My current finesse rod is a 30 year old Loomis Premier rod. I found out they discontinued this rod in '93. The tip broke off, so instead of it being 6', it's now about 5'8" with another guide at the end. I have a feeling this probably isn't the best finesse rod, so I'm looking for suggestions for an upgrade. Or if you think this is still a good finesse rod, let me know. If possible, let's keep the suggestions <$125. Thanks everyone.

Fenwick HMG medium spinning. Around 100.00

Shimano Clarus ML - Now $90 (used to be $80). Great bang for the buck IMO (own 2).

The 7ft ML has excellent workmanship and its pretty darn sensitive.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-MJRRODS.html?from=basres

Have both pieces of the broken rod?  If yes, you can repair it and while its recovery speed may be off a bit, it will fish pretty well.  https://www.rodbuilding.org/library/repair-oquinn.html

 

I've repaired probably 6-8 rods and they all fish just fine.

I really like my 6’6” medium St Croix Triumph spinning

Daiwa tatula cork 7'-1 ML

St. Croix premier 7' ML

 

I’m going to offer up “13 fishing” rods in whichever line you’re comfortable paying. I have a 7’-1” med light spinning rod in the fate black series at $79.99 that I use for Ned rigs and have nothing bad to say about it. Others who are far more experienced than myself use some of their higher end rods with the same happiness and although I’ve yet to use it their customer service is supposed to be great. Lastly although it’s about $5.00 more than your top of budget they offer several sizes in both full cork and split grip cork in the Omen Black 3 spinning lines. I’m assuming you’re looking for a spinning rod.

Edited January 31, 20233 yr by Eric 26
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How ML rods can be labeled finesse-friendly?

 

I know Shimano underrates its ML rods as BFS...

 

Want to upgrade? Go after true finesse rods. Major Craft Benkei, Speedstyle, Daiwa Salamandura...

13 Omen Black, Phenix Maxim, Ark Tharp

On 1/30/2023 at 2:34 PM, Mobasser said:

Fenwick HMG medium spinning. Around 100.00

I have a Fenwick HMX MF as my wacky rig rod. It’s not $$$ but it’s a pretty darned good rod for that application. 

Kistler Argon ?

I put my ARK Tharp up against my St. Croix Victory any day. You get one hell of a rod for what they sell them for. 

1 hour ago, Functional said:

I put my ARK Tharp up against my St. Croix Victory any day. You get one hell of a rod for what they sell them for. 

Maybe, but the St Croix has SMM and RPI technologies.  (Significantly More Marketing) and (Reputation Price Increase) ?

10 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

Maybe, but the St Croix has SMM and RPI technologies.  (Significantly More Marketing) and (Reputation Price Increase) ?

 

its because of SMM that I own one. Could have had 2 more Tharps during their sale for the Victory had I known better. 

With basically the whole tip missing the rods not good for much of anything as it sits but can absolutely be repaired by a qualified builder. As for replacements, what were the specs on the rod? With that you can get better suggestions 

Expride 7-2 ML+ BFS.

I only saw it in the store, but liked the diawa arid x when I picked it up

On 2/1/2023 at 5:45 PM, PressuredFishing said:

I only saw it in the store, but liked the diawa arid x when I picked it up

I have several of the arid x rods 7' m/l and I have nothing but good to say they may not be as sensitive as the higher priced rods but I have caught multiple bass from 5lbs, to 9lbs and as long as you have good line and he don't hang you up he's yours. The rod bends so that it keeps the fish pend to the hook. I have tatulas and rebellions and love those rods also but the old X is my favorite to catch a fish on.

I recommend contacting G Loomis and ask about the Expeditor Program.

You pay a flat rate and you get the closest rod to the line for that flat rate.

Probably be a GCX rod these days. 

The St Croix Mojo Bass 6'10" ML/XF isn't a bad all around finesse rod or the Dobyns Fury 662SF or 702SF depending on your preferred length.

2 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

finesse rod or the Dobyns Fury 662SF or 702SF depending on your preferred length.

My Fury 702sf has been a rock-solid finesse rod...despite buying Mojos and Victorys this winter, the FR-702 is still in my lineup.

I ended up buying a St. Croix Avid off of a local guy. No clue if it's good, bad, or indifferent, but the price was right.

20 minutes ago, KSanford33 said:

I ended up buying a St. Croix Avid off of a local guy. No clue if it's good, bad, or indifferent, but the price was right.

Sometimes that's all it matters 

50 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

My Fury 702sf has been a rock-solid finesse rod...despite buying Mojos and Victorys this winter, the FR-702 is still in my lineup.

Oh grats on the Victory rods! Those are really fantastic rods for the money.

 

But yeah keep the 702SF around. Can't have too many finesse style spinning rods - or can you?