Now I know some jigstick throw certain jigs better than others but I’m looking to get my first stick and want to know what the everyone’s opinion is on which stick will throw the biggest selection.
Best versatile/overall jigstick
- Thread starter Jalberto3767
- Start date
pinhead ulua 93h or a calstar 90J. Test both see which feel you like better. I personally really like the way 90Js load up. Neither of these rods are expensive.
No self respecting jig chucker has only 1. I tried that approach and have over 12 now. No such thing as a do it all. It's like asking about comfy shoes...you gotta try a bunch out to see what feels good to YOU. I personally hate graphite jigsticks like Teramars and the like. Too stiff. I like more moderate actions like fiberglass has. I can do composites but it has to be the right one. I don't like the Seeker composites, they just don't fit my style (plus they are confusing as fuck..whole 'nother thread). Have at it and go try some. You'll figure it out as well as the reason you can't have just 1.
Do a search...there is probably more info here pound for pound on jigsticks than anything else.
Do a search...there is probably more info here pound for pound on jigsticks than anything else.
I liked the CSJ100 wished i wouldn't have sold it.A Tady 45 was about as heavy a jig as it could handle.I also had a Seeker 530 that i sold and don't miss it.A Tady 45 was a little too light for that one IMO.A lot of it depends on what iron you're throwing,how strong you are and the size of the target fish.
I'm still searching for one and have 5 now. Also still on the fence on the graphite mix rods. I just ordered a Calstar BTG 90J MAG blanks to build.
90J 93H are good for turning a fish heading for the rocks but don't cast well. 724 Harnell casts a country mile but not a lot of back bone. So something in the middle of all around jig throwing. Ulua 100H for heavy jigs maybe, F100 for the lighter ones. Then what material? A calstar glass 540 throws good and has power when you need it. Start with 5 or 6 and pick the one that fits the conditions
You absolutely need a gg95j-mag.
One and done.
One and done.
Seeker 6490 is pretty versatile stick
The rod will always be secondary to technique. I’d recommend starting with a modest length/moderate action, say 8’6” to 9’, and get to work on building the muscle memory. Go up or down from there. As most have stated—it’s hard to settle on just one. But it’s definitely easier to find what’s right for you once your fundamental jig casting skills are in place. And then, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on what works for you.
I remember casting a highly regarded Harnell once, and thinking, “this is the stupidest rod I’ve ever handled!”. To many, it’s a Holy Grail. Not for me, though...
I remember casting a highly regarded Harnell once, and thinking, “this is the stupidest rod I’ve ever handled!”. To many, it’s a Holy Grail. Not for me, though...
I broke my Seeker F100 (don’t ask, it wasn’t a fish) but that might have been the most versatile stick I had. Fished small jigs well but also handled yellows and bluefin to 75lbs pretty well.
I mostly fish UCs now, a ce1000wahoo is pretty good from JRI3 sizes jigs on up. A reaper isn’t a bad starter stick too, little faster than a traditional jigstick, but I like it. I also have a ce900delmar, nice stick but I don’t like the handle on it (my fault, I’m the wrapper).
Maybe I’m not that picky.
If you are fishing smaller jigs and smaller fish there are better options and if you are fishing bigger fish and bigger jigs there are sticks that match that scenario better. How fast they are and how heavy and how they feel in your hand is more a you decision than a blank’s flaw.
I mostly fish UCs now, a ce1000wahoo is pretty good from JRI3 sizes jigs on up. A reaper isn’t a bad starter stick too, little faster than a traditional jigstick, but I like it. I also have a ce900delmar, nice stick but I don’t like the handle on it (my fault, I’m the wrapper).
Maybe I’m not that picky.
If you are fishing smaller jigs and smaller fish there are better options and if you are fishing bigger fish and bigger jigs there are sticks that match that scenario better. How fast they are and how heavy and how they feel in your hand is more a you decision than a blank’s flaw.
I like the Calstar 100J. It loads up very nicely and has a progressive, parabolic bend. Some of the faster graphite rods feel like they “hinge” toward the tip of the blank and flick the jig like a booger rather that casting it. 90J is cool too.
The UC SIC rod should fit the bill. If you fish party boats then I suggest sticking with graphite or composite rods. Fiberglass rods need more room to get the full effect of the rod.
It takes a little getting used to a Harnell. The upside is it doesn't take a lot of effort to bomb a good cast. The stiff jig sticks will wear you out after casting for a few hours. It's easy to over power a Harnell and waste energy, also it's better for casting at odd angles and having your feet planted right isn't so important. The trade off is it doesn't have the backbone to really yard on a fish.
There’s so many jigsticks out there. You’ll undoubtedly end up with at least a few. but this is about your first one, so in my mind, Keep It Simple Stupid. You just can’t fuck it up with a factory wrapped 90j as your first stick. 10 footers have a higher learning curve, and will not be fun as your first or only stick. You want a 90j so that you can learn and progress and still have fun while you fish. It’s affordable, it’s versatile, it’s easy to cast, it’s a fiberglass rod, it has good fish fighting power and loads up great. What more do you want.
Where will you be fishing it mostly? If you are doin 1/2 to 3/4 day trips and the occasional overnight you might be throwing smaller/lighter jigs as well as standard sizes.. Might even wanna check out Calstar 690J.
The good old 690. Mine pulls a bit heavier than most.. a solid 30.
Looking to add a 9-10 ft rod need help. I need rod in the #50-60 range.Softer tip lots of backbone.I throw Halco 130s to tuna.I’m in Texas so cant pull on blanks.
