$100 or less rod

[sn95]

looking to pick up an 7'-7'6" ultra light rod with in the next week and was wondering who I should look into that I can get state side? I'm going to visit family in NC and want to have a pole to keep down there for when I visit in the future. Currently I am leaning towards a Fenwick HMG or HMX as those seem to be the only ultralights in that price range. I know St. Croix makes a few that are about $20 more and I may go that route I was just trying to stay under 100 if possible. Main things I would be throwing are 1/64-1/32 jigs with plastics under a float and maybe a few hard baits like original rapalas or rebel tiny wakes, everything would be 1/8oz or under I think maybe just maybe 3/16 oz.

[mark poulson]

I found this on TW: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/advsearc ... perpage=20
It's med lite, and 6'8", but it's the closest I could find.

[Smead]

Tough to get something that will do 1/64 oz. well at that length and stay under $100.

Given that you' just plan on using it part time, one of these may do:

https://www.fishusa.com/product/Daiwa-P ... nning-Rods

[sn95]

I was actually just looking at those on that website. I like the fact they are rated as a fast action, most of the rods in the price range are moderate or mod/fast. Also I wouldn't be throwing 1/64 by itself, I would be using a float of some sort.

[earthworm77]

If you had more than a week you can easily get something from Major Craft or Kuying that can handle that weight. I personally would look JDM.

Here is a JDM Abu I have listed on eBay that will fit your needs and price point and you'd get it within a week. I could sell it off eBay for 100.00.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/382132201308?ss ... 1555.l2649

[cpvince]

Have you heard of the Kuying Teton? Maybe the light power version would work out for you? I don't think they come in anything over 7' though...

[sn95]

I ended up buying the 7'6" presso from fishusa, and a hand full of small Hardbaits. I really like the looks of that Abu rod i just really wanted something fast action and at least 7'. I will be mostly fishing a fairly wide river and wanted the added casting distance. I'm also not very good with shorter rods I've been using 7'-8'6" rods for all my fishing for the last 15-20 years. I have a feeling the presso is going to be more like a light action but it should still be fun for the pan fish and bass I've seen in the river I'll be fishing. I just gotta figure out what reel to pair with the rod. I'm figuring a 2000 should balance it out well and I have a couple of those to choose from.

[cpvince]

Awesome! Let us know how the setup works out for ya when you've got the chance!

[sn95]

Well I got out with it for the first time today. I have a 2000 size Exceler spooled with 4 pound Sufix Elite paired up with it. The balance point is just in front of the reel seat. I was able to cast a 1/32 jig with a crappie magnet at least 45 feet which was perfect. Landed long eared sunfish about 3" long up to a 14ish" largemouth, I thought the largemouth was going to break off as it was near many snags. The rod has very little feel imo, that might just be the mono, but I never felt any of the bites just weight or a pull. For the price I am happy with it for moving baits and the action was way less noodle like the other rods I've dealt with at this price. I'm not familiar enough with a good quality ultralight rod to know if this is a true fast action or a very fast mod-fast.

[cpvince]

Awesome catch! Glad you're liking the new setup.

[Smead]

Great that it works for you! I have a couple of the Presso travel rods.

The USDM Presso's do have light rod specs when you use any rod over 6' in length...I guess that this is just the reality of USDM and the desired price point.

The older style, now discontinued, Daiwa Procyons had long rods that were true UL without being buggy whips like the Spinmatics.

Otherwise, there's something like a St Croix Avid, but you are paying $190 for the longest UL they make at 7'.

Going JDM means having to pay more, mostly much more, for longer length, staying true UL spec and having extreme sensitivity.

[sn95]

I have an older 6'6" Procyon that I use back home, but I'm not a fan of the reel I have on that rod or maybe I just need to go with 2 pound test. I'm thinking I need to look into buying a proper ultralight setup for back home. JDM rods confuse me though as there are so many different types for different fish or different areas.

[Smead]

They hyper-specialize.

It's interesting to read up on it...though much of the gear is way outside my price range. There are some very informative posts in past threads here about some specific stuff, especially rods.

I have gotten to like the Daiwa 1003 and 2004 sized spools on 1500-2000 sized reels.

[sn95]

After doing some searching here, I started reading on finesse-fishing.com and think I might buy a setup through them. Their website is a marvelous and full of information. I can't afford anything crazy expensive but a Daiwa Iprimi or Gekkabijin maybe something I could do.

[Smead]

That is a good site!

Probably the important distinctions are between getting an area or stream rod...then whether you want a solid tip or not.

For an area rod the Iprimi is nice and affordable. I have been looking at the Wise Stream models too; though there are a number of models that he doesn't carry.

The Gekkabijin rods are very interesting too...given they are Ajing and Mebaru, UL for salt water; very usable in fresh water UL and you get the longer lengths.