Chaos Jigging Rods: Chaotic Exotic
Are you sick of heavy pool-cue trolling rods? Sure, they’re tiring to use, but you need to rig up with heavyweights if you want to pull heavy tackle and have a shot at big fish, right? No way—not according to Chaos, which has developed a new line of graphite/glass composite rods that look and feel like pea-shootes but have the punch of a bazooka.
The new Chaos line includes 6’6” and 7’0” models, in both spinning and conventional versions. The amazing part: even though they look and feel like a rod that would traditionally be rated for 17 to 20 pound test, they’re rated for 30 to 60, 60 to 80, and 80 to 100 pounds. I didn’t believe it at first, but when I spooled up with 60-lb braid—these rods were developed specifically for braid, which allows the angler a much higher pound-test than monofilament of the same diameter—and hooked into a 30-pound yellowfin tuna, I discovered these rods are for real. It felt like it had the same backbone and lifting power as a traditional 30 to 60 pound class rod, at half the weight and diameter.
I found these rods ideal for speed-jigging, and unlike some rods intended for this use, the Chaos doesn’t ever bottom-out or reach the end of its arc. While the tip offers some fast-action play, the mid section blends into an aft section that has a ton of backbone. The 30-pound fish, for example, didn’t cause any bend in the rod beyond the lowest guide. As a result, however, it’s really too stiff for light jigs and you need three or more ounces to jig effectively.
The grips are foam, guides are the double-foot style and are lined with silicon-carbide inserts, and the reel seat is gold and black anodized aluminum. The tip top is not impervious, though. When I tried deep-dropping with four pounds of lead—admittedly a very, very tall order for a rod of this size—I did manage to wear a groove in the tip. Wraps around the guides are gold over black, and the wraps near the base are criss-crossed. The butt also has a gimbal so you can use this rod with a harness, or cap it with the rubber end-piece, and fish it without one. Ready for another surprise? They aren’t ridiculously expensive.
Price: $200 and up.
The Highs: Great action and gobs of lifting power in a light package.
The Lows: Fast tip doesn’t allow for light jigs; don’t drop four pounds in 1,000’ of water or braid can take a toll.
Who Wants It: Offshore guys looking for a mid-sized rod with big-sized beef.
Contact: www.chaosrods.com
