Shimano Zodias 6'10" M moderate

Irod Genesis II jerkbait/topwater rod

St Croix mojo 6"8" medium moderate 

 

I have narrowed these rods down to about $30 apart through online deals. What rod would you choose for a jerkbait, topwater, shallow crank bait rod?

I've owned both the Zodias and the Mojo..The Mojo jerkbait rod is actually a fast action, the topwater is a xfast.

 I liked them both but I'd lean toward the Zodias. To me it's , its a more comfortable rod to fish and just a great blank.

 

It sounds like the Zodias based on everything but the warranty. I'll even throw the Hammer 6'9" MH in there. Come on someone help me pick my rod.

Buy what you find comfortable.Just because so and so likes the Zodias,doesn't mean you will too.Get your hands on a few and play with them in the store.

Well, If I were looking for a great stickbait rod I'd buy a Falcon over all the rods on your list.

 Either the weightless worm rod or the McClelland signature. Both make great topwater and 1.5 rods also.

 The Cara is going to be more money up front, but you'll never regret the purchase.

 

13 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Shimano Zodias 6'10" M moderate

Irod Genesis II jerkbait/topwater rod

St Croix mojo 6"8" medium moderate 

 

I have narrowed these rods down to about $30 apart through online deals. What rod would you choose for a jerkbait, topwater, shallow crank bait rod?

 

I recently picked up the Shimano Zodais 7" 2' MH rod. Got it for jigs and weighted soft plastics. But have been playing around with everything on it. Last night caught my personal best on it while testing weightless soft plastics on it for the first time. Easily a 3.5-4 + pounder. Came in right around 20 inches. 

 

I can not not say enough good things about the Zodais. It's light as a feather, the sensitivity is amazing, its looks are top notch and it casts with distance and accuracy.

The Irod Jerkbait/Topwater rod is one I don't own, but I do own 6 G2's and I like them all. Matt Newman sure knows how to get the action right on his rod lineup. I use the 7'3" Lonestar Special for Topwater and 7' Gabe's Rip Rap Special for shallow cranks. I don't throw Jerkbait enough to dedicate a rod to it. My next purchase is going to be the Stone Cold Vibe and Jig rod. It is supposed to be a very versatile rod. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with Irod, but the other rods you have listed are probably nice rods that will get the job done.

The blank and hardware on the Zodias is top notch. 

Zodias for me.  Zodias though is a higher end rod vs the Mojo, in my opinion not apples to apples.  The Avid would be more in line.  I have 5 Zodias rods, (3) were my go to rods last season.  I recently picked up 2, they will be in my tourney rotation this year.

The Zodias looks to be the popular choice.

19 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

The Zodias looks to be the popular choice.

I'm new to the baitcaster scene, and to a lesser extent bass fishing. Recently moved to Missouri from the Seattle area. Spent about a week at the local tackle shop testing out the various rods. The shop owner who has spent his entire life fishing bass told me that it is his personal rod of choice. I always fall on side of skepticism when it comes to people selling things but his shop/ services came highly reccomended by a former coworker who has won Missouri bass angler multiple times and is succcessful in the tournament scene. 

 

My first day on the water with zodais was nothing short of a revelation. I only wish I had discovered it earlier. I could cast that thing a country mile and it's so light it felt like an extension of my arm. I was worried about the warranty but I figure if it doesn't break during 1 year of heavy use (3-5x a week) then it will be fine in long run.

21 hours ago, lmbfisherman said:

Zodias though is a higher end rod vs the Mojo, in my opinion not apples to apples.  The Avid would be more in line. 

 

I'd have to agree. If you're looking to spend $200 on a rod, go with either the Zodias or Avid. 

 

If the warranty is more of a concern to you, the Avid wins. 

On 4/16/2017 at 8:21 AM, Fishin' Fool said:

It sounds like the Zodias based on everything but the warranty. I'll even throw the Hammer 6'9" MH in there. Come on someone help me pick my rod.

 

This would be my pick. 2nd choice would be the Zodias. If you're including the Avid, it would be close 1 or 2.