[Mud turtle]

Looking for a heavy popping rod for new england. Not targeting cape cod giants but may run into the occasional 70" fish. Would like to pair with a 14k. Any suggestions? Have experience with the Black hole Challenger bank 801H; but wondering what other options may be out there.

 

[D421]

Tons of options out there. Black Hole Nano (or graphite, but I like the nano in 8' personally-this is a rod I think matches better on the 18k but would work great on the 14k as well), Shimano Ocea Plugger, or one that I just put on on the deflection board and think may be my new favorite is the Nomad Offshore Spin H 50-80. A spectacular rod and will only cost you $400. Before getting my hands on that rod I would have also included the Grappler Type C in H but for $30 more bucks you get SiC vs Alconite guides and imho a better blank->you can also probably get it cheaper than the Grppler as Nomad typically isn't on the list of discount prohibited brands most tackle shops put out when they run a sale. You can also stray into the JDM brands and skys the limit on prices and choices...Just as a FYI, the 14k is a XH popping reel which probably wouldn't match too well with the BH CB801H which is designed as more of a jigging rod per the description from BH.

 

[7sport]

As mentioned above, there are some good JDM options in this category. Rods from Ripple Fisher, Yamaga Blanks, and Zenaq, while not in abundance by any means, are readily available here.

 

[Boston Tangler]

Yamaga Blanks Blue Sniper

Jigging popping high end tackle specialists

tacklenow.com

The Yamaga Blue Sniper 81/6 or 81/8 is a really nice rod, easy to fast accurately with distance doesn't beat up your back really pretty amazing blank they have there ...

 

[bnz]

Why is it that whenever someone asks for a popping rod nowadays everyone starts listing rods that are stick bait rods? Needless to say they are some great rods, but there is a difference between a popping rod and a stick bait rod.

Want a true popping rod? Check out the phenix titan H.

 

[explorer]

Want a true popping rod? Check out the phenix titan H.

Hey BNZ, I am eyeing on the TPX 790H2. Have you used one of those? I will be using 90-110 gram popper.

TPX-S 790H-2

 

[bnz]

I’ve used the tpx-800M for years, plenty strong enough, supposed to handle like 32kg of drag. The H is just stronger, I believe 36kg. For smaller 90-110 gm poppers I’d look at the M.

 

[InshoreSlayer84]

Yamaga Blue Reef 710/10 Chugger will handle poppers with ease!

 

[nmprisons]

I use the Zenaq Tobizo rods and couldn't be happier. (I've tried many of the JDM competitors and am sold on Zenaq.) Tomo's Tackle carriers them in the US and ships.

 

[Hammer11388]

Zacks custom rods

 

[Rhett]

Zacks custom rods

That’s what I have and it’s the bomb!

 

[nmc02]

So many decent rods out there...and junk. I have tried many. My biggest problem w many rods is the warranty. So many expensive rods w a 1 year warranty. Ridiculous. I would look at the Howk bullfighter 250 (lifetime warranty), the Phenix Meglodon (love mine), or a Vanstaal Vs 70-500(discontinued). The Centaur & Jigging World rods are great for the money. I love saltywatertackle obx rods, but a 1 yr warranty for an $800 rod is Ridiculous.