Rod for fishing heavy timber

[kt]

Just wondering what rod some of you use when fishing heavy cover like laydowns and standing timber/brush. I currently use a 7'6" loomis gl2 flippin stick. However, it might be a little underpowered for the thickest stuff. I've been looking at some Xheavy rods and wondering if any of you have experience using these, especially with braid. I've been intrigued by a couple kistlers and ducketts.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Ive got some Kistler rods and they are very light, sensitive rods. I feel like they run a little softer than other companies. My MH kistler has a softer backbone than my MH Croix's. Something to consider, though I have not had a chance to handle many of the heavier action rods.

[kt]

I've got four kistlers that i really like. A 7'8" heavy that I use for jigs along weedlines, a 6'9" heavy that i use for t-rigs, a 7 mh for senkos, and a 7'2" for cranking. I'm looking at a 7' or 7'6" Xheavy kistler or a 7' or 7'10" duckett Xheavy.

[slopmaster]

I'd use anything in the 7-7'6" range. Do you find that braid cuts into the wood a lot? I've always used heavy mono/copoly/fluoro around wood.

[Cecil]

KT, I think the rod you have will work. You dont need a stiffer rod for laydows, its all about the line and gear ratio. 65# braid and a high speed reel will get it done.

[Doufish2]

I use a 7'6" Loomis that was custom made by my son-in-law. #65 Power Pro using an older model Abu-Garcia XLT Plus(love these reels!!!). Plenty of backbone and the power to get them out right now!!!

[jalberg]

I have the 7'xh kistler micro magnesium. It's obviously a stout rod, but its got a moderate action that allows more of the rod to bend. i will put a jig into anything i can find with it.

[kt]

Cecil, to be completely honest with you it's not so much a matter of need a new jig rod, more so want a new jig rod. The loomis has performed fine I'm just kind of intrigued by these micro guide xtraheavy action rods.

Jalberg, the kistler mircro mag 7 xh is the one i was looking at. That and a duckett micro magic in one of the 7' - 7'11" xh models.

[mww24]

Kt. I just picked up the duckett 7 foot XH. It's pretty stout. havent had a chance with it though but it is a sweet rod.I put a citica on it. Light well balanced and I love the white and red. They are sweet looking sticks.

[jalberg]

Jalberg, the kistler mircro mag 7 xh is the one i was looking at. That and a duckett micro magic in one of the 7' - 7'11" xh models.

Those are the two I was debating and went with the Kistler because like you I am familiar with them. I want to try the Ducketts too. I'm also hoping to handle the Okuma Helios 7'6"H and 7'6"XH at the Okuma booth at the Sportshow. It's another micro guide rod.

also, the kistler is on sale right now for $149 at tw

[grab the net]

KT, I have the 7-11 Ducket and fished it all last year. Great rod, but I find it a little long for pitching to wood. I am planning on a 7-6 XH Ducket for that very purpose this spring. Again a want, not a need. Love the micro guides. The 7-11 does a very nice job for me in other applications. Talk to Chris Blank about the Duckets, he is on their Pro Staff, he also has some great stories from his time in the boat as a marshall at the classic this year.