How Important is Rod Sensitivity? Shimano Expride, Zodias, Megabass Hyuga

Is rod sensitivity important in saltwater fishing? Here I compare the Shimano Zodias to the Shimano Expride, briefly touching on the Megabass Hyuga as well.
Expride MH "dock skipping" rod, for 1/2 - 1oz jigs: amzn.to/2CwbxOP
Expride Spinning MH 7'2, for 1/4 - 3/8oz jigs:
goo.gl/v5r6tR
Zodias 7'2M, probably the best all around fluke jigging rod for up to 1oz jigs: goo.gl/ADuzqa
above are affiliate links
Zodias 6'8 light spinner, my "UL" saltwater rod: goo.gl/8WJtd9
Megabass Hyuga 72h, rated up to 4oz!: goo.gl/hLYAqn above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links

[@CookingandFishing]

What brand, and specific models, are your most sensitive rods? Let us know in the comment section, I'm always looking for new rods to test out!

[@SkiingManiacs1]

Cooking and Fishing St. Croix legend tournament spinning. 6’6 medium Lt extra fast or St. Croix avid inshore spinning 7’6 medium

[@CookingandFishing]

Nice!

[@mchan6]

Labrax

[@CookingandFishing]

Dialuna!

[@vire559]

Berkley AMP 6'6" Medium

[@SushiWithDan]

The unmasking!!! Very nicely done. I needed some ideas on some jigging rods.

[@CookingandFishing]

lol it had to be done...I did consider wearing the mask!

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Yes!! The Crucial and Kumara line def has an OG cult following!!🤙🤙

[@CookingandFishing]

Yup esp the Cumara, still one of the best rods Shimano ever made.

[@thomashall1726]

Did anyone else see the doe in the background on the other side of the fence? Lol

[@audacityofthemind8348]

Thomas Hall 6:52 to 7:10 Yes

[@thesilverpirates4706]

This is one of the best sensitivity rod explanations I’ve watched thanks for the info and thanks for not leaning on one brand because I’m a doybns fan I’m not saying they are the best it’s just the rods I started running with and don’t wanna change lol

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you! I hear mixed things about Dobyns...but there are only so many rods a person can thoroughly test out. I've found my lineups with Shimano, with a smattering of megabass thrown in. The new Levantes seem VERY nice for the money. Will probably pick up one or two over the Winter.

[@thesilverpirates4706]

I hear good things about shimano there will be some of those in my collection as well

[@toadmarz]

Great content, well thought out and explanation. Thanks

[@CookingandFishing]

ty! Btw that new Levante...I wiggled a few in the store. They seem to be winners, esp that 110 special :)

[@rawrfishing]

Very good vid man, thx for the details on the rods

[@CookingandFishing]

YVW! hope you found that useful, I can talk about rods all day lol

[@philipdean1614]

I know I'm late watching this but wow. What a review well done. I have the zodias for most of my bass fishing and yes I have an expride for my jigging.

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you!! Here in 2021 and the Expride is still the best bang for buck rod to beat, though I hear the new Zodias is very nice.

[@KemDog]

Nice break down man. Have had great experiences with Dobyns rods sensitivity as well.

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks man! I've always wanted to try out Dobyns, that's a whole universe of rods I'm almost afraid to get into lol. Been watching your videos, notching up some impressive catches! One day I'll figure out the freshwater game...prob means giving up saltwater for a season or two!

[@KemDog]

Cooking and Fishing appreciate it! More videos coming soon. Hope to see more from you as well!

[@bigcdadon30]

Thumbs up bro just for showing your face lol i been one of the first few subscribers you had you have the potential to be one of the best when it comes to catch and cook as far as fishing info and quality recipes keep it up 👍

[@CookingandFishing]

haha thanks mang! I know the cooking bit is my bread/butter, glad you enjoy them!

[@owenzmortgage8273]

Your talking is so easy to understand and accurate

[@CookingandFishing]

Haha thank you!

[@markntexas8265]

I live in Texas and never fish saltwater but this was awesome 👏 subscribing now.

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you!!

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Good video, keep up the good work.

[@CookingandFishing]

Ty!

[@ptgosu]

Very professional

[@CookingandFishing]

thanks buddy, I try!

[@LesFishingMoreCatching]

Lol at 7:00 there’s a deer or something looking at the camera behind the fence. For most of my bass fishing on LI I use my Shimano Cumara 6’8” MH fast rod. It’s IM10. Intermediate Modulus Graphite. I also have a bunch of St. Croix rods that are super sensitive they go by a SC rating my Legend Xtreme mixes SCVI with SCV. It’s 62,000,000 modulus. I run lighter line too 8# for bass and 15#-30# for salt casting. I feel like that helps with sensitivity the lighter lines. For bottom jig fishing it def helps you can feel the bottom and when the fish vibrates the lure it sends it up the line to the rod to your hand like electricity.

[@CookingandFishing]

those damn deer are everywhere... I completely forgot to mention cumaras, I had a black mh and a red m, both great rods. For w/e reason I was never a fan of St Croix, but they seem to be the most popular fresh-salt "crossover" brand in my area.

[@jerrycleary3206]

I have to say. After watching this video I think I’m gonna spend the extra cash on an Expride. I was going back and forth on the zodias and the Expride I’m a freshwater bass angler who is in the tri state area. I want exactly what you mentioned. The very high end sensitivity for my drop shotting and weightless worms etc. pretty awesome video. Thanks for taking the time

[@CookingandFishing]

I don't think you're going to regret it. Which model are you looking at? The 6'10ml been out of stock everywhere for ages...

[@jerrycleary3206]

Cooking and Fishing as funny as that is I may end up just getting the zodias. Since I can’t find a 7’+ Medium. I’m looking for an all around rod.

[@CookingandFishing]

I just got the 7'm, between that and the 7'2mh, I would go with the 7'2mh. It's got an incredible tip to it, but neither are ideal for drop shotting. I've come to the conclusion that dropshot requires a dedicated rod...

[@jerrycleary3206]

Cooking and Fishing I use ned Rig and drop shot as well as Neko Rig and weightless worms. MH is way to much for what I need it for. I may end up going with the 7’3” ML that would be a good rod for Ned rig. Drop shot as well I’m thinking.

[@m4a1JAY]

The deer is like, "Hello! I'm here for the seminar..."

[@CookingandFishing]

lol!

[@BooksNGuns]

Who the fuq is this guy? What a review! It's not that you broke it down, it's how you did it that made me shush my child in the background. Well done my friend.

[@CookingandFishing]

I am no one :) (ty!)

[@IIk10]

Hi, can you help me? Will be worked Expride 168MH-2 with rudra 130sp and Jackal Maqsquad 128sp?

[@GW2_Community_Is_Autistic]

Im really surprised about your Hyuga comment not being sensitive. I didn't try an expride yet (even tho im thinking of grabbing the 2017 model or a Poison Adrena), but between the Zodia and a Hyuga, the Hyuga felt significantly more sensitive to me.

[@CookingandFishing]

I've played around with a couple of lighter Hyugas, they are quite different rods to the Zodias. In the video I was specifically talking about the 72h, which is a beast of a rod and though sensitive for its spec...I would not call it sensitive per se. The 2017 expride is hands down more sensitive than either the zodias or hyuga, I would take a hard look at them if you're considering that 250-300 price point.

[@GW2_Community_Is_Autistic]

What other Hyugas have you tried? I own a Medium Light one, and its damn sensitive for bottom contact (i mainly use it for walleye). How do the lighter hyugas fare against the expride?

[@CookingandFishing]

I had the 611mh, it was a nice rod, but didn't have the tip I wanted in a jig rod. Compared to the Expride? It's really no contest, in every aspect, and most definitely in sensitivity. The other hygua I've fished with a couple times was the 69ML spinning...that was a nice rod, but not nicer than the Zodias. Just my 2 cents!

[@GW2_Community_Is_Autistic]

Well i decided to grab an Adrena so ill see how it goes.

[@CookingandFishing]

Awesome! I think you'll be very happy. I've been eyeballing the new monocoque Adrena myself...can't quite justify the purchase (yet!)

[@matthewprestine1974]

Less money but I love my fenwick hmg rods. HMG76ML-FS or HMG70ML-FS

[@makcatchem9614]

I'm getting around to this video late. But I will say you explained this correctly

[@CookingandFishing]

thanks!

[@StarsAndStripers]

Thank you for the video. Now that its 5 years later have you tested any other rods for jigging fluke? If so what rod(s) stands out? I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and lessons. I find your videos extremely valuable.

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks!! The new Labrax AGS 90ML if you want a longer rod - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJaqao1qpbaaj8k but my favorite is still the Steez Compile X AGS 76MML - kzbin.info/www/bejne/np7Egalsfsykh5Y - Daiwa makes a Tatula and Tatula Elite in the 7'6MML as well, and the Zodias 76M is a great rod too.

[@StarsAndStripers]

​@@CookingandFishing Thank you for getting back to me. I watched both videos. Nice reviews. Do you use these rods for slack line jigging for fluke from a boat with jerk shad? The majority of my fishing is for summer flounder and stripers from boat. If not, what do you recommend? Thank you.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@StarsAndStripers from boat 7'6 is a bit long, and depending on the weight of your jig...I would recommend the new Expride B in casting or spinning. For 1/4-3/8oz jigheads + gulp, look at the 7M spinning, some people like the 72MH spinning for a little more oomph, and for 1/2-5/8oz jighead + gulp the 72MH casting is perfect. The Steez is obviously more sensitive and lighter...but the only reason I have a couple is for freshwater bass fishing; that 76MML just happens to be perfect for shore fluking 1/8 - 1/4oz as well.

[@StarsAndStripers]

@@CookingandFishing Thank you

[@RF-20]

Hey great video and your spot on with your comparison. You hit the nail on the head about the Hyuga. I actually bought 4 of them right before I found this video they. Your right nothing special about them in fact I felt they were very tip heavy. Sold them to a buddy of mind. I actually have a JDM Expride rod man is it sweet. I have several Adrena the first series and newest one and I absolutely love them. If you want to stay in the $200-$300 here are some outside the box. Check out the Irod Atir 703 for the price crazy sensitive. If you can find it Steez XT 701 is great. Miller Rod Castfreak series is amazing. Savage Gear Black Ops 7'1 MH surprisingly very sensitive very lite and very balance. Lamiglass SI very very soft tip but very very sensitive even though it's rated to throw up to 1oz because of that tip it scares me. You may think I'm stupid for suggesting this one but best bang for your buck Phenix Feather. My favorite models are 7'1 MH, 7'1 H, and 7'3 XH. These rods are as you say in the south just down right fun to fish with. They are the lightest rod I've ever fish with and the 7'1 MH it's just unfair how sensitive it is. Gary Loomis said if you can eliminate the weight of the rod as much as possible you can feel everything well that's true about these Feathers. Now durability we'll see I've had mine for 2 years and it's holding up. Here are some more I have Abu Zenon 7MH, NRX 7'3 MH, Megabass P5 Madbull, and I have a couple of the Dobyns Extreme and XP. Dobyns are my least favorite it's a nice rod just feel it's not as versatile as all the other rods I listed. Almost forgot ALX Enox rods are the real deal the 7'1 MH wow that is a nice rod it'll remind you of the Dobyn a little bit but I feel it's more versatile overall. Phenix M1 and Recon Elite series great rods but why spend more on these when you can get the Feather for less and it's a way better rod. I plan on getting the K2 by Phenix here at Christmas so I'll update you when I do.

[@CookingandFishing]

So many rods, so little time lol...not a fan of the Feather, I did a review on the 71L and I had a couple more. Terrible nub of a handle, and not all that sensitive in my hands. But you're right - definitely a fun rod.

[@RF-20]

@@CookingandFishing just remember I bought a Garry Loomis Black Widow Edge rod if you have smaller hands like me it's not a fun rod to fish with. It is pretty sensitive not near as sensitive as an NRX like it wants to be. I wouldn't pay 300-400 like they are trying to sell it for. I got mine around 250 because they were running a special on it. Now if you can get them to make a rod using their HM graphite and not the IM graphite I'm sure it's would out of this world sensitive like I've heard but you'll be paying for it. If you haven't heard of them check them out Edgerod.com they have a new rod coming out they say it's the lightest production rod out there. I'll believe when I feel it. Black Widow is not that light. Also the original 13 fishing Envy series is really nice for the price they are hard to find. I'm going to check out your video of the feather.

[@RF-20]

I run a seafood market and a lot of my customers don't know what Fluke is. I'm going to direct them to your youtube channel so they can get educated.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@RF-20 haha ty!!

[@TackleAdvisors]

I'm gonna give ya all my rods and you can do reviews on em!!! lol....Excellent break down......You should have told the story about how you accidently got that rod!!!!! I thought it was hilarious!

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks mang!

[@CookingandFishing]

Notice I mentioned no reels...with your channel that would be redundant, and I do hate being redundant!

[@TackleAdvisors]

LMAO

[@quangvo1989]

And I only need to watch you guys videos

[@CookingandFishing]

loll

[@steffenweyer8126]

Bro nice video , can u tell me wich rings the hyuga has?, Cant find information if it has alconite or titanium ring

[@CookingandFishing]

I'm almost positive it's ti SIC, but not 100%. Hard to find these rods now...maybe the tackle trap still has a few left in stock.

[@Engineer_Heathen]

My go to rod company is Kevin Bogan custom rods in point pleasant. Can get a kick ass custom saltwater rod for 150-200.

[@CookingandFishing]

Heard a lot about his rods, mainly from his annoying forum posts (lol!), but I'm sure they're solid!

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

I really want to know about the 6'8" Zodias spinning rod. I really want to purchase one for light bass fishing and or crappie/panfish. I need it to be able to throw a 1/16 head with crappie plastic (Bobby garland baby shad) or a Strike King Bitsy Minnow (tiny crank). I was wondering if that 6'8"Light was capable of that or if it is more of a bass rod. Looking to pair with a 1000 size Ci4+FB. My 7'ML Villain 2.0 just cannot throw that light using the same reel, but in 2500 size...

[@CookingandFishing]

That Zodias will barely throw 1/16 + plastic, but is much happier in the 1/10+ range. It's more of an UL bass rod than a crappie rod. Might I suggest the Phenix Feather 7'1L instead? It has a similar backbone but softer tip. The ratings run high on the Feathers, and the L is imo at least 1/2 power lighter than the Zodias L. The Ci4+ 1k will be a perfect fit on either rod; so will the Tatula or Ballistic 1000 LT.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

@@CookingandFishing Thanks. Right now I am using a Revo STX20 (gen 2) on a TFO 6'Light rod. It is only about a $100 rod and great for panfishing, I would just rather not buy 2 of the same rod. The Abu spinning is ok, but was a step down from my initial Ci4+2500FA so a 1000 Shimano/Daiwa is next. I have been viewing some of the St. Croix rods too, they make plenty of $150-200 5'6" to 6'3" in that range.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@logicalrationalfishing7481 The 7'1 Phenix will fish very differently than any 5 - 6' rod. Personally, I found the 6'8L Zodias just a bit short...and the exact same rating in a 7'2 would be much more versatile. There's a new Expride 7' Light that looks interesting, sooner or later I'll grab one to test out. And yeah...when it comes to spinning reels (and really, baitcasters as well), I've found no reason --- zero --- to look beyond Shimano and Daiwa. If you're only doing freshwater fishing...I highly recommend the tatula LT 1k.

[@mikelaw5188]

U R definitely TSK MEMBERS

[@JerzyAnt609]

I been watching you for almost a year and this is the first time I seen your face and by the sound of your voice I would have never guessed you have Asian in you lol

[@JerzyAnt609]

This was a very helpful video also thank you!!!

[@CookingandFishing]

SURPRISE M.F.!!! haha j/k...thanks for watching!

[@StraitClownin909]

Bahaaaa

[@Unspoke]

In the Dobyns lineup, the Champion Extreme doesn’t have any slack-line sensitivity. Maybe the DRX line has it but not the the DX, which is unfortunate because it’s a turnoff.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah was not impressed with any Dobyns I've fished with

[@pma5317]

I’ve got a suspicion on that BTW

[@MaultschenPruegel]

7:19! I think you are a witchdoctor...Abrakadabra!

[@mrb401]

Enjoyed the vid. Great comparisons. Those Exprides sound pretty nice. I think I remember you fishing a Trevala S in 1 of your older vids. How would you compare the S and the Zodias, sensitivity-wise. Also durability? Fishing the same bottom fishing application of course. I have a couple S rods and love them for the money. They take a beating every season.

[@CookingandFishing]

Love the Trevala S rods! They were my primary party/charter boat rods for many years. Butt is a bit long for the kayak, I kept the ML casting and cut down the buttcap by 5" or so. In terms of sensitivity they don't quite compare to the pure graphite freshwater blanks, and they are also pretty short rods for casting...but they are tough as nails and versatile, and load up very nicely on fish. That ML casting model will handle any fish in our water, AND will jig 1/2 - 3 oz comfortably, prob the best all-around rod in that lineup. I'll take the S series over similarly priced Jigging World/blackhole rods any day!

[@mrb401]

Cooking and Fishing I have the ML in spinning and it's one of my fav rods. Versatile is right. And your weight ratings are spot on. The MH casting I have is a brute, primarily used for 3+ lead for togs in heavy structure. Or jigging hogys for big bass. This curado K needs a rod & I'm gonna take a look at the Zodias lineup👍🏼

[@CookingandFishing]

yeah that ML is crazy versatile, if I ever attempt a surf launch in my inflatable it'll be that rod strapped to the deck. I can jig fluke/seabass troll SPs hell I'll even liveline off that rod if I had to. If you're looking for a light jig rod, say up to 1oz total weight...that 7'2M Zodias will match so nicely to the K!

[@ZZMOKIN]

I cut 7" off the butt of a medium Trevala S for throwing choppers in the Amazon, used it on three trips in the last year and it's perfect. My lightest most sensitive rod is a Jackson Super Trickster STC64L casting, just love it. For spinning, the light Expride is a good one, have it paired with a little Stradic. Going up in size the Kistler He3 seven foot LMH is hard to beat, I haven't found a more perfect, sensitive overall rod to cover a wide range.

[@CookingandFishing]

You know, that Trevala S sounds perfect for jungle duty. Evergreen and other JDM rod companies make those short, med-fast power sticks I think specifically for Japanese tourists fishing Papa New Guinea etc...and I can't imagine a butt-shortened Trevala S being that much different. Glad to hear it works for you! I've read a lot of chatter a few years ago re the Jackson Trickster rods, and more recently with the new Kistlers. I think unlike reels...many companies are making quality blanks/rods. The choices are endless, and if I strictly fished freshwater bass I'd be bankrupt a long time ago lol.

[@pma5317]

You were talking about rods in this video? I’m actually just shocked you showed your face. Lol

[@CookingandFishing]

lol

[@fishnewhere387]

Cooking and Fishing same its weird to see someone's face after listening to them for a long time. Great video as always.

[@CookingandFishing]

lol it's weird to see my giant melon head on screen, and I'm me!

[@i.o.3563]

What is a slack line sensitivity? If you have no tension, no way you can feel anything. What will transfer the bite to the rod, if line has a slack? Unless you use the force)))

[@CookingandFishing]

If you can SEE the twitch in your slack line when a fish strikes your lure, that means vibration is transmitted to your rod tip. Whether you can FEEL it depends on how sensitive your rod is. I thought the same thing before I experienced it, with fluorocarbon it is much more noticeable but with braid you do need a sensitive rod. Also, some people feel more than others :)

[@THESHITTTTT65]

If you don't know what slack line sensitivity is you need to try a expride a poison adrena or nrx or something along those lines and not only will the fish be hooked so will you

[@CookingandFishing]

@@THESHITTTTT65 haha well put

[@AnimeNfish]

how can i tell the diffrence between the 2017 expride and the old expride? im trying to buy one from a guy but i want to make sure its the 2017 model

[@CookingandFishing]

The most obvious difference is the reel seat: older models have a hard, shiny CI4 reelseat, whereas the 2017 models have a matte, rubberized ("soft touch") reel seat. Also, the foregrip: the old models have a flared cork foregrip, whereas the 2017 Exprides have a foregrip with no taper. OLD: www.top-fishing.fr/images/articles/standard/canne-shimano-expride-casting.jpg NEW: img.tacklewarehouse.com/new_handles/SHEXAC6.jpg

[@AnimeNfish]

Hey man thanks for the reply and the info! subbed!

[@CookingandFishing]

thanks! Let us know how you like the rod, and which model you're getting

[@TackleAdvisors]

How in the faq is this vid 24 hrs old and only has 250 views.........this scares me

[@TackleAdvisors]

Looking at Fishing POV and capt daves channels.......I don't understand how channels with thousands of subs aren't getting any views at all whatsoever.......

[@CookingandFishing]

Lol...there might be a split going on among my subs, some are here just for the cooking!

[@gobybryant1001]

The deer in the back

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Yep I noticed that

[@ryanfishesalot6311]

I think the deer likes ur expride.

[@CookingandFishing]

lol those f'n deer knows I don't hunt, only fish...

[@NFiltr8Red]

If you can’t fish, it doesn’t matter what your using. The only thing that matters most in fishing is “LINE”, I have $1k set ups, and $100 set ups. Having the right line and knowing how to fish is key. All these expensive rod and reels do is make work easier and more enjoyable. My Daiwa Steez AGS/ Exist 3000 is my favorite white my Stella FJ is on the back burner.

[@CookingandFishing]

I suppose the point of this video is for you to decide what level of sensitivity in a rod matters to your type of fishing. All things being equal (yes, line included), a more sensitive rod is...well, more sensitive. What you do with that increased tactile data is up to you. I'll spend the money on rods > reels these days, esp when the big 2 have such quality offerings in the 180 - 250 price point, both casting and spinning.

[@rapalaman6681]

Most all rods mentioned are made in China and are great value yet when you include warranty may not be. St. Croix, Loomis have superior warranties and resale value and happen to be made in the USA. I also believe the balance point of the rod with the reel also are a big factor. Great video. Thanks!!

[@bomiwonabi]

When I met you I thought you were white lmao you were all covered up