I've been looking at some 7', 7'3", 7'4", and 7'6" rods with a 4 power for heavier jigs (1/2 oz and up) as well as large worms. Any suggestions? I see the advantage of further castability with the longer rods and I've read that you get a better hook set. Are there any other advantages either way? Thanks

I think a lot of that is personal preference, some may not agree. I like a 6-8 or 6-10, 7’

max for a lot of my jig fishing. I do think the longer rods move more line quicker on the hookset but it won’t give you more power over a shorter rod. If it were me, I’d go 7’.

Every rod maker rates their rods differently regarding power. For sake of rating something that isn't standardized a 4 power is generally considered MH or medium heavy. The line you use also affects performance.

My preference is different then most jig and worm anglers as I like 5 power or H jig and worm rods for 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz jigs and worms with bullet weight combo that weighs about the same and use 10 to 14 lb FC or mono line. Length is another personal preference I like 6'10" jig and worm rods and make long cast up to 50 yards. 

Tom

Thanks Tom. The rods I was really looking at were Dobyns and Loomis where the 4 power is  10/12 - 20lb, 1/4-1oz, Heavy Fast Action. Does that fall into the category of Heavy in your opinion? 

12 minutes ago, Jeff Warren said:

Thanks Tom. The rods I was really looking at were Dobyns and Loomis where the 4 power is  10/12 - 20lb, 1/4-1oz, Heavy Fast Action. Does that fall into the category of Heavy in your opinion? 

Loomis rods are typically stiffer per power rating then Dobyns IMO, Loomis 4 power JWR is close to Dobyns 5 power jig and worm rods, heavy rated.

Tom

 

It all depends of what you are comfortable as well as what applications you plan to use the rod for as longer rods are more effective in certain techniques. Are you flipping or pitching jigs around cover? Throwing football jigs in deep water? 

 

Giving a little more information about application or use of the rod will give others better advise for recommending rods. 

Thanks Stephen. I appreciate the feedback. For this application I was leaning more towards pitching into tules and shallow water casts. Football jigs and finesse jigs. 

1 hour ago, Jeff Warren said:

Dobyns and Loomis where the 4 power is  10/12 - 20lb, 1/4-1oz, Heavy Fast Action. 

 

16 minutes ago, Jeff Warren said:

I was leaning more towards pitching into tules and shallow water casts. Football jigs and finesse jigs. 

 

Ya going way to light!  ?

Thanks Catt. Any suggestions on rods? Preferably in the Loomis or Dobyns family. 

10 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

 

Ya going way to light!  ?

 

I think this is a good time to say that a lot is going to depend upon where you fish and what kind of conditions.  Catt is on weedy lakes, swamps, tidal nasty stuff a lot of the time.  If I were down that way, I'd load up on MH and H rods.  If I'm covering lots of water with a jig or C-Rig, I probably want something 7'6"+ to maximize casting distance and cover water more efficiently.  If I'm skipping under weedy docks or pockets, I might want something more in the 4 power MH range and definitely under 7'.  The type of boat I'm fishing from would also be a consideration.  I'm also 5'11.  Someone who's shorter may also prefer shorter rods.  

 

It's all conditions and preference.  

Fishing heavy cover with a finesse jig that has light to medium wire hook or a football head jig with a longer hook are both a poor choice IMO.

The rods suggested were ideal power and action for both finesse and football jigs fished in sparse cover or deep water. I fish on average 20' of water with long cast, it's not the rod length, it's the angler and hook setting technique that make the difference.

Heavy cover I agree with Catt, but you need a different jig style and stronger line. Dobyns DC 736C or his Flip series rods.

Tom

15 minutes ago, Turkey sandwich said:

It's all conditions and preference.  

Definitely! I think a good starting point for football jigs and pitching jigs would be a Dobyns Champion XP 735. However, everything is determined by the type of cover. 

 

Great. Thank you all for the feedback. Much appreciated. 

I recommend a 5 Power Dobyns for what you describe.

I use a dx 705c , great for pitching 3/8 and up into heavier cover.

Dobyns 735

1 hour ago, Jeff Warren said:

Thanks Catt. Any suggestions on rods? Preferably in the Loomis or Dobyns family. 

 

Either ya aint said or I missed it but what's your price range?

 

If you're pitching Tules or that type of cover ya gonna need at least a 1 oz jig or heavier. 

Higher end. DX or NRX

54 minutes ago, Jeff Warren said:

Higher end. DX or NRX

 

 

I have not fished either rod, so I can't comment on those.  The NRX, I've heard nothing but amazing things about.  I do, however, own a current generation Legend Elite MH 7' F.  In terms of power/weight, it likely fishes more like the NRX than the Dobyns and it's a tremendously versatile worm/jig rod up to a bit over 1oz. 

 

I would like to fish the NRX, for sure, but if I were to make the decision again, I'd likely get the split grip Legend X (it wasn't available yet).

My personal opinion ?

 

For Texas Rigs & Jig-n-Craws above 1/2 oz in weight G. Loomis falls of my list. Not that there's anything wrong with their rods it's just other manufacturers fit these techniques better.

 

Fishing heavy cover is Redneck Bubba Bass Fishing to max, heavy rods, heavy line, & heavy weights!

 

Dobyns Champion XP Series DC735C F/H & S/H at 7' 3" would be the shortest I would go. My personal preference would be DC765 or DC766 Flip both are 7' 6", a third option at 8' 0" would be DC805 Flip/Punch. 

 

Awesome. Thank you for the input! I've got some decisions to make! Much appreciated!