Rod suggestions (on a budget)

[nhornback]

I've realized I need to slowly start investing in better equipment if I'm going to learn to effectively fish techniques like shaky heads, finesse jigs etc (power fisherman by nature early in my fishing life)

What discourages me the most about slowing down is losing the feel of the bait and I think it's low quality, hand-me-down rods that are taking away even more feel. 

Hoping to get suggestions on the most sensitive medium action rods on the market, and an idea of their price point so I know what to expect.

Thanks as always for everyone's input.

Nick

[Smalls21]

I am a fan of St. Croix rods. the "mojo" line of rods are about $110

the Falcon "Bucoo" rods are pretty nice too

[MOBass]

Hit some shops and get your hands on some rods.  Grab a $50, $100, and $150+ rod.  Hold them, see how the balance with a reel, flex them, shake them, ect...  You'll probably find a point where feel and price intersect for you and that will be the one to buy.

[mixermarkb]

Check out the "rods for sale" page on BassBoatCentral. Your dollars will go a lot farther on used rods than new. 

[mixermarkb]

+1 for the falcon bucco, but I'd try and skip eating out until I could afford a used Cara or Loomis IMX or better for my main jig rod. Really one 7' medium heavy casting rod and one 6'6" to 7' spinning rod will do you well for bottom contact. I'd look used and buy the best from Falcon, Loomis or St. Croix. As for ultra bargains, I've been impressed with the Okuma rods I've picked up, lews have some good rods in cheaper price points, and academy sports house brands are pretty good too. 

[Champ188]

I bought a 7-2 MH Lew's Custom Speed Stick casting rod a few months back and have been totally impressed with it. It's the most sensitive $130 rod I've ever owned. Really great for FB jigs and wobble heads.

And you can send in for a very nice free hoodie.

As for spinning rods, I have a couple of the St. Croix Premier series (about the same price point as above) and am pretty fond of them.

[dtrs5kprs]

10 minutes ago, Champ188 said:

I bought a 7-2 MH Lew's Custom Speed Stick casting rod a few months back and have been totally impressed with it. It's the most sensitive $130 rod I've ever owned. Really great for FB jigs and wobble heads.

And you can send in for a very nice free hoodie.

As for spinning rods, I have a couple of the St. Croix Premier series (about the same price point as above) and am pretty fond of them.

Donna must be sporting the hoodie.

Lews also has an entry level series, Laser SG, I think. I ordered their 7' UL a few weeks ago. It is not UL, more like a ML. Despite being a little off the label, it is just about right for Ned Rigs and open hook grubs. Right at $50. 

The St Croix Mojo's, Premiers, and Triumphs are good, solid rods. All built on the same SCII blanks, with different components and styles. Little softer than some sticks, old school graphite. Not super crisp.

[ozarkgunner]

I would buy one loomis, Falcon cara , etc rather than getting 2-3 cheaper rods. It's hard to go back to cheaper rods once you use a nice one. 

[moguy1973]

Take a look at the Duckett Ghost rods too.  They are a good price and really sensitive.

[edyer]

Quote

 

I bought a couple of Bionic Blades at BPS when they had the rod and reel trade in going on. Normally $80 a rod, but they were $30 off and then I got another $10 off for trading in a 30 year old lightning rod. One of our best jerk bait fishermen in Michigan not named KVD uses a 6' 6" Bionic Blade medium for throwing his jerk baits. I also bought a 7-6 Heavy action to throw the A Rig with. Most of my rods are St. Croix or Shimano, but the deal was too sweet to bass up on. I agree with the other suggestions mentioned as all good options.