BUDGET Fluke Rod/Reel Review - 23 Daiwa Tatula XT Shimano Ultegra - Best Starting Single Jig Setup

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Here's what I consider the best sub $100 rod on the market for single jig fluke fishing - paired to a quality mid tier Shimano Ultegra, this combo ticks MANY boxes for me.
Daiwa Tatula XT 73M - tackletrap.com...
Shimano Zodias 76M - ebay.us/HsauwD
Shimano Ultegra 2500 - ebay.us/ZerwgN
amzn.to/43rLvKg
Gulp Jerk Shad 6" - amzn.to/3Kv15wc
amzn.to/41kccPc
Gamakatsu Round Jig Head 1/4oz 3/0 - amzn.to/3Kzg2wX
Sunline Sniper 12lb Fluorocarbon for Leader - ebay.us/Equ3nr
amzn.to/3Uxhtk7
#flukefishing #flounderfishing #surffishing above may contain affiliate links

[@CookingandFishing]

Check out cookingandfishing.com/ - use code PRESEASON for 10% off now until 5/4/24!

[@frrok1]

I looked at the XT. But finally went with the 7’6 Daiwa Tatula with the cork handle. I obviously haven’t caught any fluke with it yet since it was purchased over the winter. But I did take it out for some practice casts to get a feel and I must say, now I totally understand why your recommend freshwater bass rods with better components. I’m hoping to get my first shore mat with it this year. 🤞🏼

[@CookingandFishing]

You will! And that's a step up from the XT for sure

[@frrok1]

@@CookingandFishing I’m coming back to this thread to say that my Tatula has been spectacular to fish with this season so far. . This is has been my best shore fluking year so far. With about 7 or 8 keepers from shore and countless shorts, weakfish and a slot striped bass! I know my keeper numbers aren’t as high as y’all’s but I actually don’t fish many different spots , I am dad with a young one so I don’t have the time usually to go searching all day. I fish jetties mostly by my house(live by the beach) This rod handled amazingly! The back bone on the Tatula is solid and the sensitivity is nothing like any other rod I have fished before. I have to thank you and your channel for raising my level. I must say if the XT is anything like the Tatula , then a newcomer to fluking is going to be very happy with their purchase.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@frrok1 Thanks for the update, and glad you had an awesome season!! Yeah Daiwa nailed it with the XT - you're going to be hard pressed to find another rod as nice for fluking esp at that price point!

[@ernestovarela3416]

Great Video! Loved hearing your opinion on the difference between the high end and budget friendly.

[@CookingandFishing]

Nothing here for you Ernesto LOL

[@max-tx8zb]

nice review what do you think of the saint Croix legend tournament 7'10 medium moderate spinning paired with a 4000 Shimano Vanford for fluke?

[@CookingandFishing]

If you already have it, use it and see, but if you're looking to buy...I'm not a big St Croix fan. For that coin I would get a Labrax AGS 86ML in a heartbeat - ebay.us/cZGeNC or for a little more and if you want a shorter length, the Poison Adrena 76M 2 piece - ebay.us/N2kC0l. 3k or 4k sized Vanford will work on either rod, I prefer the 3000 size.

[@daveburckhardt488]

What size Tatula elite Ags you recommend ? 2500 vanford with it? How long are you making your leader ?

[@CookingandFishing]

The only Tatula AGS to buy is the 76MLM (the Feider model, NOT the Johnston model). My leaders are generally 5-6ft (with connection knot outside the tip guide for fluke fishing).

[@daveburckhardt488]

@@CookingandFishing thanks finally got my rod set up .. hopefully I can get out there this week before the seasons over

[@CookingandFishing]

@@daveburckhardt488 get out there now! lol!

[@robertanderson5544]

I absolutely love this combo. I got the same set up based on your review with a 3k ultegra. I've already caught over 100 fluke on the rod this year love how it loads on the hook set. I've fished 1/4 ounce to 1 ounce on the rod in anywhere from 10 to 90 feet of water. Great rig. I even took it to the seabass grounds yesterday with a 1 ounce paddletail and absolutely wore out the knot heads and it was fun as it gets. Definitely would recommend this combo to anyone!

[@CookingandFishing]

Awesome!! Always glad to hear my gear recommendations work out!

[@cl905o6]

I think i messed up i ordered medium light i should of bought medium 🤦‍♂️ got too exited, hopefully is not a big difference

[@CookingandFishing]

Just return it and get the right one lol

[@bena4072]

Nice! I got the older model Tatula XT for my son to use while fluke fishing from shore the year before last. I paired it with a Daiwa Fuego which is cheap enough that I don't have to worry about it when he drops in the sand--which he invariably does. HA!

[@CookingandFishing]

That sounds like a perfect setup for your son lol!

[@curtisg.8671]

Can’t wait for the season bro. Now you got me going through withdraw again haha😂 I’m still getting my striper fill!!

[@CookingandFishing]

I'm getting my green/brown bass fill as we speak lol

[@Brad-id7ge]

I fish mostly from a boat in Manasquan and Barnegat areas would this rod still be ideal for that type of fluking

[@CookingandFishing]

Definitely, boat or shore if you stay between 1/4oz and 3/8oz jigheads this rod (and the others I linked in the video description) will work great

[@Brad-id7ge]

@CookingandFishing ordered one lastnight

[@TojiZenin3956]

Definitely a good rod. Is the blank same as the Rebellion?

[@CookingandFishing]

I doubt it, but who knows. The cross weave on the XT stops after the stripper guide, while on the Rebellions it goes all the way to the tip. The underlying blank tho...is anyone's guess!

[@jimg7481]

is the rod 1pice or 2, Thanks

[@CookingandFishing]

1

[@tommyo321]

You mentioned the Tatula elite. Would the 7'3" medium be the one to go with?

[@CookingandFishing]

I would wait for Icast, rumors are the new AGS models including the 7'6 will be released then. Or get the Zodias 76M I have linked in the description. The XT is really for the budget conscious - gets the job done but the Elite and Zodias are definitely better rods.

[@tommotyka5487]

Roger this is what I have been waiting for!!! Zodious or rebellion? Do you think a longer rod would be better? Rebellion only has a 7 6 in medium light vs medium on the zodious? Stradic an upgrade? 3000 size on the 7 6?

[@CookingandFishing]

Definitely the 76M Zodias - 2500 or 3000 doesn't matter, same size just deeper spool.

[@tommotyka5487]

@@CookingandFishing thanks roger what about reel, do you think the stradic is an upgrade? Realistically how deep do you think you can fish this technique of of a boat or kyack?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@tommotyka5487 Minimal upgrade from Ultegra to Stradic, but the Vanford is much lighter and worth the price imo. I would not recommend 7'6 from a kayak - the 7'M Rebellion or Zodias would work better. It's a different animal from a boat/kayak, I've fished 1/4oz down to 55ft but it works best under 30ft - you need to cast into the current/updrift - a whole different topic but I've covered some of it in my kayak fluking videos.

[@termite122]

tsunami.. god forbid..hahahahahaha

[@marvin7199]

Great info! thank you

[@erlgrey4327]

Hi, can you tell what a rod on the hand of your companion on 30 sec of the video, it seems good rod also, but do not know the name of the rod, please can you tell what is the rod and model, length and lure test? thank you in advance

[@CookingandFishing]

That rod is long discontinued.

[@cl905o6]

What line do you use on this puppy?

[@CookingandFishing]

PE1 braid (I use YGK Upgrade x8) to 12 or 14lb fluoro leader.

[@joe69trump69]

I’ve got the previous model 7 foot medium and use it for jetty rock fish fishing. I love it with soft plastics. It’s my beater rod and is rough on it but it finally broke so going to be sending it in for warranty. Glad to see a good review on the new model

[@thebarcadas7850]

What braid are you using?

[@CookingandFishing]

YGK Upgrade x8 PE1 (22lb)

[@ogfidel8715]

Hey whats going on, would you recommend getting the 7’1 Medium Light Fast version?

[@CookingandFishing]

The 73M is the only one I fished

[@imcryoqa]

Ever try TFO's inshore lineup? My 7'9" 1/8 to 1/2 has proven to be an ideal JS setup off the sand.

[@CookingandFishing]

TFO is not really on my radar, but all that matters is that you like it...lots of rods to try out on the market!

[@samzilla1050]

Looking at the Ultegra or stradic for a fluke setup dont know which one to get

[@CookingandFishing]

They are not too different, if you're looking to squeeze every bit out of your budget get the Ultegra. The jump to the Vanford is significant just bc of the weight savings...otherwise, all 3 reels have similar features in terms of gearing/water resistance etc.

[@samzilla1050]

@@CookingandFishing do you recommend a 3000 size or 4000 size from shore and boat

[@CookingandFishing]

@@samzilla1050 If you get one of the freshwater rods I recommended, then 2500 or 3000.

[@JBCarrera54]

@@CookingandFishing are you super confident in the vanford’s capability? It seems so light for using in a saltwater application. Especially if you hook into a really big fluke or some bycatch like blues or such

[@CookingandFishing]

@@JBCarrera54 I am confident in my abilities to properly operate a spinning reel - a spinning reel isn't a winch, if you use the rod to lift and the reel to wind down slack, you won't damage the reel and you can land pretty much anything you hook into around here. I've had half a dozen cownose rays landed on my freshwater setups - it's not fun, but it's perfectly doable.

[@dayamanimahesh6633]

Hi Roger - I have two budget St Croix rods which is perfect for where I fish with live killies but I am looking for rods that are little bit more sensitive than triumph series. Would you recommend Daiwa Elite AGS 74M fast action rod ? I am planning to pair that with Vanford 5000 for shore jigging with gulp Jerkshad or grub tails

[@CookingandFishing]

Get the Zodias 76M I have linked the description - 5k is way too large a spool diameter for any of these rods, 2500/3000 is the size you want. Tatula Elite just got a refresh, I believe the AGS models might drop around Icast...but honestly I would get either the Zodias 76M or save up for the Steez AGS 76MML.

[@dayamanimahesh6633]

@@CookingandFishing Thanks for the feedback ! Appreciate it Roger. I will check it out 👌

[@angela6903]

Sorry dude but $500.00 is not budget! No where close to it!

[@CookingandFishing]

What's $500? The rod is $99, the reel is $150 - and you can get both cheaper than MSRP.

[@mikemarchionne7946]

Hi Roger these videos are amazing! Would you recommend this rod for using 1oz bucktails and grub off the surf? I’m looking to get a new rod soon and may splurge on the 200 price point but also may want to keep it budget friendly. Any recommendations are welcomed! Thank!

[@CookingandFishing]

1oz is wayyy too heavy, period (and for that rod). 3/8 is as heavy as you need to go, and 99.9% of the time I'm using 1/4oz.

[@mikemarchionne7946]

Thanks for the response! What about when the surf is a bit rougher? I’m assuming that is a time you just don’t fish? I’m going to get some lighter stuff and give It a try. Thanks again!

[@CookingandFishing]

@@mikemarchionne7946 As rough as the surf gets the depths doesn't change - you're still throwing into 5-10ft of water max. The problem is feeling your jig through all the "noise" - and that takes practice and also the right gear. ML-M freshwater bass rods rated to 1/2oz or so, with a crisp, quick-recovering tip is what's called for. That and just time on the water fishing in varying conditions.

[@philbarrows424]

Are you fishing / giving Lessons in NJ? PS Excellent and fair review of a budget setup👍🏻🏁

[@CookingandFishing]

NJ/NY/CT - and thanks!

[@nikmar1338]

Awsome stuff roger!

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks Nik!

[@williamborrero8849]

What is the tool that you use to remove the hook from the fish's throat?

[@CookingandFishing]

Unhookum Tool

[@joebussurfcastfishing]

so tatula elite or zodias? to match my vanford 3k

[@CookingandFishing]

The NEW 2023 Tatula Elite AGS 76MLM (Seth Feider model) is the tits, but it's also $300. If that's not within the budget the regular cork handled Tatula 76MLM is VERY nice for the money, and I probably like its action more than the 76M Zodias. I certainly like the ergos of the Tatula handle better. But if you're looking for a nicer toy, that Tat Elite AGS is an excellent buy.

[@joebussurfcastfishing]

@@CookingandFishing thank a lot really appreciate it. I’m definitely looking into the lower $200 range for now maybe next I’m get the hammer. I learned a lot from you and want to thank you on that also. I just to realized the the carbon shield 2 isn’t for me or maybe I just got better lol. Thanks again we should cast together sometime.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@joebussurfcastfishing Yeah man get that cork Tatula 76MLM for like $170 shipped and you're set! And just say no to Tsunami loll

[@joebussurfcastfishing]

@@CookingandFishing 170 shipped? I wish Lol I heading tackledirext for 190 and driving 1.5hrs each way Lolol

[@CookingandFishing]

@@joebussurfcastfishing Why??? $169.99 shipped! www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Tatula_Spinning_Rods/descpage-DTSR.html

[@ralphsaldana529]

🤙😎

[@bigal2681]

Old video or are you catching now?

[@CookingandFishing]

I'm catching some bass fish right now lol