Hey all, im in the market for a new finesse setup. Ned rig, shaky head, wacky rig is what I’m mostly throwing on it so I’m looking for something quite sensitive as well. My budget for the rod is $150. Any suggestions? I prefer a M over ML for these techniques. Also looking for a reel around $100. 
 

What line should I pair it up with? I’ve always just used big game but was told if I wanted the best sensitivity to use braid. I’m not a fan of leaders at all. What line would be best for the best sensitivity with these techniques? 

If you want a medium - raise that limit a bit

 

For the reel.

 

Line I use on my Fury 703SF/President XT-30 for shaky and wacky.

Major Craft 6’9” Medium XF rod, Shimano NASC FC spinning reel and Maxima Ultra Green 5# Copolymer line. Complete combo under w/ line $220.

Tom

Medium tatula rod with 2000 size bg and 8lb x9 or 832

13 minutes ago, WRB said:

Major Craft 6’9” Medium XF rod, Shimano NASC FC spinning reel and Maxima Ultra Green 5# Copolymer line. Complete combo under w/ line $230.

Tom

Heard good things about the major craft nanoace. I’ve also never tried maxima ultra green on spinning. 

1 hour ago, Jake51823 said:

Heard good things about the major craft nanoace. I’ve also never tried maxima ultra green on spinning. 

Works good for me.

Tom

I've honestly enjoyed my medium Shimano Sellus rod for this purpose as much as any other rod and it's like $50 US.  

 

I fish the medium, 6'8, with a Nasci 3000 reel, and 12 lb flouro. 

If an anti reverse switch is important to you, then the new Shimanos are out.  For a little over $100 you can get a Pflueger Supreme or a Daiwa Fuego.  Both good reels.  Supreme XT's are quite a bit more expensive, have what is considered a better drag, but I've had no trouble with the base Supreme drag.  Or anything else.

 

I build my own, so have no rod recommendation other than go for a fast or X-fast action with a power rating based on lure weight recommendation of the rod, matching the lure recommendation with what you will be casting.

23 minutes ago, MickD said:

For a little over $100 you can get a Pflueger Supreme

Except the new model Supreme and Supreme XT have removed the AR switch as well...have to get last year's model or earlier to still have the switch.

daiwa tatula 7' medium $149.99 msrp

daiwa exceler 2500 $79.99 msrp

15 lb. braid to an 8lb fluorocarbon leader of your choice

12 hours ago, WRB said:

Major Craft 6’9” Medium XF rod, Shimano NASC FC spinning reel and Maxima Ultra Green 5# Copolymer line. Complete combo under w/ line $220.

Tom

I really like my Major craft rods, I find them to be an incredible value and very sensitive. 

6 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Except the new model Supreme and Supreme XT have removed the AR switch as well...have to get last year's model or earlier to still have the switch.

OH NO!  Glad I just bought two slightly used Supremes.  HOLD ON, DAIWA, we are counting on you.  IMHO, dumb idea to get rid of the switch.  

6 hours ago, SproDD79 said:

very sensitive

I'm curious, it sounds like you feel they are more sensitive than most other rods.  How did you come to that conclusion?

I’ll make you a deal on a like new Dobyns SA703

Mine is a St. Croix Premier with a Pflueger President on it.  I've got it spooled with 10 lb mono. 

15 hours ago, MickD said:

I'm curious, it sounds like you feel they are more sensitive than most other rods.  How did you come to that conclusion?

I have become a little obsessed with Neko and Shakey heads over the past 2 years, more so Neko. I have a used  Dobyns Sierra 702SF & Champion 702 SF, Abu Vendetta 7' M , Shimano Intenza 7'ML and a Major Craft MS-1 7'ML/Nanoace 7'M  for heavier shaky head and neko rigs (1/4-1/2oz) in depths ranging from 20-45ft. I was able to feel the different contours of the bottom  and subtle taps with the MS-1 and even my Nanoace over the other rods. I also have a Zodias 7ft ML, now that rod has better sensitivity for finesse bottom fishing out all the previous rods mentioned. I pre ordered the new Expride B 7'2 ML and hoping for even better performance in regards to sensitivity for finesse fishing.