New rod suggestions

[harvey lee]

I am looking at buying a new rod for bigger northerns and maybe lakers. What is everyone using? I am thinking of a new Thorne rod and wondering what other options there are.

[DEADhead]

the thorne bros. rod is probably the way to go. The only other lunker rod I know of is the genz baitcaster model. I think the st. croix's are too short for jigging heavy spoons. better give Matt a call

[Northlander]

I have 1 TB rod and 3 Midwest Rods for lakers that all are great rods. I also have a St.Croix 32 Heavy spinning that I really like and it was only $20. I also have a Genz stick, the big baitcaster from 2 years ago that isnt bad at all for the money. Lots of rods to choose from just find the 1 or 4 that you like for different sized baits.

[matthothand]

I don't have a TB rod yet but plan on one for next season. This year I was looking for a particular rod at the local retailers and couldn't find what I wanted so I talked to a buddy that makes rods and he showed me the basics. I tied up my own St. Croix Legend Ultra ice rod for around $20 and it turned out exactly how I wanted. I don't know if you have the desire to do as I did but that could be an option to get the exact rod you want.

[Guest]

Moores has a couple of the Genz baitcasters sitting at the shop... really decent rods. They are sensitive, great action, and a little extra length that comes in handy for lakers(they like to hit and come up). I have almost bought them a couple times to put 6500's on them to use in place of a tip up with a baitcaster clicker!

I know TB makes some good rods, and they will run you through the questions to *taylor* make it.. how deep, heavy of line, type of line, etc which is nice...

but its hard to beat a good all around rod(Genz) when they have a capable reel on them already, super sensitive, and about half the cost of a custom rod.

[MASON38]

I've got a 36" TB Pro + (glass/casting), 4 Genz Lightning Rods MH, and a couple of 32" St Croix Heavies. For pike and lakers I trust the Thorne Bros rod the most, St Croix second, and the Genz LR last. I do like the lightning rods the best when it comes to bigger walleye jigs and lures. I would skip any reel that comes on a combo, I think its definitely better to get a rod you know will do the job, and put on a reel you trust! I use some of my low profile reels, 4600 and 5500 C3's. Weight matches up, and you know what you are getting in the reel.

[Kylersk]

Northlander, how'd you set up that Genz rod with bait caster? Use Mono? or braided? or something else? I won one last year, I think at the Cool Cats event. Havnt even set it up yet.