[BLUEFISH9]

Still undecided as to what rod I'll be purchasing for my accurate 665.
the intended application is private boat tuna jigging (locally). I've heard good things about Hopper rods but was hoping to pry a bit more feedback out of you guys. Also...Are they mail order only? I'm sort of a touch and see kind of guy and I'd really like to pull on one before taking the plunge. Thoughts?

Thanks BF9



This post edited by BLUEFISH9 08:32 PM 03/16/2008

 

[gmann]

Very good entry level rods, I have used them extensively on a charter last year and they were nice to pul on. Very forgiving on the body more stout than the heaviest Trevala. If your looking for a rod around $200 dollars its a fantastic rod. The OTI rods are great as well and I would highly suggest them. Kilsong has used both as well and I believe based on past experiences he would agree.

Their video selling hopper rods is of them pulling on goliath groupers, the rods held up even with tiny reels

 

[BLUEFISH9]

Hey Gmann...ya got a link for this video?
What makes the rod "entry level"?
Does that mean that putting an accurate 665h on it is like putting a Ferrari engine in a Hyundai?

 

[gmann]

ha ha no man I'm sorry i didn't mean it like it was cheap. I meant it like its a value rod for mid $200's in todays age jigging rods are very expensive. I don't have the link i saw it in Captain Harry's in Miami Beach. If you buy it and don't like it you can easily return it. I wouldn't suggest anything under a 400g size for tuna up here

 

[bretabaker]

ive got the 500g rated hopper. its worked well for what ive used it for. havent landed a good yellowfin on it yet, but i think itd be fine for tuna under 100lbs. im planning on getting an OTI rod wrapped soon, so we'll see how that compares.

 

[paul708]

BLUEFISH9 wrote:
Still undecided as to what rod I'll be purchasing for my accurate 665.
the intended application is private boat tuna jigging (locally). I've heard good things about Hopper rods but was hoping to pry a bit more feedback out of you guys. Also...Are they mail order only? I'm sort of a touch and see kind of guy and I'd really like to pull on one before taking the plunge. Thoughts?

Thanks BF9

just missed a good chance to pull on a ton of stuff at the somerset show..i had all the OTI stuff,jigging master and GUSA WAHOO JR at the JPR booth..and kil stopped by on saturday with a assortment of other rods.including the hooper.which do seem like a good "starter" rod


This post edited by paul708 09:52 PM 03/16/2008

 

[BLUEFISH9]

bretabaker wrote:
ive got the 500g rated hopper. its worked well for what ive used it for. havent landed a good yellowfin on it yet, but i think itd be fine for tuna under 100lbs. im planning on getting an OTI rod wrapped soon, so we'll see how that compares.

Yeah, I was thinking about the 500g rated model. Kil and others suggested the OTI's as well. My only knock is:
#1 - the spilt grips (which I mentioned in another thread)
#2 - the Color scheme...Cuz you KNOW how important that is lol!
That gold might clash with my accurate silver lol

Paul...wish I was at that show. I enjoyed the pics of it and would've loved to check out some of the other OTI goodies.

 

[ahistick]

Here's previous thread on the Hooper rods...

http://www.noreast.com/discussion/ViewTopic.cfm?page=1&startrow=161&topic_ID=84743

 

[654106]

I think the average joe would want to pair an Accurate with a name brand rod. I pair my Hoppers with Salina and Salt Striker reels which I consider these as my fun and abuse toys. The accurate should be paired accordingly with the classes.

The Hopper blank is strong with a nice parabolic action. The conventionals comes with Fugi SIC guides so that's a plus. You can always upgrade later.

 

[654106]

if you decide on the Hopper you can get them much cheaper at Allwaters.

 

[bretabaker]

BLUEFISH9 wrote:
bretabaker wrote:
ive got the 500g rated hopper. its worked well for what ive used it for. havent landed a good yellowfin on it yet, but i think itd be fine for tuna under 100lbs. im planning on getting an OTI rod wrapped soon, so we'll see how that compares.

Yeah, I was thinking about the 500g rated model. Kil and others suggested the OTI's as well. My only knock is:
#1 - the spilt grips (which I mentioned in another thread)
#2 - the Color scheme...Cuz you KNOW how important that is lol!
That gold might clash with my accurate silver lol

Paul...wish I was at that show. I enjoyed the pics of it and would've loved to check out some of the other OTI goodies.

if you dont like the grips and/or colors, you can always have the blank wrapped for you. i plan on doing this for my next rod.

 

[KILSONG]

I am going down to NC for AJ jigging and I'll test Hopper rod and Trevala TFC 58XXH along with custom OTI short jigging rod.
After the trip, I'll post my review of the rods with pictures.
It wil be a good test for the rods as the average AJ there is 50 -100 lbs.

 

[gmann]

BLUEFISH9 wrote:
bretabaker wrote:
ive got the 500g rated hopper. its worked well for what ive used it for. havent landed a good yellowfin on it yet, but i think itd be fine for tuna under 100lbs. im planning on getting an OTI rod wrapped soon, so we'll see how that compares.

Yeah, I was thinking about the 500g rated model. Kil and others suggested the OTI's as well. My only knock is:
#1 - the spilt grips (which I mentioned in another thread)
#2 - the Color scheme...Cuz you KNOW how important that is lol!
That gold might clash with my accurate silver lol

Paul...wish I was at that show. I enjoyed the pics of it and would've loved to check out some of the other OTI goodies.


I would suggest to have Paul from JPR custom rods do a custom job on the OTI blanks he has. He made me to rods for jigging and they were great. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone and the OTI blanks are great

 

[gmann]

Kilsong,

When are you going? I am should be going down on March 29th or April 12th

This post edited by gmann 10:11 AM 03/17/2008

 

[chumslk]

Have the hopper and have caught one yft on it about 70-75 lbs. The rod wasn 't even tested and can handle much more . My only problem with all the newer jigging rods is the length. Have come to the conclusion that I prefer the longer lengths. 6 1/2' to 7'.

 

[KILSONG]

gmann wrote:
When are you going? I am should be going down on March 29th or April 12thLeaving tonight and fishing tomorrow.

 

[FishWisher]

Funny you should say that. I took an extended 7' 600gm Hopper off the dryer this morning. The finished rod on the heavier side, but the blank is pretty much indestructable. It should be good for 60lb - 80lb line, better at 60lb. More of a grouper/YT/AJ than tuna jigging rod, in my oppinion. It's the latest rage in FL for baitfishing for grouper - jigging is too much work in 95F weather.

If you want a Jap style shorty jig stick for tuna, the OTI is probably the better option for a little more dough.

 

[gmann]

KILSONG wrote:
gmann wrote:
When are you going? I am should be going down on March 29th or April 12thLeaving tonight and fishing tomorrow.



Are you flying continental I couldn't ind any great rates to Willmington

 

[KILSONG]

gmann wrote:

Are you flying continental I couldn't ind any great rates to WillmingtonIt is only 9 hour drive.

 

[KILSONG]

KILSONG wrote:
gmann wrote:

Are you flying continental I couldn't ind any great rates to WillmingtonIt is only 9 hour drive. I am bringing lots of rods for test.