Jigging Rods With 17# load

[MrBill]

I read where the average offshore fisherman uses 17 pounds of drag when fighting larger fish. So, I put four different jigging rods to the test by lifting 17 pounds of sash weights 3 inches off the ground. I had the camera in the same place and stood in the same place for the pictures.

The Trevela XXH was a wet noodle. The line was touching the rod between the reel and the first guide. I wouldn't put more than 10 pounds of drag if using the XXH Trevela. A great rod for the money, but if targeting fish over 25 pounds expect to have patients and spend some time on the fish.

Of the four, If I was just jigging for Amberjacks at the rigs, I would stick with the Zenaq Monster Buster. It could probably take 30 pounds of constant drag with no problems.

The Genesis Oceancraft Long Range Special is a great all around jigging rod with good lifting power.

The Tuna Max F-400XH is another fine all around jigging rod with excellent recovery and lifting power. Very well made with premium components.

[MrBill]

Originally Posted by Pope

The angler was a little steeper on those other rods, but that Zenaq is tough, no doubt!

"The Angler" went to the trouble of measuring 24 inches from the tip of the rod to the knot at the weights on all lifts. "The Angler" was wearing a rod belt and each rod was stuck in the gimble slot. "The Angler" stopped the lift when the weights were 3 inches off the ground, then the picture was taken. "The Angler" has decided not to post any more pictures.

[Bazztex]

Mr Bill

I beleive Pope ment to type Angle meaning the bend Angle of each rod??

Anyhow keep up the good info and photos..excellent work!

Bazz

[DavidG]

[quote=DeepBlueGulf]
I have a couple of old Shimano Beastmaster rods that had a special hard flat rubber surface on the foregrip so you could pinch the line against it for extra drag or lifting power. Very cool rods! I keep thinking one of them would make a great jigging rod, except for the weight.

/QUOTE]

I use a 6' Beastmaster thats rated for 50-100# for my jigging rod. Here's a pic similar to MrBills will the drag set at 20# and line slowly coming off the reel as the pic was taken. I've had the rod forever and its still one of my favorite rods to fish with.

You can also see my cheap $5 rod huki knockoff. Works pretty good and takes about 5 minutes to make. This one is made with 1" pvc parts and I've got another made with 1 1/4 pvc parts that fit my other rods.

[MrBill]

DaveG,

That old beastmaster looks good with 20# of drag. What is line rating printed on the rod? Also, I like your inexpensive rod huki. Cheaper than the ones below. The good thing about the rod huki is the fact that it floats if you drop it overboard.

[dt4539]

Zenaq B60H Monster Buster - where can I buy that rod?

[DeepBlueGulf]

David,

That Beastmaster looks like it's handling that load pretty well. I haven't wanted to put mine to that test, but maybe I will. If I do I'll post some pictures. I have a 5'6" rod (1556SF) that I'd like to try. I think it's only rated 30-80, so it probably wouldn't do the whole 20 lbs.

Tom - DBG

[STx Fisherman]

Thanks for the pics and info Mr. Bill. I now realize that I have a couple of wet noodles that need replacing.

[DeepBlueGulf]

I finally got around to seeing what my Shimano Beastmaster rod looked like while trying to lift some weight. I'd given all my lead to Snagged recently, so all I had was a 19lb brass propeller. The girl next door helped with the pics.

Here's my antique Beastmaster 1556 30-80 rod lifting the propeller, and yes, Michelle is really leaning back to get it up. Only lifted it about an inch, but it's up.

MichelleJiggingBeastmaster2.jpg

Here's a picture of Michelle pulling on the Trevala, trying to lift the same 19lbs. Rod doesn't look as whipped as Mr. Bill's, so maybe there is a difference in some of the rods? This one still touched the rod between the first guide and reel, and actually the line dropped below the blank when we tried to lift the rod angle higher.

MichelleJiggingTrevalaXXH1.jpg


Michelle says "sell the 50, get a new Accurate 2speed 870"


MichelleJiggingTrevalaXXH2.jpg

When I get time I'll pull out the Calstar 700H to give it a try to see what it looks like.

Tom - DBG

[Ragman]

Michelle knows her reels! lol

[tngbmt]

Michelle knows her reels! lol

Where can i find a woman like that .... since some members may not have been around long enuf to remember .. it's a lyric.