I just got a Diawa Ballistic T3 in a 7.1:1 ratio, and so far I love it. Based on just playing around with it I'm very impressed. I don't find the material to be cheap like some, but am really enjoying it all around. I'm thinking I want to use this real for a new jig setup, but heres the catch, based on giftcards and all that good stuff, the rod needs to be from BPS.

No Dobyns then:(

Its going to be higher end, most likely $150+

7'+ and I'm new to jigs so I don't really know weight. 4 power maybe?

No brand prefference.

What would you choose? Any help would be great. Thanks!

Daiwa tatula

Duckett macro or micro magic or white ice

Loomis Gl2

Shimano crucial

Rod powers between companies aren't the same, so pick a rod that the specs cover the weight of the jigs you'll be throwing.

Thanks, that helps. I heard the tatula seemed really nice at its price point, but just came out, I was really looking into a Duckett, how good of a bottom contact rod are they? I heard the GL2 isn't as comparable to others at its price point? And I have no idea on the crucial lol.

Crucial at the lower end ($160)

Legend elite/extreme at the higher end ($320+)

What are the weights you'll be throwing?

Thanks, that helps. I heard the tatula seemed really nice at its price point, but just came out, I was really looking into a Duckett, how good of a bottom contact rod are they? I heard the GL2 isn't as comparable to others at its price point? And I have no idea on the crucial 

 

I have a couple Duckett Micro Magics and they're excellent bottom contact rods, especially for their price point. Sensitivity can change based on who you ask, but IMO they are quality, sensitive blanks. Both my MH and Heavy have good flexible tips and cast a variety of weights very well. I'm hoping to put a T3 Ballistic on one of mine tomorrow and I'll let ya know how it balances and handles when I get to cast some practice lures around in the yard 

Graphite. Think graphite.

 

The more graphite the more sensitive the rod.

 

Match the rod's parameters to those of the reel.

 

Think about the line test you will want to throw with your jigs plus your jig weights.

 

Hold off your purchase until BPS has their big sale in January or February. You can get a higher grade rod at a good price during the sale.

 

As for brands, your option. I like the Crucial but that's just me. all G. Loomis rods are excellent.

 

Good luck and let us know what you purchased.

St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF

 

 

 

 

                                                                     

Graphite. Think graphite.

The more graphite the more sensitive the rod.

Match the rod's parameters to those of the reel.

Think about the line test you will want to throw with your jigs plus your jig weights.

Hold off your purchase until BPS has their big sale in January or February. You can get a higher grade rod at a good price during the sale.

As for brands, your option. I like the Crucial but that's just me. all G. Loomis rods are excellent.

Good luck and let us know what you purchased.

Thanks for everyone's help you have given me some great feedback. I planned on waiting thanks for reminding me!

Crucial at the lower end ($160)

Legend elite/extreme at the higher end ($320+)

What are the weights you'll be throwing?

That's my biggest issue, jigs are new to me, so I domt really know. I use trailers and everythimg so I have to almost guess on my final weight.

Daiwa tatula 7'1" MH X-fast

 

Held one in stores and it is the lightest rod I have ever held under 150. Also, it has many features of the steez rods. The reels seat was probably my favorite feature. It was very comfortable to hold (I put a reel on it in store), and the trigger grip is different than most rods.

That's more feedback then I have heard yet on the tatula, I will definitely look at that one in store, seems like a great value.

St. Croix rage, avid, ltb depending on your price range

St. Croix rage, avid, ltb depending on your price range

The rage has the same blank correct?

The rage has the same blank correct?

Rage and avid are the same. I prefer the avid because I like full cork. Ltb is a step up in the blank.

I know it's not as high end as the ones listed but check out the carbonlite rods. That would leave you some money to buy line and a bunch of jigs and trailers. I have one and it performs just as well as my higher end rods.

Also, bring your reel in and put it on the rod to see how it balances. That will help you make YOUR best decision. Merry Christmas!

Arv said it best. Bring your reel to the store and see what balances best. BPS has Avids and Carbonlite's both of these rods get my vote. 

Also, bring your reel in and put it on the rod to see how it balances. That will help you make YOUR best decision. Merry Christmas!

Il make aure to do that. Merry Christmas to you too!

Gloomis NRX 854

Megabass Orochi XX  F6½-70XX  jig and worm

 

Not sure what your budget is but my advice is always purchase the very best rod you can afford for any type of contact bait fishing.

That's more feedback then I have heard yet on the tatula, I will definitely look at that one in store, seems like a great value.

Tackletour is publishing their review of the rod sometime soon. Not sure exactly when but they said they were in the publishing process about 2 weeks ago so it should be very soon. I am extremely excited to see what they say about it with all their experience with high end rods. I think it will get a great review.

Tackletour is publishing their review of the rod sometime soon. Not sure exactly when but they said they were in the publishing process about 2 weeks ago so it should be very soon. I am extremely excited to see what they say about it with all their experience with high end rods. I think it will get a great review.

I'm excited for it too

UPDATE: DOES NOT NEED TO BE FROM BPS!

Knowing this now, I'm going to assume a dobyns champion is my best choice? I've heard a lot of good things about them.

I would go Dobyns first - 735 split grip? If that wasn't an option I would go LTB or give a 13 *** a try (just because I'm curious if its worth the 2.5x price tag of the ***).