Hey guys.  I tried to avoid starting another jig rod thread, but I am looking for some specific advice on a few options for a dedicated bottom contact rod.  I have been going through every forum and youtube video I can find for the past few weeks, and feel like I just need to come out and ask for advice.  As the title says I'm looking for a dedicated rod for pitching and casting jigs and t-rigs into 3-20 feet of water.  I mainly fish lay downs and grass from my tiny boat, but would like to be able to drag points if I actually get to fish a day with less than 2 foot waves.  

 

I'm definitely in the $150 dollar range budget, and would really like to find a single rod that can handle weights 3/8-3/4 plus trailer, in the 7'-7'4".  I may be over complicating things but what I have found is that a 3/8 jig plus skirt and trailer (paca chunk) is .6 oz, and 1/2 oz jig with skirt and trailer is over 3/4 oz.  Should I consider this when selecting a rod?

 

Something else that makes this so difficult is the crazy amount of variation in rod power and action ratings.  At times I think it's best to ignore everything written on the blank, and just pick the rod up and handle it.  Ideally, I'd be able to put my hands on each rod I'm considering as I think it would give me much more info about a rod's capability than its rating.  Unfortunately, some of these rods can't be found at any of the 5 fishing stores within 2 hrs. of where I live.  Rods I'm trying to choose between:

 

Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Heavy Fast 3/8-1 1/2  (Afraid this rod will be a pool cue)

Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Med/Heavy 'Regular' 1/4- 1 (Afraid this rod will be too moderat)

 

Lews Custom Speed Stick Lite Perfect Jig Rod Med/Heavy Mod-Fast 1/2-1  (a little over my budget, but if it is the perfect rod....) 

Lews Custom Speed Stick Lite Hammer Med/Heavy Fast 1/4-5/8 (Afraid this rod will be over powered by bigger jigs)

 

ALX Ikos 7'3" Promise Med/Heavy Fast 1/4- 1 1/8  (Tried both these rods in Cabellas and they felt perfect in power and action, but don't know much 

ALX Ikos 7'3" Hammer Heavy Fast 1/2- 1 1/2           about them.  Was really leaning toward the hammer.)

 

I guess what I'm really looking for is a rod that is sensitive, and has the right power and action.  I have been using 50 lb braid with a 6 foot 20 lb. fluorocarbon leader and plan to continue doing so.  The rod needs to have the proper power and action to cast and pitch the lure sizes I use, but also powerful/and fast enough to get a good hook set while being forgiving enough to keep the fish pinned while bringing it back to the boat.  I plan to use a Lews Tournament MB 8.1 if that matters.  I've already blindly ordered the Tatula 7' 2" heavy if for no other reason than to put my hands on it to see how it feels.  My fear is of course that being a heavy, it will be too stout.  I really thought about ordering both the 72 Heavy and the 72 MH and just sending the one I preferred the least back.  I just don't think it should be this difficult to find a single rod to handle this range of jig weights.  Maybe I'm making it more difficult than it has to be.  I tend to over complicate things.  

 

If anyone has experience with any of the rods listed, I would very much appreciate any advice.  Thanks 

Tiny boat means you are sitting when casting?

Keep in mind the higher the power the is the more difficult casting lighter weight lures becomes. 4 power or MH+ jig and worm rods rated 1/4- 1 oz would be ideal but since there isn't a standard to reference it is subjective as is how rods feel to individual anglers.

I use 5 & 6 custom biult rods,  5= 1/4-1oz, 6=3/8- 1 1/4oz, 6'10" fast action by ALX.

Not familiar with ALX Ikos rods, the Promise has similar rating to my 5 power and I really like ALX rods.

Irod IRG744C would fall into your price point.

Dobyns FR735C  is within your price point.

Tom

Just joking about the tiny part.  The lake I fish makes it feel that way most days due to the wind.  It's an old 1436 jon, and I stand at the bow most of the time.  Tried sitting to fish but just don't prefer it.  Good observation and insight though.  Ikos is the line of ALX that the Promise falls under.  The Hammer is the Heavy version of the Promise.  

 

I've been using a St Croix Bass X MH/ Mod Fast and have honestly come to like a mod-fast with braid, so long as it isn't on the wippy side of mod fast.  Honestly, the Bass X MH/ Mod Fast in my hands feels more stout and fast than the Mojo Bass MH Fast (crazy I know).

 

Really like how the MH and Heavy ALX IKOS rods felt in Cabellas.  They both seemed to have the 'just right' bend and stoutness I am looking for, and very light.  I think I even like the guides.  I can't seem to find a great deal about them online as compared to other rods, but everything I read is positive. You mentioned the similarity of the Promise to one of your rods.  Not sure if you have used or just handled, but looking for any experience in terms of rod sensitivity. 

 

 

Powell Inferno 7' MH Extra Fast

Lure weight 1/4-3/4 oz

 

Just because your jig slightly exceeds the weight recommendations does not mean your rod will quit functioning!

2 hours ago, Catt said:

Powell Inferno 7' MH Extra Fast

Lure weight 1/4-3/4 oz

 

Just because your jig slightly exceeds the weight recommendations does not mean your rod will quit functioning!

Thanks for your response.  I completely hear what you're saying, and in some ways even agree.  I also choose to believe that when a rod manufacturer puts a lure weight rating on their product, there is a reason for it.  I'm not saying that exceeding this rating by 1/8 oz. will necessarily damage the rod, or that it can't be 'made to work,' but since I have the luxury of buying a rod for a specific purpose, I want it to be designed for that purpose and the range of weights I intend to use.  I don't think expecting to find a rod that was designed and intended to work with a weight variance of less than half an oz. is unrealistic. 

 

Not trying to be argumentative and I appreciate the feedback.

Checked out the Curado on TW and looks like it may be an option.  Need to do a little research about it.  Even though I specifically mentioned particular rods in my OP, I'm totally open to advice on other rods.  If someone on the forum says 'look man you've got to check out this rod, I have one and it would work great for what you want to do,' I'm going to take the recommendation seriously, and look into it.  Thanks for the reply

Where are you at in Texas? You can take my Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Heavy Fast 3/8-1 1/2 or my Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Med/Heavy 'Regular' 1/4- 1 and try them for the day if you would like. 

@LionHeart

 

It's called the recommend weight range

 

The rod maybe 1/4-3/4 for Powell & 1/4-1 for Loomis 

 

It maybe medium heavy for Powell & heavy for Falcon 

 

For years we exceeded the line ratings with braid until they simply wrote it on the rod. 

 

I do completely understand your point because no one is more picky about worm & jig rods!

So you're worried the H Tatula will not be enough but also afraid the MH will be too much (pool cue}?? The H/F Tatula is one of my favorite jig rods. Along with the Dobyns champion 735 XP. And the Zillion 7' 3" MH/F. They can be found used or even like new sometimes below your price range. 

1 hour ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

So you're worried the H Tatula will not be enough but also afraid the MH will be too much (pool cue}?? The H/F Tatula is one of my favorite jig rods. Along with the Dobyns champion 735 XP. And the Zillion 7' 3" MH/F. They can be found used or even like new sometimes below your price range. 

Oh crap, I had the comments backward.  Bet that must have been a little confusing to read.  I found a pretty sweet deal on TractorSupply website for the  Tatula 7'2" Heavy is $110 shipped.  Had to jump on it.  If it is too stout for 3/8 oz. Ill just return it I suppose.

I love my irod Crusher 734 and my custom speed stick mag grass for jigs. 1/2oz keitech casting jig with a menace trailer.

Both rods feel excellent through grass and wood.  Compact and deadly jig. Crusher up close and mag grass for distance

4 hours ago, bholtzinger14 said:

Where are you at in Texas? You can take my Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Heavy Fast 3/8-1 1/2 or my Daiwa Tatula 7'2" Med/Heavy 'Regular' 1/4- 1 and try them for the day if you would like. 

Man That's a very generous offer.  I live in Valley View (35 min north of Fort Worth) and work at the Alliance Airport (western edge of Fort Worth).  Not sure I could ask you to do that.  If so, we should just go fishing one day, and I can check them out.  Any decent fishing spots where you live that would work with a 14 foot jon boat?  It's awesome that you own two of the rods I'm considering.  What do you use them for?  and how do you like them for that application?

@LionHeart I will pm you tonight when I get home from work. 

My 2 cents... I think the Tatula Heavy 7’-2” is the right choice.  If anything it’s just a tad light for a Heavy rod... not a pool cue at all IMO.

Thanks for the input man.  I've read a couple of people saying it's pretty stout,  but it can be super subjective. 

Pm sent.

I also have the 7'1" mhr, 6'10" mhr, and 7' mr if you need to try those in the tatula line.