Which rod for a Dark Sleeper?

[Edziu23]

I am looking to get a rod specific to the dark sleeper in 3/8 and 1/2. I am planning on fishing mostly in open water 15-35ft. I am between the Megabass F5-75X JAVELIN and the Megabass DESTROYER P5 (JDM) F4.5-71X Dark Sleeper. Pros and cons for each?

[Bronzefly]

The P5 Dark Sleeper handles 3/8 and 1/2 oz extremely well. I opt for a different rod when throwing 3/4 and 1oz DS, especially in deeper water. Any excuse to buy a P5 over any other Megabass rod save for perhaps some X7 based blanks, and a few select Evoluzion rods, I'd go that route. The Javelin will get the job done, has a little additional length which is an advantage, but has a slower action which is a disadvantage in this case. I think of the Dark Sleeper more as a jig and less as a swim bait, so I select the rods I use for them based on that.

[BoatBuggy]

You'll want the 3/4 and 1 oz ones of you want to want to bump it along the bottom in over 15 ft of water. I use a Daemos for Dark Sleepers but I'm thinking about getting the P5 Dark Sleeper for the lighter ones.

[kstephes033]

I have settled on the Dobyns Champ Extreme 743c for 1/2 and 3/4 oz and works perfect with 15lb. Usually I am fishing it in 15ft+ with weeds and have no issues. The Megabass Braillist is also an awesome rod for them, a little stiffer than the Dobyns though.

[gear junkie]

I use the Dark Sleeper rod for 3/8 and 1/2 then the Steez AGS Bottom Contact rod for 3/4 and 1 oz. but I dont fish anything that deep, usually less than 10ft of water

both rods are fantastic

[Mark Perry]

When Megabass names a rod after one of their baits you can rest assured that model will excel when using that bait.

[joexiong]

I use my Shimano Expride 7'2 MH for the 1oz. For the 3/4 oz i use my NRX 877CRR. love it.

[Bronzefly]

I use the Dark Sleeper rod for 3/8 and 1/2 then the Steez AGS Bottom Contact rod for 3/4 and 1 oz. but I dont fish anything that deep, usually less than 10ft of water

both rods are fantastic

Exactly. The Steez AGS Bottom Contact is an incredible 3/4 and 1 oz Dark Sleeper rod. The Dark Sleeper P5 excels with 3/8 and 1/2...

[Edziu23]

Thanks All, before I spend the $$ I think I am going to go through some of the rods I have and see what I prefer . I haven't been losing many fish but the hook is falling out easily in the boat. I may find I need more backbone for hook penetration.

[Flex]

I use a 843 NRX.

[Stratos21XL]

I have the P5 Dark Sleeper and have been throwing 1/2 and 3/4 dark sleepers, 1/4 to 1/2 oz swim jigs on it with no issues at all. I basically fish it like a jig or let it hit bottom then reel fast a few turns and then let it hit bottom again. I love the action on this rod and how deep it loads when fighting fish. It’s slowly becoming one of my favorite MB rods. It also doubles as a great smaller wake bait rod.

[ifishinxs]

NRX 894 gets it done on the 3/4 to 1oz DS.