LionHeart

That is the rod I most regret selling

I have the "Moving Baits" Tatula, but use it for small bottom contact. I have owned two other generations of Tatula rods, and the new reel seat doesn't seem to affect sensitivity to me. Personally I think people make too much out of reel seat design being exposed vs not exposed blank. I think Diawa did a fantastic job with the new Tatulas.

I am perpetually on the search for the perfect light texas rig rod. I own the Falcon Lowrider Finesse Jig rod, but lately have been using a Diawa Tatula "Moving Baits" model. It is described as a square bill and top water rod, but I like it very well for light texas rig. I like throwing trick worms, small craws, baby brush hogs, and lizards on it, and it does that well. It is rated Medium Mod-Fast, so it may be too whippy for some. Diawa also makes a "Light Texas Rig" version. It is the same rod but with a fast action tip. I think it would be an excellent, excellent choice.

Falcon "All Arounder" wound be an excellent choice for what you are looking to do. It is a light, and fairly balanced rod, that will do well with everything except really light, and really heavy stuff. For the reel, I'd get a Lews Tournament MB or LFS if you wanna save a few bucks. Love Diawa rods but not a fan of their reels for every situation. Their braking is fantastic, and the cast great. They just aren't as palmable to me personally and the T Wing is kind of a gimmick.

Doesn't it have 15 lbs? Isn't the drag 15 lbs?

Marketing hype can be pervassive, especially for the bass fishing community. For years people used flourocarbon because they were told it was a line with low stretch. Even though it should be well known by now as a false claim, the use of flouro remains popular. Personally I do not use it for anything.

That's a pretty long leader but I definitely wouldn't say it defeats the purpose of using braid. A 30 yard cast is 90 feet. I use a pretty long leader myself, but mainly because the FG knot is a pain to tie.

Yeah man conventionally I'd say people prefer faster rods for t-rig fishing. I find that having a slower rod helps me cast farther and with more accuracy, and keep fish pinned a little easier. Fishing braid to leader lets me get away with using a little more of a limber rod. I have yet to find the perfect affordable rod for light t-rigs. I am am alternating between the Falcon and a Tatula Top Water model if that tells you anything. I would fall a little outside the norm with this I admit.

To be honest, I can't think of a single reason to use braid for every single technique. It has cons of course, like anything else, but they are far overshadowed by the many benefits. Obviously not everyone will agree, but I think braid will always be objectively the best option hands down. Either way, if you're thinking about getting that particular rod you should just pull the trigger. It isn't life changing, but a very decent rod no doubt about it.

The Trap Caster is a phenomenal rod in so many ways. One thing to know is that it is a fairly slowish action. To me this is a good thing, but worlds apart from XF for sure.

Yeah man I think I have to. Thanks for the info

I hope my critique of the rod was clear. When I say the tip is light, I'm referring to the balance of the rod. The power and speed of the tip is just what I want it to be. I fish T-rig with braid to leader so I enjoy rods that are slightly slower and lower power even for bottom contact. Having said that, in my estimation, the rod would do totally fine with mono, or flouro mainline using 3/0 hooks and below. I realize my first post could be taken to say the rod is slow or light in power (which it kinda sorta is), but totally capable for small bottom contact with smallish baits.

That's the rod I have. I absolutely love the rod and it if yours doesn't do it that gives me hope. Just checked Tackle Warehouse and they are out of stock so a return is not looking good. Wonder if I could file a warranty claim with Diawa? Anybody had any luck doing that? Thanks

Why did you have to go and say that?😜

Seems to be a Tatula problem. Got one when they first came out years ago. It did the same thing, and I just returned it for refund. The one I just bought years later does the same thing. Kinda worried if I exchange it, the new rod will do the same. I feel like my options are to put up with it, or fix it.