After reading Rob's article a few times i decided to give jig fishing a try. I wasnt expecting much so i went out with my Calcutta inshore series CLC-X80M and 10lb test on a TD Advantage Supertuned. first day out, i only brought one jig with me and caught a bass fairly early at a local lake. few casts later i snagged the jig and went back to fishing roboworms. a few days later (yesterday) i went back with a few more jigs and walked the hole lake casting to lilly pads, docks etc and caught a few more fish and now im in love with jig fishing. I also learned an expensive lesson about the gear i need to use. i went through 8 jigs, 4 of which snapped off during the hookset and the rest were snagged. I also had a 10lb bass make quick work of me when it took me through all the lilly pads. So now that im home i've been thinking of what rod to buy. St Croix makes a good product and it was also suggested by a friend so right now im looking at TBC66MHF / Jig-N-Worm and the TBC80HMF / Flippin' but im also willing to buy a rod from a different company.
so i was looking for a few suggestions on rods. thanks.

Ignoring the rod for a minute, I'd first upgrade your line. I use 20 lb most often for jigs, 25 for super heavy cover, 15 for open water, and maybe 12 for clear open water.

yeah i know the line has to go. i was planning on starting off with 20 then going to 17 if i need to. But the line is cheap and easy to replace so its not too big of an issue for me since i can afford to find the right line through trial and error. would p-line be a good choice?

What Nico said.......... I use 20# test Seaguar's Carbon Pro fluro for jigs.

I rarely cast a jig as the bottom where I fish is so snaggy, i'd get snagged too ofte. I pitch jigs and I love Bassin' with that technique.

I use two or three different rods/action for pitching but my favorite is a 7', 6" Kistler Heavy Helium rod. It's lighter in weight than most any other comparable sized rod, is extra sensitive, and yet has the power to hook and land large Bass. I also use it for throwing Matt's Baby Bass too.

http://www.kistlerrods.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HE76HC&Category_Code=fresh-helium-wormjig


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d151/lightninrod/2006%20BASS/IMG_0481.jpg

Dan

Flouro with the lighter line like 12-15 pound is key. I use a Loomis MBR 844 for my jigs and I love it.

what do you guys think of the rod lengths? ive seen jig sticks from 6'6" to 8 feet in length.

Minimum for me is 7' but I pitch with a 7/6 more often. When pitching. I don't think the length is as important as when flipping.

Dan

I have to agree with either the Loomis MBR 844 for jigs up to 1/2 oz and I have the new loomis GLX 855 which is good for 3/8-1 oz. Sweet rods and will bring the fish to the boat/shore/whatever! Match it with the Seaguar Floro and you'll be able to feel the fish looking at your jig ;)

Todd

http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/toddiwamoto.htm

went to the tackle shop and so far out of the rods ive actually seen and felt, im picking this one...

the stcroix avid series AC66MHF it's 6' 6", MH, fast action rated for 10 - 20lb test lines and for 3/8 - 1 oz lures.

I am partial to the Loomis 844C also. I find the extra length great for deep water hooksets and in a pinch you can flip with it. I have become partial to 8/30 braid for most of my jig fishing