TNBankFishing

What is your budget? $100 - Fury $200 - 6’10 Medium Zodias Enthusiast - Megabass Otomat

It’s totally expected. The US Destroyer line was discontinued this fall, I would be surprised if there were any in stock. The Javelin is most similar to the Brailist and EMTF in the XX line. It’s a 7’5” medium heavy. The Destroyer line has a single model while the XX and Levante have two, one for moving baits and one for vertical line applications. I firmly believe the DSR will treat you right, and help you land a ton of fish. If you really enjoy the line there are JDM models you can get with the standard MB warranty. My Wild Bunch is an example.

I own a few of the destroyers and from my experience the medium fast tapers will do you better for those applications. While I can happily use my FMJ for a swim jig, the Jav or even Wild Bunch just perform better. I like a rod which can apply enough force to get a solid hookset but not one that loses control after. If you plan to use a full size 1/2oz jackhammer with a trailer, you will stress the DSR out. I use a Javelin for that size lure and it’s still pushing it. What size are the Jackhammers you received? What type of trailer will you use? The DSR in the XX line is great at everything single hook. It’s a bit too fast for trebles and a touch too stout for top waters. But it can fill those roles in a pinch if you’re looking to take a single rod out. I had a XX DSR over the summer and I used it for those situations often, until I snagged my Wild Bunch. If you wanted just one rod to start your Megabass journey I’d go DSR in the Levante line. Don’t blame any of us though if you end up buying more

I did receive the rod and have had a single day on the water with it. I don’t know if it’s enough to really judge performance as the bite was tough. I can comment that the handle length is perfect for the kayak. My current favorite handle on a casting rod is my Wild Bunch as the diameter is slightly more narrow than my Otomat or FMJ. If you like the US destroyer ergonomics you’ll be right at home. Comparing the Javelin to a FMJ isn’t really apples to apples, but I believe with the way it handled it will do very well in the 3/8ths oz plus trailer range for jigs. It transmitted composition readily and felt great moving into and out of cover. The length helped pull jigs up and through without snags when I was pitching. For reaction baits it’s a dream. I think it can handle the half ounce baits, but adding big trailers stress it. I would say a stealth blade and Zako is totally fine. When I tied on a full size half oz jack hammer with a zako it stressed it a bit. For that size I turn to the wild bunch. I used a Curado MGL with 15 lb flouro as the reel/line setup. Balance was good and it didn’t feel tip heavy. Not perfect, but a 7 or 8 out of 10. It is a 7’5” rod so balance is tough. After I hit the water a few more times and actually catch more than a couple dinks I’ll update this again.

Thank you for the review from a Yak perspective. I have avoided the Daemos because I felt like it wasn’t the right blend for what I needed. I will say when you go extra fast on the taper MB rods can deliver on the kayak. My FMJ hits hard enough with an a one arm pop on the rod to set the hook well in most situations. I ordered a Javalin during the close out sales this weekend and got a good deal. Once I spend some time on the water with it I’ll check this thread and leave some impressions.

Tatula Elite 6’9” heavy is 180 retail. If you wait this week you can definitely find it 25 to 30% off which hits your budget. There are a couple really good Megabass rods which meet your size criteria in the xxx orochi line if you can grab them used. I’m bank or kayak fishing and trust me I know it’s a struggle. I’m only 5’10 but I have a MB wild bunch I frog with and I’ve learned to deal with the length. If you can get something 7 foot and force yourself it opens a lot of JDM options on heavy rods you can’t buy otherwise.

Sales like this always make me scratch my head. I could be completely wrong, but considering the JDM line usually comes out a year before USDM we might be seeing some 2021 P5s hit our shores. If anyone is interested in the Otomat I’ve absolutely loved mine for a range of applications. Topwater, jerk baits, and squarebills (if you like crisp action). Im interested in the Warhammer for serious punching, but even at $240 it’s tough to justify a single technique rod. The others are a flipping stick and two swimbait rods. The spinning rod they have as well is a fantastic medium+ rod. It’s does a ton really well. I used one this summer. If you can find Punch Fishings review I feel like he’s spot on with it.

My only advice is pace yourself and only buy gear you will want to use a year or two from now. I started buying more affordable combos and ended up selling everything. What I wanted was 4 curado Ks and a stradic. I bought an SLX and a cheap spinning reel. I ended up selling and replacing every single rod and reel I had and lost money in the process. If you’re sure this hobby will be with you a long time, save the cash and buy the gear you want. While the $70 bucks difference in an SLX to Curado seems a lot at first when you need 4 of them, it’s not much in the grand scheme of things. And the quality difference is there. Just remember there is a diminishing return on that cash spent. While I firmly believe a 200 dollar rod is significantly better than a 75 dollar rod. I don’t know if I see a huge jump from 200 to 400. I’m terrible at taking my own advice though, as I pretty much only use Megabass rods.

Shimano Zodias in 7’ 2” medium or MH. A Dobyns Champ on sale could be a good choice as well. For pond fishing I would go lighter than heavier to give him more options. If I’m pond fishing with a casting rig I use a Megabass Otomat because it covers so many applications between 1/4 and 3/4 oz baits. I’m also partial to the medium action.

I hope so, but Megabass P5s are where I'm looking. I think someone will have to call or take the plunge on a purchase to see if the discount applies.

Has anyone used these? I can't find reviews or any information about them.

Do you think the Daemos could also throw the buzz? I've been interested in the spec R but its been out forever. I also prefer the more moderate tapers on these moving baits. Its why I was interested in the madbull vs the dark sleeper in the P5s. I love my PP, not tried a buzz in it.

That is interesting ? might need to a harder look at that line. I looked at the Zbones because Kistler was having a decent sale but I just don't know enough about them to pull the trigger.

Good afternoon! I may be gifting my 6'10 MH Zodias to my brother in law as a Christmas gift and was looking at a few rods and wanted everyones thoughts. I fish from the bank or kayak and anything I load up needs to pull double or triple duty. I want to step into a Megabass Destroyer or P5, or similar as I've been impressed and happy with all my Megabass rods. For US Destroyer I was looking at the Daemos, P5 the Madbull. The GLX 844C MBR is also looking great, because well... GLX. I don't know if the IMX Pro would be just as good for moving baits. I've never fished a G Loomis rod. I own a Otomat, FMJ, and Perfect Pitch, and love them, but I'm willing to branch out. It would be paired with a Curado DC.

You make a fantastic point, and I completelyunderstand. Having one rod which covers multiple techniques is a huge bonus. I can really only carry 3 or 4 on a good day. You also mentioned you wouldn't spend the money on this specific technique. Could you explain why?

The GLX is a heavy power fast action, wouldn't that be too much tip and too little flex for spooks, poppers, and jerkbaits? Considering the M+ PA would it be better to go with a straight medium if I'm not looking for a bottom contact rod? I have a FMJ for jigs and T rigs and a spinning setup for light plastics.

Thank you for the response. The GLX is interesting, but some of the larger spook baits can get near or above 3/4 oz. Would that matter for the feel and performance of the rod as its rated below that. I've looked into the Alderbaran but would the 50 spool size limit my casting distance options? I'm predominantly bank fishing and often have to fan the largest area possible as I can't reach a lot of areas. Would the 2020 Met fill the same role or does the smaller weight and size of the Alderbaran make a big difference? I've not fished a 50 sized spool yet.

Good evening everyone, I'm looking for recommendations on high end topwater setups. I predominantly throw walking bates less than 3/4 oz as well as a wide range of poppers. Fishing is mostly bank bound at this time, but when the off season hits I plan on getting my own boat/kayak. I've been interested in the Megabass Otomat, and the Poison Adrena M+ but I've not figured out G Loomis' number system. I'm aware with a topwater rig you don't need high end gear, but it's my absolute favorite technique. If the rod can pull double duty then even better. I know the Otomat can double as a decent jerkbait rod, and I currently don't have anything specific to that. I've been a shimano guy but I'm open to trying other reel brands. My current setup is a medium 6'10" Zodias with a Curado K.