Small paddle tail rod… 76 preferred

[sarcazmo]

I’m looking for something in the 76 range with a softer action.

The Tatula Elite AGS 76MLM (Seth Feider model, not the Johnston model) is what you're looking for. It reminds me of the old blue Steez AGS 76MLM - softer through the tip and mid than the current Compile X Steez but plenty of backbone and very light/well balanced. It's a smallmouth moving bait rod in my hands - spybait and 3/16 - 3/8oz ballhead + 3" shad body rod.

You'll probably be happy with the Expride too, but it seems a bit heavy for what it is...over 4oz.

And no offense intended but when I hear "Fitzgerald" and "13 Fishing" etc on TT I'm like

I hear ya!

I bought three old envy on clearance a couple years ago and they’re great rods! I know they’re hit or miss but I got a couple good ones lol. These days I really want to make sure I get the power and action correct

I’ll check out that feider rod. I saw the regular tatula in person and the stripper guide is huge!!! I done think it would fit in a rod tube. Felt nice otherwise.

[rubs96]

The Expride is a good choice but if your budget is a bit more limited you could go with a 7 foot 6 L rod from the newest Curado series from Shimano. I have one and it's one of those '' The ONE rod''.

How I’d the action of this rod? Could it handle 3/8 plus a roughly 3in plastic?

Occasionally fish 30-50ft

Yes, I use it with that kind of weight fishing from shore for late season walleyes. The lenght makes it a great rod for sensitivity after a long cast.

I’m still intrigued by that rod but it just feels so light in power.

I’m glad to hear it’s more versatile than it seems - a hair jig or spy bait rod.

[sarcazmo]

The Expride is a good choice but if your budget is a bit more limited you could go with a 7 foot 6 L rod from the newest Curado series from Shimano. I have one and it's one of those '' The ONE rod''.

How I’d the action of this rod? Could it handle 3/8 plus a roughly 3in plastic?

Occasionally fish 30-50ft

Yes, I use it with that kind of weight fishing from shore for late season walleyes. The lenght makes it a great rod for sensitivity after a long cast.

I’m still intrigued by that rod but it just feels so light in power.

I’m glad to hear it’s more versatile than it seems - a hair jig or spy bait rod.

Couple of decent deals on eBay.

I’m intrigued by the okuma x series. Just finished reading that thread.

[dragon1]

Aside the tapers being more "proven" on the Exprides...for $300 I would personally choose the Okuma X.

Here again is an Okuma sponsored fellow from East Tennessee fishing one of the MLF spinning...granted his input was mediocre at best and he never even mentioned the rod model number.

https://youtu.be/cKf3LIiqcdY?si=NaLqX8f6Zp-GLAQ1

[setsail26]

Legend Tournament 7'10" medium mod fast. Designed for your exact purpose.

[dragon1]

Legend Tournament 7'10" medium mod fast. Designed for your exact purpose.

That looks like a helluva nice rod, but after tax it'll be in the $350 range. Quite a bit more than his budget.

[setsail26]

Yeah, it is a bit over budget. But Rod Geeks sells the blank in SC3+ if he wants to go that direction. I built one and really like it, though I finished late fall and haven't been able to fish it much.

[dragon1]

Yeah, it is a bit over budget. But Rod Geeks sells the blank in SC3+ if he wants to go that direction. I built one and really like it, though I finished late fall and haven't been able to fish it much.

FWIW, the exact same model was recommended to me by a trusted friend, but in the Victory lineup, for not only these type soft swimbaits, but also 5/16-1/2 oz balsa cranks...for launching long distances in windy conditions with light braid + leader.

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