fishindad

You're on the right track with something less fast action. You don't need to drop that kind of coin on a rod for what you want to throw, especially with braid. That said, if you can get your hands on one, check out the 6'10" *** Finesse rod. Rated ML but fishes like a powerful meduim, fast action rod. Plenty crisp (40 ton Toray) and I guarantee it will excel at throwing plastics. I have the 7'2" version and I prefer it over my DX742SF and LEX70MLF for open water plastics fishing.

I don't have that Avid rod but my fishing partner does. His open water grub rod is the 7' MLF though. My opinion is since you are presently using a popping blank rod, moving to an XF action rod would not be a good idea. I had the LTB tube rod and agree with A-Jay it would be what you're looking for (other than being over 7 foot). Dwight's choice is even better using braid because the longer rod would give longer casts as well as keep the fish buttoned up at boatside. If you're dead set on an under 7 foot rod for tossing those baits, I would go with the Falcon LFS-4-166 Open Hook special (have used this for 10 years; great grub rod) or Dobyns Champ 682SF (you can get it on sale for under $200).

Well I am definitely not a genius, at least with a baitcaster, lol. But here's my two cents from someone who learned to cast with Daiwa Millionaires and red Ambassadeur 5000's. Generally, when you are roll casting you're not going for distance - that's where the overhand cast comes in. Most all my backlashes happen because I am fishing expansive open water (Lake St Clair) and there's usually a good wind blowing and I haven't set the brakes properly. Throwing with the wind is quite different from throwing the same lure against or quartering the wind. That's where spinning gear shines and why I tend to use mostly spinning gear out there for smallies. That said, I remember about 20 years ago at a show in WA state, I saw Stan Fagerstrom give a casting demonstration and he opened my eyes to the proper way to think about using baitcasters. Watch this old video (apologies for the quality, it's not mine but YouTube's): But just listen to what he's describing and you'll get the message. My opinion is to use casting gear for close-in, heavy cover fishing where accuracy rules. But for open water (clear water) fishing where I need to make bombing casts away from the boat, nothing beats a spinning outfit with braid and nylon leader. Especially when it's windy because I don't know about anyone else but when I'm searching for fish, I cast 360 degrees (or at least 180) around my boat and I can't do that with casting gear without readjusting the brakes every other cast. Si like the others (including Stan) have stated, nothing beats casting practice on and off the water.

I've got the Head Turner but reserve that for more heavy cover fishing. I'm looking to throw the small swim baits mostly in open water a long distance. Maybe I'll look into the MMC 7'4" football jig rod as well.

Yes! I fish Dobyns for spinning (702, 742) and Falcons for casting - they definitely feel special. I do/did love the 705CB F glass rod though and believe it is one of those do-it-all rods. The tip is not quite right though for the 4" swimbaits, IMO and the 704CB glass is too soft, lol. The finesse jig rod works but I find it is better dedicated to tubes, finesse jigs, and small hula grubs. I'm sure I'll love the Falcon SJ rod but wanted to see if there might be something better. Thanks guys.

Yeah, I want to stick with Falcons because I know their rod actions - but I have fished many Loomis and Dobyns rods as well. I'd rather not go custom but it seems you recommend a med. power baitcast rod JG. What size line(s) do you throw on that rod with Keitechs?

I'm looking to get feedback on Falcon's Cara Swim Jig rod for throwing small swimbaits like 3.8 and 4.8 inch Keitechs and other non-hollow baits on unweighted and weighted hooks. Right now I'm using the Cara finesse jig rod but want to dedicate that rod to dragging tubes and hula grubs. Is there another Cara that might perform better or is that swim jig rod "perfect' for 1/8th - 3/8th oz baits as stated? Oh and I use 10-12 lb. Sniper line. Thanks!

Sweet combo! May you land many big Lake Erie smallies with it!

Beauty of a bass - need to work on that smile, let's see some teeth! LOL Been many years but is that from Clear Lake? I really miss that place..

Silas said it best. Though often I think we anglers overthink things or make things more complicated than they should be. Fishing can be a simple as a cane pole and red and white bobber dunking red worms for sunnies or tossing streamers for steelhead with a top end Sage. Bass anglers seem to think they need 20-25 rods on deck. What is interesting is there are some rods that most can agree are "perfect" - DX702, EMTF, NRX893, CC-7-173 etc. yet for some reason each rod company cannot get it "perfect" with every rod they build. Not that I've fished every rod out there but I'll say it again - if I could do it all over I'd buy 1 each of Loomis' original GLX of their CR, MBR, and SJR rods. That lineup was about the closest to perfection with each and every rod in the lineup.

Yeah, me too. I love the rod - guide train, handle, power, sensitivity - but really think 13 dropped the ball by not labeling it a M power (at least). Definitely not a ML by any stretch. Am hoping they release a L power version, which would probably be perfect for finesse and keep everything else the same. Anyone know if the *** Gen 2 ML is properly rated?

smallies, I also have the *** Finesse spin rod (though the 7'2" version) and find it light and sensitive but feel it fishes like St Croix rods, much heavier than their rating - do you feel this is the case? I bought this rod to use for dropshotting with 6 and 7lb Sniper but think it is too stiff for those. I also have a DX702SF, Legend Extreme 70MLF, and Crucial68MXF and the *** feels much more powerful than all these, even though it's supposed to be a ML 'finesse' rod. Should I have gotten the 6'10" version?

This is drifting way off topic but your sample size needs to increase because I've known some redheads that rocked my world. And the women who thought they were too beautiful were pretty average during the fourth event (an old triathlon saying). Can't say I've met any rich women yet but I'm still looking. lol. As far as the spin vs. cast, agree that no one fishing method is better than the other. Try them all and get to know their good and bad qualities. Kinda like...

Thanks, I'm always looking out for better gear at equivalent price points. AFAIK the Dobyns rods are still being made in South Korea. By now, most know the made in US sticks. As I've said many times before, I've fished a long time and no factory rod has yet topped the original GLX with Wiebe handles, on both spinning and casting. Wish I would have bought a stable of MBR and SJRs. For now, it's Dobyns and St Croix. To the OP take the advice above and go with the DX744.

Interesting statement. Are you saying you've fished a Champion Extreme and (I'll assume) the Powell TiMax and the Powell is better than the Extreme? In what ways do you think it is it a better rod?

Well, my favorite spinning rod is my DX702SF. But, if I were limited to only one spinning rod, it would be my Legend Extreme 70MLF (2012 version with cork handle and recoil guides) since it is the most versatile.

It depends on what you consider finesse? Seeing as you are in TX then I'll assume you're mostly chasing LM vs the SM that I target here in MI waters, which have relatively much more water clarity I use what I would consider the perfect finesse spinning setup: a DX702SF and 2500 reel with 7 lb Sniper. I also use a DX742SF for deeper water/heavier sinkers and around cover. I would agree the medium power (703SF) may be the right choice for where you fish. And definitiely get the 7 footer unless your rod locker is limited.

Actually, Aaron fished all of 2015 with Enigma rods. He was the Sabine River event decked out in Enigma gear. Though I agree he is one guy who could fish any rod and still win AOY.

For me, Sniper is best and I do a ton of spin fishing. But supposedly Tatsu is even better. I just can't bring myself to make the switch.

I don't throw big swimbaits like the ones you listed but, I do use Dobyns rods to toss Keitechs and am not sure why you don't just give Gary and Richard a phone call and ask them? From what I read, their selection of Champion swimbait rods should give you exactly what you need. Their pro staff (Mike Long, Matt Allen) do almost nothing but fish big swimbaits so they know how to build the perfect rod for whatever bait you want to chuck. The Champs are a bit outside your budget but if I were you, I'd not mess around and just get the right rod. This will make the whole experience much better as well as your success with swimbaits.

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

2 spinning, 2 casting, 1 cranking rod. Specifically, one dropshot rod, one tube/grub rod, one topwater/jerkbait rod, one jig/frog/heavy cover rod, one crankbait/spinnerbait rod. I fish GL smallies so my next rod would be another DS rod or tube rod.

I've used both rods and agree with iabass8's comments. Not sure where the OP is going with this query but if you're acquiring only 1 or 2 rods then it's a tossup. If you're replacing all your rods then I'd go with Dobyns. To me, spot on rod actions and powers for all bass fishing applications.

Very sorry to hear about this but I can relate! I've broken many a rod over the years, all due to "operator error". I am now very careful with my gear and do my best to watch out for any potential danger zones. That said, I've learned to not become so attached to my gear because material things can be replaced. Chalk it up to one of life's many learning experiences. You can try to see what Abu will do for a replacement but if you are an honest person you'll own up to the fact the rod was broken from inadvertent abuse/neglect (don't mean to sound harsh but them's the best terms I could think of). Buy one of the rod sleeves and lure wraps and use the hook keepers when possible. Small price to pay for avoiding future snags. GL

Thanks everyone for the replies. I called Brian at The Tackle Trap and he did me right with my order for two Champions! Will definitely do business with them again. And thanks for the rod advice DTack, I'll let you know how the rods work out for me and the smallies.