Like Tattoobob, I also have a VS 250 I'd like to put on a new rod.

I'm looking for a plugging rod to throw up to 3oz BUT in a shorter length (9' range...)as most of my fishing is of the rocks/jetty/ledge variety where accuracy and the ability to tirelessly work spooks and topwater jerkbaits is more important to me than distance.

Looking for an "off the shelf "recommendation.Or maybe a custom builder recommendation.

imo a vs250 is too big for a 9'er. i find my 150 is peeeerrfect on a 1088 allstar :cool:

1088 with VS200 is my go to set up. This meets and exceeds the type of fishing you mention in your post. I wouldn't want any more weight in the reel though. Just took it out of the car this morning.........going into winter withdrawals

I would agree that the 250 is a little large for a 9 foot rod. I do use a 250 on my all star 1088 occasionally but that is the heaviest 9 foot rod I have. I think the 200 fits a heavier 9 foot perfectly and like the a 150 on a lighter one.

allstar 1089 if you can find one, but like these guys are saying, thats a big reel for a 9 footer.

Batson Rainshadow 1088.

I think the 150 is to small,and it doesn't have the space to hold the amount of line you will need. (a great schoolie reel) and the 250 is to big for a 9 foot, the 200 will fit the bill, if you already have the VS250 use a Lami 1205/1204 with it. but that is a 10 foot rod.

allstar 1088 would probably be perfect for you, balances alright with a 250 and it has the balls the fish rocks/ledges. Great from 1.5 - just under 4 oz in my opinion. Problem is that they aren't made anymore. You have all winter to try to hunt one down and if you can't, go with the batson su 1088 (not sw).

the only two 9' rods that I really like the 250 on, as opposed to the 200, are the allstar 1088 and a 9' e-glass allstar that I use for eeling (don't know the blank number and its alittle to soft in tip for spooks).

Who can tell me the variations on the different1088 blanks. I was blessed to win a Batson Rainshadow made in the USA blank donated by Capesams last winter, so that is my only measure....and I want another one!

Maybe one of the new Shimano surf rods if you're looking for something with a lifetime no questions asked warranty. None of the Loomis 9's really have the power it sounds like you're looking for.

Allstar 1088 is a great option if you go custom.

The 250, by the numbers, isn't THAT bad on a nine. It's only an ounce heavier then the 200 and several ounces lighter then many other reels people use on 9 footers. Physically it looks large though and the 200 would be ideal.

i'd go with the allstar 1088. i fish a 704 on mine :musc:

Maybe one of the new Shimano surf rods if you're looking for something with a lifetime no questions asked warranty.

The 250, by the numbers, isn't THAT bad on a nine. It's only an ounce heavier then the 200 and several ounces lighter then many other reels people use on 9 footers. Physically it looks large though and the 200 would be ideal.

Pete's right. I wanted a stronger 9' rod for tougher fishing conditions, and there aren't many 9' rods rated too powerful, so I picked up one of the new Shimano Tiralejo 9' MH rods - the TRS90MHLC. Very nice rod and very tough & stout & casts very well - but be warned its a very fast action rod, which I like but know some others don't like. Shimano built this rod for heavy fishing with big plugs in tough locations.

Pete's also right about a heavier reel on a 9' rod. I have fished a 9' rod all season with a 29.1 ounce Saltiga 5000Z on it. To me it balances fine and the extra weight is not a problem. I think the rest of the guys complaining that even a VS250 is too heavy for a 9' need to hit the gym and quit being such women...:jester: :jester: :hidin:

JoeP - u gotta STOP buying those factory rods and move into the world of custom rods. ;) NOW whose being the woman. :D

Some of my friends complain about wanting a plugging reel that is under a certain weight and I look at them like - u gotta be kiddig me. Let me break out my postage scale and weight that pig. :P Who cares what it weighs as long as the outfit feels good in your hands. :)

I'm not attached to any of my rods. Each one has it's good and bad points. If you get one made (or make it yourself) then you will have less things you complain about. In my case I am short so most butts are too long for me where as some of ya are extremely tall the rods could be too short.

9' - 1 oz - 3 oz: I grab my custom Lamiglas GSB 1081M (ld model 2pc - don't like the high frame guides and should change them out). Otherwise I like my factory St Croix Premier 8.5-2pc as my "jetty stick". Allstar 1088 would be hot - trick is to locate one. Rainshadow SW1089 would be an alternative. Go over and see mikecc @ M&D's and he can hook ya up with a nice custom for very reasonable $.

JoeP - u gotta STOP buying those factory rods and move into the world of custom rods. ;) NOW whose being the woman. :D

Otherwise I like my factory St Croix Premier 8.5-2pc as my "jetty stick".

Ray, not my fault you've been brainwashed by the "custom world crowd". :laugha: I've never been unsatisfied with a factory rod. If you look hard enough there are plenty of good options.:kewl:

And what do you call that St. Croix Premier - factory custom?

to hit the gym and quit being such women...:jester: :jester: :hidin:

Yup :D

I'll call ya later Joe...

Naw, I build my own pos custom rods, JoeP. Ya know I'm ribbing ya..... lol.

I like those St Croix Surf rods - Premier & Avids. If they went with Fuji Hardloys on them they would be perfecto.

Lots of the imports are great value as well. The Quarrow Tiderunner is super for the $..... 9' - 2pc fishes great. I would put that up against rods costing 2X.

http://www.wickfordrodworks.com/
he will set u up !!