Handle length is another term that needs defining.

TW uses a illustration that clarifies thier handle length is measured from the rod butt end to the front of the reel locking ring or fore grip. 

Several rod mfr’s and TT measures from butt end to back of the reel seat. 

Again no standard and confusing. 

I kept Major Craft NAC-T681M/SI Iovino Splash-It rod, 6’8” MF because it is a good all around rod for lures between 3/16 oz to 5/8 oz ( rated 1/4-1/2 oz). This rod is excellent jerk bait and top water, plus bottom contact finesse soft plastics. 11” handle to back of reel seat.

I would look at Shimano Curado 6’8” MF rod, 13 1/2” from the front of the reel lock ring.

Tom

6 hours ago, WRB said:

Handle length is another term that needs defining.

TW uses a illustration that clarifies thier handle length is measured from the rod butt end to the front of the reel locking ring or fore grip. 

Several rod mfr’s and TT measures from butt end to back of the reel seat. 

Again no standard and confusing. 

I kept Major Craft NAC-T681M/SI Iovino Splash-It rod, 6’8” MF because it is a good all around rod for lures between 3/16 oz to 5/8 oz ( rated 1/4-1/2 oz). This rod is excellent jerk bait and top water, plus bottom contact finesse soft plastics. 11” handle to back of reel seat.

I would look at Shimano Curado 6’8” MF rod, 13 1/2” from the front of the reel lock ring.

Tom

That is good information, never would have thought they measured differently.  I will check out the Curado.  

Looks like the new Curado is almost identical to the first generation Zodias but can be had for around $160.00  The updated Zodias is $209.  Is the newer Zodias $50 better than the old?

Levante JBS is nice.  It balances our tip down very well and has a great action.  I throw baits right at the 3/4 ounce limit and it fishes great.  

St. Croix Avid AVC66MF

https://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-avid-avc-series-casting-rod-avc66mf.html

On 2/22/2023 at 6:07 PM, T2DM said:

Another one is the SLX 6'-10" medium....

 

I have one of these and it is my dedicated jerkbait rod. It measures 10-1/2" from the butt to the back of the reel seat.

 

The extra fast tip helps to kill the forward momentum of the jerkbait with only having to pull back a fraction of what I do with other rods. The action you impart and the way you do it will determine how it acts for you,. I like that I can quickly stop the bait in it's tracks quickly and easily. If that works for you or not is of your own personal preference. To me, it is the jewel of the Shimano SLX rod line.

Thanks for all of the input guys.  Finally settled on a 6'10" Medium Moderate Fast Dobyns Kaden. Never owned a Dobyns but appears to have quality components, good reviews/reputation, hook keeper where I want it, and the price was right.  I'll report back after I spend some time with it.

6 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

St. Croix Avid AVC66MF

https://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-avid-avc-series-casting-rod-avc66mf.html

Nice looking rod, checks all the boxes.  If the one I ordered doesn't work out will definitely give this one a shot.  Originally wanted a St. Croix Victory but didn't like the xf tip on their jerkbait rod.