Any opinions on what this blank shines at? I live in Upstate SC so I tend to hunt trout, bass, panfish and whatever bites each summer on the coast.

You'll got the right blank for what you just discribed. I just received my first 861 blank, but it sure feels like a 2 inch longer version of the 841, they made earlier, that I've used for everything you mentioned and I bet it would be a fun light popping rod also.

Is the butt beefy enough to set the hook with light jigs and small plastics lile 3" Senkos or 2-1/2" Yum crawfish?

I think you will love this blank. This blank replaced the LSJ841 which I have currently 2 rods built. I still have 1 blank left in case I break one. I use it to throw small jerk baits (Yozuri 3D minnow) for seatrout, reds, snook , ladyfish, etc.. No problem casting this lure a country mile with a US reel. It handles those fish without a problem. I also use it to work that jerk bait above weed beds in Fl. & I've caught bass upto 5 lbs. with no problems. I cut this blank down to 6" 6" rod for a friend of mine. He uses it to fish 4" Berkley power worms around stumps & catches loads bass. This is a sweet blank.

Mike Clements

Set the hook carefully. My clients have blown up more LSJ (XMG Spin Jig) blanks than any other. I have ZERO issue with the LP (XMG Popping) blanks. As fun as it is too have such a responsive blank, there is a tradeoff in durability.

Marty Martin Wrote:
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> Is the butt beefy enough to set the hook with
> light jigs and small plastics lile 3" Senkos or
> 2-1/2" Yum crawfish?

I don't think you'll have a problem with those baits. I've used the 9B slim senkos wacky style, jigworms, finesse, splitshotting, etc. for smallies and largemouth with the 841. Like the post before mentioned, this is not a blank for mondo full tilt hooksets, or locked down drags. I suspect it's because of the abrupt light tip to power transition and the thin wall blank construction. I've heard from others that some of the XMGs gave Lamiglas fits. I'm sure there is a reason they could tell us why the lightest power, still available, is the 2 power blanks.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2008 03:09PM by Spencer Phipps.