At the point where I've got all the bread and butter rods and I'm starting to notice when I've got an issue throwing a certain technique. Swim jigs are the one thing I'm throwing more often where I feel like I want to get something more specialized. My main jig/worm rod is an MH/XF SLX that, in an ideal world, I'd keep on fluoro cause I feel like you get more worm bites on fluoro, but I keep on braid cause it does double duty for this. 7'2" is okay for a length but I feel like it could throw a little farther and being only medium-heavy has cost me a couple of fish trying to pull them out of thick Florida grass. I'll also throw them on an Ark Invoker Pro Heavy Cover Special - 7'4", Mag H/F. It's got the length and more than enough power but it is a heavy rod and is kind of unpleasant to shake all day. Looking for something in-between - longer and more powerful than the SLX, lighter than the Invoker, a bit of tip to make it cast farther and easier to shake - for under 150 or so. Also want cork handles, just because I really prefer the way cork feels to EVA and I'm unwilling to compromise on that when enough companies are putting cork on stuff that I can find something.

Looking around I found two possible contenders - the Falcon Lowrider Heavy Cover Jig and the Powell Endurance 7'6" Mag MH/F Mag Bass/"Utility" rod. I know there are a lot of Falcon guys here - curious on your thoughts on this for what I'm looking for (obvious comparison would be the swim jig rod). Also curious if anyone's used Powell before, and if anyone has any other suggestions. Thanks all.

Id like to suggest the Evergreen Combat Stick “Showerblows & Moving Baits” casting rod.   Excellent for swim jigs 👍🏼 

 

or the St Croix Victory “the Grunt”

 

no experience with the rods you found though

What weight swim jigs?

 

the lowrider swim jig rod would ordinarily be the starting point and I throw it into some heavy (for NJ) cover with braid, but it sounds like you're looking for a bit more oomph and length so the HCJ sounds right depending on the weight of the jigs.  I assume you're talking braid for the new rod.

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

or the St Croix Victory “the Grunt”

i've got a neighbor with a victory grunt - think the power's right but i really don't like the reel seat on it.

 

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

What weight swim jigs?

 

the lowrider swim jig rod would ordinarily be the starting point and I throw it into some heavy (for NJ) cover with braid, but it sounds like you're looking for a bit more oomph and length so the HCJ sounds right depending on the weight of the jigs.  I assume you're talking braid for the new rod.

3/8oz no-jacks and the gambler equivalent, twintail grub on the back. i'll swim through paths in pads or pretty thick kissimmee grass and i've lost a couple of good ones on the slx that the invoker would have horsed out. absolutely doing braid on this rod - probably 40-50lb.

 

also didn't mention this in the first post but in an ideal world i could use this as a pitching rod also for texas rigs that are heavier than the 3/16th oz fluoro speed worm setup but not quite flipping or punching. caught a whole bunch pitching a senko or cut-r into holes in pads, grass, etc where being more subtle than the 3/4oz flipping setup but having more muscle than the fluoro helps.

the HCJ feels like the right rod for you.

 

A 3/8 jig plus plastic is 6-power falcon territory as a starting point.  Lighter and heavier rods will also do it, but that's the sweet spot for a 6-power which is the HCJ and the head turner.  I don't have the SLX or invoker to compare.  A 6-power falcon is rated a heavy by falcon, but it is on the lighter side of heavy.  In a St Croix, some of their MH would be about the same power as a 6-power heavy Falcon.  If the 7'2" MH SLX is similar to the 7'2" Curado MH, then the HCJ has a little more power, but isn't quite as fast an action (plus 2" of course).  I use the HCJ with heavy mono or fluoro for bigger swim jigs (like a 1/2 oz SK pro tour swinging head with a 4.2 Keitech on the back) coming through grass (others are on my 7'2" swim jig rod).  It's a great rod for that.  I also use it for that same texas rig setup- 1/4-1/2 oz weight plus plastic so it will definitely double that for you.  With 50 lb 832 this would be a good setup for what you're talking.  One thing I like about it is that while it is a fast action, it isn't a jig and worm taper.  It bends just a little deeper on a fish and keeps them pinned.

57 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

the HCJ feels like the right rod for you.

 

A 3/8 jig plus plastic is 6-power falcon territory as a starting point.  Lighter and heavier rods will also do it, but that's the sweet spot for a 6-power which is the HCJ and the head turner.  I don't have the SLX or invoker to compare.  A 6-power falcon is rated a heavy by falcon, but it is on the lighter side of heavy.  In a St Croix, some of their MH would be about the same power as a 6-power heavy Falcon.  If the 7'2" MH SLX is similar to the 7'2" Curado MH, then the HCJ has a little more power, but isn't quite as fast an action (plus 2" of course).  I use the HCJ with heavy mono or fluoro for bigger swim jigs (like a 1/2 oz SK pro tour swinging head with a 4.2 Keitech on the back) coming through grass (others are on my 7'2" swim jig rod).  It's a great rod for that.  I also use it for that same texas rig setup- 1/4-1/2 oz weight plus plastic so it will definitely double that for you.  With 50 lb 832 this would be a good setup for what you're talking.  One thing I like about it is that while it is a fast action, it isn't a jig and worm taper.  It bends just a little deeper on a fish and keeps them pinned.

the hcj sounds like exactly what i'm looking for. also just found a video of jason christie using it for swim jigs in grass lighter than what i'd swim them through. 

It also makes a dandy buzzbait rod or a plopper rod.

I’d Suggest when on sale

 

 

 

I would break down swimbait rods into two main categories:

• Single hook swimbait rods
  • Crank down, rear back, and try to cross her eyes with every muscle you possess, then reel hard to get her to the net ASAP before she gets a chance to throw that heavy mess.
• Treble hook swimbait rods
  • You can't horse them quite the same way you can with a single hook bait, so it may take a more finessed approach to get her onto your side of the gunnel.

And, of course, they can be broken down further under each of those headings. As always, that's just my take on it.

 

The Dobyns Fury 806 (MSRP $159) is listed as a fast action rod that can throw swimbaits that range from two to eight ounces. 

 

I respectfully disagree with both of those assessments from the rod's manufacturer, BUT I would still recommend the rod at that price point for use with treble hook swimbaits (because I think it is more of a regular action than a fast action) in the one to five ounce range because I don't think I would dare huck an eight ounce swimbait with it. I'm not sure it has the backbone to reliably set a good size single swimbait hook (JMHO).

 

As for a suitable 'beef stick' that I would call my single hook rod, I don't know of one I would recommend in the $150 price range that would snatch a good size bass out of a grass patch before they hunker down and hurt your feelings instead of the other way around. I think you could find a rod that could do the work at that pricepoint, but I'm not sure how long the weight of that rod would take to make me want to try another technique. But that's a 'me' problem and not everyone has an issue with that.

 

I have found that the butt length is something I tend to pay attention to with swimbait rods as I have a certain way I like to hold them. I am the size of a pre-adolescent sasquatch and like more butt length than most. Things like this are born from experience; my experience, but YMMV.

2 hours ago, Motoboss said:

I’d Suggest when on sale

 

 

 

 

I use this rod in H for swimjigs, mostly throwing 1/2oz.

 

MH would either be the MH version of this, or the Daiwa "R" action which comes in a few lengths in the tatula elite non-ags.  And Kage if you want the cork-handled version. IMO the tip is a little softer on the Daiwa than the Kistler.

 

The ratio of landed fish went up for me with a mod-fast or R action over a F/XF.  Even more important if you are using braid; I mostly don't use braid on swimjigs anymore though - grass is heavy but I'm either high up in the column or on outside weed edge so 20lb flouro is fine. 

 

Same rod you'd use for a bladed jig excels with a medium hook swimjig, maybe a little light for a heavy hook swimjig. 

 

 

My Daiwa Tatula 6’10” MH/F is perfect for swim jigs with 16lb fluorocarbon line. It’s also acceptable with 40lb braid, but the 7’2l MH/R would be even better with braid since it’s more forgiving.

Generally, I want a shorter, lighter power blank if I'm shaking a swimjig.  I fish a chibi and other finesse swimjigs a lot, either 1/4 or 5/16 and I use a 7'1 M F.  Those jigs dont have heavy guards and the hooks, especially in the case of the chibi are lighter wire and needle sharp, I dont even have to set the hook.  

For a general all-purpose I like Greenfishs' standard 1/4 swimjig with a 4" swammer or Dwalker 100.  I usually throw them on a 7'3 MH F essence or 7'2 MH F M1.  I like the M1 over the essence.  Even though essence has a full grip, its a little tip heavy.  The M1 has a shorter rear grip, which essentially gives you as much or more length aft the reel seat, as the 7'3.  The essence is a little faster speed wise and has a little more power, but either rod can handle heavier jigs very well.

Im not over the moon about Ark rods, but they're pretty good for the money.  My essence is about 5oz, which isnt terrible, but the way its balanced makes you feel the weight in tip.

If you like Ark rods, you may want to check out the Wes Logan.  The 7,5 MH F was actually designed to fish swimjigs.  Its a decent looking rod, unlike some other offerings Ark has.  I really like that the handle doesn't have an insert.   They actually got the weight down to 4oz, which is great for a 7'5.  The rear handle isn't as long as most 7'5s, which helps with shaking a swimjig.  Being a 7'5 I'm sure there's some weight in the tip, so keep that in mind.  I think the guides are semi micro too.

Check out the tackle tour review ARK Fishing Wes Logan Signature WES75MHFC Product Review #ARKfihing #arkwesloganrod 

 

6 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Im not over the moon about Ark rods, but they're pretty good for the money. 

I was looking at the Wes Logan and the Essence and I dismissed them for this reason. The Invoker Pro I have is okay, but I feel like it's about as good a rod as my SLX for 60 bucks more.  I also don't really like the reel seat on it - it's noticeably less comfortable than my other baitcasting rods due to where the trigger is located. Meanwhile when I got one of the old model Daiwa Tatula cork bladed jig rods for chatterbaits/lipless I felt like it was a much nicer rod for the premium - cork feels nice, bombs the intended lures, keeps fish pinned. It's a solid, purpose-built rod that I never really think about in a negative light. I'm not sure I'd get that from Ark if I went back there, even with the new reel seat.

I also just like trying new companies when I get new tackle - it's interesting having a bunch of rods in-hand. Also have baitcasters from each of the big four for this reason.

9 hours ago, sgjackson said:

I was looking at the Wes Logan and the Essence and I dismissed them for this reason. The Invoker Pro I have is okay, but I feel like it's about as good a rod as my SLX for 60 bucks more.  I also don't really like the reel seat on it - it's noticeably less comfortable than my other baitcasting rods due to where the trigger is located. Meanwhile when I got one of the old model Daiwa Tatula cork bladed jig rods for chatterbaits/lipless I felt like it was a much nicer rod for the premium - cork feels nice, bombs the intended lures, keeps fish pinned. It's a solid, purpose-built rod that I never really think about in a negative light. I'm not sure I'd get that from Ark if I went back there, even with the new reel seat.

I also just like trying new companies when I get new tackle - it's interesting having a bunch of rods in-hand. Also have baitcasters from each of the big four for this reason.

I get it.  It was curiosity and the  frequent discounts, that I decided to try one.  It seems like they focus on getting the best quality blank for the money and components are secondary.  I dont know of any other manufacturer that offers a 36T toray for under $100 and a 40T for $120.  Usually, you're paying $300+ for a 40T toray.

If I was going to rate Ark rods on a 1-10 scale, most of the rods Ive handled would score between a 7 and 8, which is above average.  There are no major problems, but aggregations of small issues that hurt them in the long run.  Like semi micro fazlite guides on a $200 swimjig rod.  The eyes get filled with grass an algae real fast.   

As far as performance goes, Arks are more than serviceable.  The 7'3 MH F is about as close to do it all rod you can get without really spending money.  They make their own reel seats, which are modeled after fujis' and feel very similar to me.  With most of the budget used on the blank, components can suffer and that as well as balance is where Ark could possibly improve.  If Ark could manage to improve balance, even by counter weighting like Dobyns, some of those longer rods would be outstanding.

I really dislike my SLX.  The 7'2 MH F is extremely tip heavy even with the heaviest SLX on the market.  The tip is very stiff, more like broomstick, which limits its versatility and greatly reduces casting distance.  You can use baits that fish tip down, but you cant get around the handle.  The grips have the sharpest edges Ive ever felt.  It makes using it very uncomfortable.  IMO there are rods at the $60 PP that are much better and rods at $100, like Tatula XT that blow it away.

I agree about the Tatula.  I think the previous gen Tatula could hold its own against rods several price points higher.  Daiwa knows how to make a rod that not only performs great but looks great too.  The only thing I didn't like about the last gen full cork Tats, was the way the reel seat flares out.  I guess they figured it would be like a contour to wrap your fingers around, but the left side of it pushes into the palm.  It must have been brought up to Daiwa, because they've reduced the size of the contour considerably in XT and Tatula Bass.  Haven't had the chance to feel a new one yet.  Hopefully they are as the prior gen.

ALX Ikos Promise 7’3

9 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I really dislike my SLX. 

 

That's the SLX I have. Was my first baitcasting rod - got it during one of the old American Legacy Fishing combo sales where you could get an SLX reel and rod for like 120 bucks. Absolutely agree with you on the tip, I think it's more like an XF and it makes throwing a 6" worm with a 3/16oz weight a challenge, but I like the reel seat - fits my hand perfectly with a Lew's Speed Spool on it. Think that's my most comfortable combo, but I'm not sure how much of that is the rod or me just liking the egg shape of the Lew's reels. Hard to do a comparison between the Invoker I have and the SLX in terms of sensitivity since it's a mag heavy but I'd say I get more feedback with the Invoker. I've got a couple of the Jordan Lee Abu rods and I'd say they are less sensitive than both.

Part of my curiosity on Falcons is that when Omnia does rod comparisons where they weigh the rods the Falcons are always shockingly light for their price point.

@sgjackson I’m not sure if you pulled the trigger yet on a rod but for $99.00 the 13 fishing Oath rods come in quite a few lengths. I handled the 7’-3” med hvy extra fast and it’s way to fast for me but I’m looking to grab a 7’-3” med hvy mod fast and they have a 7’-4” hvy fast that might fit your needs. I know @MiceNReets has picked up the previous version of this rod and maybe the current version and gave it a favorable review. After I typed this out I think he may have picked up the Myth series which is a step up from the Oath🤔 As a bonus if you buy it directly from Rapala who owns 13 fishing now you get 15% off your first order making it well under budget.

Edited August 22, 2025Aug 22 by Eric 26
Added content

On 8/22/2025 at 9:22 AM, sgjackson said:

 

That's the SLX I have. Was my first baitcasting rod - got it during one of the old American Legacy Fishing combo sales where you could get an SLX reel and rod for like 120 bucks. Absolutely agree with you on the tip, I think it's more like an XF and it makes throwing a 6" worm with a 3/16oz weight a challenge, but I like the reel seat - fits my hand perfectly with a Lew's Speed Spool on it. Think that's my most comfortable combo, but I'm not sure how much of that is the rod or me just liking the egg shape of the Lew's reels. Hard to do a comparison between the Invoker I have and the SLX in terms of sensitivity since it's a mag heavy but I'd say I get more feedback with the Invoker. I've got a couple of the Jordan Lee Abu rods and I'd say they are less sensitive than both.

Part of my curiosity on Falcons is that when Omnia does rod comparisons where they weigh the rods the Falcons are always shockingly light for their price point.

I bought mine because I had bought an SLX DC.  Out of all the mid and higher grade Shimano's Ive used, I really liked almost all of them.  Its a budget rod, so if I didn't like it, it wouldn't be a big loss.  It would be good for my niece or nephew to use when I take them out.  

Honestly, I was surprised by the sensitivity Shimano was able to get out of a 24T blank.  I suspect that the unusually stiff action plays a role in that.  Usually 24T blanks have some bend to them and are a bit slower in recovery and action, when compared to higher quality blanks.

I noticed the blocky grip and sharp edges right away.  I thought I had an oddball reel seat until my local tackle shop got a bunch in. 

I haven't used it in years it just sits with a bunch of rarely used rods now. 

 

 

On 8/19/2025 at 9:41 AM, MiceNReets said:

Id like to suggest the Evergreen Combat Stick “Showerblows & Moving Baits” casting rod.   Excellent for swim jigs 👍🏼 

 

or the St Croix Victory “the Grunt”

 

no experience with the rods you found though

I strongly agree with Mice. This rod is so good for anything moving at or above 1/2 oz. If you’re good with the drag I can throw 3/8 oz topwater as well as single hook. The stick has more power than expected but the bend of the rod under power is just butter. It’s truly a gem in the lineup and I’ve ditched the rip ‘n chatter from st Croix with it.