Rods

[morgan]

I recently made a post about reels, and now I have a question about rods. I need a casting rod to put a shimano tr200g on. I would be using it for fishing for large catfish, even trophy sized. I would be fishing from the bank or boat docks on the ohio river. It would also help for it to be a two piece rod. I just didn't know where to start because there are so many rods. What would be the best rod for the type of fishing I do? Thanks for any help

[bobbybobber]

its not a two piece rod but a 7'1pc ugly stick tiger med action think the model number is 2201

[morgan]

I was looking at the ugly stik tigers. I think the one I was looking at was 7' with med-heavy action. I didn't realize that they were one piece though. They look pretty thin, are they strong enough to pull in a 70+ pound catfish if I would be lucky enough to hook into one?

[katfish]

Morgan

You should not consider forcing big catfish with any tackle. Instead I would advise relying on the
drag to wear one down. Flathead can and do pull hard enough to tear hooks out of themselves.

Many people use 2 piece rods but I have nightmares about the rod coming apart mid fight and enraging
a big flathead as I try to fight it with half a rod.

Get your gear and start fishing. You will need some experience because luck is a very small portion
of the equation to monster catfish.

[morgan]

I understand what you are saying, and I understand the flatheads. I do have much experience with them, just the other day I caught two 40+ pounders. I didn't word it right. I didn't mean to drag in the catfish, I just was asking if it was strong enough to withstand the fight if I hooked into a trophy flathead. I apologize. If the rod can withstand a hard fighting fish, it will be my choice. If it cannot, or if you like other rods better, please give me suggestions. I really need this help, I get paid Friday and that is when I will be ordering or going to the store. Again, thank you for any help

[Chuck]

The Catfight Takedown or Knock Out rod from Bottom Dwellers Tackle would be my top 2 choices for the budget you stated in your reel post, $70. The KO is a little over that. Both rods are currently out of stock, but the last time I talked to Dave he was thinking they may be back in stock sometime in July.

[morgan]

Thank you chuck, I will look into them. My budget is not strict, either. I could go up to $100 or more I was just thinking in the $70-$100 range. Does anyone else have any more suggestions?

[Smoothkip]

I went with Blackhorse custom rods and I'm very happy with there performance. A lot of backbone but still some tip. Mine are built on a 30-50 blank. Stainless eyes and paracord wrapped handles. Only thing I would have done differently if I was getting more is I would have had the handles double wrapped. Your looking at 150 to 200 dollars per rod but worth every penny in my opinion.

[morgan]

I just looked into the blackhorse customs and I like them a lot. They are above my budget though, I can't afford one right now because I am only a teenager. I wish I could because I love them. Maybe after I get my other rod and reel set ups I can use my next paycheck to buy one. Thank you Kip

[Chuck]

Another rod that is a huge bang for the buck is the Okuma Cedros Speed Jig rods. The 6' 6" H or 6' XH will handle any fish in North America. The Okuma Battle Cat is another rod that is a good choice, although they seem to be a little on the light side for me. Also check out the Super Cat casting rods from Rippin' Lips. I plan on testing one of these for my website at some point.