What rod do you like????
 

I know a lot of you guys know that I build Custom Rods but wanted to know what size rods you like using for Jigging. I have been building some 6’2” rods and the ones that I have built the guys really seem to like them. I like the 6’ 2” rod that I built for myself and I also like the 6’ rod that I have. The 6’ 2” rod is a casting rod and my 6’ rod is a spinning rod... I just finished building 2, 6’ Medium / Heavy action rod for Hillbilly Boater but it is a custom built one. I took a 6’6” rod and cut it down to where Jack liked it. I had built him 1 other just like the 2 I just built and the last one I built for Jack he caught a 100lb shark on it. Just wanted to know what your preference is….By the way I have 2 6’6” M/H action rods with a fast tip that I use all the time as well and they are great for flounder as well as Jigging.

Most my trolling rods are 6'6" Medium action rods

My bait casting rods are 6'6" or 7' MH action with a fast tip.

I currently just have junky spinning gear but want to get a nice spinning gear set up this year.

Greg, Let me know if you’re ever interested in a nice spinning rod the 6' 6" and 7’ers are great for top water and also jigging BKD's. I use Batson Rainshadow blanks and I will put them up against any blanks out there. They have the backbone and some of the best sensitivity I have ever felt in a rod.

What type of reel would you put with it? I havent even started looking at them yet. Most my gear is Penn but I am not stuck on any brand. I probably would look towards one that doubles as a liveliner. My birthday is coming up in early May so I might as well get my wife my wish list now :D

I'm not a real big reel guy but if you find a reel that is about 10oz or less it really balances the rod out well. I have the Penn Slammer 360 on my 6’6” and I have a Daiwa 2000c on my 6’ rod. I just built a good friend of mine a 6’6” rod and I even got him the Penn 360 Slammer for it. I found the Penn for $115.00 and that was delivered not a bad price when the cheapest I found was 139.00. Now if you’re in the market for a spinning/livelinner look at the Okuma Epixor I have one of them and it’s a nice reel. Now if you ever want a good bait caster reel I just got the Daiwa Strikeforce and for 55.00 delivered you can’t beat it. It’s a 7.1 ratio and brings in 32” on line on one crake. I hope this helps a little but this is what I use....

Steve; I hope I'm not putting you on the spot, but could you give an estimate on what a nice custom rod would cost. Give a price on one of your 6'2" M/H jigging/casting rods and also a sweet trolling rod.

Most of my rods are all mismatched walmart, kmart, bps, fleamarket finds. They all catch fish and I probably wouldn't throw away any of them. However, I don't have any "good" rods, and it might be nice to know what a custom rod might cost in case the kids are looking for a birthday, fathersday, or any other day present.

When someone invites you on their boat for a day of jigging, topwater, or livelinning, it would be nice to grab that "special" rod to take along.

I use mostly spinning reels, and only have two casting reels (abu garcia ambassadore's). Are the spinning rods as "sensitive" as the casting rods? I would imagine the casting rods would be more sensitive since some of them allow you to "feel" the blank.

So, if you're up to it maybe a little elementary explanation on the benifits of casting vs spinning rods for jigging would be appreciated.

This is not limited to Steve, guys with experience please chime in here.

I always try to take care of my tackle, which is why my "cheep" stuff lasts as long as it does. I don't need "sensitivity" for most of my fishing, but I would like to learn jigging so I can expand my fishing knowledge.

Thanks, 5th (Marty)

p.s. If you feel more comfortable P.M. me the price's

I use a Daiwa Megaforce and like it too.

I was speaking for flounder fishing and eeling in the fall.

IMO casting vs spinning is a personal preference and whatever you are most comfortable with. I have a 6' and 6'6" jigging sticks that steve built. I love them both but, to me the 6'6" is the ultimate jiggin stick and the baston blanks he uses are extremely sensitive.

Hey Marty,
I can give you a ballpark figure on the rods but it all depends on what size cork handle you want, name or decal of a fish and a few other things. I would rather b-mail you some prices or give me a call at the house and I can fill you in. I think you will find my prices are very fair and like I have told many guys, I’m not in this for the money ( Just ask my wife on this one) I just enjoy building rods. I’m home ALL day today but the rest of the week I get home around 4:30. I’ll bmail you with some prices as well

Now about the rods, the reason I use a casting rod is because I have fisherman elbow and I change up using my spinning rod and casting rod. Uncle Phill taught me this and believe me it does help after a long day of jigging. The casting and spinning rod have the same sensitive and the blank you are referring to that the blank is exposed is called a split grip handle and I have made a few of them .I know that some guys say you can feel the bite better with the split grip but I do not have any of my own.

Tim-Glad you find this site and thanks for the kind words I appreciate that and by the way, the 2nd week in April is when we are now thinking about going south for flounder but I will give you a call once everyone agrees with it.

I got a nice St. Criox from Marty's from the wife as a gift - then bought another one about 6 months later. Both are spinning rods.

One is med. heavy - other med.

Very well made - action is fast. They go for around $125.00 or so.
I tend to buy a rod for a very specific duty.

When I was into jigging/casting - I had a rod for 1 oz - one for 1 1/2 and one for 2 oz. Did I really need all three ? Not really but it was nice to have the exact outfit matched to the weight.

Same with trolling - I have rods for wire , deep lures , light lures , etc.

Still get outfished by the old guy with a busted up rod/ beat up reel :D