Senko Rod

[ncbass]

I'm wanting a new rod !! Currently using a BCR 853 GLX for weightless 5" and a Steez 711Compile X for weighted 5" . But I'm wanting something with a little more length and more power for heavy cover applications and a rod that would double for 1/8 and 1/4 jIgs in the same heavy cover. I would also probably use this rod on occasion for weightless 6" senkos too. I see two in the Loomis line up as the BCR 893 and the BCFR 863 are candidates. I'm not partial to any rod manufacturer so what would you guys recommend ?

[USA-RET]

I have both. The 893 is great, probably the best Senko rod on the market (IMO). I throw both 4-5 inch senkos weighted (1/16 ounce) and un-weighted.

The BCR 864 is probably going to be the rod you're going to want. I fish some pretty weedy areas and the BCR 893, while capable of handling the job could be at it's limit if I hook a big fish that gets buried in hydrilla. The 893 is ex fast so it fishes a little more powerfully than a normal 3 powered rod (again, it feels that way in my hands). It feels a bit more powerful than the BCR 853 too IMO.

The BCR 864 is a tad heavier power with more backbone. It's a 4 power rod for sure. It's very sensitive and should handle all the baits you mentioned. It's my "go to" senko rod if I'm throwing in heavy cover or hydrilla mats.

The BCR 893 is still my favorite , with the BCR 864 and 803 as tied for the "silver". The BCR 853 is my "bronze medal" winner.

[Pin]

Ditto the post above, BCR864, or BCR854, maybe even the BCR874 in the carolina rig series. the BCFR863 has a lotta backbone butthat's cause it's in the flippin rod category so it may not be the best option for senkos, unless you're tossing 6" or 7" Senkos.

[Peacheater81]

Dobyns DX743c!

[civicrr]

Dobyns DX743c!

While a good senko stick, the DX743 is not more powerful than the BCR853.
If you'd like to try a Dobyns, I'd look at the DX744 or DX784. The DX744 is the stick I would use of those two.

[BB144]

The 733C makes a good senko rod too. But if you want something with some more power, the DX784C would make a good choice for senkos and jigs. I'm sure the DX744C will too, but I haven't used one to recommend it.

I'm getting a custom rod built this summer on a Phenix UMBX-707MH to replace my 733C for the exact techniques you listed: weightless (and sometimes weighted) t-rigged senkos, and 1/4oz jigs. I obviously haven't used it yet, as it's not built yet, but I'm thinking it will also make a good rod for these techniques.

[bronzefly]

The BCR 893 GLX is a great stick for senkos and lighter jigs, but I wouldn't consider it a great rod for very heavy cover. The BCFR 863 is a fantastic heavy cover stick on the other hand. It's tough to find something that will handle a 1/8 oz. jig with enough power to handle very heavy cover. I have used the BCFR 863 with a 1/4 oz jig, braid, and a Core 51MG7 in very heavy wood cover, but the reel is supertuned and I had it set very "freely" to pitch those lighter jigs as the tip doesn't load much at all with something so light. Between the two, I'd go for the BCFR 863, but I think you'd be better off to consider the BCR 854, or even the BCR 855 GLX - the larger senkos aren't an issue for any of these rods, but those 1/8 oz jigs are a tough one. What reel do you plan to use? What size/type line? Good luck on your search!

[ncbass]

My choice of reels will be 50MG Tuned, Scorpion 1000, Core and D7. Probably a D7 and I'll use braid pound test as the conditions dictate with flouro leader. Although those Scorpions are sweet when it comes to the lighter stuff.

[ghost_207]

NRX 852 with a stella 1000 FD or NRX 893 with core 50.

[bassbandit]

While I am not sure how it would pitch light jigs, the 864 makes a good Senko stick in cover. I've only had mine for a little over a month, but it doesn't take much time to figure out that it's what I was looking for.