I have just aquired a Trinidad 16 DC reel and am looking to pair it up with a new musky rod. I'd like an 8ft plus heavy action rod to throw big blades, bulldogs, jerkbaits, and topwaters. I'm looking at the Okuma 9.3ft telescopic @ $100, a Diamondback 8.5-9.0ft custom rod for $220, or the st croix legend Big nasty 8.5-9.0 ft for $320-340. Does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations for these rods?
The others are decent options. I know a local company that can custom make you a rod to fit your desired budget. You can pick everything including the blank, guides, handle, reel seat style, etc...
I don't know why Brookfield said that, many of the newer extra long/heavy rods are telescopic. My vote is for the Okuma. Both for price and performance. I got rid of a Lamiglass and 4 St. Croix after I tried the Okuma.
Ive heard of several failures on the okumas. Besides, I love my one piece rods. With the exception of a custom travel rod I have being made, I always felt like some performance was sacrificed with each piece.
That's interesting Nick. I have not heard of any Okuma failures. They were originally designed for heavy swimbaits fishing for west coast super lunker bass guys. It may be something to think about. I have actually had St Croix and Diamondback failures, so those I know intimately.
Well, you have a valid point and I think you can say there are cases of failures with just about every rod out there. I suppose with the limited lifetime warranty with the Okuma, you're investment is pretty safe.
That's a very nice rod for big baits, but as the name suggests, it's big and heavy. I would not want to throw that all day but there is no better rod for the money for chucking pounders and such.
Hey Marabo, or anybody The okuma telescopic 9'3" rods how small do they shrink down to? I found a lot of info on them but nothing about the compacted size. Is it the handle or the blank or both that move?
I'm not 100% sure because I use the Okuma Guide Select 7'11" Split Grip rod ($130/Shipped@Tacklewarehouse) I believe the Big Okuma Telecopes down to 7'11" as well.
Storage length on the 9'3 is 7'8. the others...8'6, collapse to 7'. Rod falls into the handle section. I havent used em' but Hulbert/Musky Armor makes a few heavy rods for dawgs and 10's and i think they were relatively inexpensive. I think there was only 1 model last yr but believe he made another available for this yr...from what i remember they were about 120$ when i was looking last year. Dont quote me on that though
hey dr i have 2 brand new rods i cant use due to health issues 1 musky armour mike hulbert 9ft h and a 8ft okuma h email if your interested at jwd54@aol.com
You should take a look at Tooth Tamers Rods. They have a great selection of rods and they are light enough to throw all day. These rods have been put through the paces with the pro staff, and are used by guides on fresh and salt water. Check out the site and let me know what you think. I can get you pricing if you need it. Thanks,
walleyman wrote:You should take a look at Tooth Tamers Rods. They have a great selection of rods and they are light enough to throw all day. These rods have been put through the paces with the pro staff, and are used by guides on fresh and salt water. Check out the site and let me know what you think. I can get you pricing if you need it. Thanks,
That $55 dollar replacement fee is kind of steep on that "unconditional lifetime guarantee".
I was a Fig Rig and Tooth Tamer Pro Staffer for years. They are nice rods, very light. The 8' XH is bullet proof. Any other rod from them is shiat and I broke at least a dozen. I dropped them when they dropped the no questions asked warranty and went to Okuma.
