I am looking to upgrade my wading rod. I like a 5'6" ML/M casting rod with either a short straight handle or a pistol grip. I fish with 10# P-Line CX Premium and toss baits from 1/8oz heads and grubs to 1/2oz wtd baits. What would you recommend?

G Loomis cr721 imx. It's 6' though.

I second the CR721IMX but I don't think that I would use 1/2oz with mine. 

I think I heard something about St Croix coming out this the new "Danny DeVito" line of casting rods very soon.

 

Should be perfect.

 

 

A-Jay

I use a fenwick hooksetter at 5'6" short handle.i do believe most big companies have short straight or pistol grips.

I prefer the short sticks for wading as I am a man of shorter stature and it is easier to control. I currently have two cheap sticks, but was hoping for some guidance to a few higher end models.

I prefer the short sticks for wading as I am a man of shorter stature and it is easier to control. I currently have two cheap sticks, but was hoping for some guidance to a few higher end models.

Google 'Loomis CR721IMX' and you will find out that this is a very popular and extremely fun rod to use and new ones have a high end price tag. I have two of them and I paid $99.99 plus shipping for my last one on eBay and it was in excellent condition.

That might be worth a custom build as its specialized.  Only issue is you have to know what you want.  MHX has a shooter series of blanks to target this need and might be worth a look.  Unfortunately I don't see a kit from them to build one, so you would have to search out components or give them a call if you went that route.

I'm familiar with the CR721 and think it would work well for me, but $250 for a stick to beat around the brush? Yikes!

I, too, have the 721 IMX and love it!  Have a Pixy on it now.

 

But, I have found the perfect short rod, short grip, high end in the MEGABASS EGLY GO GO. 

 

A weird name but a fantastic 5'5" F3 rod that is rated from 3/16-5/8 oz.

 

I have an Orange Pixy on it and a weightless Baby Brush hog on it at the moment.  A casting miracle for sure.

 

I have never heard of that rod before....must be an old Megabass, but got it off the forum and can't tell you how much it pleases me.  I will compare it with my newly acquired Hedgehog to see the difference.  So far I think the Hedgehog "slingshots" a bait better while the Egly Go Go tends to cast smoother.

 

Both of those are specialty rods.  The 721  I like for small cranks and small Texas and wacky rigged 4-6" worms.

Megabass Orochi x4 Barchetta f2-54x4.

It's a limited edition Japan-only model, but there are still a few new ones around. Excellent 5'4" fast action stick rated from 1/8-1/2oz.