Good vertical jigging rod for river?

Hi guys. Sorry if this topic has been debated before, but I couldn’t find much in a search on the forum.

I’m looking for some advice on a good vertical jigging rod for Pool 4, if a guy had about $75 to $100 to spend. And what’s your go-to length/action on such a rod?

I typically use/prefer 6 foot medium light rods and while that’s been fine, thinking of trying a bit nicer rod for increased sensitivity etc. I held the Fenwick HMG rods at Cabelas the other day and they seemed nice. I picked up a nice St. Croix Eyecon rod for bottom bouncing last year that I like, so sort of leaning toward something from St. Croix given their great warranty and customer service.

Regardless of what brand I end up with, any thoughts on 6 foot length vs. 6′ 6″ etc? I’m thinking I might try something a little longer than 6 foot this time around. And something in medium action instead of medium light.

There is no right or wrong answer.

For me, vertical jigging 1/8-3/8 I like a 6’6 MLF. Any heavier and I switch on over to a 6’6 MXF for the added backbone/tip when setting the hook.

I do not like shorter than 6’6 nor longer than 6’8 for vertical jigging.

Check out the fenwick smallmouth series, held one and they are fantastic for the $100-$130 range. Their 6’9 models rock! Makes my st. croix premier feel like an ugly stik.

I like 6’6 too

If you’re talking strictly vertical jigging then I too like a shorter (6′) rod. in your price range I think I would buy the Eyecon ECS63MLXF. but I rarely use heavier jigs than a 1/4 ounce. If you use anything heavier consistently then go with the medium. There are many similar rods that are really good in your price range so maybe the best thing to do is to go kick some tires and you decide what feels right. I currently have a 6′ Cabelas Prodigy rod that I use for vertical jigging and I really like it or at least I am really used to how it feels to me.

Cabelas has there brand on sale right now 25% off. They have one that is “new design” $89 that might fit your bill I think it was 6’8″ ML/XF I think. I got a Walleye fishing book in the mail yesterday.

I have the Eyecon 63MXF, do not go with the MLXF in that rod, it’s really wimpy. I have 3 St. Croix MLXFs but the 63 in the eyecon isn’t all that great. The 63MXF is a perfect verical jigging rod on the Mississsippi from my experience. I use mine on pools 4-9 all the time.

Thanks for all the tips guys. This is great info. Much appreciated.

If you can fork out another $40 Gander Mountain has the St. Croix Avids on sale at $140 with mail in rebate. Rod is normally $190 so its a $50 pre paid credit card that gets mailed back to you. I just picked up a 6’6″ MF and LOVE IT!

Limit Creek LCS66MF sounds like a good match from your description. My personal favorite is the Limit Creek Smoothie LCS69MLF. Both are great rods at a good price.

As a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, I really like my 5’9″ Avid MXF for vertical jigging blade baits and one eyes and my 6’0″ GLX SJR721 for jigs up to 3/8 oz and my 6’3″ MXF Legend Extreme for 1/2 oz and up. I know, it’s quite the list, but it’s a science. Good luck and if you want to be a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, get this lineup:)

Post Script: If you find a 7/16th oz jig, this lineup becomes useless and we have to start over.

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As a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, I really like my 5’9″ Avid MXF for vertical jigging blade baits and one eyes and my 6’0″ GLX SJR721 for jigs up to 3/8 oz and my 6’3″ MXF Legend Extreme for 1/2 oz and up. I know, it’s quite the list, but it’s a science. Good luck and if you want to be a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, get this lineup:)
Post Script: If you find a 7/16th oz jig, this lineup becomes useless and we have to start over.

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If you can find any of those rods within $75-$100 as poster stated, then good call

For vertical jigging, I like longer rods. I stand on a deck all day or night and like to have my tip just above the water. In most cases, I use the distance of my tip off of the water as a gage of how far off the bottom my jig is. (Tip touches water when jig touches bottom) this Ecspecially true on windy days. By having my tip so close to the water, I don’t have issues with the wind blowing my line. So for me 7 foot minimum

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As a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, I really like my 5’9″ Avid MXF for vertical jigging blade baits and one eyes and my 6’0″ GLX SJR721 for jigs up to 3/8 oz and my 6’3″ MXF Legend Extreme for 1/2 oz and up. I know, it’s quite the list, but it’s a science. Good luck and if you want to be a self proclaimed vertical jigging expert, get this lineup:)
Post Script: If you find a 7/16th oz jig, this lineup becomes useless and we have to start over.

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If you can find any of those rods within $75-$100 as poster stated, then good call

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I got the Avid new at scheels for 95 dollars and there’s one there now. If u would like, I’ll pick it up for u and u can send me payment. The other ones probably not. I didn’t see his price point, I do apologize.

I just bought the 6’9 smoothie from Limit Creek company and I absolutely love it. So far this spring ive caught a 9 pound eye on it and several little trout. Very versatile and handles everything I’ve tried thus far perfectly!

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I just bought the 6’9 smoothie from Limit Creek company and I absolutely love it. So far this spring ive caught a 9 pound eye on it and several little trout. Very versatile and handles everything I’ve tried thus far perfectly!

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For the money just about the best out there !!

Everts Resort has them in stock

I was just gonna ask who sells em. I was just at everts and didn’t notice em. Now I’ll have another excuse to head to everts.

Thanks again guys. All great ideas.

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I just bought the 6’9 smoothie from Limit Creek company and I absolutely love it. So far this spring ive caught a 9 pound eye on it and several little trout. Very versatile and handles everything I’ve tried thus far perfectly!

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Price at Everts Trumar?

For the money just about the best out there !!

Everts Resort has them in stock

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I just bought the 6’9 smoothie from Limit Creek company and I absolutely love it. So far this spring ive caught a 9 pound eye on it and several little trout. Very versatile and handles everything I’ve tried thus far perfectly!

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How much $ ?

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If you can fork out another $40 Gander Mountain has the St. Croix Avids on sale at $140 with mail in rebate. Rod is normally $190 so its a $50 pre paid credit card that gets mailed back to you. I just picked up a 6’6″ MF and LOVE IT!

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I love my avid’s.

I got it for $90 at 4 seasons in Red wing. Comes with a life long warranty too. Ive got a Pflueger President for a reel on it and I wouldnt trade that combo for anything.