We get a lot of email from our customers asking for specific advice. When we think others might be interested in the answer, we’ll post the responses here on our blog.
In this case the customer was wanting to get a new Loomis rod for Pike fishing, and for casting large spinners and hard baits. He said “I want to feel the bite! And I don’t want a broom stick.”
He’s planning to to put a Calcutta 400 reel on it, and asked for our rod recommendations.
Here’s what I told him.
Fishing For Bigger Fish
When fishing for larger fish, I like to stay with a rod around 7 ft. length. This allows some maneuvering to the net and gives you better control. Since you’re wanting to avoid the “telephone pole” type rods (hallelujah!) I would probably go with a medium heavy or heavy power and a fast action tip. This gives you some great backbone as well as ability to load the rod for longer casts. This will also give you the lure weight rating for bigger spinner baits and crankbaits. And, it will also balance out the Calcutta 400 reel much better.
Good: G. Loomis IMX
What I recommend really depends on your budget. If you’re in the $200 to $300 range then I would suggest either the G. Loomis MBR843C IMX, which is 7′, 1 pc. fast action, medium heavy power, 10-17 line, 1/4 – 3/4 oz lure, $275.00 or the G. Loomis MBR844C which is 7′, 1 pc, fast action, heavy power, 12-20 line, 1/4 – 1 oz lure, $290.00.
Better: G. Loomis GLX
If you in the $400 price range the I would suggest the G. Loomis GLX 854C JWR which is 7’1″, 1 pc, fast action, heavy power, 14-20 line, 5/16 – 3/4 oz lure, $440.00.
Best: G. Loomis NRX
If you want “the best” then the G. Loomis NRX rod would be my choice. The Blue NRX 854C JWR rod is 7’1″, 1 pc, fast action, heavy power, 14-20 line, 5/16 – 3/4 oz lure, $550.00 (This rod also comes in green.) These rods are unbelievably sensitive, crazy powerful, and just as light as a feather.
Any of these rods will work for larger spinners and crankbaits. As far as feeling the bite, the ultimate rod in sensitivity and power is the NRX.
Compare the Loomis IMX, GLX, GL2, and the NRX Rods
The GLX are awesome rods and for many years were the best rods available, but when NRX came out the metrics definitely changed and the bar was raised substantially! The IMX is a great rod and still has better sensitivity than almost any other rod made by competing manufacturers. The GL2 rods are slightly “softer” and offer a great value with very good sensitivity, but are simply not as sensitive or powerful as the higher priced rods.
Big Fish, Small Fish
I’m assuming you’re going after bigger fish (10 lbs and bigger) and that your baits are on the larger/heavier side. If that’s not the case then get back to me and we can consider medium power rods which will offer a heck of a lot of fun with smaller fish and also provide greater utility for other species such as walleye, smallies, etc.
Big Boat, Small Boat
Also, if you’re fishing from a lower profile boat such as a smaller bass boat vs. say a bigger Lund or any higher gunwale boat we could consider a shorter rod that’s 6’6″ to say 6’8″ in length.
Hope this helps. I’m here to help in any way I can. We want to make sure whatever you buy will fit your needs and deliver years of fishing fun and enjoyment, so let me know if I can assist further in any way.
Thanks for your inquiry and thinking of American Legacy Fishing Company for your needs!
Tight Lines,
Tom
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