Favorite casting rod/reel

[Slab Slayen]

Alright fellas, I know this has been talked about many times before but I can’t help to be curious about some favorite casting rods. I’m in the market for some new equipment and would like some advice. I recently put together an okuma inspira size 20 reel and a 7’ okuma Celios rod. I love the reel but the light rod isn’t sensitive enough for casting jigs imo. I find myself reaching for my old casting rods if the bite is light. Those are 7’ sams super sensitive rods and quantum size 20 reels. I do not like the quantum reels. I’m thinking about 2 new 7’ sams paired with the okuma inspira reels. I’d like to put a set of casting rods/reels together for around the $300 area. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[DockShootinJack]

I have the same Okuma rods. I find them to be very sensitive when using braid. That is my go to dock shooting and casting rod. A lot of bites are nothing more than a heaviness on the line. I have yet to try a Sams Super Sensitive rod.

[Slab Slayen]

I’m used to the sams. I’d venture to say that your missing fish on the celios rods. I’ve noticed a big difference since the switch. Nothing against the rod, there just not sensitive enough


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[Slab Slayen]

Sometimes a twitch of the line is all it takes


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[scrat]

Well the 6' eagle claw rod and the pfluger president reel has been all I have needed for casting. The price of the whole rig was less than $100 so just buy 2 so if you break off or something just grab the other one to save fishing time and money.

[DockShootinJack]

I may have to order a Sams Super Sensitive to try

[SuperDave336]

They also have them sometimes at Walmart if you want to feel it before buying but be better to order from a sponsor like grizzly jig.

[CrappiePappy]

I have a Sam's Signature Series 7' rod (forerunner to the Sam's Super Sensitive ... actually the same except for the color, I think). It's a nice rod, but a bit too slow action for me. It has a more or less "parabolic" bend, and I've just gotten better hooksets & casting distance out of a fast action tip rod. For me, that rod is the 6'6" ESP PowerLite rod, sold thru Norsemen Outdoors (& Grizzly Jigs), which actually has a "very fast action" tip. I'd tell you what reel I have on it (that balances very well), except for the fact that the outfit is in the rod locker of my boat, waiting on me to take it fishing tomorrow. (& I'd have to look to be sure, as I am known to switch reels around on my casting outfits, now & then)

When putting together an outfit, I choose the rod & then find a reel that balances the outfit out. I want that rod/reel combo to basically balance on my outstretched finger, when my finger is around the very front edge of the rod handle. A balanced outfit like that becomes an extension of your arm, doesn't fatigue your wrist/forearm, and is more comfortable to use over a longer period of time than a tip heavy or butt heavy outfit.

[DockShootinJack]

I have a Sam's Signature Series 7' rod (forerunner to the Sam's Super Sensitive ... actually the same except for the color, I think). It's a nice rod, but a bit too slow action for me. It has a more or less "parabolic" bend, and I've just gotten better hooksets & casting distance out of a fast action tip rod. For me, that rod is the 6'6" ESP PowerLite rod, sold thru Norsemen Outdoors (& Grizzly Jigs), which actually has a "very fast action" tip. I'd tell you what reel I have on it (that balances very well), except for the fact that the outfit is in the rod locker of my boat, waiting on me to take it fishing tomorrow. (& I'd have to look to be sure, as I am known to switch reels around on my casting outfits, now & then)

When putting together an outfit, I choose the rod & then find a reel that balances the outfit out. I want that rod/reel combo to basically balance on my outstretched finger, when my finger is around the very front edge of the rod handle. A balanced outfit like that becomes an extension of your arm, doesn't fatigue your wrist/forearm, and is more comfortable to use over a longer period of time than a tip heavy or butt heavy outfit.

I am in agreement about the balance of a rod and reel. The right balance also seems to help the rod feel more sensitive to me. Good balance allows to rod to sit cradled in the hand. No need to grip it tightly. A fast action tip with some backbone suits my style of fishing very well.

[skeetbum]

I also agree about balance being very important. It might be above your budget line but I want to have you feel what is on the top of my next rod to buy list. It’s a St Croix premier 66lf one piece. Put a President 6930 on it and feel what I fell in love with. Good tip and some backbone also. Spooled with 4 lb line of choice it will cast a 1/32 jig a long ways. About $120 for the rod and $50 for the reel.