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Hey guys, I have searched but couldn't find any threads about a dual purpose rod for kings and also other fish such as stripers. I do a lot of freshwater striper fishing with a bomber long a casting the banks with a very slow retrieve for stripers and hybrids here in East TN. I need at least a 7.5' rod, Med Heavy, 1 piece with a fast tip, but I don't want it to be real heavy. 8' rod would be even better. I am willing to spend about $200 for the right rod. Thanks in advance for the help!
Don't know how often you make it down to Orange Beach, but if you have the chance got I J&M and get yourself an 8ft Profile rod. John suggested one of these to me a while back. Up until a couple of months ago when John finished up a custom king rod for me, that was my go to king rod. Great casting action with plenty of backbone. Best part it will only set you back about $60 or less. Haven't tried searching online but would be worth a try. Other than that maybe an ugly stick for a lower priced rod. On the mid ranged end I would say a Wright McGill blue flats rod. They run about $100 at Dicks. On the higher. Not too familiar with most of the higher end rods and what's out there because most of them are out of my price range and I have sticker shock when I look at them.
Thanks chef! That's just the info I was looking for. I was planning on a trip to J&M first thing upon arrival to the beach June 21st, so I'll know exactly what to get. That's good too cause last year was my first year to the pier and the first half of the week was kind of a learning curve. This year I've already got 25 leaders tied and ready with a pier cart too.
Since you will be going to J&M check out their custom rack rods as well. I think they have Gulfstream rods that are under $200 as well as the ones they make in house that I believe are under $200 as well. I just like saving money where I can but want a quality product as well. Lethal is why I love the Profile rod. It is light weight but has plenty of power to handle(and whoop a$$) some very large sharks. I can also cast 2 oz lures/weights with it. That is the max I would use on it though. It handles them no problem but anymore would be pushing it. That why it makes a good smaller rod for surf fishing.
The profile sounds exactly what i'm looking for because I won't use the same reel for stripers that I will use on the pier. I don't need near as much line fishing in fresh water, so the lighter weight is the appealing feature. I have picked up every rod at bass pro shops locally and everything 8' feels like a pig that's too stiff and too heavy to cast frequently.
Well, i just got through talking to my dad and he says i'm crazy for using my mitchell 302 for fishing on the pier. Not because it won't handle it, but because it is in such good shape and it has some sentimental value also. If you were gonna suggest a decent pier reel what would it be to go along with the profile rod? I am not for sure that I am not gonna use my Mitchell 302, but it never hurts to ask for opinions.
Those Blair wiggins rods/Wright & McGill blue flats are notorious for snapping. They are sweet to look at but there are much better options for over $100.
Penn Battle 6000!Quote:
If you were gonna suggest a decent pier reel what would it be to go along with the profile rod?
I would go with whatever the good folks ay J&M recommend, which will most likely be the same as #r's recommendation; Penn Battle 6000.Quote:
Originally Posted by cowroy
J&M has some great combos too!
Just another opinion on the Blair Wiggins rods...I have one that's in its third year now. I've caught several kings and Jacks and lots of spanish. It would do well in fresh water too but I have others for that. There were problems with the early models, but they have revamped their design since then. But, the temple fork outfitter rods are better for the same money. Most sensitive rod I have ever had in my hands and showed plenty of backbone on the pier. I paired it with one of the cabela's reels, 55 size. Saltwater model that holdo 400 yards of 12# test. You can get loads of other responses, but that's my thoughts.
What pound test and type of line do you want to use?Quote:
Originally Posted by cowroy
In case you didn't look @ BPS, they offer a one-piece 7'6" in the 10-17# class (now on sale for under $90).
Offshore Angler? Inshore ExtremeŽ Spinning Rods | Bass Pro Shops
Even though it is rated as "medium" it is more what I would describe as a 'lightweight medium heavy' and has a fast tip (taper).
This would pair up well with a Penn Battle 5000 with 15#-17# mono or 20# braid.
I already have the 8'6" and throw plugs with it from the pier and surf (with 30# braid) and it is a beast!
BTW, the 7'6" IE is the next rod I am going to buy for pier & surf ;-)
Sounds good! I love combos cause most of the time it means $avings.Quote:
Originally Posted by FinChaser
I don't know how I missed those rods other than seeing the extreme part and assuming it was the regular extreme rods. They don't have those on the shelves at my local Bass Pro. Their normal extreme rods are my favorite freshwater spinning rods for everything from Shellcracker's and crappie to walleye and smallmouth.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pier#r
June 21st can't get here quick enough!
Young man welcome aboard. You will not go wrong with the advice given by people on here and pay special attention to the Pier#r. For him know him stuff. Could that be a bama hat?
I have one of the offshore angler inshore extreme rods in the 7 ft model paired with the inshore extreme reel. Its has tons of back bone and the reel is pretty tough too. I fought a jack last year for about 40 minutes and the rod held strong. Im confident that I could have ended it quicker if I weren't so worried about losing the 20 dollar yo zuri in its mouth. I dont know that id use it as my king rod but the strength of the rod wouldnt be my main concern if I were to hook one.
That would be complete and total blaspheme for me to wear a Bama hat. I love the pier, but I bleed orange man ;) It's a Bass pro hat, but the color is right.Quote:
Originally Posted by coach
Pier#er is right on with advising a 10-17. A light weight medium heavy is perfect for stripers and for kings and pretty much anything else.
One of the best I've used is the G-Loomis Greenwaters. Ideally, you'd have better guides installed later, but the stock ones do great if you take care of them.
I personally prefer the Batson blank, 963 for what you're describing. I have some rods used for the exact versatility you are describing and do the same thing myself. You're welcome to play around with them when you get here and feel the difference--just message me. Both are a little above 200, but well worth the investment, I assure you.
Penn Battles are power houses, but can be heavy and throw a light rod off balance. I'd suggest getting a Shimano Saros or even a Sahara if you want lighter weight and staying within a budget. Depends if you want to fish horsing style or with finesse. I've used both, and neither disappoint.
Boy, you guys make it hard on a fella to decide. There is no doubt i'll have to wait til I get there and make up my mind. I will get there a couple hours before J&M closes, so that will be plenty of time to go take a look and feel for what I am after. I'll know it when I get a hold of it. Viking Guy, i'll definitely shoot ya a message when I get there.
My dad in Kentucky fishes Lake Cumberland all the time for stripers and brings a couple rods with him when he visits us at the beach. When I've fished the lake with him this last summer we were using a 8' St. Croix Mojo Surf 8-17lb line, mod-fast action. It's rated 3/4-3oz but would cast a Redfin a country mile. You're looking at about $170 for that particular rod. Hate to throw another option into the ring but asking a bunch of tackle gurus what they'd recommend is like opening Pandora's box.
I love hearing all the feedback! This is exactly what the forum is for. I thought I had searched about everywhere I could search for what I was looking for in the perfect rod, but out of what has been suggested so far I never found any of them in my own searches. I looked around on the Internet at various Tackle stores for about two months before I actually decided to come here and start a thread. I know you guys answer a lot of questions about rods and reels, but trust me it is so worth it to someone like me that really needs the help! I actually think I know of a place I can go handle the St. Croix rod. But, obviously being so far away from the coast limits bigger inshore type rods.
Croixs break... easy. I've seen their tips fly off in casting.
Be careful selecting those brittle blanks.
I have some, and while they're decent, they've been sitting idle for 2 years.
Are you against building a rod or getting a rod built because Its hard to beat the quality and performance of a custom rod. Depending on the blank choice and other components, a rod around 200 bucks can be easily done. There also seems to be a little more satisfaction in landing a fish on a rod you built.
^what he said. All mine are customs that I built aside from one that I loan to friends. Knowing that I built it with my two hands and not mass produced gives me added security handling a hard fighting fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by bassbuster
I beg the differ. I have a couple of st croix's and they're nowhere near brittle. The mojo is a bit on the heavy side and the purple on it is not appealing to me but I have horse a few sharks and rays in with no problem.Quote:
Originally Posted by Viking Guy
I'm not opposed to building my own rod, and I have been looking into it since I started this thread. But, like any new hobby I just don't have the stuff it takes to do it right now. I definitely think I'm going to give it a try the next go round.
Sammy, the croixs you have are much heavier than what he is after. I'd venture to say you've never tried the light weight ones he is after in the sub 200 price range. Yes, they are very brittle--especially the tips and guides.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy
Now if you step up into their more expensive and heavier versions, not so much.
Cowroy, you can build your own rod, but it is just easier to decide which blank you like on a current custom and then have one built for you. Chances are you won't get it finished in time for your visit if you go that route however. So meanwhile, finding a good candidate to match your needs will be best and then have a custom designed to your greater liking when time isn't an issue.
Depending who does your custom, it could take a week to 3 months if they are busy.
Bass pro carries the TFO rods. They are designed by Greg Loomis. 7'6" medium is awesome. I am amazed every time I chunk a bait, whether a 1/16 oz crappie jig or a gotcha or plug, it goes a long way and you can feel a fish looking at it. We all love J&M, but bass pro in Mobile has all these rods mentioned in stock for jiggling purposes. And Pier#r sometimes. :)
I had to laugh a little when I read "Yes, they are very brittle--especially the tips and guides."
What a gross misconception.
Please excuse as I digress...
Just last night a guy brought a broken 7'6" medium St Croix 'Mojo Inshore' into the store for replacement.
That rod is rated for 8#-17# line with a "fast action" tip.
For a 'replacement', he picked up a similar rod but I noticed it was a heavier action.
Actually a 7'6" Medium Heavy rated 10#-20# line (it costs $10 more).
His concern was the medium rod he had broken was "too light and too brittle", but that the medium heavy rod he chose to replace it might be "too heavy".
To help him find the "right rod" I picked up a new medium power rod and got into a discussion with him and asked the circumstances he fished and what line he was using.
He said it broke (two feet down from the tip) while he was casting a croaker for specks and that he used 30# braid, sometimes even for tripletail.
I showed him the slight differences in the line ratings of the rods and the fact they are both 'fast action' tips.
Then while he was holding both rods I grabbed both tips and did a 'JohnG demonstration' for him, pulling the tips almost to the floor.
Neither one broke (of course) and I explained to him that either rod had the backbone and sensitivity to do what he wanted and offered why his previous rod had broken where it did.
It was a 'clean' break on the guide side, and slightly splintered on the back side.
An obvious 'compression failure' probably brought on by a trauma to the rod slapping on the boat rail or other hard object.
This caused a ‘bruise’ in the graphite fibers which collapsed when a strain was put on it during the cast.
He was speechless.
I explained how that was affected by his style of fishing (boat in choppy waters) and which rod might be better for him.
Pointing out the medium heavy rod had a noticeably wider diameter and slightly 'heavier feel' due in part to the slightly thicker rod wall.
Those features might help it be more 'survivable' through the rigors of boat fishing.
He left smiling with the medium heavy rod, convinced he had made the “better choice” and there was nothing wrong with the quality of either product.
My point being, even these medium priced rods (around $100) are quality products built to do a job and perform well even beyond the stated parameters.
When they break it is usually (as in almost always) operator error (accident ;-)
How else could a company (like St Croix) build a solid reputation and selling them and stand behind them (with a 5-year replacement warranty), and stay in business?
Just ask Johnny DiChiara what he thinks of this line (I believe he has at least 5).
Back to topic, I often talk with folks about rod selection and many times have heard they came into this store (or one like J&M) because "there are so many options and variables available out there".
They liked the idea of being able to pick up and feel the rod in their own hands to make an informed choice, not sight unseen.
The better custom rod builders can do that with some basic questions outlining the use you have in mind for the rod.
The answers describe the rod and what you want to do with it so then they can make a professional recommendation based on that.
Beware the specific 'one size fits all' recommendations for ‘such and such’ a blank or rod as they may not properly fill your needs.
I hope this helps!
I agree with pier#er. I have broken a few rod pulling aj off the rig, everytime a rod breaks under stress it gonna break in multiple places. If its a clean break at one spot the rod was damaged during transportation.
Pier#r, you don't have to convince me. If the POS I fished with last year held up to the punishment of several sharks, a couple jacks, a nice bull red, and two kings then i'm sure anything named here would work fine for me. I try my best to take good care of my equipment. I hadn't even planned on fishing much from the pier last year till i saw a 20 some lb king decked the first evening I was there. I had to get in on the action then. Here is a pic of the outfit I had along with my first king 18# Pic courtesy of Slim. The rod is a Shakespeare of some sort. Rod is 6' and an old Zebco reel that I bought for catfish about 15 years ago from the Zebco outlet in the reconditioned bin. I actually brought two of those reels and it's a good thing cause I lost a third King cause he burned the line up into the plastic line roller he was pulling drag so fast. I had to trash that one an risk the second. One of the best weeks fishing I've ever had in my life. Is it June 21st yet? My avatar is a pic of the other king I caught. I know it looks like i'm wearing the same clothes and they are, just cleaner. I wore this same get up all week.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps109c0384.jpg
I can appreciate your breakdown of the Croixs. Really, I can. Except I own them of various sizes, and anyone who knows me knows I fish light when it comes to line. I'm not throwing croakers with 30# braid.
Out of all the brands I've used, the ones that have the most problems with are the Croix and a number of the Penns.
Yet, others I use, such as various shimano, loomis, custom batsons, etc, and even an old 2 - piece I've owned more than 30 years all stands the tests of time.
Every single croix had a random issue from the stock tips spinning and having to be reglued, guide centers coming out during fish runs, and tips snapping while casting mirrolures near a guide seat. Some of this is due to parts or craftsmanship error, rather than the Croix brand itself. But the majority of what I bought failed.
Glad to hear they have a 5 year warranty. I need to return 6 of them. Including this 6-12 lb medium ps66mf I'm holding at the moment which I had previous high hopes for.
I know we should sell and show support for rods made in the USA and all, but when it comes to light to medium rods, St Croix pales in comparison in MY experience using them to other available competitors for the same or even a lower price.
I bought them unbiased, and after experience using them, let's just say I'm hesitant at best to even put a reel on one.
On the contrary, however, I've not had any issues with a couple of the higher end ones, but they still collect dust since my confidence in them as a brand has wavered.
Good luck in your decision. My information is not gospel, but is definitely a review of a product however you wish to interpret it.
Maybe you should talk to pier#er about replacing the broken ones you have. I have a premier croix as well and I have horse in a pretty big cow nose without a problem.
If they have a 5 year warranty, then I will. 4 of these came from Bass Pro.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy
One thing to consider, though, seeing I bought these all in close proximity of one another, is that there may have been a bad run on them that year. I recall a couple of years ago the G-Loomis storebought Greenwaters had a widespread problem with production where the blanks had objects on the inside, and caused them to make noises when shaken. From what I can tell, that issue has since been resolved.
I will admit, I have not bought another St. Croix since 2011-12 range (i think). It is possible they've improved or worked some of the bugs out since my experiences using them.
I am not a fan of graphite rods. One bruise and there is a weak point. I have broken many in the heat of the moment. I have switched to the Ugly Sticks [tiger] and get some of the advantages of graphite with the toughness of fiberglass. Seen many a broke St Croix. Just my 2 cents.
Plus in the Lighting storm the graphite are very conductive. I do like to fish in the rain sometimes.
I love my Penn Battle. It would work great for stripers too. Get a combo at J&M and enjoy. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by FinChaser
I went back to bass pro today to look around, but to mainly handled A penn battle 5 and 6k. The only rod they had that has been suggested in this thread was a Temple Fork Outfitters 7.6' MH and it felt like a nice rod. From the sounds of the fishing reports things are picking up a bit, so Saturday can't get here quick enough!
Well folks I'll be leaving East, TN heading your way at about 4:00am in the morning and will be on the pier Sunday morning if everything works out okay. I look forward to meeting new people and learning new ways and possibly places to fish. Hoping i'll bring some good pier fishing juju with me from TN. See ya soon!
I will be out with my wife Monday morning. Believe we have met before, but we will meet again. Don't know if you will have gotten your rod yet but you can check out the couple that I have as well as my 302 so you can get a feel for them all.
I plan to buy something to fish with when I get there tomorrow afternoon, but I look forward to seeing you again and getting the feel for different rods. Hopefully we can catch a few fish while were at it.
Have fun Knoxville. Wish we could come spend another week. We could dress the place up in Big Orange. :)