale on TW. Thinking of the 734 or even better the 704 since I am fishing out of a kayak. Have you (or anyone) thrown small frogs and/or toads on the 734 in any of the Dobyns lineups? Will eventually get a frog-specific rod but not to start with. Gary Dobyns recommended the 734 to me in an email, as an all-around rod, but said he never recommends a 4 power for frogging. But he likely throws frogs in much heavier cover than me. I’ll be hitting weed lines and light Lilly pads mostly.

Just found this on ALX website: this rod sounds like the real deal from lots of online reviews. Lots of other models from their various lines also on sale.

Ok thanks!

I don’t get how the TW Black Friday sale works. When I google it, a version of their home page with a big Black Friday ad appears but when I click on the ad, no email linking to the $20 off sale is sent to my inbox. Do they juSt apply the $20 off at checkout?

Just came across a site called Tactical Wholesale, has Tatula MH 7’2” Regular for $93. That regular action in Japanese rods translates to a moderate fast which, if you believe Tim Allen, is the magic action for swimbaits and other reaction baits... https://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Rods-Casting_c_2305.html

Not sure, just wanted to know if I could extend it to other baits I use a lot, like Keitechs and other paddle tails and also spinnerbaits. but pretty sure the Dobyns 704 will be the next rod I get for that...seems to be a good all around choice.

The 704 CB Glass...do you use that only for cranking or for other applications?