Decisions on a new rod

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Hey guys this year I mainly used my Abu Garcia 6600C4/Ugly Stick Catfish setup for Flatheads and my Okuma ABF-50/Creekside 8' MH for Channels. Over the year though I decided I like to use the spinning reel with the better gear ratio, just gave me more confidence.

So for next year I want to get a better rod for my ABF-50. I was looking at upgrading to either the Team Catfish 3/4 or 1 ton spinning rod or the Shakespeare Tiger rod. I want something very sturdy and prefer something 7' over the longer rods.

What do you guys think about these two rods? Is one better than the other as far as what I am looking for? I do not like the Ugly Stick Catfish rod that I own now on my 6600C4 setup but I will keep that for Channel Cats next year probably. Is the Tiger rod a lot sturdier than the Catfish version?

[dan z]

have you considered any light muskie rods, I have a 6-6 exxtra heavy fast premier(st. croix) on a 40 series reel and that combo can take some major heat. it hasnt let me down yet. the reason I say light muskie rod is because they will be going on sale soone at most retailers since the fishing season is coming to a close...

[Scott K]

I agree with the St. Croix fast Premier rods, I have several for my cat rods, and they are by far my favorite.

[aanderud]

I have the 3/4 ton team catfish rod, and I think it makes a better channel cat rod than a flathead rod. It's a little light, especially if you're catching big fish in any current. So if you go the TC route, look at the 1 ton model for big flatties.

I have the baitcasting model of the 1 piece 7 foot ugly stick tiger, and I like it a lot other than the color. It is sturdier by far than the 3/4 ton team catfish, and a better flathead rod. (have not compared it to the 1 ton team catfish rod, however). I put reflective tape on it and I can see it well now, but in general I like white rods.

My spinning reel is currently mounted on a berkeley glowstick, which is a decent rod as well. In fact, I'd say it's one of my favorite rods other than the fact that it's got a spinning reel on it (I can't hear the clicker). But, if I was buying another rod for that reel, I think I might also look at the american spirit nitestick. It's a sweet rod for not a lot of cash. I have a garcia 7000 baitcaster mounted to one and I really like it.

OK those are my thoughts.

[DTro]

I agree that the TC 3/4ton seems a bit light for Flats. Tigers are great rods, and agree with Aanderud on the Glowstick.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I was thinking about a Muskie rod as well...a stiff graphite rod. My dad has a Berkeley Rough Neck that I want but they don't make them anymore unfortunately.

I don't really like the color of the Tiger rod but have heard lots of good things about them. And then the 1 ton TC rods seem great but I am kinda sick of having an 8' rod...even though I shore fish it's still a handful.

Darren do you have details on that Surge rod?

[Carp-fisher]

I definitely would not go with a 100% graphite rod, especially if you use super lines. Not only are they more expensive, but they will break like a tooth pick on a good headshake (trust me on this one:)) If you want more sensitivity, I'd probably go with a graphite/glass composite.

[harvey lee]

One could always get a custom rod built also. That way you get exactly what you are looking for.

[pureinsanity]

Jeff I am headed up to Mille Lacs October 2nd. I can pick you up a Berkley rod like mine if you'd like from Reed's.

I am already picking up someone else the same setup as I have.

[pureinsanity]

Keep in mind cheap stuff works just as good as expensive stuff. And eventually they all will break. Since you do a lot of shore fishing I would recommend not spending a lot of money on your gear. Just gonna go through all those nasty elements of mud and sand. A cheap stiff rod would do just fine. (all you sick people leave your comments to yourself about a stiff rod)

[Gordie]

MW I picked up a shimanno TDR rod this year and its a two piece that is 9ft long in extra heavy and I really like the action of this rod and it really handles the big kitty quite well, and the best part is I only pd $30.00 for it. I'm going to build a custom rod this winter with some help from a couple of guys (I hope) then put my 7000 on it and buy another 6500c3 for the shimanno

[ec30_06]

The med/hvy quantum big cat will handle the flatties with ease. $38 at cat connection

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Yeah I'm okay with cheap rods. The Creekside 8' MH spinning rod I have now was $15 and has been great I just want something more stiff and maybe not as long. I baby my rod and reels though even though I shore fish I keep my stuff very clean and you know me Nick I don't like to put my rod in the mud so I can be okay with spending a little more on something that I really want.

I will check out the Surge rod as well as that Shimano. Also Nick I gotta take another look at your rod, I don't really remember much about it.

[Slowhand]

Im spinning rodded out. [Please read forum policy before posting again, Thank You]

I think if bank fishing is your gig the grips on this rod would be awesome(parachute cord); heres a pict.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Also I don't really have a good reason, but I can't do cork. I have to have the EVA foam.

[Carp-fisher]

I picked up a Berkley Big Game rod at Walmart for 17 bucks on sale. I've landed several big fish on it now and accidentally whacked it with my machete a few times--dollar for dollar its probably the best rod I own.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Yeah I like the Big Game rod...definitely a sturdy fiberglass rod but I'm looking for something a little sturdier.

[Carp-fisher]

Sturdier? My Big Game rod is like a broomstick. Of course I have the 7' baitcasting one, maybe the spinning version is lighter....

[hanson]

Im spinning rodded out....Jeff you get ahold of me ill get rid of my Cat Safari rod w/ Salina reel.....up to you....if you just want the rod I am sure I wouldnt have an issue moving that reel. [email protected].

I think if bank fishing is your gig the grips on this rod would be awesome(parachute cord); heres a pict.

Getting rid of the Safari? Particular reason?

This is what I'd have recommended. The new Berkley E-Cats are very nice sticks as well. Moore's has both these rods.

I'd personally avoid graphite in the cat boat, I snapped a Shimano Compre muskie rod sturgeon fishing this spring. That rod had the action I'd look for in a cat rod but after it broke, no way.

[Scott K]

I have fished graphite rods for many years for cats, I have never broke a quality rod on a fish.

[Carp-fisher]

I've broken a few graphite rods with superlines into big fish. The funniest time is when my Dad used his brand spanking new 250.00 buck high modulus graphite rod with superline to fish carp with me. On the second cast, he set the hook into a hog carp and that rod snapped right in half with the noise of a whip crack..... I'll never forget the look on his face!

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I like the Ugly Stick Catfish rod in that it is graphite/fiberglass hybrid but it is just not that sturdy of a rod for Flatheads so I will just keep my AG 6600 C4 on that for next year as a backup/Channel rig.

I just want one go-to rig for Flatheads and I feel like the ABF-50 gives me more confidence as a good reel I just need a better rod to match it.

[Slowhand]

Hanson, wouldnt bother me to get rid of it just for I tend to prefer baitcasters....but for a spinner its a good setup. But your right that rod is nice.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

How much for the rod and reel?

[Ed Carlson]

The E-Cats are back, great rods.

Big Jim Moyer has his "Boss" Rod line....very very nice...both run about $80 depending on the model/action.

A quick Google search will clue you in on where to find them.