[wrench puller]

Been fishing most of my 68 yrs., but mostly bank fishing. I just bought a new Crestliner1750 fish hawk and can't wait to go after big blues. Can anyone tell me which whicker seeker rod is better, the GFX or the FMJ ? They really don't tell you the difference.

 

[canebreaker]

Welcome from Horn Lake, MS
Can't help with rod choice.

 

[Jbuck]

Also, can't help with rod selection but welcome to the USCA, I think you are going to like it here. Lots of members in your age group and several who fish the Mississippi.

 

[Dinkbuster]

Gfx is a composite reel seat, fmj is an aluminum reel seat. Matter of preference. Metal reel seats look better to some, but they are not needed. Composite lighter and more comfortable in the hand my preference but I own both.

 

[twaskom]

I did a little looking at the Whisker Seeker rods. Here is what I think you should look at.

”More important things”.
Rod Power. For bigger catfish you would want the medium heavy or Heavy rod. If your fishing strong current, the heavy might be the better choice.

Rod Action. Because of what seems to be the most preferred hook,(a circle hook) the best rod action is a fast action. A moderate fast action would be the second choice. This means fast action has a more flexible tip and the most flex is towards the tip. A moderate fast action rod will work but the flex is from the middle to the tip.

I am identifying the difference because the fast action seems to only be available in the heavy power rod. The heavy, medium heavy and on towards the lighter power rods is an indication of backbone.

So, my opinion HAVING NEVER OWNED ONE OF THESE RODS. if your fishing strong current, go with the heavy power in a 7’6” rod. I typically fish moderate to light current or lakes so I get the medium heavy rods with a fast action. The moderate fast action should work but I have not used them.

The stainless steel tip and eyes are pretty much standard on cat rods and if used correctly will hold up to braid well.

The other three options are personal preference. Grip material. I have both foam and cork grips and like both. Reel seat, aluminum or composite, both will work fine. Having a trigger or no trigger. I use both and like both. When fighting a big fish, I really don’t even notice which I have.

I hope this is helpful.

Keep in mind that the most important components of your setup starts at the hook and works it’s way back making the rod and reel actually the lesser in importance.

Decent SHARP hook, decent line (check it often for abrasion), rod tip kept high and have your drag set to give line when needed. These things equal fish in the boat. Then released unless your hunger.

Catfish Rods

What makes a Whisker Seeker Tackle rod stand apart from the rest? It’s superior construction that provides the strength to land monster cats and the sensitivity to detect the lightest of bites!

whiskerseeker.com

tight lines
there may be other opinions but there is also more than one way to skin a cat. Poor cat.

 

[wrench puller]

Thanks for the info. So the rods are the same just the reel seats are different.

 

[wrench puller]

Thanks I'll do that.

 

[wrench puller]

Thank you all for all the info. and the great welcome.

 

[D schuerenberg]

Yes they use the same blank fmj no trigger gfx trigger go with heavy action

 

[wrench puller]

Wow. D., You may have changed my mind. I like the trigger, but I was a heavy equip. mechanic, so I'm always thinking metal is better. I was thinking mh, why h. Tom

 

[twaskom]

One of the main reasons for going with medium heavy or heavy is the current you are fishing.

Since the Miss and Missouri are known for heavy current, the heavy rod would be a good choice. D is more accustom to that type of current Than I am. I fish the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers which are slow and easy in comparison.

Because of that current, the moderate fast action might be the better choice also. Again, I am fishing light current.

I would also think the heavy would be best for that current.

Now I know rods are not cheap and shipping is high for rods but most if not all companies will ship 3, 4, or even 5 rods for the same price as one.

trigger or no trigger they will put fish in the boat.

 

[wrench puller]

Thanks twaskom. With outfitting a new boat and at $90 a pop, one will have to do for now. I have plenty of other rods for now. I will take your suggestions for the heavy. The Mo. is swift and turbulent.

 

[wrench puller]

Well I'm back to searching. Whisker seeker doesn't make a 7ft 6 in a H spin. Back to the drawing board.

 

[D schuerenberg]

Mine are baitcasters you put 8oz plus on will cause a m/h to bow pretty good

 

[twaskom]

Thanks twaskom. With outfitting a new boat and at $90 a pop, one will have to do for now. I have plenty of other rods for now. I will take your suggestions for the heavy. The Mo. is swift and turbulent.

Most of us gets rods one at a time. Some like me are lucky enough to live a reasonable drive from the Catfish Conference where rods are discounted a little and we save the shipping. Our local group often went together so we could get the quantity discount..

most of us also use casting reels. When looking for rods I wasn’t thinking about spinning.

 

[BigRoy]

Welcome to the site! I have a couple of Whisker Seekers, but both are longer than what you are looking at. They have the metal seat and are Heavy action. Use them for long cast with heavy weight.
You will like it here for there are countless persons willing to share valuable information. I have only been around here a year but have picked up countless ideas (perhaps to many ).
Roy

 

[bowhunter63]

Welcome from Springfield Missouri

 

[D schuerenberg]

If you want to come south hit me up I live between Sikeston and New Madrid

 

[Sam_mcmullin]

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[canebreaker]

I've fished the MS river around Memphis, TN 4 times almost all day from a boat. Get into 1 spot and 3 oz sinker will hold pretty good. Get in another spot and watch 16ozs float. Might want to get into casting sinkers or save your lead and swap with someone that does.