I’ve had a NRX 894 for a long time and it’s not getting a ton of time on the water. 
 

Today, I tried to throw a 1/2 oz dark sleeper and I think that might be a perfect fit. Curious to see if anyone else tried this. 
 

I assume the OG NRX is similar enough to the NRX+ and it should fish about the same. 
 

I had a Daiwa T3 on there that was able to cast that 1/2 oz dark sleeper a mile due to the length. I fished it like a jig and felt everything on the ground which is expected for an NRX but since the rod is tip heavy, swimming the Dark sleeper tip down worked well too. 
 

Originally, I wanted a rod to throw 1 oz Caroline rig but found the rod too stiff to get good distance. I ended up using my Dobyns dx745 instead which had a softer tip. 
 

With the heavier tip on the 894, I didn’t use it as much for pure tip up presentations. It wasn’t as comfortable as some of my other rods but with the dark sleeper, it felt like a good fit for this swim bait & jig type presentation. 

I use my nrx plus 894 for 1/2 Oz jigs and trigs.. 

I also have the 894C NRX+ and it's my favorite jig rod. If I am jig fishing, this is the one. Absolutely love this rod. 

 

I have used the 894C for Dark Sleepers and it works just fine but I prefer the 853C instead. I can't explain why but it works for me. 

10 hours ago, FishTank said:

I also have the 894C NRX+ and it's my favorite jig rod. If I am jig fishing, this is the one. Absolutely love this rod. 

 

I have used the 894C for Dark Sleepers and it works just fine but I prefer the 853C instead. I can't explain why but it works for me. 

Which dark sleeper do you throw on 853? Is it the 1/2 oz?

@TimTheGearNerd 3/8 and 1/2oz. 

18 hours ago, MRQturbo said:

I use my nrx plus 894 for 1/2 Oz jigs and trigs.. 

what kind of cover are you throwing in? Pretty heavy cover usually? football jig? 

I’m trying to find ways to make this rod really stand out. It’s sensitive for sure, I’m just trying to find how others are utilizing it. 

 

It's a pretty stout rod.. I'll use it in the heaviest cover.. Even frog with it if I don't have my frog rod with me... 

19 hours ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

what kind of cover are you throwing in? Pretty heavy cover usually? football jig? 

I’m trying to find ways to make this rod really stand out. It’s sensitive for sure, I’m just trying to find how others are utilizing it. 

 

I use mine for sleeper craws, dark sleepers, texas rigs, free rigs, all types of jigs. Yes, I have other rods.....It's my only NRX and I paid over $400 for it, so I am going to get my monies worth.