Bottom Contact Rod!

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edge13
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Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by edge13 » Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:29 pm

I fish mainly G-Loomis/Shimano rods. I need a rod for swing heads for catching smallmouth. I fish in deep water and fast rivers. Head weights range from 1/2- 1oz, but 3/4 is my comfort zone on 17-20lb fluorocarbon. Water depth ranges from 10-50 feet.

What rod would you recommend? I would prefer that it is 7'4 or longer.

Aquaftm45
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by Aquaftm45 » Wed Jan 25, 2023 7:46 pm

edge13 wrote:
Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:29 pm
I fish mainly G-Loomis/Shimano rods. I need a rod for swing heads for catching smallmouth. I fish in deep water and fast rivers. Head weights range from 1/2- 1oz, but 3/4 is my comfort zone on 17-20lb fluorocarbon. Water depth ranges from 10-50 feet.

What rod would you recommend? I would prefer that it is 7'4 or longer.
The 7'6 Olympic Vigore would be hard to beat for your intended application, regardless of price. Here is the thread that talks about the series.

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php ... lit=vigore

edge13
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by edge13 » Wed Jan 25, 2023 8:37 pm

I cannot even find a listing for that rod!

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Hogsticker2
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by Hogsticker2 » Wed Jan 25, 2023 9:27 pm

What's your budget? Are you willing to purchase from overseas for a JDM rod, or would you rather stick with something you can source in the States?

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bronzefly
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by bronzefly » Thu Jan 26, 2023 5:08 am

I have three rods in mind right off the bat.

Since you like Loomis/Shimano products, I'd consider either the NRX+ 894c or for a little slower action which many, like myself prefer for those applications, the 904c MBR.

The new Megabass P5 BMG is amazing. This rod was made for your applications and does it beautifully. It has that nice deeper flex, excellent sensitivity, and is just a great rod. They're shipping out Friday \:D/

The Steez AGS 79H Universal Power is another longer, deeper flexing rod that excels with these techniques. Really a fantastic all around heavier powered rod that can do a lot, and is the best 1 oz Dark Sleeper rod I've fished.
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John2204
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by John2204 » Thu Jan 26, 2023 6:57 am

You might consider the Dobyns Xstasy 754 or 755, another one that I have is the champion extreme 784 who’s is a lot cheaper

jpmoney
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by jpmoney » Thu Jan 26, 2023 11:39 am

](*,) I was waiting for the dobyns suggestions to roll in. I could feel it coming. :lol:

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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by Hennessy » Thu Jan 26, 2023 2:45 pm

The Nrx 894c+ is probably the rod u want. Mine’s usually have a 3/4 Carolina Rig in summer, then 3/4 fb jig in winter. 1/2oz is probably the lowest I’ve went on that rod, I think 3/4 is the sweet spot. The Metanium 2020 pairs with it pretty good also. SKIP the any of the Dobyns, speaking from experience, LOL

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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by Drakestar » Thu Jan 26, 2023 2:46 pm

I would have added that Xtasy as well (as not a Dobyns zealot), I think it has the right action for swingheads. I'd love to live in a world where Dobyns aren't either the best thing ever OR totally overrated crap, but somewhere in the middle depending on the rod and who you ask. Embrace the grey, people! :lol:

Personally I use a P5 Super Destroyer for swingheads because it has the perfect bend while having the sensitivity of a high-end jig rod. Great for cranking across bottom without losing contact. But it feels like everybody wants a longer rod for this technique, so it's not really a suggestion ;)

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jwfflipper14
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by jwfflipper14 » Thu Jan 26, 2023 3:21 pm

I use my Steez bottom contact rod and my Steez utility player for those applications
I really like the utility football heads and big jigs up to 3/4 oz then the bottom contact rod for heavier lures


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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by HobeyBaker » Fri Jan 27, 2023 7:58 am

I use a Phenix K2 765 for those applications, but I use a braid to leader setup which ups the power slightly. It might be underpowered slightly if you fish 1 oz a lot.

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Hogsticker2
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by Hogsticker2 » Fri Jan 27, 2023 4:56 pm

I'm a sucker for the Poison Glorious and Poison Ultima series, especially the new ones. I find them to be more sensitive than my Evergreens and custom K2s. You could always try to hunt down an original Megabass X7.

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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by dragon1 » Fri Jan 27, 2023 5:59 pm

Hogsticker2 wrote:
Fri Jan 27, 2023 4:56 pm
I'm a sucker for the Poison Glorious and Poison Ultima series, especially the new ones. I find them to be more sensitive than my Evergreens and custom K2s. You could always try to hunt down an original Megabass X7.
There is a mint MB X7 EMTF listed...on our very own TT Classifieds.
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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by johnnybassboat » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:41 pm

I fish a 1/2 on my NRX873, but shallower than you are talking about. If 3/4 is your happy spot I would be looking at the NRX 894 or 904. If you dont want a Loomis rod I would take Bronzeye's suggestions to heart, Gary knows his stuff.

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Re: Bottom Contact Rod!

Post by johnnybassboat » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:48 pm

jpmoney wrote:
Thu Jan 26, 2023 11:39 am
](*,) I was waiting for the dobyns suggestions to roll in. I could feel it coming. :lol:
I am with ya. Not a fan.

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