I was looking at buying a topwater/jerkbait rod and wanted to ask opinions on these rods.  Trying to decide between the 6'6" medium/fast Aetos and the new Mojo (6'8" jerkbait rod).  I like a shorter rod for this application but would you rather have a longer rod with short handle (Mojo 6'8") or shorter rod with longer handle (Aetos 6'6")?  

I've got the Mojo (MHF) 6'6" SCII and have used it a lot for topwater- performs great. I just picked up a Kistler 6'8" (Light MH Mod) Mag2 and the handle is the same length- the Kistler hasn't been fished yet (just casting off a dock), and probably unfair to compare them, but it's amazing.

 

I can't tell the difference between the two lengths (I"m 6'2") so I'd go for whatever rod you like best. 

Personally, I find the Aetos to be a better quality rod.  With that being said, I believe any type of moving bait is best served by a more moderate action.

I like the longer rod/shorter handle option because the handle is comfortably out of the way when walking the dog or giving the lure action.

Length should be dictated by your heigh, how high your boat sits above the water, and your style of fishing jerkbaits.  Most fish jerkbaits with a downward snap, so if you're 5'4 fishing on a kayak, the 6'8" rod isn't going to work as comfortably as it would if you're 6' and fishing on a bass boat.

 

As for the rods - I have not fished any of the new Mojos, but I like SCIII blanks a lot and have nothing but good things to say about them.  I have a 6'6 Med Fast Rage built on the SCIII blank and it's OK for jerkbaits (mostly just my style of fishing, some might really like it), but I've grown more fond of using it to fish finesse plastics.  

 

I own a 7'1 MH MF Aetos from last season.  It's not the same weight, but... The grips and seat fish comfortably.  The blank is definitely on the faster side of MF.  I would argue it's equivalent to many company's fast action.  If you prefer slowing the action, you can compensate for the stiffness with stretchier mono or FC line (I use braid main line).  

 

To to compare blanks, I feel like the Mod Fast Aetos is nearly as fast as the St. Croix Rage Fast.  I do not know if the Rage and new Mojos use the same taper. 

 

In in either case, you're choosing between two good rods and you'll find a good use for either.  I hope this helps some. 

Thanks for your input... Thinking about just getting the Aetos since it's under $80 including shipping at FFO. 

Aetos 6'6" MF baitcast rod is on clearance at Sportsmans's Guide for just over $40.00

44 minutes ago, shutterbug15 said:

Aetos 6'6" MF baitcast rod is on clearance at Sportsmans's Guide for just over $40.00

you got a link to that?  I didn't find it..