Well, I dropped my custom jig rod in the lake today. Oops.  I was 20ft deep and in bushes/timber. I dragged treble hooks for 2 hours and was never able to snag it. I broke off a ton of treble hooks and heavy tungsten weights.  Ouch. 

 

So... 

 

I'm looking for a new rod to pitch jigs. Mostly 3/8oz + trailer. Sometimes a 1/2oz + trailer.  Tossing them at laydowns, stumps, bushes, etc.  I wouldn't call it heavy cover.  Not much real grass where I normally fish, and I already have heavier rods I can use for that when necessary

 

Can anyone over any thoughts on how the NRX 894 balances?

 

I have other NRX casting rods - 852, 853, 854, 873, and 893. 

 

Out of those, the 854 is by far my least favorite. It feels heavy to me and I find it difficult to pitch with. 

 

I keep my 873 rigged for carolina rig always, so I'm not interested in using that as my jig rod.

 

The 893 feels a little overpowered with even a 3/8 jig if I add a bulky trailer. 

 

Does the NRX 894 balance similarly to the 854?  I don't have a local place to feel it next to my 854. 

 

I love the sensitivity of my other NRX rods, but can't decide whether to get the 894 or go with another custom build.

 

 

Well, you theoretically don't have to buy a new rod sock, so spend that money on one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/retrieving-magnet-150-lb-pull-36904.html?cid=paid_google|||36904&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAiAvonyBRB7EiwAadauqV44-DIlqWe9Aa5DwtkhrOwe2R1yDKFnk40ZUvffVSOfcFzTgOk3LBoCvFoQAvD_BwE

2 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Well, you theoretically don't have to buy a new rod sock, so spend that money on one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/retrieving-magnet-150-lb-pull-36904.html?cid=paid_google|||36904&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAiAvonyBRB7EiwAadauqV44-DIlqWe9Aa5DwtkhrOwe2R1yDKFnk40ZUvffVSOfcFzTgOk3LBoCvFoQAvD_BwE

That's actually not a bad idea. The place I dropped it in is pretty narrow, and I know right where it should be. I may swing by HF tonight, buy that magnet, and go back tomorrow. Supposed to be raining all day, and that lake is an hour away, but it's worth a shot. I hate to lose the reel more than the rod. 

6 minutes ago, TNReb said:

That's actually not a bad idea. The place I dropped it in is pretty narrow, and I know right where it should be. I may swing by HF tonight, buy that magnet, and go back tomorrow. Supposed to be raining all day, and that lake is an hour away, but it's worth a shot. I hate to lose the reel more than the rod. 

Assuming you had fancy guides on there means the reel is probably the only part that's ferrous anyway. Good luck!!

Update us, I'd like to hear if you got it or not LOL

1 minute ago, pauldconyers said:

Update us, I'd like to hear if you got it or not LOL

Right? This just got interesting. Maybe he'll get two!

6 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Assuming you had fancy guides on there means the reel is probably the only part that's ferrous anyway. Good luck!!

You're probably right.  Worth a shot though. 

 

I can post GPS coordinates if someone else wants to take a stab at it!  Finders keepers! hahaha

1 minute ago, TNReb said:

You're probably right.  Worth a shot though. 

 

I can post GPS coordinates if someone else wants to take a stab at it!  Finders keepers! hahaha

Hmm...  drive to Tennessee from Michigan to magnet fish for a custom rod... or just sit on my couch and buy an Expride on TW.... decision decisions...

The 894 balance, to me, was really bad Without modification. You either have to add weight to the butt end or redo the handle altogether. It’s a stupid sensitive blank but the tip heaviness is annoying I sold mine.

Go with the GLX 894C. Balance is perfect and sensitivity is awesome. I wouldn't go custom personally.

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel. 

1 hour ago, iabass8 said:

The 894 balance, to me, was really bad Without modification. You either have to add weight to the butt end or redo the handle altogether. It’s a stupid sensitive blank but the tip heaviness is annoying I sold mine.

That tells me what I need to know. That's how I feel about my 854. 

10 minutes ago, TNReb said:

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel.

Divers mask?

6 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

Divers mask?

I can barely dive 10ft, much less 20!

18 minutes ago, TNReb said:

Took the same reel to Harbor Freight, and the magnet doesn't stick to it at all. I also tried the heavier 250lb magnet, and no luck with that either. Too much plastic in the reel. 

That tells me what I need to know. That's how I feel about my 854. 

I'm a big fan of the 894 with a Bantam on it. However, I'm casting jigs quite a ways away (clear, pressured water), so I can't speak to how it feels if you're just pitching. 

So really what you are saying is that your next custom rod will have a magnetic hook keeper. Lol.

 

 

Wait... why isn't that a thing already?.

2 minutes ago, Michigander said:

So really what you are saying is that your next custom rod will have a magnetic hook keeper. Lol.

 

 

Wait... why isn't that a thing already?.

Wife said I need to tether it to my wrist!!

Just now, TNReb said:

Wife said I need to tether it to my wrist!!

I mean, she's not wrong...