I have become addicted to throwing a Frog. Currently, my set up is a Lews TP-1 M/H with a Lews Speed Spool LFS and 65# braid and it is working.  The TP-1 is easy to cast, and still strong enough to haul them out. 

 

Now, saying that I am being pulled to look at a heavier powered rod.  My issue is, that my first experience with a heavier rod was a Abu Veritas and I hated it. It had no feel, and was terrible to cast.  My fear is that I do not want to recreate that experience and would rather stay with the setup I have now. 

 

I know there are $$$ rods, but I want to stay under the $200 mark and If I can get a combo under this even better. I have been intrigued by the Shimano SLX XT combo for the price, but again dont want to run into hating the feel as if I am fishing with cue stick. 

 

Any options or directions would be greatly appreciated. 

Not sure what length Veritas you had, but the shorter heavy-power rods (like 7') can definitely have that pool cue feel to them.  Bump up the length a bit and most of the time you get a little more tip even in a heavy power rod...To me, a 7'4" H (what I use for frogging) feels much better all around than 7' H.  

 

Having said that, if you like what you've got now you might consider just keeping it as is...Unless/until you find it underperforming or underpowered first hand (like not being able to get fish out of the cover).  

I think a Dobyns Fr735 would be a good choice for you, well within your budget. It isn't as heavy as its power rating of 5. Its defiantly not as stiff as my ABU Vendetta H/F which is pool cue'ish.

 

I haven't had a chance to throw a frog with it, but I have with my Fr765 FLIP which has been working well for frogs.

I will be the first one to admit that staying with what I have is the best option, lol. 

 

I just want to explore my options around this price point with recommendations from those that have gone before. 

 

I would love to turn my TP-1 set up into a purely flipping and jig set up.

 

The Tatula 7'4" HF is $130 at Sportsman's Outfitters.  I use an original model as my dedicated frog rod that I keep in Florida.

18 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

The Tatula 7'4" HF is $130 at Sportsman's Outfitters.  I use an original model as my dedicated frog rod that I keep in Florida.

I use the original 7’4 frog rod also and love it.

If your current rod works for you, then just stick with it. Once you feel like you need a heavier action then look for a new rod. I think that your TP1 is plenty for your frogging.

50 minutes ago, georgeyew said:

If your current rod works for you, then just stick with it. Once you feel like you need a heavier action then look for a new rod. I think that your TP1 is plenty for your frogging.

Stop being logical. I dont need this kind of negativity in my life! LOL. 

29 minutes ago, Taylormade113 said:

Stop being logical. I dont need this kind of negativity in my life! LOL. 

I guess the Bait Monkey hasn't had the time to make it around to everyone.  Probably because he bugs the pi$$ out of a select few.