I enjoy these videos and have learned some new stuff. But many of us have been fishing with ultralight lures for decades, and for me, it has been the primary approach for a long time. It seems like a lot of YT videos discuss this as some new approach and it surprises me. I guess some younger folks who have been used to fishing with heavier gear since they started fishing, would see the light lure approach as something new. But its nice to see improvements in gear, especially rods with better design, more strength and better quality guides - your videos are a great addition to that. Much of my older gear still works, its just fun to see the new stuff too, thanks.
Thanks guys, great video. I'm gonna fly out west, just come to hook up tackle. You guys are the best!!!! Then hit the cali delta for some bass action!!! Now thats a bucket list trip!!!!!!
Would you stack the X10 Medusa up against these guys too? Looking for something to throw finesse swimbaits, open hook dropshot, midstroll, bfs hardbaits, and hair jigs. Most likely on 10lb braid to 7lb fluro leader. More of a deeper water rod
Great video as always breaking down technique specific rods and tackle! I own 2 Megabass P5 baby plugging rods and while the rod is shorter, it still does great job for all around finesses plastics, like Keitech 1/16 ounce finesse mono spin jigs with 2” swim bait trailer or throwing 50 mm to 65 mm JDM finesse hard baits for river smallmouth in VA and PA where I do a lot of kayak fishing.
After two decades of being a weekend warrior, I now know what I didn't know. Thank you Ben.! Hmm....Chris Johnson.?? Please explain. Cheers Hook Up Tackle from Australia.
For Christmas i got a Megabass Shoreluck bait finesse saltwater casting rod 7,2 up to 1/2 oz ,i have used it a couple of times casting 1/4 oz up to 3/8 spoons,fishing for trout,only caught small ones 12-15 inch The rod is super fast,cast a mile and are a true pleasure to use Tight Lines🎣🙂
I got the St. Croix 7’10” hair jig rod from y’all last January and used it for all my spinning in the Spring just to see if it would hold up to Summer smallies up North. It fishes great and will toss puff-ball hair jigs farther than anything else that I have. It’s landed 100+ four and five pound smallies. I like my NRX rods and “The One” Steez but the Victory rod is great also and hard to beat for the money.
Great video & content. Zodias 5-12g for my finess & drop shot a budget rod but good enough for now. Perhaps a G Loomis or a Megabass is my next go to 👊
Great video! Can someone give me advice on what kind of spinning gear I need to throw fresh AND saltwater flys? I'm disabled in a wheelchair so I can't get into the water to use typical fly fishing gear and due to bilateral rotator cuff injuries I also cannot whip a fly type rod back and forth over my head. Thanks guys! Merry Christmas and have a happy and prosperous New Year! John
Canadian smallmouth guy . For the cost justification aspect , I aim to higher end but multi use . Only spinning rod I own . 901 NRX 3000 reel 8 braid . Hair jig . Spy bait . Light stuff . But light finesse bait casting . Is a unexplored area with most . Loomis 892 50!series reel 8 pound braid . Will open some eyes . At 1/4 ounce bait . Less distance but accuracy .
That Megabass handle feels amazing with tip up applications, but gets awkward when working a bait with the tip down. Really is only an issue for jerkbait and topwater which I don’t throw on spinning anyways.
Chris has the best hair jig rod. The one is probably the most versatile rod but probably the worst at actual hair jig fishing. The Flyssa is the best all purpose small finesse rod. That rod is the best spybait rod made. Get the Flyssa unless you are literally only using it for hair jigs.
Any size can do "most" things. Just depends on your test. For bank fishing, which is the only way i can fish because i have no boat, my certate 2500 is always getting spooled, so id stick with the 3s and up unless you have tons of docks. If your boating it probably wouldnt make a difference.
Fyi I've heard in shimano vanford line up, the 2500 has better drag than 3000. Jacob Wheeler is one of them said it. Lately 3000 are same reel size but hold more line.
Any chance anyone knows how much of a difference there is between the Daiwa Tatula Elite Feider and the Steez 'the one'? Would the steez be worth the jump?
Not really. You need a longer rod with a L-Ml power. I know shimano and daiwa do make these rods in lower price points like tatula and curado but none of the levante or orochi rods can properly load a hair jig, including the whipsnake which is the lightest power rod in either lineup.
Depends on the weight of your jig. The 901 is best for 1/16 oz, 902 is best for 1/8. Based off most Ontario guys, including myself, the 901 is the rod you really want. For clear water smallmouth, it casts the furthest and in super shallow water, its whippyness is essential.
I have an early Daiwa Tatula (TAT6111MLXS ML XF) rod. Specs are 1/64 - 1/4, 3-10 fluro. I use this rod for all my micro jig fishing. Does Daiwa or anyone else make a rod with these specs? I should mention the rod was $149 and has a solid tip. Thanks.
The Nrx 901 has a life time warranty and is made in America. Mega bass is made in China with a 3 yr warranty. I have yet to see a 901 bent to the rod handle. If your fishing 6lb test the 901 will never bend pass mid way with a correctly set drag. The Megas bass rod is a good rod in any case. Just not a NRX by which all other rods are measured.
With fineness fishing is 1/8 ounce to 1/80 is the money shot for dropping with 6 lbs monofilament line is best rod under 6 foot long I like 5'10" good for 8 lbs line to 6 lbs monofilament with no problem. I'm using size 10 or 20 is called fineness fishing with a size 40 10 lbs line ⁉️🤦🏼 that's not fineness fishing with. I've seen people call fineness 3/8 ounce 😅 that's 10.5 g around with medium power fast Action rod. Is light power rod or Altra light power moderate fast Action rod. Don't like stiff rod's.
SORRY FELLAS, NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD $200-$599 FOR A ROD. TRY MAKING A BUDGET FRIENDLY VIDEO VERSON. THINK CO- ANGLERS WE ARE ON A TIGHT BUDGET. AT THOSE PRICES THATS TACKLE, ENTRY FEE, GAS, AND FOOD. 😂
@holdengamble9776 Well smart ass, everyone can get ideas and strategies from others. Otherwise, you act like you know it all and then get humbled. Sometimes, better fishermen can put you on game to improve yourself. No one just knows how to tie all fishing knots or what bait to throw in every situation. Many pros have asked locals for advice. If you don't know, u ask questions.
I enjoy these videos and have learned some new stuff. But many of us have been fishing with ultralight lures for decades, and for me, it has been the primary approach for a long time. It seems like a lot of YT videos discuss this as some new approach and it surprises me. I guess some younger folks who have been used to fishing with heavier gear since they started fishing, would see the light lure approach as something new. But its nice to see improvements in gear, especially rods with better design, more strength and better quality guides - your videos are a great addition to that. Much of my older gear still works, its just fun to see the new stuff too, thanks.
So stoked you guys came out with this video. I’ve been waiting for this.
Awesome vid! Great topic. Truly appreciate when you guys tackle rod specs related to techniques. Good stuff.
Thanks guys, great video. I'm gonna fly out west, just come to hook up tackle. You guys are the best!!!! Then hit the cali delta for some bass action!!! Now thats a bucket list trip!!!!!!
Would you stack the X10 Medusa up against these guys too? Looking for something to throw finesse swimbaits, open hook dropshot, midstroll, bfs hardbaits, and hair jigs. Most likely on 10lb braid to 7lb fluro leader. More of a deeper water rod
JDUB, getting crushed citied in his comment section for the bronco bug is hilarious! LOVE you guys!
Keitech: Copies Lake Fork Tackle Hyper Freak
Hook Up Tackle and fans: *Crickets*
Good to know
Great video! Would love to see more finesse videos in the future.
Great video as always breaking down technique specific rods and tackle! I own 2 Megabass P5 baby plugging rods and while the rod is shorter, it still does great job for all around finesses plastics, like Keitech 1/16 ounce finesse mono spin jigs with 2” swim bait trailer or throwing 50 mm to 65 mm JDM finesse hard baits for river smallmouth in VA and PA where I do a lot of kayak fishing.
After two decades of being a weekend warrior, I now know what I didn't know. Thank you Ben.! Hmm....Chris Johnson.?? Please explain. Cheers Hook Up Tackle from Australia.
Finally! I’ve been waiting for the second Geoff episode
For Christmas i got a Megabass Shoreluck bait finesse saltwater casting rod 7,2 up to 1/2 oz ,i have used it a couple of times casting 1/4 oz up to 3/8 spoons,fishing for trout,only caught small ones 12-15 inch The rod is super fast,cast a mile and are a true pleasure to use Tight Lines🎣🙂
I got the St. Croix 7’10” hair jig rod from y’all last January and used it for all my spinning in the Spring just to see if it would hold up to Summer smallies up North. It fishes great and will toss puff-ball hair jigs farther than anything else that I have. It’s landed 100+ four and five pound smallies. I like my NRX rods and “The One” Steez but the Victory rod is great also and hard to beat for the money.
Great video & content. Zodias 5-12g for my finess & drop shot a budget rod but good enough for now. Perhaps a G Loomis or a Megabass is my next go to 👊
Great video! Can someone give me advice on what kind of spinning gear I need to throw fresh AND saltwater flys? I'm disabled in a wheelchair so I can't get into the water to use typical fly fishing gear and due to bilateral rotator cuff injuries I also cannot whip a fly type rod back and forth over my head. Thanks guys! Merry Christmas and have a happy and prosperous New Year!
John
Canadian smallmouth guy . For the cost justification aspect , I aim to higher end but multi use . Only spinning rod I own . 901 NRX 3000 reel 8 braid . Hair jig . Spy bait . Light stuff . But light finesse bait casting . Is a unexplored area with most . Loomis 892 50!series reel 8 pound braid . Will open some eyes . At 1/4 ounce bait . Less distance but accuracy .
That Megabass handle feels amazing with tip up applications, but gets awkward when working a bait with the tip down. Really is only an issue for jerkbait and topwater which I don’t throw on spinning anyways.
Just got my first order from you guys delivered yesterday. Quality shit is an understatement 🔥 My bank account is gonna hate y’all 😂
How does the GLoomis NRX+ 902s or the Conquest 902s compare to the suggested models?
Merry Christmas to you all! You know when more spin elseil ll will be back in? Thanks
Chris has the best hair jig rod. The one is probably the most versatile rod but probably the worst at actual hair jig fishing. The Flyssa is the best all purpose small finesse rod. That rod is the best spybait rod made. Get the Flyssa unless you are literally only using it for hair jigs.
Do you guys ever drop to a 2500 or 2000 size reel? Is 3000 the move for most things?
Any size can do "most" things. Just depends on your test. For bank fishing, which is the only way i can fish because i have no boat, my certate 2500 is always getting spooled, so id stick with the 3s and up unless you have tons of docks. If your boating it probably wouldnt make a difference.
I’ll drop to a 2500 to balance the rod if needed, but for longer rods and long casts the 3000 is the deal
Fyi I've heard in shimano vanford line up, the 2500 has better drag than 3000. Jacob Wheeler is one of them said it. Lately 3000 are same reel size but hold more line.
Any chance anyone knows how much of a difference there is between the Daiwa Tatula Elite Feider and the Steez 'the one'? Would the steez be worth the jump?
Here In Michigan a 100 series is ultra lite I fish for giants with a 2500 3000 4000 here. Merry Xmas to you and your buds Thier
Any of the Lavante spinning rods work. Trying to ball on a budget …
Not really. You need a longer rod with a L-Ml power. I know shimano and daiwa do make these rods in lower price points like tatula and curado but none of the levante or orochi rods can properly load a hair jig, including the whipsnake which is the lightest power rod in either lineup.
Does the 902 fit in this category?
Depends on the weight of your jig. The 901 is best for 1/16 oz, 902 is best for 1/8. Based off most Ontario guys, including myself, the 901 is the rod you really want. For clear water smallmouth, it casts the furthest and in super shallow water, its whippyness is essential.
I have an early Daiwa Tatula (TAT6111MLXS ML XF) rod. Specs are 1/64 - 1/4, 3-10 fluro. I use this rod for all my micro jig fishing. Does Daiwa or anyone else make a rod with these specs? I should mention the rod was $149 and has a solid tip. Thanks.
The Nrx 901 has a life time warranty and is made in America. Mega bass is made in China with a 3 yr warranty.
I have yet to see a 901 bent to the rod handle. If your fishing 6lb test the 901 will never bend pass mid way with a correctly set drag.
The Megas bass rod is a good rod in any case. Just not a NRX by which all other rods are measured.
With fineness fishing is 1/8 ounce to 1/80 is the money shot for dropping with 6 lbs monofilament line is best rod under 6 foot long I like 5'10" good for 8 lbs line to 6 lbs monofilament with no problem. I'm using size 10 or 20 is called fineness fishing with a size 40 10 lbs line ⁉️🤦🏼 that's not fineness fishing with. I've seen people call fineness 3/8 ounce 😅 that's 10.5 g around with medium power fast Action rod. Is light power rod or Altra light power moderate fast Action rod. Don't like stiff rod's.
SORRY FELLAS, NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD $200-$599 FOR A ROD. TRY MAKING A BUDGET FRIENDLY VIDEO VERSON. THINK CO- ANGLERS WE ARE ON A TIGHT BUDGET. AT THOSE PRICES THATS TACKLE, ENTRY FEE, GAS, AND FOOD. 😂
Shimano Curado and Zodias have 7'6 L power rods that work for hair. Daiwa Tatula has one as well, haven't tried it though.
if you need to watch a video to know what rod to buy then you’re probably not going to win the tournament anyways.
@holdengamble9776 Well smart ass, everyone can get ideas and strategies from others. Otherwise, you act like you know it all and then get humbled. Sometimes, better fishermen can put you on game to improve yourself. No one just knows how to tie all fishing knots or what bait to throw in every situation. Many pros have asked locals for advice. If you don't know, u ask questions.
you must be new here lol.
Nothing wrong with budget rods. But we just like being a little extra and irresponsible 😈🤣
I have taken a lot of rods they suggest. Research them and apply them to lower end rods that are still great!
red on red is disgraceful. Ben should know better.
Bla bla bla... waste of money! 1 rod for all fishing! The mighty UGLY STIK! Hands down best rods ever!
I wonder how many fish you miss
Now that is Funny