Need help choosing rod for Shimano Calais DC!

[fishingman88]

So I've been using a custom G. Loomis GL2 rod (7', 10-17lb line rating, 1/4-3/4oz lure weight) with my Shimano Calais DC. However, I'm not satisfied with the distance I get when throwing 1/2 oz lures. Anybody out there throw lures in the 1/2 oz range and find a rod that they think pairs well with the Shimano Calais DC?

*FYI I am using this rod to throw 1/2 oz plugs off a high pier near the beaches. I currently have 20lb Sufix 832 on my Calais DC as well.

[tywithay]

What's the price range you're looking at? There's several good options, but they might run everywhere from $100 up to $500+.

Just as a blind guess, I think the 7'7" MH 13 Fishing Omen Green would be a fantastic choice for launching those plugs into orbit. However, any rod should be able to cast them extremely far with a Calais DC attached. Have you tried changing the internal settings to long cast mode, or even extreme mode (assuming you have an educated thumb and good conditions)?

[dhottle]

St Croix Legend Extreme LXC78MHM

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/legendxtreme

I have this same combo & it will cast effortlessly.

[fishingman88]

What's the price range you're looking at? There's several good options, but they might run everywhere from $100 up to $500+.

Just as a blind guess, I think the 7'7" MH 13 Fishing Omen Green would be a fantastic choice for launching those plugs into orbit. However, any rod should be able to cast them extremely far with a Calais DC attached. Have you tried changing the internal settings to long cast mode, or even extreme mode (assuming you have an educated thumb and good conditions)?

My price range is up to $500, but if the benefits of spending $200 more don't get me but 10% better performance, then I'd rather save that money.

I've been looking at the Omen Green series, but I can't seem to pull the trigger since I can't handle one in person.

[fishingman88]

St Croix Legend Extreme LXC78MHM

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/legendxtreme

I have this same combo & it will cast effortlessly.

dhottle,

Thanks for the great recommendation. I really like the specifications of the rod (especially since it can toss up to 1oz if needed.

Just curious, but have you tried the Avid or Avid Inshore series rods? The Avid AVC76MHMF throws 3/8 - 1.25 oz and costs almost $200 less so I am wondering if the Legend Xtreme offers that much of a performance difference.

I've been looking at additional G. Loomis rods and the GWR 901 C looks tempting as well? Says it will throw 1/4 - 1.25 oz and the price is about right as well.

Still looking for additional input, so thanks in advance.

[dhottle]

St Croix Legend Extreme LXC78MHM

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/legendxtreme

I have this same combo & it will cast effortlessly.

dhottle,

Thanks for the great recommendation. I really like the specifications of the rod (especially since it can toss up to 1oz if needed.

Just curious, but have you tried the Avid or Avid Inshore series rods? The Avid AVC76MHMF throws 3/8 - 1.25 oz and costs almost $200 less so I am wondering if the Legend Xtreme offers that much of a performance difference.

I've been looking at additional G. Loomis rods and the GWR 901 C looks tempting as well? Says it will throw 1/4 - 1.25 oz and the price is about right as well.

Still looking for additional input, so thanks in advance.

I have the Avid AVC70MM & the Avid AVC70HM both 7' long. The advantage to the legend extreme is the increased sensitivity over the avid line. I also have a custom Otterod built on the 5C72MHM blank at 7'2" long. I personally use the legend extreme & custom blank for jerkbait fishing and yes it is worth the extra $200 to me. If I was only using them for crankbaits then the cost savings of the avid would probably prevail.

[Gone Phishin]

The Megabass X4 Destruction is definitely worth a look. I have fished 1/2oz baits on mine, and I have been very pleased with the results.

I have a Calcutta 201DC on mine, and it is a thing of beauty...so much fun to fish.

[fishingman88]

St Croix Legend Extreme LXC78MHM

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/legendxtreme

I have this same combo & it will cast effortlessly.

dhottle,

Thanks for the great recommendation. I really like the specifications of the rod (especially since it can toss up to 1oz if needed.

Just curious, but have you tried the Avid or Avid Inshore series rods? The Avid AVC76MHMF throws 3/8 - 1.25 oz and costs almost $200 less so I am wondering if the Legend Xtreme offers that much of a performance difference.

I've been looking at additional G. Loomis rods and the GWR 901 C looks tempting as well? Says it will throw 1/4 - 1.25 oz and the price is about right as well.

Still looking for additional input, so thanks in advance.

I have the Avid AVC70MM & the Avid AVC70HM both 7' long. The advantage to the legend extreme is the increased sensitivity over the avid line. I also have a custom Otterod built on the 5C72MHM blank at 7'2" long. I personally use the legend extreme & custom blank for jerkbait fishing and yes it is worth the extra $200 to me. If I was only using them for crankbaits then the cost savings of the avid would probably prevail.

Thanks dhottle. That information is really great to know. I'll have to handle them in person next weekend, but this definitely narrows down my search for a rod to pair with my Calais DC. Appreciate everything.

[fishingman88]

The Megabass X4 Destruction is definitely worth a look. I have fished 1/2oz baits on mine, and I have been very pleased with the results.

I have a Calcutta 201DC on mine, and it is a thing of beauty...so much fun to fish.

I REALLY want to try out the Megabass X4 rods, but to be honest, I'm a little disappointed in the 3 year warranty Paying $300+ for a rod should come with better than 3 years IMHO. Maybe the performance will change my mind, but not being able to try one in person makes me quite hesitant as well.

[Gone Phishin]

The Megabass X4 Destruction is definitely worth a look. I have fished 1/2oz baits on mine, and I have been very pleased with the results.

I have a Calcutta 201DC on mine, and it is a thing of beauty...so much fun to fish.

I REALLY want to try out the Megabass X4 rods, but to be honest, I'm a little disappointed in the 3 year warranty Paying $300+ for a rod should come with better than 3 years IMHO. Maybe the performance will change my mind, but not being able to try one in person makes me quite hesitant as well.

I thought the same thing myself...then I fished this sweet stick and I couldn't be happier.

As Homer Simpson would say, Dooo ittt!

[fishingman88]

The Megabass X4 Destruction is definitely worth a look. I have fished 1/2oz baits on mine, and I have been very pleased with the results.

I have a Calcutta 201DC on mine, and it is a thing of beauty...so much fun to fish.

I REALLY want to try out the Megabass X4 rods, but to be honest, I'm a little disappointed in the 3 year warranty Paying $300+ for a rod should come with better than 3 years IMHO. Maybe the performance will change my mind, but not being able to try one in person makes me quite hesitant as well.

I thought the same thing myself...then I fished this sweet stick and I couldn't be happier.

As Homer Simpson would say, Dooo ittt!

Haha, you're like the gambling side of my mind which screams at me to buy new gear without touching it I'm considering it now.