Thread: Rod n reel for small jigs like trout magnet

Originally Posted by livemusic

I ordered this and it is to come in today --

Shimano Fishing Vanford 1000 F

But since I ordered a few days ago, I just happened to find and read hours and hours of JDM reel posts and I am wondering if I made a mistake. How does this Vanford stack up against JDM reels?

I mostly fish for bass but also like ultralight to catch bluegills and also will go after crappie. My main lake has big bluegills up to 1 lb or more and crappie can be decent size, too. The coppernose bluegill I've been catching are real strong fighters. Also catch an occasional bass on these tiny trout magnet jigs. Caught a 5 lb. bass a few days ago on the trout magnet.

I also need a JDM rod. I am not willing to buy the ultimate rod n reel yet, I would rather buy mid range until I get more experience. Even mid range reels and rods seem to be $200 to $400 each rod and each reel and I am willing to spend that.

And then I will likely buy more than one rig!

I have been using a B 'n' M Sam Heaton Super Sensitive 8 ft rod and Pfleuger President 20 size. Also, a Shakespeare Micro Series 7 ft rod and $30 Lews reel. So, these are not expensive rigs. Have enjoyed the longer 8 ft rod on the big bream, that is a hoot. I did buy a JDM rod, a Major Craft, but it broke more than once and I don't see the point of getting it repaired again, I suspect it is defective.

If I had to choose between two rods of equal price and abilities, I'd opt for the longer one but I am open to whatever is best! I hope to find a combo that will cast these small Trout Magnet jigs decently. Sometimes, the casts are just too short! I know line plays a part in that and I have 2-lb test SOS that I have tried and I haven't liked it but I am going to try again and again until I might decide it is just not for me and stick with 4 lb. test. I also have two Varivas small test lines to try.

Please give your thoughts. And if you think the Shimano Vanford was not a good choice, chime in on that. I paid $252 including tax for it. TIA!

Nothing wrong with the Vanford....but for about same money you could have bought an Abu Garcia Revo MGX Theta 1000S. The MGX is a much better reel than the Vanford. As to the rod there are many out there that will do what you want to do with a Trout Magnet. I gave up on US market lines a long time ago. While nylon line is not my line of choice it is probably the best for all around use. Of course I use 2-3 pound test lines exclusively. I can get very good casting distance with Varivas Twitch Master 3# test line with a diameter of .128mm. Stepping down to a JDM 2# test line you can have diameters as low as .117mm....which will cast very very good. Right now sourcing any of this is hard to do....but some thing's can be found. FishingShop Kiwi has the Theta reel in stock. ABU GARCIA Revo MGX Theta 1000S Reels buy at Fishingshop.kiwi I am not affiliated in anyway with them....
Regards

Line: 4# is too heavy if you want more casting distance. Try a line no thicker than .15mm. 2# Trilene Sensation or 2# Trilene XL are good options. 2# Stren Crappie is also good. The ones Alphahawk mentioned are better.

Major Craft rods are good. If you liked the one, get a similar model in that price range.

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

FishingShop Kiwi has the Theta reel in stock. ABU GARCIA Revo MGX Theta 1000S Reels buy at Fishingshop.kiwi I am not affiliated in anyway with them....
Regards

That’s not a bad price on the Theta. They have a decent selection of gear.


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I've done a LOT of reading and I thought consensus seemed to be that 4.8:1 is preferred over 5.2:1. Both the Vanford and the Theta are 5.2:1. As for the why the Theta is "better," please advise as to why if you can. I appreciate help.

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing. And things change and opinions change when certain rods are discovered to be better at this. So, if anyone can recommend a rod circa May 2021 thinking, it's appreciated!

Originally Posted by livemusic

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing. And things change and opinions change when certain rods are discovered to be better at this. So, if anyone can recommend a rod circa May 2021 thinking, it's appreciated!

Keep it simple, and just pick one from Chris Stewart’s inventory:

https://www.finesse-fishing.com/fine...ning-rods.html

Originally Posted by livemusic

Also rod mentions are very helpful. After reading HUNDREDS of posts, all this stuff gets confusing....

It’s a “Mary Ann or Ginger” question. You can’t lose. Just pick one.

I guess every rod manufacturer can produce a defective rod. I have 3 MajorCraft rods and they all seem very well built.

If you would consider another MajorCraft Rod, the new MajorCraft Finetail matches well with the MGX Theta 1000. I have the FAX-632SUL which is the new one. I also have one of the old Finetail series. Last time I looked Digitaka had the FAX-632SUL in stock. Alphahawk did a review of it on his youtube channel.

The Major Craft Finetail FAX SUL is a ridiculously good rod for the money. I've got the 632SUL and it's a superb panfish rod as far as I'm concerned.

That being said, I'm in the market for another JDM rod. I broke my Tenryu Rayz Alter and may not be able to replace the tip. Suggestions???