View Full Version : A rod designed by a committee
Last night "She Who Must Be Obeyed" asked me if I would like a new rod for Christmas. (really, she usually asks smarter questions than that). I of course said yes, and that I would like a new rod for jigging. She then asked for guidance on which rod I would like. I looked at the cat, and the cat looked at me, and neither one of us knew.
So I went to the experts on past threads on IFISH to find out what everyones favorite jigging rod was. After reviewing all the posts and keeping written notes on this subject going back to early 2007 I have determined that the perfect kokanee jigging rod is as follows.
It is made by some company called LoomisBerkleyShimanoBrowningLamiglassUgleyStickFen wick. (I cant find their website)
Line weight should be between 1lbs and 14lbs.
Rod length apparently needs to be adjustable from 5'6" to 7'6".
The action needs to be slow or medium, or medium fast, or fast.
It must be made of im6, im7, glass or any combination of same.
Armed with this newly acquired knowledge I descended on Joes during lunch. I recalled one very wise sage recommended closing my eyes and running the tip of the rod tip across the floor to determine how sensitive it was. Now I know what a blind person feels like when they are picking out a new cane.....
After an hour my head was swimming and they all started to feel the same to me, but over the next few days I will get the selection narrowed down to one or two. The leaders right now are a Shimano or Berkley Cherrywood.
Thanks to all of you that over the past two years shared your thoughts on various rods. It was interesting that a couple of you changed your "favorite go to" rod over that time period. I guess that shows just how much fun it is to keep trying something new, and to keep searching for the holly grail of fishing gear.
I pray that all of you have a Merry Christmas and are surrounded by friends, family, or maybe even water:wink:.
mkwerx
12-11-2008, 04:57 PM
Well, Joes sells a rod called the "Kokanee Special" - it's a 7 foot baitcaster for 2-6lb line. I'm planning to buy two of them before spring comes for boat rods - should make excellent trout/koke rods
jaxflyfish
12-11-2008, 05:01 PM
make sure you load that reel with andespiderkeley....
SilverBullets
12-11-2008, 08:21 PM
Well, Joes sells a rod called the "Kokanee Special" - it's a 7 foot baitcaster for 2-6lb line. I'm planning to buy two of them before spring comes for boat rods - should make excellent trout/koke rods
What brand and model number?
Well, Joes sells a rod called the "Kokanee Special" - it's a 7 foot baitcaster for 2-6lb line. I'm planning to buy two of them before spring comes for boat rods - should make excellent trout/koke rods
If it is the one I looked at during an earlier visit I think it is a Shimano and was more of a downrigger rod than a jigging rod.
mkwerx
12-12-2008, 12:20 AM
it wasn't a shimano, I believe it was an Okuma. Priced @ $39.99 a pop, IIRC. I don't know the model number off hand - look at the Okuma rods. It was either "Kokanee Special" or "Kokanee Pro"...
Dropshot
12-12-2008, 07:48 AM
Great research, it shows there is no perfect rod for everyone, but everyone can find the perfect rod for themselves.:confused:
Speaking of adjustable rods, when I was growing up we had an old telescoping rod that was made out of metal and went out to about 8 feet. I don't know what happend to it but I wish I still had it as a collectors/oddity item.
Good luck in your pursuit of YOUR perfect rod.
Splash
12-12-2008, 08:14 AM
That rod would pair nicely with a DaiShikumAbu reel. :)
Loner
12-12-2008, 08:20 AM
I have 2 Okuma “koke specials” with Abu 5500lc reels, they are great, I prefer them over the ultra light “ugly sticks” I have, plus if you are long lining the line counters come in handy.
http://www.abugarcia.com/dimg/ddee799bce517d6163c88edb0e4a4dee.jpg
Just a reminder, the hunt is for a jigging rod.
(that garcia is also on the gift list for my spiral wrap downrigger rods)
FallRiverGuy
12-12-2008, 09:04 AM
I don't know if Joe's carries (Sportsman's does) them, but the Berkley Tactix is worth a shake. I bought one last year think it is a pretty nice jigging rod with good sensitivity.
I picked up on that during my research and did some on-line checking. Berkley shows two models in the 6'6" 4-10 line weight size.
One is the TXS661MF which they list as a "Drop Shot/Finesse" rod, Med light/fast and the TXS601ML they call the "Jigging & Worming" rod, Med light.
StickFish
12-12-2008, 10:15 AM
Take a look at the Kokanee rods from Shasta Tackle and their line of Anglers Touch Kokanee rods.
SilverBullets
12-12-2008, 10:33 AM
Check out the rods kokaneemart has to offer. Also, under "new items," they advertise a nice reel...The Tica Caiman CM100.
FallRiverGuy
12-12-2008, 01:02 PM
One is the TXS661MF which they list as a "Drop Shot/Finesse" rod, Med light/fast.
:yeahthat:
P-ride
12-12-2008, 01:22 PM
Just curious StickFish, if someone wanted a custom koke rod, would you be able to take care of them....?
fish-on-bend
12-12-2008, 01:25 PM
Look no more guys, here it is. I even think thats one of Aufish's jigs on there.:D
http://blog.sanriotown.com/hellokitty_news:hellokitty.com/files/2008/04/windowslivewriterhellokittyfishingpole-b0f2hello-kitty-fishing-pole31.jpg
And who can argue with the results. Need I say more?
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_03022.JPG (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77132/size/big/cat//ppuser/8168)
Jimmy
12-12-2008, 01:49 PM
Look no more guys, here it is. I even think thats one of Aufish's jigs on there.:D
http://blog.sanriotown.com/hellokitty_news:hellokitty.com/files/2008/04/windowslivewriterhellokittyfishingpole-b0f2hello-kitty-fishing-pole31.jpg
And who can argue with the results. Need I say more?
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_03022.JPG (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77132/size/big/cat//ppuser/8168)
Joe,
First the Homer decoy lure and now this. I think you need to get back out on the water. :hoboy:
Klamanite
12-12-2008, 01:56 PM
The Homer "Decoy"? :bigshock:
That wasn't a decoy, he's just worn out from catching all those big fish :D It was time to give him a rest and go with a softer more "Suttle" approach.:jester:
Joe
That must have been suttle last may?!
Dropshot
12-12-2008, 02:01 PM
Look no more guys, here it is. I even think thats one of Aufish's jigs on there.:D
http://blog.sanriotown.com/hellokitty_news:hellokitty.com/files/2008/04/windowslivewriterhellokittyfishingpole-b0f2hello-kitty-fishing-pole31.jpg
And who can argue with the results. Need I say more?
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_03022.JPG (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77132/size/big/cat//ppuser/8168)
I hope the guy holding the camera was fishing also because I count 70 fish on a 25 fish lake:dance:
StickFish
12-12-2008, 02:03 PM
Just curious StickFish, if someone wanted a custom koke rod, would you be able to take care of them....?
Yes without a doubt. I was looking at some blanks after responding to the thread. For jigging Rod I'd think you would want a fast action light or ultra light power in say something about 6' maybe 6'6". For a downrigger rod softer moderate to slow action light or ultra light power 7 to 7'6"
Several different blanks to pick from. I'd probably also go with a composite rear grip and 2.5" of cork for the front grip. Guides you would want as light of a guide as possible for increased sensitivity
fish-on-bend
12-12-2008, 02:35 PM
I hope the guy holding the camera was fishing also because I count 70 fish on a 25 fish lake:dance:
Yes Dropshot there was a 3rd accomplice on that trip to Suttle.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_0303.JPG (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77133/size/big/cat//ppuser/8168)
Oh boy, I think we ALL need to get back on the water real soon.
Klamanite
12-13-2008, 10:25 AM
I haven't bought any "downrigger rods" specifically, I have been using my Buzz IM7's and they seem to work o.k. It that bad for this type of rod? If I were to get different downrigger rods that are suited for larger fish (Lakers/Browns etc.) rather than kokaneee, what would I be looking for? Or am I o.k. with the ones I'm currently using? I prefer to have a pole that has pretty good backbone to it but still relatively sensitive at the tip.:help:
Settled on a rod. Found a Berkley Tactrix dropshot/finesse at SW in Salem, got the last one, they are discontinueing them, got it for almost half price at $29.00. I am not sure if it is SW or Berkley who is dicontinueing the rod, I think it is SW.
FallRiverGuy
12-15-2008, 08:49 AM
I think you'll really like that rod. Now I am heading to SW to see if they have any for that price in Bend.
moknots
12-15-2008, 10:23 PM
Settled on a rod. Found a Berkley Tactrix dropshot/finesse at SW in Salem, got the last one, they are discontinueing them, got it for almost half price at $29.00. I am not sure if it is SW or Berkley who is dicontinueing the rod, I think it is SW.
Thanks for the tip. Great deal.
Just back from SW. Confusing trip! The Bend store has the 661M and 661ML on sale, but the 661MF is not on sale. I told the guy a buddy in Salem got one so he called Salem and Portland. The Salem store said they had two 661MFs at half price ($29.97). Portland and Bend aren't putting that model on sale because it sells well, and Salem put them on sale because they don't sell well and it's cheaper to put them on sale than ship them to a store that sells them well. Go figure. Now I have a 661M:D. The world knows I needed another rod!
Thanks for the tip. Great deal.
Just back from SW. Confusing trip! The Bend store has the 661M and 661ML on sale, but the 661MF is not on sale. I told the guy a buddy in Salem got one so he called Salem and Portland. The Salem store said they had two 661MFs at half price ($29.97). Portland and Bend aren't putting that model on sale because it sells well, and Salem put them on sale because they don't sell well and it's cheaper to put them on sale than ship them to a store that sells them well. Go figure. Now I have a 661M:D. The world knows I needed another rod!
You may want to take that back, the 661M is the left handed model:jester:
StickFish
12-16-2008, 08:32 AM
You may want to take that back, the 661M is the left handed model:jester:
Don't laugh, I build some of my rods specifically for right or left handed reels. Spiral wrapped rods that is the bumper guide goes on the side of the reel handle
Klamanite
12-16-2008, 08:36 AM
I haven't bought any "downrigger rods" specifically, I have been using my Buzz IM7's and they seem to work o.k. It that bad for this type of rod? If I were to get different downrigger rods that are suited for larger fish (Lakers/Browns etc.) rather than kokaneee, what would I be looking for? Or am I o.k. with the ones I'm currently using? I prefer to have a pole that has pretty good backbone to it but still relatively sensitive at the tip.:help:
Anybody??
StickFish
12-16-2008, 09:59 AM
Anybody??
You really want a softer action rod for a downrigger rod - when the fish trips the release the softer rod helps take up the slack
Klamanite
12-16-2008, 12:21 PM
You really want a softer action rod for a downrigger rod - when the fish trips the release the softer rod helps take up the slack
Thanks :flowered:
Are downrigger rods designed for that purpose in particular or do I just need to find a rod with a suitable action?
Thanks :flowered:
Are downrigger rods designed for that purpose in particular or do I just need to find a rod with a suitable action?
Best thing to do is use the search option, using downrigger rods or favorite rods or similar words to search the trout talk forum. There is enough info from past posts to choke a horse.
I personally like my spiral wraps from Vance tackle. You will also find several people who like the very affordable eagle claw yellow rods. Your head will be spinning when you get done but you will have everything you need to start looking.
One recommendation I would make would be to get a glass rod rather than a graphite, they bend very evenly butt to tip.
SilverBullets
12-16-2008, 06:38 PM
Another vote for the Vance's Spiral Wrap...Great Rod!:applause:
nwsoftball
12-17-2008, 03:31 PM
I jig with a Shakespeare Agility, I think the model number is ASP 6062-1ML. It's a 1 piece rod rated at 4-10 lb. $24.99 at SW. I think I must of put around 200 kokanee in the boat with mine. I got another one last week and put it under the tree for my wife. No more rod excuses!
moknots
12-18-2008, 03:34 PM
Great idea NWSoftball. Brilliant. Just went back to SW and picked up a Tactix 661ML to go with the 661M I got a few days ago. Heck, I will but BOTH under the tree for my wife! Might as well put her name on the Shimano Sedona 1500 spin reel too. I learn so much from you guys!
SilverBullets
12-18-2008, 05:20 PM
Great idea NWSoftball. Brilliant. Just went back to SW and picked up a Tactix 661ML to go with the 661M I got a few days ago. Heck, I will but BOTH under the tree for my wife! Might as well put her name on the Shimano Sedona 1500 spin reel too. I learn so much from you guys!
OK, That's it!!! I need to get me one of those...what did you call them again, a wife?.:eek: I must of missed that one in the Cabela's Catalog!! At least then I'll have a good excuse to buy myself more fishing gear.:) Does this work on their birthdays too?:confused:
OK, That's it!!!I need to get me one of those...what did you call them again, a wife?.:eek: At Least then I'll have a good excuse to buy myself more fishing gear.:) Does this work on their birthdays too?:confused:
Hot Pink Apex, pink and white hoochies, and red corn are all good for Valentines day:throb::stormwarning:
SilverBullets
12-19-2008, 10:53 AM
Hot Pink Apex, pink and white hoochies, and red corn are all good for Valentines day:throb::stormwarning:
Ya, and don't forget the black and blue spinners to go with your bruises afterwards!:laugh:
moknots
12-22-2008, 11:25 PM
OK, That's it!!! I need to get me one of those...what did you call them again, a wife?.:eek: I must of missed that one in the Cabela's Catalog!! At least then I'll have a good excuse to buy myself more fishing gear.:) Does this work on their birthdays too?:confused:
Oh no, I am so ashamed for having participated in leading such an innocent one astray. I guess we need to remember that some read our lighthearted commiseration and don't realize we are exaggerating the benefits of having a ball and ch..... I mean wife. Don't do it Silver Bullets. Don't fall for it. It's much cheaper just to buy yourself any fishing gear you have ever wanted. MUCH cheaper. In fact, I think wives may be exactly the reason we can get good such good fishing gear for so little money. The industry has figured out what we have left ....
SilverBullets
12-23-2008, 12:03 PM
Oh no, I am so ashamed for having participated in leading such an innocent one astray. I guess we need to remember that some read our lighthearted commiseration and don't realize we are exaggerating the benefits of having a ball and ch..... I mean wife. Don't do it Silver Bullets. Don't fall for it. It's much cheaper just to buy yourself any fishing gear you have ever wanted. MUCH cheaper. In fact, I think wives may be exactly the reason we can get good such good fishing gear for so little money. The industry has figured out what we have left ....
I don't know what came over me...Thanks for setting me straight! I have now come to my senses and will not be led down the path of honey do's, or the mislabeling of fishing gifts to myself. I started to feel the tug of that ball & cha... you mentioned, and I can now walk again untethered. I feel a weight has been lifted...it's a Festivus Miracle! Now you'll have to excuse me, I feel the need to go to Sportsman's Warehouse to look at some rods.:laugh: