There's been quite a few threads on the forum just recently about jerkbait rod opinions.  I've gone back and forth myself doing plenty of research on different jerkbait rods on the market.  I've got a couple of 9' Tackle Industries rods that I love, but I wanted something a bit shorter to be able to finesse my jerkbaits and gliders. 

I wanted something in the 7'0" - 7'6" range capable of handling very large jerkbaits and gliders.  Monster Squirkos, 10" Phantom Softails, 10" Hellhounds, etc, etc.  I also really wasn't keen on spending anymore than $200.00 for the rod. 

The Okuma 6'10" XH was out.  A fishing buddy of mine has this exact same rod.  He really can get his gliders to do some crazy glides... but I've casted his combo numerous times and it really doesn't feel "balanced" to me.  I want to say it feels top-heavy, but again, that's simply one man's opinion.  I'm not bashing anyone's product.

I also looked at the Musky Innovations 7'0" XH and 7'6" XH rods.  They were in my price range but, these rods feel quite heavy when compared to my Tackle Industries rods even despite my TI rods being 9'0"! So the Musky Innovations rods were out...

I also looked at St. Croix's Mojo Musky 7'2" XH jerkbait rod.  I can't get past the split-grip handle.  I found a local shop that had one in stock and they let me attach my Revo Toro 60 to it just to see how it felt.  It just felt awkward to me.  Again, one man's opinion... not doubting the capability of the St. Croix Mojo Musky rod, I simply don't care for the split-grip handles... especially when attempting to work a jerkbait or finesse a glider for the majority of the day.

I keep doing various searches with Google and found some positive reviews about the Jawbreaker Custom Rods.  I contacted Nick via e-mail and without even speaking to him on the phone, he built me a jerkbait rod to my specification and customization.  He began by using a 7'6" XH / FAST blank based upon St. Croix's SC-IV series.  I upgraded to Fuji heavy-duty hardloy guides.  He also used a premium fat-grip cork for the butt of the rod and standard sized premium cork foregrip. The rod has a line weight rating of 30lb. - 80lb. and it has a lure weight rating of 1 oz. - 10 oz.  I actually just got done watching "The Dark Knight" on Blu-Ray when I e-mailed Nick.  He asked me about guide wraps and custom colors and I went with a Joker-theme.  Green 'n Purple.  I figure, hey, aside from the fact that Nick put my last name on the rod itself at the base of the foregrip... there ain't no way anyone is going to mistake this thing for their rod.  Oh, I should also mention that I sent him funds via PayPal on 05/21 at 8 p.m. and had my new rod waiting for me today (05/31)  I'd say that's a pretty darn good turnaround for something custom...

Attached my Revo Toro 60 to it and it feels awesome.  Despite the gale force winds today, I found a little bay on the lake from shore and launched a 7.5" Phantom Softail a country mile.  I wasn't concerned about the length of the cast, but the rod feels great.  Very well balanced and I'm very pleased with the way I was able to finesse the bait.

I'm stoked I finally got to add another rod and reel to my arsenal!   *w00t!*

Guest,

I actually did contemplate an 8'0" rod, as well - it's definitely more manageable than a 9'0".  It's definitely a matter of personal preference.  There are plenty of guys out there who use a longer jerkbait rod with no issues at all.