Catfish rods

[harvey lee]

OK, this should really open things up. I have numerous channel and Flathead rods including my Moyer 3 that I like very much. I'm thinking of getting a new rod or two. 1 being for a channel rod and the other a flattie rod.

Give me your top three suggestions.

[sparcebag]

There probably hard to pick up and feel in minnesota,but have you looked at any salt water sticks??

[Ralph Wiggum]

Are you looking for a "higher end" rod?

[harvey lee]

I would say YES. Something a bit better than the norm.

[DARK30]

If you make it to the Sportshow downtown in March..stop in at Dan Gapen's booth and check um out.

[Rainman]

I second what Dark said. Gapen makes very nice rods.

[hanson]

Unfortunately Tom... with the discontinuation of the Boss #3, I have a hard time thinking of something to recommend.

All my favorite rods are discontinued and unavailable now.

If you don't mind a shorter rod (7'), St Croix has some muskie rods that are very nice for livebait fishing flatheads. Fairly soft tip with all the backbone you will ever, ever need.

The Ugly Stick Tiger rods are perfect for fishing flatheads out of a boat as well. They have a load of tip action and unbelievable backbone. They are 7 footers as well.

Dtro has been using the Surge line of rods and they would definitely fit the bill for a little higher quality rod that works well for flatheads. These have a soft tip with a ton of backbone. Maybe more suited for huge blue cats but Dtro caught that 50+ on one last year so it might be the rod that is the magic ticket!

Your other option would be custom. I have been meaning to talk with Thorne Bros about my ideal flathead catfish rod and "if" they can build something that will meet my every need.

Both "Rushing" and "Fisher Dave" from the forums have been custom building some flathead rods and they might be worth shooting an e-mail off to and checking out what they got.

Other than that, my favorite flathead rod right now is my 8' MH casting model Berkley Reflex. Like I said... discontinued. Berkley does make their new Cherrywood in an 8' MH 2 piece casting model which I own and it is very, very similar. Its a touch lighter action but is the closest thing I found to my favorite rod so far. They are dirt cheap too.

[harvey lee]

I understand Chris. I love my Moyer #3. I have thought of going with a #2 for channels and maybe a #4 also. They are good rods.

[peder]

Does anyone know much about the John Jamison Bluecat #2 from the Rod Shop in KC. I was thinking about ordering one.

[BigSkyCatMan]

Hanson,

I was pretty dissapointed to hear that they were discontinuing "The Boss" series of cattin rods. This is the second design of Jim Moyer developed rods to not make it on the market. (the other being Berkley's E-Cat) I am just amazed that the catfish population out there cannot support an upper-end catfish rod series. I sure hope someone gives it one more shot. hint hint: St. Croix.

[Flaco651]

Moore's Bait and Tackle will be carrying a new line of cat rods(new to minnesota catfishers anyway) this season. These rods will be worth checking into come spring time.

[Canuck]

Catfish rods, what to buy???? That is like saying what kind of truck should I buy. Personal touch in my opinion means so much and then there is what kind of fishing are U going to be doing, corkin, long line or circle hook?????? Every type needs a different rod, (good excuse to buy a new rod, right).

I agree every time a nice rod comes out they discontinue them. About 7 yrs ago Berkley made a cat rod for Canadian Tire and only for Canada. They made it for one year and bam gone. I have 3 of them left and have added a couple of extra eyes but they are still some of my favorites. As Hanson mentioned Cherrywood has a nice rod for long lining (rippin lips) and it is stupid cheap.

Then again one has to consider the size of kitty U are going after, another excuse to buy another rod. I have over 20 different cat rods and always looking for more.

If we had more guys up here making rods I know I would be hitting them up. Personally I like a longer rod, in the 8 to 9 1/2ft then the end 2' can have alittle more touch with the backbone still being there. The handle type, well I don't really care, cork or fibre but the rod seat has to be there and in most of the rods I have found on the shelf lack in this area.

Anyways, good luck and only 3 1/2 months left for open water and just hope it is good in 2008 as it was in 2007

[DTro]

I've been doing a little snooping around.

Looks like St Croix has a new premier glass rod for 2008. From what I've found it's very close to the Classic Cat specs.

Here's the kicker.....180 bones.

The model number is PGM80HM

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: dtro

Looks like St Croix has a new premier glass rod for 2008. From what I've found it's very close to the Classic Cat specs. Here's the kicker.....180 bones.

The model number is PGM80HM

Thats also the 8' Heavy Model.

I personally haven't handled an old 8' Heavy Classic Cat, so I'm not sure how "heavy" it is. The ones I've seen and handled are the 7'-6" MH Spinning & Casting models.

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: peder

Does anyone know much about the John Jamison Bluecat #2 from the Rod Shop in KC. I was thinking about ordering one.

OK... I just stumbled across these rods online and if you order one, I WANT TO SEE IT!!!! The rod that caught my eye is the exact rod you are looking at.

[peder]

Hanson,

I ordered one last week. I'll let you know when I get it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

 Originally Posted By: peder

Hanson,

I ordered one last week. I'll let you know when I get it.

Can I ask how much that set you back?

[hanson]

They are $130-140, somewhere in that neighborhood.

The Rod Shop has 2 different lines of custom Cat Rods designed by John Jamison & Phil King.

John's rods are 8' E-Glass in different powers and Phil's rods are 7'-6" Graphite in different powers.

The John Jamison Blue Cat series is supposed to be coming out with a #1 rod which should be a great channel cat rod.

I just learned of these rods and they sure look sweet!

[peder]

It was 160 with shipping. The most I've ever spent on a rod, but as I remind my wife it's alot cheaper than a golf club and she should be happy that I don't have that habit.

[muc33]

hehehehehe, that's a good one, can I steal that?

[harvey lee]

I e-mailed these guys about some prices to purchase a rod and they never bothered to reply. I went to another company to have one custom made.