Walleye rods?

So to you what makes a good jig pitching rod for walleyes in the river? I know everyone has there favorites. Curious to hear what that is and why. Include what type of line you use on them to.

My mono rods for jig casting…

I like a very fast yet “delicate” tip section that loads under the weight of light jigs making long casts effortless and bite detection when fishing light jigs easier. The action on my jig rods are all extra fast which offers a smooth and quick transition from the tip section into the back bone of the blank. This type of action allows an angler to detect a light bite with the tip, and on the hookset, access the “power” of the rod by quickly transitioning from load in the tip section only into the rest of the rod. Not all “fast action” rods are created equal and to date I’ve only found a couple manufacturers that get this right. By and large most rods marked “extra fast” would barely make a “moderate fast” rating from some of the companies that specialize in this type of rod.

What I try and avoid when shopping for jig casting rods…

Too many rod manufacturers try and make a “fast or extra fast” tip section by increasing the diameter of the blank at the tip which makes the rod feel “clubby.” Going this route makes casting light jigs difficult in the best of situations as the tip section is too stiff to load under the weight of the jig. And a clubby rod tip is miserable for bite detection…. basically the fish feels you before you ever see the rod tip move.

What James said. My new favorite is Fenwick’s Elite series and it won’t break the bank.

I really like a 6 1/2 to 7 foot ML action with a fast tip. Spooled with 6# fireline in the flame green color. In my experience this set up works great for pitching smaller jigs and lures. The braided line allows you to feel the lightest bites with smaller baits. St. Croix makes a number of nice rods that fit this presentation. It is tough to beat the premier, avid or legend elite series.

Jason Erlandson

The first question I have is hardline or mono? Two different actions in my mind. A 6’8″ Mxf for me with mono and the 6’9mlxf with hardline.Casting a 1/8th or less weight jig shows the difference in rods in very short order,not to mention actual hooksets.Neutral and or negitive fish, is where in my opinion, the additional sensitivity pays off.The benefits of overall weight of the rod can really be appreciated on those all day pitching sessions as well.Demo or fish the rods you are considering for a day side by side and you will get the best possible feedback available….you!

The 6’9″ MLXF is my favorite too, because I like my 6lb crystal Fireline. What I like about this particular rig is the length and how soft the last 18 or so inches of the rod are. I pitch a lot of 1/8oz jigs at wing dams in the summer and this rod lets me cast those jigs a long way without ripping the half a crawler off the jig. I also feel every vibration of a 1/4oz blade and feel the jig tick every rock on the wing dam.

Go to Deans and give the Avid 69MLXF a test drive and I seroiusly doubt you’ll leave without one. If you want the Cadillac you’ll try out the Legend Extreme. Or to save a little cash, the Mojo series in this rod is very good as well.

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This type of action allows an angler to detect a light bite with the tip, and on the hookset, access the “power” of the rod by quickly transitioning from load in the tip section only into the rest of the rod. Not all “fast action” rods are created equal and to date I’ve only found a couple manufacturers that get this right. By and large most rods marked “extra fast” would barely make a “moderate fast” rating from some of the companies that specialize in this type of rod.

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Exactly James!

I think Powell, Loomis, and some others make excellent rods…but the only XtraFast actions that, to me, have been truly Xfast are the St.Croix XFs and recently a Dobyns Champion 702.

I have a Powell for sale currently that is a great rod and listed as an extra fast… but as James commented, it is a fast at best.

My favorite plastics pitching rod (with Mono) is still a 6’8″ to 7′ med Xtra Fast action…especially during November on P-2 or P-4 throwing K Grubs

I need to try a Fenwick Elite Tech Mark!

This spring I got a half dozen of the Quantum PT Superlite rods to try out. So far, I think they make an excellent choice for walleyes in regards to both jigs and cranks. Like every rod on the market, (Loomis, Kistler, Criox, Fenwick…) if I were to custom build it myself, I would most likely make a few small changes. Since March, I have found myself naturally going to the 7′ Quantum PT Superlite QTS704F Spinning 7’0″ Medium X-Fast with Cajun 6# Clear or Red cast line. Like James explained, the key for a great jigging rod is the relationship of the tip section action, and how it responds the the other segments of the blank. Quantum really got this one right for a good all around jigging rod. The rods are engineered to be light weight, and they achieved that goal. Just a couple things that I would find as a “con” to the rod. foam handle was a turn off, though I’m getting more comfortable with it. Guide spacing and reel seat location. I wish the handle section was about 2″ longer and the first guide from the reel seat was spaced upward just a bit further. I’m an old school guy that grew up custom building all my rods, so I’m much more critical than most on rod construction. When I get more use in on thses rods in the next couple of weeks, I’ll post a product report on them.

St. Croix Rods made in the USA in Wisc. many to chose from for the type of fishing you do. Very nice rod.

Also 6’8″ ML Xtra Fast Tip for Jigs.

Very good information guys. I only know of a very few stores that you may be able to get this type of information from while buying a rod. Good information to have for those guys stocking up on rods for fishing opener.