Looking to get a new baitcasting rod for 1/4-ounce finesse jigs along rocky banks and moderate cover. My medium rods are all a bit too moderate and frankly budget-oriented for moving baits, so not very sensitive. And my MH rods feel just a bit too overpowered for this presentation. My dilemma: I can’t decide if a fast-action higher-end Medium or Medium-light is the way to go. $200-$250 is the range I want to be in. 

 

Benefit of Medium-light is that it could double as a BFS rod (yes, on heavier end of BFS range) for bass in small ponds. 

 

I just got a new BFS reel, hence my thinking of a double-duty approach. But I’m not married to that—it’s more important to get something dialed in for finesse jigs at this point. Been catching a lot of fish on them but feel like I may be missing some bites with my current rod (Falcon HD Medium).

 

And yes, the Falcon Finesse Jig rod (Cara) is on my short list! 

18 minutes ago, MontclairDave said:

Looking to get a new baitcasting rod for 1/4-ounce finesse jigs along rocky banks and moderate cover. My medium rods are all a bit too moderate and frankly budget-oriented for moving baits, so not very sensitive. And my MH rods feel just a bit too overpowered for this presentation. My dilemma: I can’t decide if a fast-action higher-end Medium or Medium-light is the way to go. $200-$250 is the range I want to be in. 

 

Benefit of Medium-light is that it could double as a BFS rod (yes, on heavier end of BFS range) for bass in small ponds. 

 

I just got a new BFS reel, hence my thinking of a double-duty approach. But I’m not married to that—it’s more important to get something dialed in for finesse jigs at this point. Been catching a lot of fish on them but feel like I may be missing some bites with my current rod (Falcon HD Medium).

 

And yes, the Falcon Finesse Jig rod (Cara) is on my short list! 

It’s the only one on the list you need. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite rods

I have three that I like a lot, 

 

7' MMH/XF Steez AGS Sensor

6'9 M/F Major Craft Days

7'1 ML/F Phenix Feather

 

Both the Days and Feather fit your budget.  I like the Days better and maybe even best of the three, but to get a 6'9M/F it is a 2 piece. I haven't really been able to test the bottom range out yet, but the Days and Steez load up better at 1/8oz total than the Phenix.

 

The Falcon is always recommended and has me interested, but I'm currently stocked up.

 

scott

 

 

5 hours ago, MontclairDave said:

And yes, the Falcon Finesse Jig rod (Cara) is on my short list!

Can't say much about the new ones, but I have a Cara T7 (made in USA) with a Shimano Curado 70 reel, and I don't see how it could get better.  I bought a backup before Falcon went overseas with their production, still in the attic waiting for the one I'm using to need replacing.  It's not real fast, if you're used to a Loomis JWR or something, but I wouldn't say it's moderate either.  Just right - fast enough (and powerful enough) to set the hook easily on some of these 'heavy cover finesse jigs', but soft enough to keep the fish buttoned up after you do.  Definitely on the medium side of medium heavy power.

I have a Phoenix Feather ML-Fast and a ALX Zolo Dream. Both would work well for 1/4 oz jigs.

 

Zero to light cover I'd lean towards the Feather, light to moderate cover the Dream.  Feather you could pair with a BFS reel (I use the Curado BFS on that rod) and the Dream one of the more versatile rods I own (Jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, mini max chatterbait, etc.). 

5 hours ago, softwateronly said:

7' MMH/XF Steez AGS Sensor

I have the Steez mentioned above and it is amazing at so many things, particularly just what you are looking to do. It's hard not to recommend that rod. Given the price range you mentioned I'd take a look at the Daiwa Brent Ehrler Finesse rod as it seems to be a similar concept, but full graphite build. I can't say I've used it but I'm considering picking one up based on my experience with the Steez.

 

Whatever you decide please report back how you are getting along with the new rod. I'm in the market right now for a second rod for this purpose and buying another Steez would be A. Boring and B. Expensive.  Let me know how it all works out!

Just shorten the list to the falcon and be done. 

Kistler Helium HE703LMH

Lite-Medium-Heavy 7' 0" Fast

$400 on sale $247

Take a look at the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse.  I have been using the 700C for 1/16 and 1/8 micro jigs and really like it but it might be under powered for 1/4oz. The 701C might be better.

16 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Just shorten the list to the falcon and be done. 

Ha! As a Falcon fanboy that is definitely the way I am leaning. I’ve got a few rods I don’t fish anymore so I think I’m gonna do the American Legacy Fishing trade-in program to help lessen the bite of the baitmonkey. 

ALX Enox Decoy rod 7’1”, 1/4-7/8 oz Medium/fast made for finesse jigs.

Tom

PS, A-L-F discount puts this close to your budget. USA made in NC.

3 hours ago, WRB said:

ALX Enox Decoy rod 7’1”, 1/4-7/8 oz Medium/fast made for finesse jigs.

Tom

PS, A-L-F discount puts this close to your budget.

I really like my ALX OXIM Agent. It's a great light jig/t-rig rod. It does a bunch of stuff really well. Brian. 

I use the same rod for finesse jigs that I use for heavier jigs.  St. Croix MH/F 6'6" Premier.

On 5/18/2023 at 3:38 AM, Catt said:

Kistler Helium HE703LMH

Lite-Medium-Heavy 7' 0" Fast

$400 on sale $247

Awesome rod. 

I just use any 3 power Dobyns casting rod I want to use at the time and it's perfectly fine 

Megabass Destroyer X Bites 30# Braid and a Daiwa Zillion SV TW 103HS. I like the OSP Hunts Finesse Jig with a Dolive Beaver. Perfect set up. 

If you’re talking a finesse jig with a weed guard like a bitsy flip the Phenix Feather ML is WAY too light of power to set the hook.

Dobyns champion 702 would be the lightest I’d go. A Loomis JWR 2 power is perfect.