Keitech Rod Suggestions

[SupremeJCK]

Im in the market for a new Keitech rod. I mainly throw the 3.3" and 3.8" fat impacts. Was wondering if you all could help me out with some suggestions. 

 

Thanks

Connor

[SplitG2]

This is what I use.  It may be a little wimpy for some people but I love the way it loads and the balance while fishing.  

[Bassmeister]

I use a Daiwa Tatula TAT701MRB.

I don’t throw heavy heads or it would be underpowered. You want something that will load a bit but not a crankbait rod. 

[mixermarkb]

I know a few guys that throw them on a crankbait rod with a casting reel and 10 pound fluorocarbon, pretty much the same rig as a wiggle wart. I think Mr. Babler may even do it that way at least part of the time.

I myself throw those sizes with 3/16 to 3/8 heads on a Loomis NRX SYR-822 6’10” medium shakyhead spinning rod, or a GLX SJR-782 6’6” spinning rod, with 6 or 7 pound fluorocarbon. The 3/8oz head gives those rods all they can handle, but I really don’t use it as much as the 1/4oz head. I like the lighter line, so for me they are a spinning rig bait.
 

I also lean hard to the 2.8 and 3.3 sizes vs. the 3.8. If I’m going to throw the 3.8, as often as not I’ll just pick up the big 6” swimmers, if I think I’m around fish that are active and finesse is not needed.

[arsenal1477]

I concur on the G-Loomis, but for me I prefer the E6X 852S JWR(Jig and Worm Spinning). The 7'1'' in Med-Fast is INCREDIBLE. The first 6"-9" of the tip is soft and the rest has the backbone of a Med-Heavy. I predominately throw 1/8th Ball Head on 2.8" Keitechs, but I have thrown up to the 5" and see negligible difference in sensitivity/cast-ability and man do they cast true. On the lighter jig head I almost always use 8lb Berkley Sensation. For me it has performed very well and has been my go to line down there for 15yrs+. Incredibly sensitive tip and a good price for a G-Loomis. I think they are around $215.

[Quillback]

I started fishing an ALX Zolo McSmalls this year, 7 1/2 foot rod.  I use braid to flouro leader and this rod will cast 1/8-1/4 oz jigheads with 2.8 or 3.2 Keitechs very well.  I also use it for 1/8 oz Ned rigs.  It's a great rod for those applications and I really enjoy fishing with it.  I've picked up a couple of accidental stripers on while fishing keitechs and it can handle them, though it is a bit adventurous.

Think I have a pic.  One thing it is does not have a full cork handle which for some is a must have, 

 

This one also came on the McSmalls.

 

 

[Bassmeister]

2 hours ago, mixermarkb said:

I know a few guys that throw them on a crankbait rod with a casting reel and 10 pound fluorocarbon, pretty much the same rig as a wiggle wart. I think Mr. Babler may even do it that way at least part of the time.

I myself throw those sizes with 3/16 to 3/8 heads on a Loomis NRX SYR-822 6’10” medium shakyhead spinning rod, or a GLX SJR-782 6’6” spinning rod, with 6 or 7 pound fluorocarbon. The 3/8oz head gives those rods all they can handle, but I really don’t use it as much as the 1/4oz head. I like the lighter line, so for me they are a spinning rig bait.
 

I also lean hard to the 2.8 and 3.3 sizes vs. the 3.8. If I’m going to throw the 3.8, as often as not I’ll just pick up the big 6” swimmers, if I think I’m around fish that are active and finesse is not needed.

I agree spinning is where it’s at for the 2.8” and even 3.3 is good. 3.8, I’d go casting. Personal preference though. I do think one overlooked issue is the hook set. I like a rod with give but also a backbone because I really just lean into them and reelset the hook when the rod loads. A bit more than a wiggle wart but not nearly like a jig or even spinnerbait. I want them to eat it because sometimes they do come back for it if they didn’t fully take it the first time. 

[rps]

I just epoxied the thread on my new bait casting crank bait/finesse jig rod. I also hook set via reeling and leaning into the fish, something I learned from Babler discussing Beck. Details:

https://www.mudhole.com/MHX-CB843-Blend-Blend-Rod-Blank?fragment=/MHX-CB843-Blend-Blend-Rod-Blank

 

[SupremeJCK]

I prefer a casting rod with a 1/8 oz Berkley Fusion19 Swimbait Jighead. 

[rps]

For smaller keitechs, try this. I find them difficult to beat. https://nutechlures.com/index.php/naked-head/3-16oz-proseriesnujignakedhead.html