Rod Advice
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Rod Advice
Hi all,
Am thinking of buying a new rod for lure fishing. I currently have a Savage Gear Roadrunner XLNT 8' 20-80gm but I find that it is too rigid for light plugs and bass lures. I find it's grand for fishing heavier pike lures but a bit too overpowered for anything else.
I was hoping to go for something in the 10-40gm range that would have a bit more feel. Would like to stick with a rod in around the 8' length but am open to suggestions.
A four piece would be a bonus but not necessary. Would be used for Bass primarily but also Pollock and possibly Sea Trout. Price max is E150
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Eoin
Am thinking of buying a new rod for lure fishing. I currently have a Savage Gear Roadrunner XLNT 8' 20-80gm but I find that it is too rigid for light plugs and bass lures. I find it's grand for fishing heavier pike lures but a bit too overpowered for anything else.
I was hoping to go for something in the 10-40gm range that would have a bit more feel. Would like to stick with a rod in around the 8' length but am open to suggestions.
A four piece would be a bonus but not necessary. Would be used for Bass primarily but also Pollock and possibly Sea Trout. Price max is E150
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
If you are going brand new, the grauvell teklon concept is right in your price range. I never heard of anyone who didn't like it
If you're happy with savage gear I believe the bushwacker is meant to be quite good.
The entry level Major Craft rod -called Firstcast- would be sub 150 as well.
If you are willing to bide your time you may pick up a very good lure rod second hand for that kind of money
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If you're happy with savage gear I believe the bushwacker is meant to be quite good.
The entry level Major Craft rod -called Firstcast- would be sub 150 as well.
If you are willing to bide your time you may pick up a very good lure rod second hand for that kind of money
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- SAI Bait Ball
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks for those options shortcircuit. I had not come across the Major Craft rods before.
I would consider the SG Bushwhacker as I am happy enough with the Roadrunner.
Eoin
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I would consider the SG Bushwhacker as I am happy enough with the Roadrunner.
Eoin
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Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
The Spro Insync 2.0 rod is fantastic value for money. See here -> http://artoffishing.co.uk/blog/2014/12/ ... 2015-rods/. I've used and have come away very impressed - and I would consider myself a tart when it comes to tackle - only the best!!
I think it's currently in stock with Henry's fishing tackle.
I think it's currently in stock with Henry's fishing tackle.
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks for that roryodonnell. Spro is a brand I would have def overlooked. Another option to consider and seems to be reasonably priced.
Eoin
Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
I'd second the grauvell teklon. I have the "nano spin", really nice rods .
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks cormyb.
Eoin
Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
this is a great all round rod for bass and even better in the 10ft is you can get your hands on it and the great thing about daiwa is if one part of the rod ever breaks you can always buy just the part that breaks
http://www.henrystackleshop.com/heavy-t ... n-rod.html
http://www.henrystackleshop.com/heavy-t ... n-rod.html
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- SAI Bait Ball
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- SAI Bait Ball
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks for all the ideas lads.
I have decided to go with the SG Bushwacker XLNT2 15-40g. Hopefully it will all work out ok.
Will let ye know how I get on with it.
Thanks again.
Eoin
I have decided to go with the SG Bushwacker XLNT2 15-40g. Hopefully it will all work out ok.
Will let ye know how I get on with it.
Thanks again.
Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
I see you have made a decision.
Only advice I would give is try a few different rods out if at all possible before you buy. I know that my be difficult, but forking out that much cash for a rod you may not get on with could be a real pain.
My two cents, the Teklon Concept series of rods are excellent. Again not to every ones taste, but they are very good for the price point, I used the 702L for all my lure fishing for Pollock, Wrasse & Bass for a couple of years before I got my injection. The injection has a bit more back bone admittedly, but still not miles away from the 702L.
Best of luck anyway!
Only advice I would give is try a few different rods out if at all possible before you buy. I know that my be difficult, but forking out that much cash for a rod you may not get on with could be a real pain.
My two cents, the Teklon Concept series of rods are excellent. Again not to every ones taste, but they are very good for the price point, I used the 702L for all my lure fishing for Pollock, Wrasse & Bass for a couple of years before I got my injection. The injection has a bit more back bone admittedly, but still not miles away from the 702L.
Best of luck anyway!
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks Danny M.
I was tempted by the Teklon Concept alright.
Eoin
I was tempted by the Teklon Concept alright.
Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
You should try out any potential rod first.
I have the 8 ft 15-40gram bushwacker and whilst i love it be aware that it is quite stiff (very fast action).
Your current roadrunner road is just a travel version of the same rod. Even if you get a lower casting range the action is just the same.
I find it too stiff for landing sea trout comfortably as the rod should have a bit more give. I'd check out some of the recommendations above before you
buy a rod that you already have
Best of luck
I have the 8 ft 15-40gram bushwacker and whilst i love it be aware that it is quite stiff (very fast action).
Your current roadrunner road is just a travel version of the same rod. Even if you get a lower casting range the action is just the same.
I find it too stiff for landing sea trout comfortably as the rod should have a bit more give. I'd check out some of the recommendations above before you
buy a rod that you already have

Best of luck
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks wobbie10.
I do like the action of the Roadrunner. I find it very good for poppers and lures that need work. It was just a bit too strong for lighter lures though.
Thanks again.
Eoin
Eoin
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I do like the action of the Roadrunner. I find it very good for poppers and lures that need work. It was just a bit too strong for lighter lures though.
Thanks again.
Eoin
Eoin
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Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
Enoonan - my 3 cents - In general, any rod that casts 40gr or over is way to heavy.
Seatrout: any rod capable of casting >25 grs would be considered was too heavy. Somewhere in the range of 5-16gr would be idea. If you're going to be wading, 7 foot is nice, 8 foot would considered too long.
Pollack/bass: Again - really no need for a rod that can cast > 25gr. There are not many hard baits/plugs in this weight category. Most range between 10/18grs. If you're considering spinners/metals, beware there is a point (around 24grs) at which the having extra weight doesn't provide any distance gain. Your far better off choosing a better class of braid (sunline castaway PE 1.0) for the extra distance
If I were you, or me a good few years ago, I would by 3 types of rod UL, L, ML/M
UL = 0.5-5grs - LRF / trout / canal rod. Can be used for Seatrout also
L = 2-10gr - Heavy LRF / Seatrout / Pollack / Mackeral <- you havn't lived till you catch a pollack or mackeral on this class of rod (or even a 7lb seatrout)
ML/M - Depending on the rod length - the casting ranges will vary. A 7 foot would probably overlap a L model, but in general for 8/9 foot rods you'd find that they are around 5-25gr.
Rather than getting just one rod, get 3. Be nice to yourself. You will have more options available to you for your fishing. Over time, you can up grade each rod every xmas/birthday.
Seatrout: any rod capable of casting >25 grs would be considered was too heavy. Somewhere in the range of 5-16gr would be idea. If you're going to be wading, 7 foot is nice, 8 foot would considered too long.
Pollack/bass: Again - really no need for a rod that can cast > 25gr. There are not many hard baits/plugs in this weight category. Most range between 10/18grs. If you're considering spinners/metals, beware there is a point (around 24grs) at which the having extra weight doesn't provide any distance gain. Your far better off choosing a better class of braid (sunline castaway PE 1.0) for the extra distance
If I were you, or me a good few years ago, I would by 3 types of rod UL, L, ML/M
UL = 0.5-5grs - LRF / trout / canal rod. Can be used for Seatrout also
L = 2-10gr - Heavy LRF / Seatrout / Pollack / Mackeral <- you havn't lived till you catch a pollack or mackeral on this class of rod (or even a 7lb seatrout)
ML/M - Depending on the rod length - the casting ranges will vary. A 7 foot would probably overlap a L model, but in general for 8/9 foot rods you'd find that they are around 5-25gr.
Rather than getting just one rod, get 3. Be nice to yourself. You will have more options available to you for your fishing. Over time, you can up grade each rod every xmas/birthday.
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks roryodonnell. Some great info in that post.
Unfortunately at the moment i can only get the one rod but will keep that info in mind the next time i am buying.
I do agree that a rod up to 10g is great fun for sea trout and Pollock. Never had a Bass on a rod that light.
Thanks again for the advice. Most appreciated.
Eoin
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Unfortunately at the moment i can only get the one rod but will keep that info in mind the next time i am buying.
I do agree that a rod up to 10g is great fun for sea trout and Pollock. Never had a Bass on a rod that light.
Thanks again for the advice. Most appreciated.
Eoin
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Eoin
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Re: Rod Advice
Another vote for the Teklon here.
Absolutely super rod for the money.
Absolutely super rod for the money.
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Re: Rod Advice
Thanks Crevan
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Re: Rod Advice
All the rods suggested so far are ones you would be very happy to own Eoin. Truth be told the Savage Gear Bushie and RoadRunner are not great and there are far better rods for your budget of 150.
It's very difficult to find a rod that does it all, hence Rory's suggestion of owning more than one. Having said that, the closest I have found to the perfect all-round rods would be the Illex range. Before everyone jumps on me and says they are €400 plus, there are two Illex Element Riders on Adverts at the moment for 200 and you should be able to knock them down to maybe 180. Slightly over budget but worth every cent of it.
They are far, far superior rods to the Savage Gear ones and the Element Rider in particular is a great all-rounder, whether its pollock, bass, sea trout or mackerel you are after. Even pike and perch in freshwater. I have half a dozen plugging rods but 90% of the time the Element Rider is the perfect rod for me, unless I'm fishing light plugs and jigs for sea trout in which case I scale down to a lighter rod.
Whilst it is costing you slightly more now, it will save you in time - if you get hooked on this type of fishing you will end up upgrading anyway. So why not start with a great rod from the off and one that you will take great pleasure in using, albeit it for a few quid extra (and assuming you like the color yellow!). Just my thoughts, FWIW.
It's very difficult to find a rod that does it all, hence Rory's suggestion of owning more than one. Having said that, the closest I have found to the perfect all-round rods would be the Illex range. Before everyone jumps on me and says they are €400 plus, there are two Illex Element Riders on Adverts at the moment for 200 and you should be able to knock them down to maybe 180. Slightly over budget but worth every cent of it.
They are far, far superior rods to the Savage Gear ones and the Element Rider in particular is a great all-rounder, whether its pollock, bass, sea trout or mackerel you are after. Even pike and perch in freshwater. I have half a dozen plugging rods but 90% of the time the Element Rider is the perfect rod for me, unless I'm fishing light plugs and jigs for sea trout in which case I scale down to a lighter rod.
Whilst it is costing you slightly more now, it will save you in time - if you get hooked on this type of fishing you will end up upgrading anyway. So why not start with a great rod from the off and one that you will take great pleasure in using, albeit it for a few quid extra (and assuming you like the color yellow!). Just my thoughts, FWIW.
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Re: Rod Advice
Just to clarify, the ones on Adverts are ML (Medium Light) so only cast 3-14g. You would be better off with a M or MH which aren't up on adverts at present but which appear there fairly regularly.
One other shout out and thats for the Major Craft Sky Road - a little north of 200 (new), again over budget but hands down beats the SG rods.
Steve


One other shout out and thats for the Major Craft Sky Road - a little north of 200 (new), again over budget but hands down beats the SG rods.
Steve