Hello all and Happy New Year!

 

I am finalizing my smallmouth quiver after getting a Dobyns Champion XP 764 Crankbait casting rod. I need two more rods to complete my lineup.

 

The first will be a dedicated jerkbait spinning rod. I like longer rods and based upon Dwight’s posts, a 7’2”-7’6” MH (moderate-moderate-fast) spinning rod with braid to UG leader is my jerkbait weapon of choice. 
 

I have looked around and researched for a while, and I have narrowed it down to either a 7’3” MH Shimano Zodias or the 7’2” MH Shimano Expride. Which of these two would you recommend for jerkbaits? 

For bottom contact, I am pretty set on a G.Loomis 872s, but that purchase will be next year, so will the Zodias or the Expride work better for bottom contact until the Loomis purchase?

 

I hope for some opinions on which rod is better for jerkbaits, while knowing I’ll be using it for tubes, football jigs, grubs, etc for a while. 
 

if you all think I’m off base or have other rod suggestions, I’d love to hear that too. Thank you!

 

- Jacob

For jerkbaits I use a Shimano intenza medium fast action paired with a curado k I throw half ounce baits on it and 3/8 ounce baits. And generally for the river I do not throw much of anything else other than a jerk bait. 

Jerkbait - M or ML generally depending on bait weight.

Personally,... I don't like that long of a rod for jerkbaits. My dedicated jerkbait rods are 6'6" - 6'10" so I don't slap the water with them while working the bait.

 

As for which would work better for bottom contact,.... Are they both moderate actions like mentioned above? If that is the case,... Neither would be my first choice but guessing there wouldn't be a ton of difference between the two.