mack jigging rod suggestions

[TheWeekender]

I've been looking into purchasing a dedicated mackinaw jigging rod this season. Wanted to get suggestions from others that have mack rods. What are you using and what do you like/dislike about your current setup?
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[Therapist]

What experience do you have ?? How often do you go Mac fishing? Are you familiar with the technique and tackle for jigging??

What seems to happen most often is that an angler goes to the Gorge, Bear Lake, or Fish Lake with their standard wimpy 61/2 - 7 ft trout rod. They put a 1-1.5oz jig on their 6 or 8lb mono ( that is 3 yrs old) and drop it into 200 ft of water and go at it. Not very successful. Then they watch the guys on KSL or KUTV and see how they are catching them and figure all they need is a " jigging pole".

So, I again ask, what is your experience? how often do you go Mack fishing? and how much are you willing to invest in a dedicated rod and reel??? Once you have those questions answered, go to a reputable tackle shop like Fish Tech and work with the people there to outfit you with the gear you can afford and will do the job ???

[cuthroat_guy]

Suprised there isn't a bunch of specialists on here yet trying to sell you their "custom lake trout rods"

Truth be told, I've seen lakers caught on all kinds of rods , but if you want a jigging rod dedicated to lakers, look no further than ugly stick.
Everyone will try to sell your their over priced rods, when ugly stick makes a very reasonable rod, it's 4'9" heavy action rod you can pick up at most outdoors stores..

It's half the price of most special rods, and it does the job it's intended for
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[tlarson]

yes you can catch lakers on any rod but why support the Chinese rod builders like ugly stick.

a custom rod is made to the persons spec's we use quality parts and when the eyelets are mounted we use thread not heat shrink.

the point being its good that you have an opinion on your favorite rods but don't slam folks who are trying to have there piece of the American dream and providing a service of building a rod that the fisherman designs and uses each person has an opinion mine is that a rod that has been built just for me is worth it to me and you wont see any builder of custom rods come on here and
slam anyone for there rod choices its all about the experience of enjoying the great outdoors for me, my family and friends and all the good people on this board

Just My two cents
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[cuthroat_guy]

Good for you ,

Like I said , ugly stick is reasonable price, it serves it's purpose , regardless if assembled in America or China

I believe in the American spirit and all that comes with our great heritage, and my firm belief in providing family traditions , such as fishing to continue on, is deep in my American soul. When my child or friend catches their first big fish or 100th big fish , they don't care about where the rod was assembled, they care about it doing it's job, without having to spend 100 bucks.

Just my two cents
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[humpy]

I liked all the responses. If I was going to get a custom rod built, what type would be good? What characteristics should I look into? Something that could handle the occasional big one but still be fun for the smaller ones. Thanks in advance for your help.

humpy
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[albinotrout]

Try medium heavy to heavy.
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[tlarson]

You choose what's best for you as for your
Goals of what you need like proformance, fill,your abilities then
We show you our catalogs and we build the rod you helped design plus
it will last and most likely be passed down.

we don't have any set prices.
also you can come over and even design your own custom
cork grips it makes that rod have your own touch.
something you just can't get off the shelf .

call or I'm me if you would like to come see for yourself
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[Tarponjim]

Definitely Ugly Stick!
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[mtncat1]

old coot on here put together a nice list of mac jigging essentials on here some where maybe you can get him to repost it . I know I'd like to see it again.
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[Moosedog]

My favorite mack jigging rods are short and stiff enough to handle a 1 ounce jig at 100 feet, by that I mean doesn't flex and load up making subtle up and down movements.
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[TheWeekender]

Wow 8 replies and I get 1 suggestion...ok good start. NO I don't want an ugly stick! What is everyone's obsession with ugly sticks in Utah? This will be my 3rd season fishing macks. Haven't broke the 20lb mark yet but have come close twice and lost one that I think would have topped 30lbs. I only get to fish them a handful of times a year but am knowledgable on how to fish them. I don't have a budget when it comes to my fishing equipment. I own loomis and St. Croix rods and feel that good quality gear makes a difference! If anyone is a serious Mack fisher and has a rod that they like I'm all ears!
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[cuthroat_guy]

Sounds like you don't need any suggestion
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[Old_Coot]

I've read here some suggestions for the Ugly Stick for mack jigging .... REALY ?? I've heard stranger but it would take a lot to push me to go that route.

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=870505;#870505"][#800080]Here is a thread[/#800080][/url] where we discuss this a bit:

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=870505;#870505"][#800080]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...?post=870505;#870505[/#800080][/url][#800080]
[/#800080]
But bottom line, I strongly suggest that you pay a visit to Chuck Peck ([url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/community/community.cgi?do=user_page;pg=user_profile_view.html;username=utwalleye"][#800080]utwalleye[/#800080][/url] here on BFT). He has made three of my shorty rods and several for others I know of. His work is excellent and his prices are reasonable. He has been referred to as a "master" rod builder and I tend to agree.

--- Coot ---
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[UT-Lund]

I've used the cabelas xml rods with success. The med-heavy with a fast action has enough backbone for a good size laker and enough sensitivity to feel that light bite you get jigging down deep.
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[Dwyer]

We use Jim's rods. Beautiful rods and they land huge fish practically every day.

Highly recommended!

http://www.fishflaminggorge.com/
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[utwalleye]

Ugly Stick, hmmmmm, I picked one of them up when they first came out. I looked at it, gave it a shake and I have never touched one again.
A custom rod just isn't the rod, it's the quality of the parts going on. like a graphite reel seat verses a plastic one. the graphite will be more sensitive and last longer.
cork handles are more sensitive and will last longer then foam. fuji guides will last longer. the spacing of the guides will give a clean smooth bend. the lighter the rod the more sensitive it will be. when you are dropping a jig to 80 plus feet you want the best feel you can get. lake trout really don't yank the rod out of your hand when they hit.
ugly stick REALLY!!!! I like that one..
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[brookieguy1]

I would go Lamiglas or G Loomis if not going for a custom built.
Ugly Stick? I'm sure they'll work, but so will Shakespear and Eagle Claw. Get the most you can afford.
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[MACMAN]

I have a 5'6" Fenwick HMX GC555 1/4-3/4oz 8-20# line, it's set up exclusively for jigging Mack's. It's paired with a Shimano Calcutta 250. It has perfect balance and never had an issue with enough backbone. I've landed up to a 37# fish. I don't use braid so it may be just a touch too fast for the stretch of mono, but I like it. The rod seems to translate perfectly, at times I swear I feel a fish swim by the line. I dropped about $300 on this set up. Hope this helps.
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[TheWeekender]

Thank you mackman! Fenwick would be a good option. I have heard lots of positive feedback from guys that fish Jims rods. Haven't fished any of the lamiglass rods. Would they have the sensitivity I'm looking for?
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