Suggestions for a new Walleye Jigging Rod....???

[Nodak7mm]

I will profess I've never had the confidence while jigging so I have shyed away, but want to try again. I want to go get a new jigging rod and looking for ideas.

Criteria is no longer than 6' and a lite action with fast tip, question is am I on the right path.. I am looking at the St. Croix Premier PS60LF & the Fenwick HMG GS53L.

Your Comments welcome.

Nodak

[poutpro]

I really like the Fenwick rods. I got one last year and am very very pleased with it. It seems like I can feel if anything hits my lure. Also, make sure to get some good braided line so that there is no stretch in it. I like the 10 lb 2 lbdia or 30 lb 6lb dia spiderwire.

[island guy]

Medium to light action. I use mainly 6', 61/2' once in a while. I don't like the "super lines". I stick with 6lb. mono. Never use a swivel, just tie direct. Technique is the most important thing. Lots and lots of practice to get the feel down. That's the fun part. I learned from a old timer who was a master at it. Outfished me 10 to 1. Jigs are all he ever used for all species and he caught more fish than anyone I've ever known.

[poutpro]

I dont mind using mono in shallow waters, but if you ever go to a hole that is 50 or 75 feet, you dont want ANY stretch in your line. I like mono how it holds knots and they way it looks in the water, but I wouldn't give up my braided for the 0 stretch.

[priorbass]

NODAK IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE MPLS SPORT SHOW STOP BY THE MIDWEST ROD AND REEL BOOTH...WE CAN SHOW YOU A FEW RODS BUILT FOR JIGGING...SOME OF THE BEST I THINK YOU WILL FIND....CHECK US OUT

[Captain B.R.K]

OR if you are looking for other ideas, check out Shimano's line of Compre Rods. I have a 6'6" Medium action rod and is just sweet for jiggging.

It has a great tip flex and strong backbone for eye fishing. Funny thing is, feels like a feather in my hand!

[Dennis Steele]

For a good verticle jigging rod I would suggest medium to medium light power, with fast or extra fast action. 6ft lenght is good.

The reason for this type of rod is that when you get bit you can react faster, setting the hook almost immediatley. If your going to fish mostly with mono the medium/extra fast would be the top chioce. If your going to fish with braids, then the medium light/ fast would be good. With less stretch on the line you need to a little more limber rod. Reaction time is decreased by the line and the rod can be a little more limber.

After youget better at verticle jigging your preference for the rod may change. I fish braids and use 6 to 6-6 medium rods with extra fast actions. I do however have to hesitate slightly on the hook set once in awhile when fishing negative fish.

Your also going to want to balance the rod with the proper sized or weight reel. You do not want the tip to be too heavy. You will get very tired of holding a rod that has a heavy tip end. In addition a balanced rod is easier to detect slight bites.

Sesitivity becomes important as well. Make sure you get a quality rod that is sensitive. Don't get all hung up on graphite content or "IM" 3's though. This is important but not always and indicator of a sensitive rod. The way the fibers are laid and the scrim can be just as important.

With a good quality sesnitive rod that is balanced you will enjoy verticle jigging and be much more effective at it.

Custom rods can be a good choice here. They can build a rod around the way you fish. How you hold the rod or where your hand is most comfortable. They can also balance the rod by your style of fishing also. I wouldn't hesitate to check into Midwest Rod and Reel or others. I personaly like Midwest because they know rods, are great guys to deal with and can help you decide on exactly the kind of rod and actions you will need. They are not too expensive either.

Other options are big brand rods like St Croix or G Loomis. However in my opinion you get a better rod at a comparable and often a lower price with a custom.

You may also want to check out some store brands as well. Get the best qualtiy rod you can afford. I have baught decent jigging rods from Gander Mountain as well as Bass Pro.

[Guest]

Ive used G-Loomis,St.Croix,Shimano, and bought a Midwest from Bill and AL.For the price I would at the least give Midwest a chance and let them show you what they can build for you for a custom rod.Quality stuff,good service nice guys and FM sponsors.Also,thier ice rods are very nice to.

[Northlander]

I have the 6'6" premier that you are looking at and its one of my favorite jigging rods. I would get a hold of Bill at Midwest Rods and explain to him what your looking for. He can give you some ideas on what to use for how you fish. I highly suggest one of Bills 6"3" Medium fast jigging rods with sensive handle. Awesome rods!! www.midwestrodandreel.com

[ewirz]

I have the St. Croix Premier you mentioned and have used Fenwick rods. Both are very good. I like the St.Croix. Very sensitive, fast, nice backbone. I use it as my main rod. My 2cents.

ERW