My current outfit is the Iprimi 56XXUL paired with an Iprimi 1003 reel. What originally drew me to it was the low lure rating being that I like fishing small finesse jigs and plastics primarily (normally starting at .7g, but I have used it to fish the Trout Magnet mini magnets as well). Have even managed to land quite a few smallmouth with this rod.


The time has finally come to try a true quality JDM rod with the amazing sensitivity I commonly hear about. The Iprimi has been fun but I'm looking for more in the sensitivity department. My standard style of fishing is rivers, streams, and creeks with a relatively slow flow rate targeting bluegill, perch, trout, creek chubs, and smallmouth bass. The baits I most often use are small finesse type jigs and trout/crappie magnets. Normally I would say my lures range from .7g to 2.5g.

Randy was kind enough to point me in the direction of the Lunakia rods or an Abu Garcia Eradicator Real Finesse due to the likelihood of encountering smallmouth. Many of the stream fish I catch are of modest size around 6-8" when it comes to wild browns, bluegill, or perch. Smallmouth in these areas normally range in the 8-14" range with the occasional 16+.

In looking at the Lunakia I see that Chris describes the 6"10" version as more of a hand feel style rod and that's normally what I like. I'm not one to watch my rod tip. What worries me with this selection is the weight of the lures I tend to fish with be on the lower end. I also don't want to loose too much fun with the average size fish I normally catch. When it comes to the Abu it seems the 6'9" XUL is easier to come by than the 6'7" SUL. The line/lure rating appears to be in the range I would prefer but I worry when it comes to the smallmouth I may encounter, is that an issue?

Maybe a the Tict Rockin Finesse would be a wise choice?


I'm of the mind that if I'm going to do this I may as well do it right and get a nice rod, so something mid-high end would make sense. I crave the sensitivity I hear about so often.


Any and all help is appreciated.