1-2kg Bait fishing rod

[spotterone]

Hi all,

I'm on the lookout for a good quality 1-2kg rod that I can use on the boat primarily for bait fishing, with the occasional lure flick. I've got plenty of 2-4kg rods, but I'm struggling with something that little bit lighter, yet maintains good feel and allows you to put pressure on a fish when you need it. My last rod in this class was a Daiwa Firewolf IM6 that I absolutely loved, but unfortunately it's now somewhere on the bottom of the harbour.

Any ideas where I might find something that fits the bill, and any recommendations?

[Catchin Jack]

Berkley venom or a pflueger patriarch xtr, both can put plenty of hurt on and not break, nice fast tips with power down low.

[martoiscool]

Shimano raider 1-3kg bream special. Bout 100 bucks. I think it's quality is fine and it flicks lures like a dream. If its only a bait rod and the occasional lure flick then this rod would b perfect for ya.

[PM79]

I'd look at the Pflueger Trion range, they have a 1-3kg ultra light model and it will only set you back $100.

That being said, what's your budget?

[spotterone]

Thanks for the replies.

I tend to look after my gear pretty well. My Firewolf was 20 years old before it disappeared. I don't mind spending a bit more to get the good gear. I'd happily spend $200 for the "right" rod and be 100% satisfied than spend $100 and be 90% satisfied.

I did have a look at a Pflueger something or other, but I didn't pay that much attention. I didn't like how much it bent through the foregrip so I put it back down.

By rights I should just be looking at a tough fibreglass rod that I don't have to worry about bumping against the side of the boat, but I simply can't help myself!

[spotterone]

Thanks for the responses.

I couldn't decide, so I bought myself a Plueger Trion 1-3kg 7' and a Berkley Dropshot IM6 6'6". I've had them both out and I like them both for different purposes. I find that the Plueger is just a tiny bit too long for bait fishing, but is awesome for flicking blades onto sand flats. That extra bit of length gives me just a bit more distance, but its still sensitive enough to feel every shake of the lure. I know straight away when the lure is fouled or hooked up on itself.

The Berkley is fantastic for bait fishing, even when doing a slow retrieve for sand whiting over a flat. I can feel every nibble through the rod, and it's the perfect length on the boat. Matched up with my new Shimano Baitrunner 2500 and 2kg mono, it's brilliant!

I had a look at the raider rods, but was put off by the Shimano branded guides. I do my own rod repairs, so it was important to have a good quality fuji guide on it that I can replace like for like if I ever need to. Those single footers tend to cop it over time and will eventually require replacing. Buying Fuji guides is as easy as a trip to my local tackle store.

Now all I have to do is get back out on the water!