Looking for a versatile heavy or extra heavy rod to complete my arsenal. Currently my most stout rod is a nrx 873crr, figured I'd get one rod more suited for frogs and punching . Budget would be 350ish. If I'm thinking correctly it would get the most use as a frog rod.I'm fishing out of a kayak and for me 7'5" would be the longest id feel comfortable with. Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. 

There is a big gap between what you have ( for me the 873 is more of a MEDIUM rod) and a heavy or extra heavy rod.

I would stick with something that is med/heavy or, if you choose heavy, go with a rod that has some tip action.

The iRod "Fred's Magic Stick" is a great frog/cover rod that fishes far above it's price.  However, it's right at the end of your max length and I do find the rod handle a bit long for perfect yak use.  But it's a killer rod at a great price.  

 

If you are willing to look at jdm rods, the Megabass F6-611K Mat Bucker Type L Orochi XXX could be a good pick.  I spent a lot of last year looking for a shorter frog rod and it was one of the top contenders.  If you buy through Tackle Trap or any MB authorized dealer you still get a warranty despite being a JDM only line.  

Thanks i appreciate the suggestions

A shorter all purpose heavy would be the best bet.  Theres alot of heavy action 7 foot to 7'3 out there that pull double duty for anything and can pretty much be your rod to handle your heavier lures. 

On 4/24/2020 at 2:29 PM, Teal said:

A shorter all purpose heavy would be the best bet.  Theres alot of heavy action 7 foot to 7'3 out there that pull double duty for anything and can pretty much be your rod to handle your heavier lures. 

Yes i was scouring the internet for reviews about the 7'2" heavy poison adrena to no avail. I've only fished my 7'3" mh poison adrena a few times but i love how it feels. My friend suggests a7'3" xtra heavy expride as a crossover for these purposes but i don't think i need an extra heavy. Also wonder if that rod would have a soft enough tip. I'm still researching. 

I would look at the Dobyns Champion 736C XP.  I still can't figure out how Dobyns was able to create such an active manageable tip with so much power.  It casts exceptionally well for such a powerful overall blank. It's worth a look. It also comes in the Fred Roumbanis series if you like green. (3/8 to 2 OZ 15-30 lb Line)

I'mportant to look at the line and lure ratings on the rods you want.  That should help narrow it down.  I have no experience with the high end rods, I'm right in the mid range.  I'm sure they cant be bad rods.  I have mostly powell rods with a few different brands sprinkled in.  I have dobyns Champion rod in 4 power and they are the bees knees.  I'd look at their 5 and 6 power rods, I'm sure theres some guys in here also that have the heavier adrena or high end shimano rods. Also take a lole a the daiwa tatula elite rods, I was browsing through daiwas website yesterday and saw that they have a 7'4 ish monroe rod that you would probably like.

Dobyns Xtasy 755c is amazing!

I would try to get a rod with a shorter handle if you kayak fish a lot. The longer handle rods are kind of a pain. If your budget is $350, you might want to get a custom rod built for your application.

Hammer 7’3” heavy. Perfect handle length for kayak. Great overall heavy rod. Light as any comparable nrx. And you’ll save a bunch of money. You could get the heavy and extra heavy version for your price point

Dobyns DX744C S/H is a great all around rod wit 14 1/2 handle and reel locking rig covers the handle threats. The balance of Dobyns rods are are always good. Don't know if Gary is still honoring the 40% off sale, try contacting him.

Tom

Thanks guys. Third year fishing from a kayak, haven't really noticed an issue with handle length but i have a sit on top that i can also stand on. I'll check the suggested models out. 

I'm in the market for a heavy pitching stick as well for 1/2 to 3/4 oz. jigs plus trailer. Trailer will more than likely always be a rage bug. I also fish out of my yak. 

 

Right now I'm really considering the Dobyns DX745c paired with a Daiwa Elite flip/pitch reel. 

 

I have a few NRX's too (853c,854c), but really don't feel confident in either for what I'm trying to accomplish, pitching into fairly heavy cover, grass and underwater vegetation and timber. 

 

I'm hoping the Dobyns rod will work and I'm not disappointed with the sensitivity after being spoiled by the NRX's. 

38 minutes ago, TBAG said:

I'm in the market for a heavy pitching stick as well for 1/2 to 3/4 oz. jigs plus trailer. Trailer will more than likely always be a rage bug. I also fish out of my yak. 

 

Right now I'm really considering the Dobyns DX745c paired with a Daiwa Elite flip/pitch reel. 

 

I have a few NRX's too (853c,854c), but really don't feel confident in either for what I'm trying to accomplish, pitching into fairly heavy cover, grass and underwater vegetation and timber. 

 

I'm hoping the Dobyns rod will work and I'm not disappointed with the sensitivity after being spoiled by the NRX's. 

I don't mean to be negative but I have both the Dx and nrx, they aren't very close in sensitivity 

Get a custom built on a MHX FP885

Don't know if the Zolo Toadface would be heavy enough for you, but it is an excellent frog rod that is also very versatile.  Custom is another good option.

I'm pretty set on at least heavy since I own a few medium heavy rods and no heavy or above. I'm still digging for reviews on the 7'2" heavy poison adrena.

10 minutes ago, Pogues2300 said:

I'm pretty set on at least heavy since I own a few medium heavy rods and no heavy or above. I'm still digging for reviews on the 7'2" heavy poison adrena.

There is a long thread on tackle tour about the new PAs that has some info about the 72H near the end I think.

Read through a bunch of that thread... guess i didn't get far enough lol. 

A frog rod needs to load and cast where as a punch rod can be a broom stick with just enough action to keep them pinned. How well a dual purpose rod will work depends partly on your definition of punching. 1.5-2oz weight plus bait thru solid mats? XXH isn’t out of the question but won’t cast a frog for beans. 

Let's say an ounce weight plus bait. I think ill stop over thinking this and buy a quality heavy rod around 7'2"-7'5" and try it out. Confident ill find a use for it lol. Thanks all for the feedback. Maybe it will come down to what rod within the few I'm narrowing it down to i get the best deal on. 

Hands down get the Shimano expride 7’3” extra heavy. It will hang with any other brands rods in the 300’s and will save you some money. If you can afford it there isn’t a better rod for the money in my opinion, I have been amazed by the ones I have used. If only they made them in a musky line that that would be the only rods I would own.