Rod For Shaky Head....

[DeadHead]

'Lo all,

I have some Christmas $ and "reward" points burning in my pocket and am thinking of getting a 'Loomis Shaky Head rod but need your advice on the "action" or power. They have 2, both are 6'10". One is designed for 6-10# line & 1/16-1/4 jigs. The other is made for 8-12# line & 1/8-5/16 jigs. I'm leaning towards the lighter action so far. What would you guys do....? Thanks in advance...

[Ham]

G.Loomis rods are very nice, but I don't think you really need to get that high end a rod. Unless of course you just want one.

Look at the specs on line weight and lure weight then find a rod with the length and handle design you are comfortable with. I'm sure than many rods not labled for the shakey head technique would work just fine.

I would be looking for 8-12 lb and 1/8oz to 3/8oz. I think most rods you would drag a Hula jig with would also work a Shakey Head.

[hoglaw]

Loomis rods are great, but anything over 6.5 or even 6 feet in a spinning rod is too long for my purposes. At any rate, a longer rod is nice for shaky heads. I don't know what other people prefer, but I like the fastest (stiffest) tip I can get for all jigging, worming, and shaky fishing. I only use the more flexible tips for crankbait fishing, and therefore I don't own any slow tipped spinning rods.

As far as a bargain rod that does a darn good job, I really like Falcon spinning rods. I'd get a medium-heavy or medium 6.5 footer for shaky head fishing, something in the 6-12lb line class. My all-purpose canoing rods are falcons, and they have great fast tips. I hear (and believe) that St. Croix makes great spinning rods that are cheaper than Loomis, but more expensive than Falcons. I haven't tried them, but I'm sure they're great rods.

[brownieman]

JMO,

I have too many rods, sure alot of you guys know the feeling, lol.

A few years back several guys that fish below truman dam all had custom spoon rods built...it's amazing how far you can sling a 2 to 3 ounce lead spoon with one.

When they put the cable below truman it kinda made the big rods not a must to hit 'the honey hole' due to having to cast over the cable. Some including me took the brakes out of our baitcasters so you could really let one fly, won't even desribe what a backlash looked like, lol...it is fun to see how far you can sling one and hooking a fish that far out is fun. Sorry, got to ramblin...anyway, when I am spin fishing smaller rivers for trout or smallies I have always used an Ugly Stick, 6'6" medium action. For the money they have always served me excellent.

For lake and tailwater fishing I use a 7", long cork handled Bass Pro Shop IM6 graphite Muskie Rod Med Heavy Action 1/2 to 2 once lure, 15 - 30 lb test. Think it was right at $100.00

Has to be one of the best rods I've ever owned, good backbone...stiffer than a poker but don't think I've hooked much on it I couldn't turn.

A buddy has several St.Croix rods...some like em I just don't care for the action, same with Loomis...or maybe I'm just a cheap skate, lol

bm

[DeadHead]

Actually, the 'Loomis part of the question isn't all that relevant. I'm more concerned with the range of jig weights and line size (min/max) you guys use most often. Thanks for the prior comments, help, and let's pray for Spring....

[chub minnow]

Go with the lighter action for Tablerock. I have a medium action Loomis GL2 that seems perfect for this application. I think it was a little over $100.00 and has been tough as nails. I have a Falcon in Medium Heavy weight and I pretty much end up throwing heavier stuff like crank baits with it because I generally use lighter jigs when I'm using the worm. I have brought in several fish in the 4lb +/- range with no problem on the Loomis. The most sensitive spinning rod I have used, by far, is a medium light St. Croix which also has enough backbone for most largemouth. It does get interesting bringing 'em in at times with the St. Croix, but you can feel everything....tap...tap.

[brownieman]

Got to aree with CB...the St.Croix from what i have uesd are very sensitive, one of the best...probably me but we just don't get along with each other when it comes to casting well.

bm

[Don House]

Deadhead, I use anything from a 1/8 to a 1/4 ounce jig, my spinning rods are very simple from a 6.6 med light for the smaller jigs to a 7.0 med for the heavier jigs they all work very well.. I really like the longer rods from better casting distance..

Good Fishing

Capt. Don

[DeadHead]

Thank you all for your help and replies. Capt. Don and the "CHUB"eroni, that's the advice I was looking for... Hey Capt. Don, you shaky head guide for smallies....in the spring?

[Don House]

DeadHead, yes we all do.. Good Thing about the spring no telling what you will hang into, Smallies, Spots and Largemouths, They all love a shakey jig. Early spring stickbaits are my favorite, then move into the shakey jig and tubes. Can't wait to get back home and start fishing again, only a few more days!

Good Fishing Everyone

Capt. Don