Thoughts for a versatile spinning rod?

[FishTank]

@jejenkynsG. Loomis NRX+ 842S SJR would be handle most of your needs. It's not flashy but it gets the job done. I throw just about whatever on it that's 3/8oz or less. It's sensitive and a little soft. 

 

You mentioned the Windbuster. That is one rod that is on my hit list for next year. I picked up the Whippet and I have been blown away by it. It's just fun to fish. The sensitivity of the Whippet is just different from the NRX+. There is something in the handle design that makes it something special. 

 

Also, I wouldn't worry about length so much. I have tried a few longer rods in the 7'6'' range that are Light or ML and didn't see a significant difference in casting distance. It was actually harder to get the rods to load with say a 1/8oz jig head and a 3in swimbait. I did try the new P5 Zangestu. It might be an exception. It will cast and load small weights easily but I have heard of them breaking. I haven't seen any for sale since the initial run. 

[thunderblack]

I've fished the 7'-6 steez and addermine. Only handled the 7-1 steez. The 7'6 steez can do just about everything and well too. If you want to wrap up 10 techniques into one rod. That is is the one. No pun intended. 

[jejenkyns]

On 9/8/2024 at 11:30 AM, FishTank said:

@jejenkynsG. Loomis NRX+ 842S SJR would be handle most of your needs. It's not flashy but it gets the job done. I throw just about whatever on it that's 3/8oz or less. It's sensitive and a little soft. 

 

You mentioned the Windbuster. That is one rod that is on my hit list for next year. I picked up the Whippet and I have been blown away by it. It's just fun to fish. The sensitivity of the Whippet is just different from the NRX+. There is something in the handle design that makes it something special. 

 

Also, I wouldn't worry about length so much. I have tried a few longer rods in the 7'6'' range that are Light or ML and didn't see a significant difference in casting distance. It was actually harder to get the rods to load with say a 1/8oz jig head and a 3in swimbait. I did try the new P5 Zangestu. It might be an exception. It will cast and load small weights easily but I have heard of them breaking. I haven't seen any for sale since the initial run. 

Fair point on casting distance. I most of my rods are sub 7'0, some well under 7'0 and I don't notice any appreciable loss in casting distance. 

 

I'm curious if you've ever thrown small finesse jigs, like 1/4oz tungsten and small finesse plastics on your p5 Kasumi 6'11. I understand that's mainly a hardbait rod but it has me pretty intruiged for some reason. I'd love a rod to throw paddletails on ballheads, small finess jigs, micro free rigs with 1/8oz weights and smaller twitch baits. Maybe even the odd wacky/neko.

 

Also, what gets thrown on your Whippet?

[FishTank]

12 minutes ago, jejenkyns said:

Fair point on casting distance. I most of my rods are sub 7'0, some well under 7'0 and I don't notice any appreciable loss in casting distance. 

 

I'm curious if you've ever thrown small finesse jigs, like 1/4oz tungsten and small finesse plastics on your p5 Kasumi 6'11. I understand that's mainly a hardbait rod but it has me pretty intruiged for some reason. I'd love a rod to throw paddletails on ballheads, small finess jigs, micro free rigs with 1/8oz weights and smaller twitch baits. Maybe even the odd wacky/neko.

 

It would probably be OK but not my first choice. It is my go to small crankbait rod though and one of favorite all around rods.

 

For 1/4oz jigs, I like the G. Loomis 802C. When I'm fishing those smaller baits, I like to be closer in so a shorter rod works best for me. Also, this rod has a soft tip which is great for bouncing smaller baits on the bottom.  Plus,  the sensitivity to me is better than the P5 Six Eleven. 

[jejenkyns]

7 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

It would probably be OK but not my first choice. It is my go to small crankbait rod though and one of favorite all around rods.

 

For 1/4oz jigs, I like the G. Loomis 802C. When I'm fishing those smaller baits, I like to be closer in so a shorter rod works best for me. Also, this rod has a soft tip which is great for bouncing smaller baits on the bottom.  Plus,  the sensitivity to me is better than the P5 Six Eleven. 

thanks. you are always so helpful, and you own some cool rods so I appreciate you sharing your opinions so readily.

[WRB]

St Croix Victory VTS71MF, 7’1 Medium Fast.

Tom

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, WRB said:

St Croix Victory VTS71MF, 7’1 Medium Fast.

Tom

I have the previous gen Mojo Bass 7'1" M/F - I agree, that length/action is very versatile.

[r83srock]

6 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I have the previous gen Mojo Bass 7'1" M/F - I agree, that length/action is very versatile.

Same, like it a lot. Got a vanford 2500 on mine.

[jejenkyns]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

 

I went with the Steez 7'6ML. So far all I have to say is that this is the most sensitive rod I own by a wide margin. It's absolutely insane. This isn't my first Steez either.

 

I was dragging around a little 1/4 tungsten football head with a finesse bug of some sort and a whole new world opened up.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

[PaulVE64]

There are so many great rods at 7'6" mlxf

[padon]

On 9/8/2024 at 10:30 AM, FishTank said:

@jejenkynsG. Loomis NRX+ 842S SJR would be handle most of your needs. It's not flashy but it gets the job done. I throw just about whatever on it that's 3/8oz or less. It's sensitive and a little soft. 

 

You mentioned the Windbuster. That is one rod that is on my hit list for next year. I picked up the Whippet and I have been blown away by it. It's just fun to fish. The sensitivity of the Whippet is just different from the NRX+. There is something in the handle design that makes it something special. 

 

Also, I wouldn't worry about length so much. I have tried a few longer rods in the 7'6'' range that are Light or ML and didn't see a significant difference in casting distance. It was actually harder to get the rods to load with say a 1/8oz jig head and a 3in swimbait. I did try the new P5 Zangestu. It might be an exception. It will cast and load small weights easily but I have heard of them breaking. I haven't seen any for sale since the initial run. 

i like the loomis rods but there is something about the p5s to me that just makes them feel alive in my hands.

[DaubsNU1]

Found a Fenwick HMG GPX 69ML-FS 6'-9" (medium light, 6-12lb | 1/8-5/8oz.) at Scheels on sale for $79. Pretty darn versatile rod in my stable. One of my favorites.

 

Get a few in your hands and see what feels best.

 

[Hulkster]

I have the 7'6 Imx Pro SJR901S

 

for something a little more all around, the Imx Pro SJR902s would be amazing

 

I like the extra length

[jejenkyns]

9 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Found a Fenwick HMG GPX 69ML-FS 6'-9" (medium light, 6-12lb | 1/8-5/8oz.) at Scheels on sale for $79. Pretty darn versatile rod in my stable. One of my favorites.

 

Get a few in your hands and see what feels best.

 

90% of my rods are between 6'3" and 6'9". I really want this rod to be 7'3" and up. I'm a short rod fiend.

[WRB]

Phenix Ultra MBX PHX-UMBXCL-S706M is 7’6”, Medium Fast, 1/8-1/2 oz lures.

Tom

[thunderblack]

On 9/11/2024 at 7:50 PM, jejenkyns said:

Thanks everyone for your responses.

 

I went with the Steez 7'6ML. So far all I have to say is that this is the most sensitive rod I own by a wide margin. It's absolutely insane. This isn't my first Steez either.

 

I was dragging around a little 1/4 tungsten football head with a finesse bug of some sort and a whole new world opened up.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

So you're are saying I was right?  Enjoy!