Hey guys, new to the forum, but long time reader. I read a ton on here, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

What would be a few recommendations for a "mainly" texas rig rod? I tend to use baby brush hogs, and 10.5" monster worms using a 3/16 bullet weight, with the occasional zara spook, whopper plopper, and spinnerbait.

I was hoping to take advantage of a Memorial Day sale, and am looking in the sub $200 range. There's simply too many choices being thrown out for me to decide on something. My current setup is a Kistler Magnesium 2 6'9 MH with a Lew's tournament Pro G baitcasting reel. I really like this setup, but would like another rig to save me the hassle of switching baits so often.

 

To give an idea of the fishing I do - I'm on the water 1 - 2 times per week, and commonly catch 2 - 6 pound bass. Last night I managed to land a 6 pound smallie, and three 2 - 4 pound largemouth. Any help is appreciated! I'm just wanting to narrow the choices down before my head explodes from looking at 30 different models.

I've been using 1970's Ambassadeur 5000/5500 and 14lb line for most of my life worming. Get a heavy rod, was using Ugly Sticks, but really like Academy's Roughneck series lately.

 

If I'd buy one today, I'd grab a new 5500 C3 Abu and load 100yds backing with 100yds 10-14lb copolymer. Rod would be the Academy Roughneck 6'.

 

I use a similar setup, 5'-6" Toughneck pistol grip and Abu round reels for spinnerbaits.

 

I prefer the older Abus because they are 3.8/1 retrieve ratio. I use a newer 5000/5500 with 4.7/1 for spinnerbaits and plugs.

 

Granted smallies are a little different animal.

 

imho stay away from the cheaper Abu round reels, made in China, too much plastic.

Kistler's running a sale for the Memorial Day weekend so you can get a KLX on sale to take you right to your $200 limit (or a Helium 3 for a few bucks over $200).  

 

Use the Magnesium 2 for the moving baits like the spinnerbaits and topwater, and use the KLX for your "feel" techniques

5 hours ago, Steve1357 said:

I've been using 1970's Ambassadeur 5000/5500 and 14lb line for most of my life worming. Get a heavy rod, was using Ugly Sticks, but really like Academy's Roughneck series lately.

 

If I'd buy one today, I'd grab a new 5500 C3 Abu and load 100yds backing with 100yds 10-14lb copolymer. Rod would be the Academy Roughneck 6'.

 

I use a similar setup, 5'-6" Toughneck pistol grip and Abu round reels for spinnerbaits.

 

I prefer the older Abus because they are 3.8/1 retrieve ratio. I use a newer 5000/5500 with 4.7/1 for spinnerbaits and plugs.

Props for doing it the hard way.  Why 600ft of line?

Hello and welcome to the forum from another Ky. bass chaser.

6 hours ago, Steve1357 said:

I've been using 1970's Ambassadeur 5000/5500 and 14lb line for most of my life worming. Get a heavy rod, was using Ugly Sticks, but really like Academy's Roughneck series lately.

 

If I'd buy one today, I'd grab a new 5500 C3 Abu and load 100yds backing with 100yds 10-14lb copolymer. Rod would be the Academy Roughneck 6'.

 

I use a similar setup, 5'-6" Toughneck pistol grip and Abu round reels for spinnerbaits.

 

I prefer the older Abus because they are 3.8/1 retrieve ratio. I use a newer 5000/5500 with 4.7/1 for spinnerbaits and plugs.

 

Granted smallies are a little different animal.

 

imho stay away from the cheaper Abu round reels, made in China, too much plastic.

Thanks, Steve. I'm a big fan of Lew's after issues with several other brands. You're right about smallies being a different animal. Who knew even the small ones could fight that hard? That's why I love 'em.

31 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said:

Kistler's running a sale for the Memorial Day weekend so you can get a KLX on sale to take you right to your $200 limit (or a Helium 3 for a few bucks over $200).  

 

Use the Magnesium 2 for the moving baits like the spinnerbaits and topwater, and use the KLX for your "feel" techniques

I had no idea. Discount is applied at checkout. I don't like the moderate action on the KLX, but that HE3 is a deal. I believe I'm going to jump on that. Thanks a lot, Chris!

11 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

Hello and welcome to the forum from another Ky. bass chaser.

Thanks, buddy! Always nice to know other KY anglers. We've formed a support group here after all the tourists showed up on the lake this weekend 

I’m running a helium right now and love the rod! Highly recommend looking into that. Another great rod would be a loomis imx pro or higher model.

1 hour ago, Matt_3479 said:

I’m running a helium right now and love the rod! Highly recommend looking into that. Another great rod would be a loomis imx pro or higher model.

Thanks, Matt! I had a real hard time deciding between the H3 and KLX, in the end, I ordered the "2018 KLX Texas/Carolina Rig Worm Jig Medium-Heavy 7' 0" Fishing Rod" Hopefully it works out well!

With regard to rods you mentioned I have used the 7' Carbonlite MH fast for last several years for the baits you mention and grab them when they go on sale with $20 off.  Very light and dependable.  I only fish for fun..not competing.

16 hours ago, RogueAmerican said:

Thanks, Steve. I'm a big fan of Lew's after issues with several other brands. You're right about smallies being a different animal. Who knew even the small ones could fight that hard? That's why I love 'em.

I had no idea. Discount is applied at checkout. I don't like the moderate action on the KLX, but that HE3 is a deal. I believe I'm going to jump on that. Thanks a lot, Chris!

Thanks, buddy! Always nice to know other KY anglers. We've formed a support group here after all the tourists showed up on the lake this weekend 

On holiday weekends the Ohio navy always takes over the lakes.

5 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

On holiday weekends the Ohio navy always takes over the lakes.

I can't help you with the more expensive rods as I haven't tried them. I am using a BPS Bionic Blade for Texas rigs and jigs. Mine are the older versions. I haven't bought anew rod in three years.

21 hours ago, Arcs&sparks said:

Props for doing it the hard way.  Why 600ft of line?

You'll have to elaborate for me, I've been doing it this way for 50 years.

 

Reel holds 200+ yards, load half the reel with dacron or similar, then top it off with 80-100 yards of premium line.

 

Saves wasting the extra 100 yards of premium line each change.

47 minutes ago, Steve1357 said:

You'll have to elaborate for me, I've been doing it this way for 50 years.

 

Reel holds 200+ yards, load half the reel with dacron or similar, then top it off with 80-100 yards of premium line.

 

Saves wasting the extra 100 yards of premium line each change.

I think he meant that using older gear is a little harder because some newer reels are faster, lighter, smaller and smoother. Not all. Also rods are alot more sensative now. But there is no wrong way to fish. I punch thick grass with spinning gear lol

21 hours ago, RogueAmerican said:

Thanks, Matt! I had a real hard time deciding between the H3 and KLX, in the end, I ordered the "2018 KLX Texas/Carolina Rig Worm Jig Medium-Heavy 7' 0" Fishing Rod" Hopefully it works out well!

Well let us know what you think!! I keep debating on getting another worm and jig rod and it always boils down too the kistler or loomis. Both my rods are unbelievable. My helium is a few years older so I’d love to try out the helium 3 now!! I’ve fished the klx and it was awesome. My imx pro is ridiculous! It’s the 845c cbr and if a fish farts 20 yards away I’m sure I could feel it. So I’d love to try one of there jig and worm rods or there glx or nrx 

4 hours ago, d-camarena said:

I think he meant that using older gear is a little harder because some newer reels are faster, lighter, smaller and smoother. Not all. Also rods are alot more sensative now. But there is no wrong way to fish.

@Steve1357  Pretty much this^  I don’t know the inches per turn of this reel, but a gear ratio of 3.8 seems really low.  With the topic being Texas rigs,  a 6’ heavy rod with a big heavy slow reel seems pretty cumbersome. Most Texas rigs will in some way be fished with slack line and with a faster reel you will be able to pick up line quicker to get ready for your hook-set once you detect the strike,  before they either spit it back out or swallow it. This is especially important when they decide to eat it and run strait at the boat, and when they want to jump.  Also with a longer rod, you will pick up much more line on your swing also resulting in better penetration, and cast farther when you want that extra distance.

 

I do use a 6’ medium/fast spinning rod for skipping under docks and brush, but I really have to rock my hook sets or else my hookup ratio isn’t very good.  Have you tried a 6’6” or 7’ rod for worms?

 

I understand the use for the backing,  

My comment was more or less suggesting that a much smaller reel will hold more than enough 14lb line for throwing t-rigs for bass.  The said combo jut didn’t seem like a good recommendation(in my opinion)

 

13 hours ago, OnthePotomac said:

With regard to rods you mentioned I have used the 7' Carbonlite MH fast for last several years for the baits you mention and grab them when they go on sale with $20 off.  Very light and dependable.  I only fish for fun..not competing.

I'll definitely check into that. I'm hoping to expand my selection a little this year. Thank you!

12 hours ago, Log Catcher said:

On holiday weekends the Ohio navy always takes over the lakes.

I can't help you with the more expensive rods as I haven't tried them. I am using a BPS Bionic Blade for Texas rigs and jigs. Mine are the older versions. I haven't bought anew rod in three years.

I get you on that. I used a BPS graphite spinning rod and Quantum Hypercast reel exclusively for 19 years. Great rig, but weighed more than the fish I caught, haha!

4 hours ago, Matt_3479 said:

Well let us know what you think!! I keep debating on getting another worm and jig rod and it always boils down too the kistler or loomis. Both my rods are unbelievable. My helium is a few years older so I’d love to try out the helium 3 now!! I’ve fished the klx and it was awesome. My imx pro is ridiculous! It’s the 845c cbr and if a fish farts 20 yards away I’m sure I could feel it. So I’d love to try one of there jig and worm rods or there glx or nrx 

That's pretty sensitive ? The KLX is supposed to be here Friday, so the first day we have decent weather, I'll give it a try and let you know. With Kistler's sale, the H3 is only $15 more, but I took Trey's selection on the rod. 

16 hours ago, RogueAmerican said:

That's pretty sensitive ? The KLX is supposed to be here Friday, so the first day we have decent weather, I'll give it a try and let you know. With Kistler's sale, the H3 is only $15 more, but I took Trey's selection on the rod. 

 

Hahaha that’s what I thought too at first! Well excited to see what you think!

20 hours ago, Arcs&sparks said:

@Steve1357  Pretty much this^  I don’t know the inches per turn of this reel, but a gear ratio of 3.8 seems really low.  With the topic being Texas rigs,  a 6’ heavy rod with a big heavy slow reel seems pretty cumbersome. Most Texas rigs will in some way be fished with slack line and with a faster reel you will be able to pick up line quicker to get ready for your hook-set once you detect the strike,  before they either spit it back out or swallow it. This is especially important when they decide to eat it and run strait at the boat, and when they want to jump.  Also with a longer rod, you will pick up much more line on your swing also resulting in better penetration, and cast farther when you want that extra distance.

 

I do use a 6’ medium/fast spinning rod for skipping under docks and brush, but I really have to rock my hook sets or else my hookup ratio isn’t very good.  Have you tried a 6’6” or 7’ rod for worms?

 

I understand the use for the backing,  

My comment was more or less suggesting that a much smaller reel will hold more than enough 14lb line for throwing t-rigs for bass.  The said combo jut didn’t seem like a good recommendation(in my opinion)

 

I'm sure I'm in the minority. Just the way I've always done it. I'll just throw out some rambling being an old man...

 

Started with the Zebcos and when they came out with the Zebco ONE (70s) I grabbed me an Eagle Claw "worm" rod (basically a pool cue) with it and was in high heaven. Got me an Abu later and was hooked. Saw Hank Parker was big on Abu round reels and pistol grip rods, figured what I was doing was alright. Back then just after Walmart came about, they would have a goldfish bowl on the counter with segmented black, purple, and red worms, was 50c a handful I think.

 

Issue I have with the newer longer rods is that I am right handed but swing a bat or golf club left handed. Having to put two hands on the new rods to cast, to swing it left handed I'd have to put my left thumb on the spool and that ain't gonna work after 50 years of training my right thumb on Abus.

 

In the early 80s I bought a Shimano high tech latest graphite super dooper reel for over a 100 bucks. Was nothing but a piece of junk imho and blew up on the first hook set. No, with 14lb line and eight pound bass, I'll stick with my Abu round reels. In the summer after the spawn, I do have several 4500 reels I'll spool up with 6 or 8lb but I'll still have a big rig for worming within reach. I'm a big boy with big hands, maybe that's why I like large reels and not the itty bitty high tech new ones.

 

I do fish the river a lot, I don't need sensitivity, bream drive you nuts while you're waiting to catch a bass. Bream seem to shake it or take off real fast, bass for me seem to just sit or move off with it, you may even think you hit a snag until it moves. Don't need a longer rod for hooksets, I give the fish a count of two to turn the bait around and the line is usually tight without me taking up the slack. 

 

Odd thing for me worming last few years is trying those new "wide gap" hooks. Starting missing fish, because the point is inline with the eye and not much space inbetween? I went back my to my old offset worm hooks and rarely miss. Was it the hooks or my confidence? Who knows.... I started out worming with the old TruTurn "twist" worm hooks. I read a lot of people say they fish much better with the new wide gap hooks; tells me you just have to experiment and find what works for you. I still carry toothpicks and large straight shank hooks if I come across some larger fish...

 

Many ways to do the same thing, I merely pointed out I stay with old school that won Hank Parker two Bassmasters. Yeah Hank uses the new reels and rods now, well, what can I say.

 

Cheers

 

 

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I really like this setup, but would like another rig to save me the hassle of switching baits so often.

I can relate.  If you like the setup,  get another setup just like it.  If it's no longer available,  look to eBay.  I like having identical rods if they are performing the same function.  It's nice not having to make adjustments to slight differences in rod action when you pick up another rod.