BigBendFishing.Net

I am in the market for a new spinning and casting rod for reds....(Not That I'm Catching Any)

What's your goto rod for each....... Brand, Length, Action? Under $200

I'm using Challenger rods. The TGX series 6.5'-7' Med.-med./heavy. Great rod for under $100.

Heath at So. GA Outdoors tells me Challenger has a new rod out this year they're excited about. I'm anxious to see it.

It's hard to go wrong with a Falcon. I own some Falcon lowriders and some inshore coastals...they're pretty sweet.

7' medium for topwater and twitchbaits, a 7' medium-heavy for the Ty Smith Special, and a 7' medium-light for jigs.

All Star makes a nice rod as well. I own a few Challengers and they're a lot heavier than the falcons.

In the end, it's all personal preference. Take your reel into the store and seat it on the rods that feel good...it helps you find the one that's right for you.

CHALLENGER RODS ARE HARD TO BEAT FOR THE MONEY. THEY HAVE A MARSH MASTER SERIES
AVAILABLE IN 6'6" AND 7' BOTH IN MED AND MED/HEAVY ACTION. THEY ALSO HAVE A NEW ROD
THIS YEAR THE TGX TROUT SPECIAL ALSO IN 6'6" OR 7FT. MED OR MED/HEAVY. BOTH ARE AVAILABLE
IN CASTING OR SPINNING VERSION. THEY ARE ALSO WELL BELOW $ 200.00. THESE RODS CAN ALSO BE
PURCHASED AT DIAMOND EAGLE MARINE IN VALDOSTA GA.

There are a lot of quality rods on the market. To me it depends on what you are doing with it. Since I've started using braid I like a rod that has a slower action. I try to look for the shimano reel seats and guides, and an action that fits the intended. Another consideration for me is the warranty and the return policy at the store I bought the rod at.

I have been using 7' rods for about 5 years. I paid $26 for them then. (They work good)

Last year I bought a 7.5' rod (medium). Paid around $60 for it. (I will never buy another rod under 7.5') I'm sorry but I don't know the brand. Just find a pretty 7.5 footer. Thats what I did.

I use the Shimano Terramar Rods and when they are on sale I buy the Calcuttas. I use 7'10" and 8' rods with medium and medium light action. I need the extra length from the yak to cast. The Shimano Rods I use have over the counter return warranty for life. I can break one in Jacksonville and replace it if need be.

jsuber wrote:The Shimano Rods I use have over the counter return warranty for life. I can break one in Jacksonville and replace it if need be.

Does Shimano have the "Oops I left my rods leaning on a palm tree at the boat ramp warranty"

I wish they had it on their rods and reels then I would only be missing an Cabo 20 PTS

FALCON.

All my rods have been 6' and 7' I am now considering the 7'6'' rods( Only because I see the guys on TV using 7'6" Rods for Reds and Trout)

Do the Challengers or Falcons come in 7'6" and are they sold in/near Tallahassee?

I am looking for rods for my new quantum energy 770 with 15lbs power pro...and my new pflueger medalist 6035 with 15 lbs power pro.... Im thinking light action 7.5ft spinning for jigs and med heavy 7.5 ft for my casting spoons and top water.....am I correct in thinking the longer rod will give me longer casts?

Challenger does not make a rod in 7.5' or 8' but in my opinion they should.

You can purchase Challenger rods at South GA outdoors. Give Heath a call 229-377-HUNT. Heath is a straight up guy who'll treat you right.

I like the med/hvy for my spoon rod and use a med. action for most everything else. I think you'll find most light action rods inadequate for most inshore fishing.

A longer rod will generally give you better casting distance.

birddog wrote:I think you'll find most light action rods inadequate for most inshore fishing.

So your saying I'm using inadequate equipment

birddog wrote:I think you'll find most light action rods inadequate for most inshore fishing.

I have been using the Okuma Guide Select rods. They come in 7' or 7'6" and cost around $70. They are all IM8 blanks, have good backbone and sensitive tips. Throw in a lifetime over the counter warranty, and that is a hard deal to beat. I own several of them. I live in Crawfordville, so purchased them at Advantage Marine. I broke one a few months back doing something stupid, and Dale replaced it no questions asked