New type of rod?

[GregOug]

Hi all,

I was out at Tackleworld Lawnton today and saw a rod I’d never seen before. That doesn’t mean they haven’t been around for years but I wasn’t aware of them. Basically, they are a specialised rod used just for bait jigs. The rod is hollow and the line goes up the inside of the rod and comes out at the top. You attach a bait jig and sinker and when you wind it right up the bait jig goes inside the rod at the top with the sinker sitting on top. It worked a treat when the sales guy demonstrated it to me. It is designed so that you don’t have all those tiny hooks hanging out ready to catch the unwary angler. 
 

I almost bought one but had a couple of reservations. The rod itself looks very stiff. It is not tapered like a normal rod. Do you think you’d still feel the bites. There would next to no give in the rod either when bringing a fish in. Does anyone have one, or has anyone used one?

Great idea. Just not sure whether it would actually work well when in use.

cheers

Greg

[ellicat]

Yes, I have used one and they are the ducks nuts. If jigging livies regularly they are worth it.

They have been around for at least 20 years.

[GregOug]

1 minute ago, ellicat said:

Yes, I have used one and they are the ducks nuts. If jigging livies regularly they are worth it.

They have been around for at least 20 years.

Well, on that recommendation it looks like I’ll be out another 90 bucks.

[ellicat]

I contemplated one also, but the wife has rung all the tackle shops and had me banned.

[Brodie_S]

Yeah I’ve wanted one for awhile but I’ve never seen them anywhere 

[Towknee]

I have one, bought from the tackle shop in Sandgate.

great rod particularly for the boat as stops all those little hooks getting stuck in the carport! 

ive found when using from the jetty the friction from the rod causes you to use a bigger sinker than normal.

Buy one, you’ll have no regrets! 

[kmcrosby78]

Yep, they certainly make life easier. The rod is stiffer than a 'normal' one but they still work fine, particularly when used offshore in deeper 15m+ water.

[Kenne]

Sounds like a great rod.. Can anybody pack up a bait jig to put away without getting it all tangled.?

[Andrew_P]

Never had a good experience jigging bait with them. Sure it manages the jigs well but I struggle bringing up a full string without the “pop! Pop! Pop!” of hooks pulling out of soft mouths. 
 

better off buying a cheap 7ft + fibreglass overhead rod with a super soft tip, picking up an old abu baitcaster and spooling it with 10-15lb mono. 
 

When you aren’t using the jig take the sinker off and wrap the dropper loop around the handle of the reel. Works for me

[GregOug]

2 hours ago, Andrew_P said:

Never had a good experience jigging bait with them. Sure it manages the jigs well but I struggle bringing up a full string without the “pop! Pop! Pop!” of hooks pulling out of soft mouths. 
 

better off buying a cheap 7ft + fibreglass overhead rod with a super soft tip, picking up an old abu baitcaster and spooling it with 10-15lb mono. 
 

When you aren’t using the jig take the sinker off and wrap the dropper loop around the handle of the reel. Works for me

 I’ve never had a full string to bring up!

[Junky]

They're handy. 

Hit Aussie shores in 2006.  

Springwood marine were the first to import them. They were called "Baitstik". 

2 models, O/H and Spin. 

[Drop Bear]

I have one. 

I really like it especially if you have a busy boat as it completely stops all the tangles with other rods and lines. I had it up at the reef where there were about 15 rods out and it never caused a problem. 

The downside IMHO is that they are very stiff so not as pleasant to use as a normal floppy glass rod but, again IMHO, not getting any of the tangles and the little hooks in the fingers far out ways this. 

I find that small reels with mono on them are best to pair with them. You are only catching bait so line capacity and drag are not a factor. A cheap 3000 type reel is great. 

[GregOug]

After a bit of research, there appears to be three brands of Sabiki bait jig rods. They are Okuma, Jarvis Walker and Rovex. I like the look and design of the Jarvis Walker one most. Does anyone have any views on which is best?

[ellicat]

No, but do they have weight ratings like other rods ?

[GregOug]

2 hours ago, ellicat said:

No, but do they have weight ratings like other rods ?

Nope. One mentions handling Sabiki jigs up to size 10, whatever that means. Lol. But that’s it.

[GregOug]

No biggie really. I’m sure any of them will work. Just thought someone might have more knowledge than me, which as usual is just above zero.