Choosing the RIGHT Jigging Rod

[gman]

This is a great thread. I agree that the rule of thumb of 100g per 100' can be a barometer but it really changes by several variables. Mind you I have no knowledge of building rods, only using them. Ive used just about every major brand of jigging rods and I came to the conclusion that rods with heavier backbone but with lighter tip sections seem to work the best for me.

two variables to think about

Current - I fish 250' off wilmington but wouldn't use a 250 rod as I normally have to use 300-400g jigs just to reach bottom. Same thing off Miami where the current really rips and you need a 400g jig

Fish - What are you targeting? Bluefin off Cape Cod are in as close as 45 feet deep but I wouldn't dare use a 100g rod. Hell I wouldn't use anything under 350g up there. The fish may range from 80-300#'s in schools never mind giants. Using a 100g rod would be like using a barbie rod

The issue is all these rods are different, a 600g OTI, may be totally different than a 600g Hots. One may be really stiff one may not. It should really be based on action. Parabolic etc

Most guys gun up for bear, grab a 600g rod then hate it because they either dont get bit because the action sucks or they get beat up by the stiffness

[Gmoney!]

It could be worse. I could have on gloves

hey I resemble that remark..errr resent..lol

[Custom Canvas]

To all that have posted in this thread THANK YOU!

I feel the hardest thing about getting into one of these rods is not being able to compare one blank to the next.

I PLAN on attending the Rod show this year to help make my decision on my new rod.

[paul708]

there was a limited amount of jigging stuff there.

i was there last year.
there was going to be a jig thing

i also asked if it was ok to bring a few blanks so we could compare. at the jig thing.
i was not allowed to help

so you really may not see what you want

we did find the riley blanks at the show..a few are very nice

[Sea Draggin]

I PLAN on attending the Rod show this year to help make my decision on my new rod.

Last year we were able to compare JM and OTI G2, thanks to Paul. I had a Jawz blank, there were also Riley, Mudhole, Rainshadow, Hercules prototypes at the show and I may have had one or two others there with me.

Anyway, it was enough to get a hands on real life comparison. We kept coming back to the riley blanks as the best combination of strength, weight and action. So I started getting those and sending them to Paul to build out for me with the two guide transition.

[paul708]

Last year we were able to compare JM and OTI G2, thanks to Paul. I had a Jawz blank, there were also Riley, Mudhole, Rainshadow, Hercules prototypes at the show and I may have had one or two others there with me.

Anyway, it was enough to get a hands on real life comparison. We kept coming back to the riley blanks as the best combination of strength, weight and action. So I started getting those and sending them to Paul to build out for me with the two guide transition.

there were 3 other prototypes. different brand
and another brand with 3 blanks.
and 1 more SWEET prototype 7'.

if i make another 8 1/2 hr ride.
its gonna be to FISH,we can test then

Zach..i can send a few blank for you to test..
but you wont be allowed to bring them to the show,
well you may be able to