Hi all..new to the site.  Hope everyone is staying healthy (and sane) during this difficult time.

 

Was hoping to tap into this awesome forum for some recommendations on spinning rods for wacky rigging plastic worms.  I’m currently looking at some St. Croix models that I really like (Mojo Bass, Premier, Bass X)....was leaning towards MH fast, but the more I research the more I see M fast/extra fast being mentioned.  I will be using this in a kayak primarily and I want it to be a dedicated “wacky rig only” outfit.  I’d like to stay UNDER 7’ as it’s my personal preference.

Thx for any/all opinions, ideas, recommendations!  Stay well!

Hello and welcome to the forum. There are plenty of people on here to help you with your rod choices.

Thx Log!

I'm the MH/M camp for wacky rigs. Of course being on a budget, my rods are lower down the 'food chain' as it were. Okuma Stratus IV, 7' MH/M (Model: SVI-S-702MH) that I picked up on sale.

When it come to wacky rigging with an exposed hook I am in the Medium Power, Moderate action camp...  I usually keep it fluttering and this gives me the best action.  

Thx MN....I’m a fan of Okuma too...I have a couple of their spinning reels.  I’m definitely not gonna go too nuts price-wise on the rod...some of the ones I’ve seen are 4-5x more than what I’m looking to spend (do they reel the fish in for me or something?!....lol)....Like you, I was also thinking MH....Before I pull the trigger on buying, I’m curious to read what others might recommend if they were picking 1 rod.

What’s your budget? I think spinning rod I think 7 Medium Fast with some good sensitivity. Need to know your budget?

Thx for the replies....I really appreciate it!
I’d like to be in the $100-$200 range.....I feel that’s perfect for what I need.  Under 7’ is my preference.

4 minutes ago, SigPig94 said:

Thx MN....I’m a fan of Okuma too...I have a couple of their spinning reels.

I'm acutally not an Okuma fan - of ten rods, six are Diawa, two Dobyns, a Mitchell and the Okuma. I just got it because it was a MH/M in my price range.

 

My reels - two Diawa, seven Pflueger and one Mitchell

So I’ll go out on a limb and guess you’re a Daiwa rod fan and Pfleuger reel fan......just a hunch.

I think that if you like st croix rods which are fantastic rods I would get an SClll blank on the mojos rather than an SCll blank. I say that because with a spinning rod you need extra sensitivity to feel the Slightest bites. I feel that for wacky rigging, neko rigging and all finesse worm/plastic applications you need that sensitivity. There are a many different brands at your price point that are extremely sensitive so I wouldn’t skimp out on sensitivity with a spinning rod.

6 minutes ago, Beeno said:

I think that if you like st croix rods which are fantastic rods I would get an SClll blank on the mojos rather than an SCll blank. I say that because with a spinning rod you need extra sensitivity to feel the Slightest bites. I feel that for wacky rigging, neko rigging and all finesse worm/plastic applications you need that sensitivity. There are a many different brands at your price point that are extremely sensitive so I wouldn’t skimp out on sensitivity with a spinning rod.

Thx Beeno....St.Croix has been recommended to me several times so I’m checking them out thoroughly.....but like you said, at my price point I definitely have some strong options.

I don't know if it is fishing correct or not, but my wacky Senkos are fished on the same rod as regular Texas rigged Senkos.. a 7' MH fast tip Carbonlite on 10lb Invizx on a bait caster.  It works anyway.

Just now, OnthePotomac said:

I don't know if it is fishing correct or not, but my wacky Senkos are fished on the same rod as regular Texas rigged Senkos.. a 7' MH fast tip Carbonlite on 10lb Invizx on a bait caster.  I works anyway.

Well if you’re catching fish then I would say you’re doing things correctly!

I use a Lew’s TP1 7’ Medium/Moderate Fast spinning rod for Wacky Rigged worms. Model number TP170MMFS which is listed as an all purpose rod. 

I like 7’ and under sized rods when fishing in my kayak. 

6'6" or 6'8" Tatula medium rod

Something over 6” medium/fast

For a 100% wacky rig senko (or equivalent) I would go ML or M at the most.  The total lure weight is not going to be much more then 3/8oz, the hook will be small and thin wire, and I want as much feel as possible as most hits will happen on slack line.  

Okuma Helios HSX-S-721 M

https://okumafishingusa.com/collections/rods/products/helios-sx-rods

 

Your looking for St.Croix Medium Power X-Fast action if it's intended use is strictly wacky rigging.

 

Most of St. Croix rods are made in the USA and those that aren't are still made in North America which is a huge plus

 

My recommendation is a Avid X spinning.

 

But any St. Croix in a Medium Xfast configuration will be awesome for wacky rigging

 

The tackle trap has st croix's on sale right now and so does Joe's Sporting Goods so act fast.

 

 

 

 

I have the mojo bass 6’10 ML/XF and you’re right to go with the M. Even though the lure rating is 1/8-1/2 anything over 1/4 feels like too much for the rod unless you are vertical fishing. 
 

the 6’8 m/XF st Croixs are actually marketed towards wacky rigging and I think If you’re already interested in that then you should go for it. 
 

a MH is not ideal considering the hook you’ll be using. I’m assuming you’ll use the typical finesse wide gap and the diameters on those hooks are usually thin. You definitely won’t be bending out the hooks with a MH but there’s no need for the extra power IMO since the M has enough. 

Thank you everybody for the replies.....it’s precisely why I came to this forum!  So much knowledge to pull from....can’t thank all of you enough!

Any Medium action St. Croix would work.  I've got a 7 'Mojo that I fish with for that purpose occasionally.  More often than not, I go MH/ extra fast tip and I have a Fenwick HMG for that.  I don't think that the Mojo is bad, I just picked the other one.

Unless the size of the fish you regularly catch, or the cover you fish around dictates otherwise, about any ML or M spinning rod will work fine. It's what I personally prefer (instead of heavier), and I've used everything from a Lightning Rod up to a custom built Avid blank. Not that critical from a setup standpoint, IMO, and a 6'6" is the length I tend to use most.

I personally dont like an extra fast tip for wacky.  my preferred rod is the Premier 6'6" medium fast (bass pro and cabelas carry a split grip version if you prefer that look). I pair it up with a 30 size Pflueger supreme or president xt spooled with 8lb trilene XL and recently started using the amazing VMC #1 weedless Neko hooks.  

 

you could also go with the Eyecon 6'6" medium fast "big water" rod (the reel seat/handle are really nice and comfortable on the Eyecons).  A versatile option is the Mojo Bass 7'1" medium fast "plastics" rod if you want a longer rod that could also be used for light t-rigs (I have these in the casting models).