wrights&mcgill saltwater big game rods and all other models
loud by design
Posts: 77 Greenhorn
hi all im looking to hear about your experience with the newer wrights&mcgill rods. i am currently looking for a longer tarpon rod (7'6-8') for medium and larger tarpon to be paired up with my battle 6000. im looking at their 7'6 heavy action big game spinning rod. if i did like this rod it might also give me a reason to pick up a few other lighter long rods for sight fishing. so my question to everyone is how has your experience with these rods been?
What did you like and dislike about them?
What models have you used and would you suggest? which would you not suggest
and how is their warranty.
thanks and heres the link to the rod i was looking at
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12089024&lmdn=Brand&cp=4406646.4413993.4414792.4414795
What did you like and dislike about them?
What models have you used and would you suggest? which would you not suggest
and how is their warranty.
thanks and heres the link to the rod i was looking at
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12089024&lmdn=Brand&cp=4406646.4413993.4414792.4414795
Replies
I'm still looking for an 8' heavy rod with a light enough tip to throw light livies for my Penn Conquer 7k.
I used to have a Chaos rod that was perfect, but I sold it before I knew better.
But to answer your question purely on the build of the rod, I don't like the heavy metal reel seat on them. Its a good quality reel seat but to me a metal reel seat gets slippery when when compared to a graphite, and for a spinning reel where the foot is painted it can chew up the paint on the foot of the reel (metal on metal) . Not to mention it is heavy in comparision. They went with split grip to try to make the rod weigh less but the reel seat is too much.
They have good guides on them, I dont like the slow feeling action like a ugly stick though.
You should be able to get one built for $185 unless you go with high dollar guides. I don't know what a factory built would cost.
Although I don't find the Avid too tip-stiff, the Tidemaster is a bit lighter with a bit of a slower action which lends itself to live bait -- and it is a bit cheaper too. Still a quality rod. I own them both.
They are no longer made but the best 7' 6" tarpon rod I ever owned was a Loomis SWR 90-20S. It's a heavy rod with a trolling butt, but I've yet to own or fish with a graphite rod with more tarpon-turning power. You can occasionally find them on eBay.
That Lamiglass blank that Abu referenced is a ballsy rod too. Fished with a custom one and it was quite nice and a great casting rod, and from a company that is going nowhere with an unmatched warranty and dealer network.
I am not impressed with the W&M offerings in the slightest. In that price range, the Shimano Terramar rod is much better, IMO -- from a company that is going nowhere and with an unrivaled warranty and dealer network.
Lastly, for tarpon, I find I prefer a longer rod (8') for throwing live bait (for instance on the beaches), but for up close fishing (for instance around bridges or in passes), I prefer a shorter rod (7-7'6"). For casting lures in open water (for instance plug fishing), I'm more split and it depends on the fish and the lure.
Hope this helps...Mike