Fishing Rods

Yeah I know I could prolly get away with using either a cranbait or topwater Helium but it would be nice to see Kistler make a specific jerkbait rod in the 6'3"-6'4" range. I know they make a 6'3" all purpose Helium but for smallies I find that rather stiff for my liking.

Maybe a cut down version of the crankbait composite could be the ticket.

I feel a new Kistler rod coming this year to add with my 7' cranbait composite and Helium 6'9" all purpose.

Phippy: Welcome to Kistler's Forums.

I find my 7' Helium Medium Caster to be the 'perfect' jerkbait rod. It has landed several j/b Bass for me. It's 'soft' enough in the tip to keep from ripping the hooks away and sensitive enough(OH yeah!) to feel the lightest of strikes.

Dan

Thanks for the reply. What are your thoughts of the 6'6" Crankbait composite as a jerkbait/topwater? I have your 7' composite rod for my crankbaits but haven't had the chance to try it for my jerkbaits since I many use fiberglass rods for my reaction baits. Its almost impossible to find a nice glass rod under 4.5oz for all day jerking.

I only use Heliums so I'm the wrong person to offer an opinion on Kistler's composites. I have 4 of their 7', Medium Caster Heliums which I use for all my treble-hook baits(except swimbaits which are very heavy so I use a HC or an EHC Helium), spinnerbaits, Senkos, etc. That is a truly versatile rod that is a pleasure to fish with first, because they weigh just under 4 ounces, second, they are sensitive enough to feel any Bass bite, and third, they won't pull the hooks away from a lightly-hooked Bass.

Here is a nice Rogue/Helium Bass. The Heliums are a "whole new ballgame". .

Dan

The 6'3" APC is a great rod for jerkbaits if you are looking for a casting rod . It has a really nice soft tip and isn't too heavy of an action for smallies (I've caught plenty of St. Clair smallies on this rod with jerkbaits as well as small spinnerbaits and topwater). LR's suggestion is a good one as well. If you aren't against spinning rods for jerkbaits, I've done really well using either the He70MS and the He66MS. Good luck with your purchase.

I asked Trey to make me a jerkbait rod using the graphite plus blank...it is 6' M and is great for jerkbaits...

Larry

thanks Larry. I've emailed Trey already reguarding a custom rod. Obviously yours is a medium power but whats the action like? I like a more moderate rod for my reaction baits. Prolly go with a 6'4" moderate/fast action medium power.