New senko rod--suggestions?

jpbriscoe · Post by **jpbriscoe** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:19 pm

I'm priming to buy a new spinning rod. I'll use it mostly for senkos, but also for tubes, light jigs and texas rigs, flukes and other plastics. I want it at least seven feet with a fast tip, and rated for 8-14 lb. line. I also have a preference for split grips, and I have a budget of about $230. I have a few ideas--Cumara, St. Croix Legend Bass, the Loomis Spin Jig series--but I'd appreciate suggestions!

Vince Borges · Post by **Vince Borges** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:28 pm

Check out the Phenix UMBXS706 at the bottom of this page,
http://www.phenixrods.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5
There is also a pic of it at the very top of the page. Super light rod and VERY sensitive! It is about $20.00 more than what you have for cost but Sooooo worth it!

Nevadaboy · Post by **Nevadaboy** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:34 pm

Check out Denali Rods you wont reget it their spinning reels are laget.
http://denalirods.com/rosewoodmatrix.aspx

bryanmc · Post by **bryanmc** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 4:33 pm

Powell Max 733

Leon Pugh · Post by **Leon Pugh** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 4:53 pm

I replaced my Loomis and Powell rods with Dobyns. My favorite is a 704 Champion, they run about $240. I believe the 704 is the most versatile rod you can own. The Savy 704 in my opinion is a better rod than the Powells or the Loomis IMX that I sold. The Savy's run about $160. If you want it a little longer they have a 764. If you live in the Sacramento area give me a call and I will loan you one to try out before you buy. Check them out, for the same money I do not think any other rod compares.
916 333 4105

Mike Tuck · Post by **Mike Tuck** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:57 pm

the new Powell 764C endurance is well suited for flipping and casting senkos. If you are more looking just for flipping senkos on heavier line I would try the Powell 765MH. For light line spinning rod senkos I prefer the Powell 6103 M ex. fast.

Lots of good recommendations in this thread, and theses are the ones I would look at.

these are all $169.99

Mike Tuck

godzilla · Post by **godzilla** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:28 pm

POWELL!!

froteur · Post by **froteur** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:33 pm

Vince Borges wrote:Check out the Phenix UMBXS706 at the bottom of this page,
http://www.phenixrods.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5
There is also a pic of it at the very top of the page. Super light rod and VERY sensitive! It is about $20.00 more than what you have for cost but Sooooo worth it!

X2

Austen · Post by **Austen** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:36 pm

Dobyns 743! Best Lake rod i've ever used!

DL · Post by DL » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:08 am

These are the spinning rods I use for wacky senkos. Got my Personal best 10+ lber on the 6'10" model throwing a wacky senko on Memorial day at Diamond Valley last year.

http://www.kistlerrods.com/p/fishing-ro ... H610S.html

http://www.kistlerrods.com/p/fishing-ro ... FS69S.html

Peacheater81 · Post by **Peacheater81** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:42 am

I use my senkos on a Dobyns DX743c...amazing!

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 2:55 pm

Been there done that when referring to the high dollar rods. Why spend so much on a rod when there is yet one more to consider . I have spent thousands of dollars on some of the brands mentioned only to be disappointed in the durability . I recantly picked up a fairly new make , played with the sencitivity , balance and overall feel as well as compaired the pricing and warrenty. There is only one that can give you all of the above and still keep it in the average joes price range. Are you ready ? THE IROD. Check it out , for the price and comparable warrenty you cant go wrong. Spinning 7'1". line 6-12ex.fast or 7'1" line 8-16 ex fast. Also have a great selection on casting models. Currently have 3 and waiting for a forth . The Jr. swimbait . If anybody is looking for an all around work horse check out the Freds Frog Magic stick. Not just a frog rod ! 149.00 accross the board.

Rod Wynn · Post by **Rod Wynn** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 2:59 pm

Vince Borges wrote:Check out the Phenix UMBXS706 at the bottom of this page,
http://www.phenixrods.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5
There is also a pic of it at the very top of the page. Super light rod and VERY sensitive! It is about $20.00 more than what you have for cost but Sooooo worth it!

X3 and many, many more...

DPetty · Post by **DPetty** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:32 pm

Based on the information you've presented in your request I believe this rod will best suit your needs:

It is a Champion 704SF

cork-split 704SF 7' 1pc. 10-20lb, 1/4-1oz, Med/Hvy Fast Action Texas Rigs, Jigs, Flukes, Senkos, Floating Worms $239.99

The line rating is a little heavier then your spec. but, I feel the action built into this rod makes it the perfect spinning rod for your request.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks and have a great day

Don Petty

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:09 pm

You might look at "Fred's Finesse Stick" by IRod. This is a very versitile spinning rod and the retail price is less than $150.

If your in northern california you can check them out at both C&C Marine locations and if your in Southern California you can check them out at Tackle Express in Canyon Country.

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:40 pm

You at least owe it to yourself to demo a Dobyns rod.

http://www.dobynsrods.com/rods.html

If you want some great bang for the buck...

cork-split SS 703 SF 7' 1pc. 8-17lb, 3/16-5/8oz, Medium Fast Action Jigs, Texas Rigs, Senkos, Shaky Heads $159.99

You want to take a jump up in quality...

cork-split 703SF 7' 1pc. 8-17lb, 3/16-5/8oz, Medium Fast Action Jigs, Texas Rigs, Senkos, Shaky Heads $239.99
cork-split 704SF 7' 1pc. 10-20lb, 1/4-1oz, Med/Hvy Fast Action Texas Rigs, Jigs, Flukes, Senkos, Floating Worms $239.99

You want the cream of the crop,

cork-split DX 703SF 7' 1pc. 8-17lb, 3/16-5/8oz, Medium Fast Action Jigs, Texas Rigs, Senkos, Dartheads, Shaky Heads $319.99

They are all great rods and are a real pleasure to fish with.

Good luck,

-Nips-

resqd1 · Post by **resqd1** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:14 pm

Denali

Rosewood 842 or 843, I throw senkos on 8 lb on my 842 and love the feel, just hooked into a few delta 3 lbers on friday with it.

Grant

basslayer · Post by **basslayer** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:58 pm

Powell 733 max or the Endurance 712. Both rods would be great senko rods. Feel free to PM me or call anytime about these or any other rods.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:08 am

Any of the better rods will do the job.
Try one of each, and then decide.
Don't buy a name, or spend more just to have a name rod.
Price isn't always an indicater of quality, either, but the local builders, like Dobyns, Irod, and some of the others mentioned, spend the extra $ on components, not corporate infrastructure.

Billy Skinner · Post by **Billy Skinner** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:17 pm

Hands down the Freds power finess stick by IROD! 8-16 pound with an ex fast action I believe it fits the profile perfectly and know you will be more then satisfied . Also as was stated in an earlier post they are only $150.00 with an amazing warranty and outstanding service. If your local tackle shop doesn't have them yet you can find them on tackle warehouse as well. Good luck on your hunt and wish you the best!

elfish16 · Post by **elfish16** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:35 am

agreed with Billy on the power stick by Irod....if you are looking at a casting version, the 7'4" irod Mag Medium is also very very nice for the senko!

Topwater All Day · Post by **Topwater All Day** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:26 am

Lot's of great choices mentioned here and you should probably try some out before you decide. Plenty of pro-staffers and others that will hook you up if you ask.

I personally use this as my Senko rod and love it:

St Croix Mojo Spinning
MBS68MXF / Wacky Style
http://www.outdoorproshop.com/St-Croix- ... x-mojo.htm

I pretty much throw them wacky all the time now and this rod does exactly what I want it to - plenty of backbone for a spinning rod and nice and sensitive. Also makes a great flick shake rod too!

Good luck!

Rob

offduty · Post by **offduty** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 12:03 pm

I dont even use a spinning rod for casting Senko's anymore since I have discovered the Daiwa Pixy. The reel casts light baits a long way and I can cast more accurately with it. I upgrade to a carbon fiber drag and add ABEC 7 bearings from Boca as this is a reel with a weak drag. I add the bearings for casting distance and throw it on Kistler Magnesium Senko rod. There are always deals on Kistlers on Ebay, usually you can get a rod for close to half price brand new especially from Simmon's Sporting goods.

onemocast · Post by **onemocast** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 4:25 pm

ABU GARCIA VENDETTA VRC70-6 MED HVY, ITS A GREAT SENKO ROD FOR OPEN WATER (LAKES), OR DELTA/CLEAR LAKE APPLICATIONS. THE ROD IS ONLY $100 AND HANDLES AND PERFORMS LIKE ANY "HIGH END" ROD OUT THERE. MADE WITH 30 TON GRAPHITE AND AN EXPOSED REEL SEAT, THE SENSITIVITY IS GREAT, SUPER LIGHT, SUPER TOUGH GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE OF THESE!

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:26 pm

You've already heard a number of guys suggest Dobyns. I agree. I sold most all of my loomis rods and bought Dobyn's. Really great bang for the buck. The 743 and 703 would both work well. I like the 743 myself.

Ceaser · Post by **Ceaser** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:38 am

Whats a spinning rod?!

Beach Steve Biechman · Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:08 am

If I was building the senko rod I would use a Phenix blank.

Beach

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:05 pm

For me, Lately I have been spending lots of my time on Berryessa and I can't get enough of those damm SENKOS!!! So if you got clear water and feel going finesse try a Dobyns Champion 701 spinning or Dobyns Extreme 701 spinning...
i got both of my rods matched with Shimano Stradic CI4 3000 and 2500 series both spooled with 6lb Seaguar AbrazX. These rods are PERFECT!!!

201Pro · Post by **201Pro** » Tue May 08, 2012 8:01 pm

I love the dobyns 763 for stinkos!! ;0)

Rod Wynn · Post by **Rod Wynn** » Tue May 08, 2012 8:30 pm

8.44 caught using a Senko on a Phenix Rod last Friday..

Bendo!!

VangBass1 · Post by **VangBass1** » Tue May 08, 2012 11:07 pm

Why spend $200 and up, try the dobyns 703 Savvy at $160. It's a great rod and trust me, it's well worth the money. The money saved can be used towards a Ci4, looks good and feels good together.

Tin Can · Post by **Tin Can** » Fri May 11, 2012 10:49 am

onemocast wrote:ABU GARCIA VENDETTA VRC70-6 MED HVY, ITS A GREAT SENKO ROD FOR OPEN WATER (LAKES), OR DELTA/CLEAR LAKE APPLICATIONS. THE ROD IS ONLY $100 AND HANDLES AND PERFORMS LIKE ANY "HIGH END" ROD OUT THERE. MADE WITH 30 TON GRAPHITE AND AN EXPOSED REEL SEAT, THE SENSITIVITY IS GREAT, SUPER LIGHT, SUPER TOUGH GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE OF THESE!

These rods are way tip heavy, I do not like mine at all. This is an honest non prostaff opinion after having fished this rod for a few months. I wouldn't buy another one.

gabuelhaj · Post by **gabuelhaj** » Fri May 11, 2012 12:15 pm

I would check out the Powell Max 733 and here's why; the components, the construction, the balance, the feel, the blank action, and the length make this a great rod for the money, and for your application. You can do more with this rod than just fish Senko's too. Also, Powell has a very good customer service reputation and there's a reason for that, they stand behind their product. For $169, that's is a very good value for an excellent product.

Good luck!

brambo0311 · Post by **brambo0311** » Fri May 11, 2012 1:11 pm

I would go with a 4 power rod at least. Those 6" senkos weight about an ounce. My 703 Powell will throw the 5" but I step up to a 704 when I toss the 6". Tubes I use a 702 since I use 1/16 ounce to 1/4 mostly. And a spinning rod on a falling bait is a secret, don't tell nobody.

One rod for senkos and tubes can work well, but not perfect IMO.

froteur · Post by **froteur** » Fri May 11, 2012 1:26 pm

brambo0311 wrote:I would go with a 4 power rod at least. Those 6" senkos weight about an ounce. My 703 Powell will throw the 5" but I step up to a 704 when I toss the 6". Tubes I use a 702 since I use 1/16 ounce to 1/4 mostly. And a spinning rod on a falling bait is a secret, don't tell nobody.

One rod for senkos and tubes can work well, but not perfect IMO.

6" senkos are 5/8 ounce. 7" are 7/8 ounce.

brambo0311 · Post by **brambo0311** » Fri May 11, 2012 2:55 pm

froteur wrote:
brambo0311 wrote:I would go with a 4 power rod at least. Those 6" senkos weight about an ounce. My 703 Powell will throw the 5" but I step up to a 704 when I toss the 6". Tubes I use a 702 since I use 1/16 ounce to 1/4 mostly. And a spinning rod on a falling bait is a secret, don't tell nobody.

One rod for senkos and tubes can work well, but not perfect IMO.
6" senkos are 5/8 ounce. 7" are 7/8 ounce.

I was wrong, still a solid bait with some weight to it. The 7" is almost a ounce.

froteur · Post by **froteur** » Fri May 11, 2012 6:41 pm

brambo0311 wrote:
froteur wrote:
brambo0311 wrote:I would go with a 4 power rod at least. Those 6" senkos weight about an ounce. My 703 Powell will throw the 5" but I step up to a 704 when I toss the 6". Tubes I use a 702 since I use 1/16 ounce to 1/4 mostly. And a spinning rod on a falling bait is a secret, don't tell nobody.

One rod for senkos and tubes can work well, but not perfect IMO.
6" senkos are 5/8 ounce. 7" are 7/8 ounce.
I was wrong, still a solid bait with some weight to it. The 7" is almost a ounce.

my "go to" senko is the 6" one.

george · Post by **george** » Tue May 15, 2012 8:33 pm

You need to check out Cal West Custom Rods, Dennis will build you a custom rod exactly to the specs you need and I promise you it will be a rod that you will cherish. Call Dennis at 559-683-0668 and just talk to him, the materials are the best in the industry and the quality of workmanship and warranty are at a level by themselves.

I have five Cal West Rods, four of them I purchased after using one that was given to me as a gift! I have fished with the best stuff out there and these will make you smile, they are one of a kind!

Just call Dennis and talk to him to get the specifics, the worst thing that can happen is that you learn something new.

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