Looking to pick up a new Daiwa Salamandura SV 70 reel. I would like to use it as a versatile, all-around rig. Is there a rod versatile enough to be used for 1/8 oz need rigs that also shines throwing 3/8 - 1/2 oz jigs? I’m okay spending a decent chunk of money for the quality here, but would really prefer to stay below $250 if possible. Thanks in advance for any recommendations. 

An eighth ounce head on a finesse trd gets you well over 1/4 ounce. A true medium power will get you there just fine. A medium light might have enough power for a 1/2 ounce jig but it would depend on the hook. If you’re fishing the heavier jigs more I’d go a medium/fast. The Cara finesse jig would get you there. 6’10” 1/4-5/8. Fast action. 

That's a tough one.  There's compromise, especially for a range that wide.  Out of all the mass produced factory rods that I've been able to fish, Steez really stuck out as far as being extremely sensitive and efficient, with a weight range well over 1/2oz.  Now I was using a buddy's 7'6 MML.  It fished a 1/8 bucktail as well as 3/8 jighead with a 6" gulp jerk shad, which is a very heavy bait.  The action was still crisp and at no time did the rid feel underpowered.  It was actually rated 1/16-3/4 I just didn't use anything lighter than the 1/8.  They have a couple options in the casting line that are rated 1/8 to 3/4, made for bottom contact.  I would bet 1 of them would be a good fit.

 

ALX Zolo Dream 7’ MF, 1/4-3/4 oz finesse jig rod. 1/8 oz w/ soft plastic will be OK with the reel you have.

Check Alex for a sale price.

Tom

Correct rod discription

37 minutes ago, WRB said:

ALX Zolo Dream 7’1”, MHF, 1/4-3:4 oz finesse jig rod. 1/8 oz w/ soft plastic will be OK with the reel you have.

Check Alex for a sale price.

Tom

 

 

I have this rod and it does a lot of stuff well. Even weightless flukes. (BTW, the Dream is 7'0" and a M)

23 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

 

I have this rod and it does a lot of stuff well. Even weightless flukes. (BTW, the Dream is 7'0" and a M)

Thank you for the correction, had Tatula 7’1” MHXF and deleted it.

I would say no, at least not adequately. A 1/2oz jig really weighs more like 5/8 with the skirt and weedguard and that's before adding your plastic, which is prob between 5-8g on average. That puts you pretty close to a full oz. You could prob find a rod rated 1/4-3/4 that could fish the 1/8oz neds and a 3/8 jig decently. But 1/8oz Ned to 1/2oz jig is too wide a range in my opinion for one rod to do effectively

A debate on what  1/2 jig weighs is another topic.

1/2 oz equals 17. 175 grams technically.

Most jig mfr’s weigh a jig by the molded metal around the hook excluding everything else that makes up a jig; hook, skirt, weed guard etc. what is a jig without a hook… a piece of metal!
So to the OP consider  3/8 oz jig as your choice with a MF rod.

Tom