TackleTour

My current UL line up is a 6' St. Croix Avid and a 6'7" Loomis TSR791. Been fishing a lot of smaller streams lately with limited casting access and the longer rods are becoming a burden for that so I'm looking for something shorter. Just based on what I'm familiar with I'm looking at a Loomis TSR621S, a Loomis SR6010 IMX and a St. Croix AVS46ULF or AVS50ULF.

I was looking at some of the JDM native trout rods but it seems like the ones in my price range are actually made in China which I'm not huge on, especially if I'm buying "JDM". You guys have any suggestions for a rod? I haven't used a rod under 6' in probably 15 years or more. I'll probably mainly be throwing 1/16 oz inline spinners and small jig heads like trout magnets and the like.

rt dak wrote:My current UL line up is a 6' St. Croix Avid and a 6'7" Loomis TSR791. Been fishing a lot of smaller streams lately with limited casting access and the longer rods are becoming a burden for that so I'm looking for something shorter. Just based on what I'm familiar with I'm looking at a Loomis TSR621S, a Loomis SR6010 IMX and a St. Croix AVS46ULF or AVS50ULF.

I was looking at some of the JDM native trout rods but it seems like the ones in my price range are actually made in China which I'm not huge on, especially if I'm buying "JDM". You guys have any suggestions for a rod? I haven't used a rod under 6' in probably 15 years or more. I'll probably mainly be throwing 1/16 oz inline spinners and small jig heads like trout magnets and the like.

Once you break less than 5’ I would look towards an UL/ Moderate rod, the rod will help load and cast in the tight spaces. What is your price range, there are some cheaper JDM options as for the made in China I wouldn’t worry about that as they are probably assembled in China with Japanese sourced parts and designs.

Craigthor wrote:

rt dak wrote:My current UL line up is a 6' St. Croix Avid and a 6'7" Loomis TSR791. Been fishing a lot of smaller streams lately with limited casting access and the longer rods are becoming a burden for that so I'm looking for something shorter. Just based on what I'm familiar with I'm looking at a Loomis TSR621S, a Loomis SR6010 IMX and a St. Croix AVS46ULF or AVS50ULF.

I was looking at some of the JDM native trout rods but it seems like the ones in my price range are actually made in China which I'm not huge on, especially if I'm buying "JDM". You guys have any suggestions for a rod? I haven't used a rod under 6' in probably 15 years or more. I'll probably mainly be throwing 1/16 oz inline spinners and small jig heads like trout magnets and the like.

Once you break less than 5’ I would look towards an UL/ Moderate rod, the rod will help load and cast in the tight spaces. What is your price range, there are some cheaper JDM options as for the made in China I wouldn’t worry about that as they are probably assembled in China with Japanese sourced parts and designs.

I was thinking about that, the Avid I have now is pretty whippy and sometimes accuracy can be an issue because of it. Might get even worse going that much shorter. The SR6010 IMX is the only one of those rods listed as moderate. I'd like to stay under $250, closer to $200 would be ideal.

I’d look at the Diawa Wise Stream rods should keep you around the $200 mark.

None of the JDM rods that I know of in that price range are made in Japan. However, I think Craig is right. I wouldn't worry about where the rod is made as long as it is made by a company that is known for quality rods.

In your price range, I prefer the Shimano Trout One NS rods over the Daiwa Wise Stream (which I think do better with slightly heavier lures). You might also look at the Palms Egeria. I've only fished with their glass rod, but it is a well made rod. Unfortunately it doesn't say where it is made, so I assume it is made in China.

rt dak wrote:I was looking at some of the JDM native trout rods but it seems like the ones in my price range are actually made in China which I'm not huge on, especially if I'm buying "JDM". You guys have any suggestions for a rod? I haven't used a rod under 6' in probably 15 years or more.

FWIW, I have an XUL Daiwa JDM area rod that sells for around $450 and it's not made in Japan.

Tenryu Rayz are definitely made in Japan and worth a look if your budget can stretch...

Thanks for the input guys. I think I might end up with the Trout One.