Okay all you fishing rod experts.... lets talk!

[TDawg]

Well now that I have graduated from college and am out in the real world its time to start upgrading my equipment. For the last 5 or so years I have been fishing club tournaments and have done pretty decently. Over the last two years I have begun to move up and started fishing 100% Bass WRL with my dad. We have been doing pretty good so far but want to do much better next year. In order to accomplish this goal I think its time for a rod upgrade. My style of fishing pretty much consists of all the standard stuff (top water, crank baits, jigs, worms, & SWIMTBAITS!!!) I have been mainly using bait casting because I think that I get more feel out of the rod and better bait control. I do have a couple of spinning rods for drop shotting and and dart heads.

Now for my question...

I would like to begin upgrading my rods and want them all to be from the same manufacturer. The reason for this is because I want them all the feel and fish the same. I would also like them all to be about the same length as well. I prefer 7 foot rods because of their forgiveness and casting ability.

I have been thinking about going with the following manufacturers: St Croix ( I have one that I use for jigs and like it a lot), Dobyns (Saw an awesome presentation about them last night, and wow are they light), or All Star Graphite (Thinking about them being custom built). Now I know they all offer different grades, but lets just talk about the rods in general.

Of these three which do you all prefer and WHY? Is it because of balance? Or are they built on the spline? How about modules of graphite? (I hear Dobyns have something around 45 million modules) What about guides and cork styles? Front Cork? or No Front Cork?

Give me the good, bad, and the ugly about all 3.

Good fishing,

TDawg

[Phil]

OF THE 3 YOU POST, THERE IS NO QUESTION (DOBYN'S ALL THE WAY) QUESTION IS WHY DO YOU ONLY CHOOSE THESE (3) TO CHOOSE FROM ???

[Bill K]

I am with Jigs, of the three you list, then Dobyns. But do not regret any G. Loomis or USA Graphite, especially if you have Steve Biechman custom build you a rod or two on those blanks. Steve@stevescustomrods.com Bill K

[Phil]

BILL;
DO YOU KNOW IF STEVE BUILDS RODS ON LAMIGLAS BLANKS OR FENWICK BLANKS ??

[BassManDan]

T-dawg,
As a recent college grad myself (well, going back for Masters), I can certainly sympathize. From what it sounds like, you have a very deep pocketbook for your new arsenal, if that is the case, I say go with your Dobyns rods, I can't say from personal experience, but there have been about a thousand testaments about how fantastic they are on the forum over the past month.
If you are not stuck on these three brands, check out Powell rods, they are cheaper than the Dobyns rods, and lighter.

As for me, with a medium depth pocket book, I am partial to Daiwa and Shimano rods. these are certainly not the most desireable rods amongst western anglers, but being good quality rods from 70-140, that's pretty easy on the wallet.
Obviously people have there preferences, and want there rods and reels to be nice and uniform, but you need to find a rod that suits you as perfectly as possibly, thats why I give myself options between 2-3 brands, because I know if a Daiwa specific technique rod has some undesirable characteristic, I can find a shimano rod that better suits my needs.

As for a swimbait rod, Get yourself an Okuma 7'11" H Big Bait Rod, rated for 1-6 oz, it have a good power rating and a very nice Medium action, I just picked one up yesterday and it is absolutely fantastic!

Don't be so hasty in finding one brand, I'm sure you will find great rods in the Dobyns or St.Croix, but don't limit yourself to one.
Just my $0.02

All the best,
BassManDan

[Stratos278]

TDawg,
I didn't vote in your poll because none of your choices (except maybe Dobyns) match mine.

I too was wondering why you didn't include Powell rods (along with Lamiglas and Loomis) in your poll, as a number of members of this forum are very loyal to these brands.

I am also wanting to upgrade my rods, but as an angler with not-so-deep pockets, I have chosen to go with Bass Pro Shops mid-priced rods. My favorites are the Extreme Series (normally around $100, on sale now for $64.99) and the Bionic Blade (normal price about $80, on sale for $54.99).

Hope this gives you a few more options in your choices.

[Scott D.]

I've fished Loomis for 20+ years, and I can tell you this. I will NOT be purchasing another!!! The last few I got, either new ones, or the replacements they have sent for broken ones, are NOT EVEN CLOSE to the quality that they used to be. It's my opinion that when they sold to Shimano, their quality went right down the tubes with "attention to detail", "fit and finish", or whatever other term you want to apply. They miss the backbone, or their guides are out of alignment. I may even have to scrape the Loomis sticker off my truck window!! I have bought 3 Powell's and 2 Dobyns, and am VERY impressed with both of those brands.

[TDawg]

Thanks for the good info so far everyone. To clear the record I don't have deep pockets at all they are more mid to semi-shallow. I didn't include Powell Rods because I forgot to put them in. I do not have any experience with Powell so lets include these as well. Also lets put in Okuma as well because I hear alot about them. Also, I am not going to be buying all new rods tomorrow either, this is just a general question as to see whats out there.

As to why only one brand, this is because like Dobyns I am very picky about my equipment. I want to be able to pick up a rod off the deck at have it feel the same as all the others. Currently I have a St. Croix jig rod, a couple of Lamiglass rods, a BPS Extreme Rod, a Diawa Light and Tough, a Rogue swim bait rod, and a Custom Steve Beachman Rod.

Thanks everyone who as posted so far, keep em coming.

TDawg

[Gator]

TDawg - I updated the poll for you as requested.

[bruizer343]

Dobyns 50.00 no questions asked, off the shelf replacement.

Dobyns
Lamiglass
Gloomis
Okuma-SB rods

[bassindon69]

I only use Okuma rods, 7'6" and 7'11" so I have nothing to compare. They work for me.

Don.

[Phil]

WOW ! THIS TOPIC SURE CHANGED WHILE I WAS GONE FOR LESS THAN A DAY.FIRST HE ASKES ABOUT THREE RODS NOW ITS CHANGED TO SIX RODS.........WHY NOT ADD FENWICK, BERKLEY, BASS PRO SHOPS CRANKI'N STICKS AND EXTREME RODS, MIGHT AS WELL LIST THEM ALL NOW ???
SO SUBJECT IS CHANGED LETS SEE...IN MY BOAT I HAVE

DOBYN'S
EXTREME
CRANK'IN STICKS
FENWICK
BERKLEY
OKUMA
QUANTUM
AND LAST WEEKEND ESOX
THEY ALL HAVE THEIR PLACE AND JOB TO DO AND THEY ALL DO IT WELL

JIGS

[Multispecies]

I have made it my priority to buy as much tackle made in USA as possible. It is surprising how much high end stuff is made in ROC. Compare prices- there is alot of US made stuff as nice or nicer than what is made in China for the same price. Some people are making a killing.
Dylan

[Paul W]

I've fished Loomis for 20+ years, and I can tell you this. I will NOT be purchasing another!!! The last few I got, either new ones, or the replacements they have sent for broken ones, are NOT EVEN CLOSE to the quality that they used to be.

AGREED!! I used Loomis for years but got 3 defective rods in a row...then Powell came out w/ their new MAX rods, and I havent looked back since. The Powell rods walk all over Loomis for less money.

Paul W

[TDawg]

WOW ! THIS TOPIC SURE CHANGED WHILE I WAS GONE FOR LESS THAN A DAY.FIRST HE ASKES ABOUT THREE RODS NOW ITS CHANGED TO SIX RODS.........

JIGS

I asked Gator to update the poll because I had only included high end rods on it. It made sense after thinking about it because my pockets are not that deep. I am just trying to get a general consensus about different types of rods and their uses.

Thank you for your awesome input so far....

Good fishing,

TDawg

[Dan Kuntz]

I have made it my priority to buy as much tackle made in USA as possible. It is surprising how much high end stuff is made in ROC. Compare prices- there is alot of US made stuff as nice or nicer than what is made in China for the same price. Some people are making a killing.
Dylan

check out Setyr Rods made here in the U.S.A. from the ground up.

[troutnut]

I LOVE MY KISTLER RODS!!! I have a few Phenix rods from 20 years ago that work their way into favored positioned on the front deck. I have a Sage ( yes, Sage used to make bass rods) flippin stick and 4 crankbait graphite II rods that fantastic action and feel, but i'm afraid to use them since they are irreplaceable.

But my favorite of all is a 7' J.Kennedy Fisher blank jig rod I wrapped myself back in 1986, it is my go to rod anytime I fish. It has magic JuJu!

[Marc]

I would like to begin upgrading my rods and want them all to be from the same manufacturer. The reason for this is because I want them all the feel and fish the same. I would also like them all to be about the same length as well.

TDawg,

I'm a little confused by your statement above. Unless you are fishing the same lure on the same line, at the same location all the time, in the same weather conditions, for the same size and type of bass...then I would think you would want rods that are different tools for different jobs.

There is nothing wrong with brand loyalty, but it may be better to focus on having a variety of tapers, actions, and even lengths for different duties. This is why I have a garage full of Lamiglas rods; nobody has a better selection of models for different jobs.

I guarantee you that my XMG50 spinning rods feel a whole lot different than my Skeet Reese cranking rod or my Big Bait Special...but all are sweet and all have the quality you expect and lifetime warranty to back them up.

On the length issue I prefer shorter rods where casting accuracy is a must (under docks and tree branches); and I prefer longer rods when fishing soft plastics, jigs or spinnerbaits where I need to take up a lot of slack quickly on a hookset. I also use a 7.5 foot rod for deep cranking in open water, and 8 foot models for swimbaits and punching mats. I have never subscribed to a "one size fits all" mentality.

ciao,
Marc
Lamiglas Pro Staff

[Blue_R70]

I would like to begin upgrading my rods and want them all to be from the same manufacturer. The reason for this is because I want them all the feel and fish the same. I would also like them all to be about the same length as well.

TDawg,

I'm a little confused by your statement above. Unless you are fishing the same lure on the same line, at the same location all the time, in the same weather conditions, for the same size and type of bass...then I would think you would want rods that are different tools for different jobs.

There is nothing wrong with brand loyalty, but it may be better to focus on having a variety of tapers, actions, and even lengths for different duties. This is why I have a garage full of Lamiglas rods; nobody has a better selection of models for different jobs.

I think that's exactly what he means. He wants a variety of powers, tapers and lengths from within the same manufacturer line to keep some semblance of uniformity. The powers, tapers and lengths of the rods on deck may all differ for the specific task at hand but a lot of the times their reel seat style, grip length and material are very similar and if all they have mostly the same model reel on 'em, you have even more of a uniform feel. Plus, you'll be well coordinated and fashion forward like Tim Gunn...

[SteveH]

It looks like the bottom line is, there is no right answer; what ever works for you. I don’t fish for a living and am just a weekend guy, but if I see one I like and it seems a good value, I buy it. if something comes along that I get all emotionally giggly about, I buy it, too and eventually shelve one. There are obviously better rods for different situations than others, but if Loomis, for example was the best, there wouldn’t be any need for Powell to be on the market. There’s something for everyone.

Kinda like wine. If the zin you like is $80 a bottle, I feel for ya ‘cause ya gotta have a real good job to support yourself, However if your pallet is cool with 2-buck chuck, you’re a hero. And a wealthier one at that.

Try a few, but buy what makes you happy. There will always be another one coming down the line. It ain't a wife, it's a rod. Much cheaper to replace.

SteveH.......

[Bill K]

Sorry for the late post, just back from Clear lake over the weekend. As far as I know Steve will make a rod up on several brand blanks. I know he has Lamiglas, not sure of the other. Call him and he can tell you for sure and will discuss rods/styles with you and I know with no obligations. Bill K