Jigs are a lure that can really benefit from having a dedicated rod for. They have a lot of weight packed in a small package that relies on a thick stout hook.
When you hook a fish with a jig it’s almost always in the front roof of their mouths. This makes jigs fairly easy for fish to spit out when jump and thrash.
I like to use a rod with a soft tip and a lot of backbone throughout the rod to overcome these challenges. The heavy backbone gives you enough power to drive a thick jig hook into the fish’s mouth. The soft tip gives you the sensitivity to feel your jig drag along the bottom and allows you to watch the tip for bites you might not feel.
Finding that balance is really difficult. Below are rods that I’ve tested that have that balance, choose one that matches your price point and get out there and catch more fish!
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Best Overall Jig Rod – Pitching, Flipping, Heavy Football – $350
The Megabass Orochi XX is my favorite jig rod. They are rated fact action but I consider them more moderate fast which I think preforms the best for a jig rod.
- Braillist – Pitching & Flipping
- Extreme Mission Type F – Heavy Football Heads 1/2 oz +
Best Value Flipping Jig Rod – $300
The Shimano Expride B 7’11” Extra Heavy is best value in flipping rods. It offers has excellent performance at a very reasonable price. It has great sensitivity and strength for flipping.
Expride B take advantage of Shimano’s latest technologies including a backbone fortified by Hi-Power X technology, and a Carbon Monocoque handle, which increases vibration transfer through the rod, creating up to 30% more sensitivity for superior bite detection.
It also has CI4+ reel seats and Fuji SiC guides which not only reduce weight but also improve balance for optimal comfort and performance.
The Shimano Expride B is an excellent choice for anglers looking for top tier flipping rod at a reasonable price.
Best Football Jig Rods
Best Small Football Jig Rod – $500
The G Loomis GLX 844C MBR is my go to jig rod for smaller football jigs in the 3/8 – 1/2 oz range. This rod has a very unique action, like the Orochi it preforms much more like a moderate fast action than a fast. It also has an amazing tip section.
Best Value Football Jig Rod – $280
The Shimano Expride B 7’2″ Medium Heavy is best value for a football jig rod. It offers has excellent performance at a very reasonable price.
Expride B take advantage of Shimano’s latest technologies including a backbone fortified by Hi-Power X technology, and a Carbon Monocoque handle, which increases vibration transfer through the rod, creating up to 30% more sensitivity for superior bite detection.
It also has CI4+ reel seats and Fuji SiC guides which not only reduce weight but also improve balance for optimal comfort and performance.
The Shimano Expride B is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a top tier rod for fishing a football jig at a reasonable price.
Best Finesse Jig Rods
Best Finesse Jig Rod – $280
The Shimano Expride B 6’10” Medium Heavy is best rod for fishing small finesse jigs. It offers has excellent performance at a very reasonable price.
Expride B take advantage of Shimano’s latest technologies including a backbone fortified by Hi-Power X technology, and a Carbon Monocoque handle, which increases vibration transfer through the rod, creating up to 30% more sensitivity for superior bite detection.
It also has CI4+ reel seats and Fuji SiC guides which not only reduce weight but also improve balance for optimal comfort and performance.
The Shimano Expride B is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a top tier rod for fishing small finesse jigs at a reasonable price.
Best Value Finesse Jig Rod – $180
The Shimano Curado 6’10” Medium is the best finesse jig rod for the price. Its targeted towards tournament and serious anglers. It has an X-shaped carbon tape wrapping around the outer layer of the blank, to increase the strength and casting performance.
In addition, the Shimano Curado has premium components including Shimano CI4+ reel seats and Fuji Tangle-Free K Guides with Fazlite inserts to improve sensitivity and reduce weight.
Overall, the Curado 6’10” Medium is an excellent choice as a mid-priced finesse jig rod. It offers premium components and advanced technology, at a cheaper price.
Budget Jig Rod – $140
The St. Croix Bass X 7’4″ Heavy Fast is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for a quality rod at an excellent price point. This rod is designed to provide anglers with the best budget option on the market. This rod is incredibly strong, light, and sensitive, making them ideal for a budget jig rod.
One of the standout features of the Bass X is the hybrid guide system which helps reduce weight and improve balance. The SeaGuide reel seats, along with the premium-grade cork and EVA foam combination handles, provides comfortable handling that allows you to fish for hours without experiencing any fatigue.
Overall, the St. Croix Bass X is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality rod that won’t break the bank. With their updated components, as well as their comfortable handles and hybrid guide system, these rods offer excellent value for money.
What Makes a Good Jig Rod?
When fishing a jig I like to use a rod with a soft tip and a lot of backbone. The heavy backbone gives you enough power to drive a thick jig hook into the fish’s mouth
The soft tip gives you the sensitivity to feel your jig drag along the bottom. Along with being able to feel the bottom you can also watch the tip to watch for bites you might not feel.
What is the best jig rod length?
When fishing a jig you want rod 6’8” to 8’ long depending on the type of jig. For finesse jigs, a shorter 6’8″ is ideal. For heavier jigs, 7’5″ to 7’11” are the best length.
The sweet spot for a do everything jig rod is 7’4″. This is ideal the length that allows you to effectively work any type of jig.
What is the best jig rod power?
A medium-heavy powered, fast action is best for a jig rod. This power/action is critical for setting the hook and providing enough flex to keep the jig hook pinned.
Pair your new rod with the best jig reel for any budget to build the perfect combo.
