The Seeker Tac909H is one of those setups that genuinely surprises you. At first glance, it reads like a medium fast–action rod designed primarily for live bait or swimbaits. But once you learn how it loads and how to cast it properly it consistently casts small surface irons much farther than expected, with minimal effort.
If you fish SoCal or Baja and throw smaller irons like the Gideon, The Righteous, Tady 45, Tady C, or Salas 7X Jr., this rod deserves a closer look.
What the Seeker Tac909H Is Built For
The Seeker Tac909H is a 9'0" composite split-grip jig stick rated for 30–50 lb line. It features a deep, progressive bend that starts around the midpoint of the blank and shuts off near the foregrip. This design gives the rod a soft, forgiving tip while maintaining control and power down low.
Because of this action, the Tac909H can comfortably handle a wide range of lures, including small surface irons, stick baits, Colt Snipers, and live bait. It delivers a true jig stick feel, very different from stiff, fast-action bass rods, making it effective for anglers fishing a baitcasting-style setup.
Gear Used During Testing
- Rod: Seeker Tac909H - Strictly Irons Edition (9'0", split grip)
- Reel: Daiwa Lexa 400HD, 8.1:1 gear ratio
- Line: 80 lb braid (Varivas Avani Casting SMP PE x8)
- Lures: 5" Gideon small surface iron (under 2 oz) & 6" The Righteous surface iron (3 oz)
- Reel seat position: 18.5" from the butt of the rod
Is the Seeker Tac909H Good for Small Surface Irons?
Yes. Based on real-world testing, the Seeker Tac909H performs exceptionally well with small to medium surface irons when paired with a baitcaster like a Daiwa LEXA 400HD. Its parabolic load allows irons under 3 oz to cast long distances with less effort compared to stiffer, fast-action rods that require a cast with more force.
How to Set Up the Tac909H for Maximum Casting Distance
The Tac909H surprised me with how easily it loads like a true jig stick while still feeling light and comfortable like a bait or swimbait rod. In my testing, this setup consistently reached 60–80 yards using smooth, controlled casts. The key is letting the rod load naturally rather than snapping it like a fast-action casting rod.
For best results, pair the Tac909H with:
- Option A) A 300–400 size baitcaster (such as the Daiwa Lexa 400HD)
- Option B) A size 16 or 35 conventional reel, spooled with 50–65 lb braid and a short 2–3 ft leader
Notes on Action and Feel
- Parabolic, soft action: Loads deep for smooth, progressive casting and excellent shock absorption on hookups
- Defined shut-off: Despite its softness, the rod still provides a clear shut-off point for pulling power
- Long grip handle: Allows the rod to be comfortably placed on the rail when fighting larger fish
Practical Setup Tips
Small adjustments make a big difference when dialing in distance and reducing backlashes.
- Spool tension: Tighten the spool when switching to heavier or more aerodynamic jigs. If the spool overruns or excess line appears, tighten slightly.
- Brake settings: Start with moderate brakes on the Lexa 400, then gradually back them off as your casting form improves
- Line choice: 50–65 lb braid offers excellent casting distance and control on the Tac909H. Heavier braid can also be effective depending on the size of fish you’re targeting.
- I personally ran Varivas SMP PE x8 80 lb braid because its diameter is comparable to 65 lb PowerPro, providing added strength without sacrificing line capacity.
- Stance and finish: Line up your front shoulder with your target and allow your hands to finish high and forward. Always follow through on the cast.
Casting Technique for Parabolic Jig Sticks
Parabolic rods require a different rhythm than fast-action rods. Instead of a short, aggressive whip, focus on letting the blank load and unload smoothly. Do NOT cast fast and hard, the rod will flop over and you will lose control of your cast resulting in a backlash.
- Let out enough line so the rod can load freely (typically 1–3 guides from the reel)
- Begin the cast with smooth acceleration rather than a snappy flick
- Finish with your hands high, this sends the lure upward and allows the rod to unload progressively while the wind takes the jig.
A good mental cue is: “Hands high, jig into the sky.” Use this approach with a tailwind. For headwind conditions, switch to a lower, line-drive cast to punch through the wind.
Why Choose a Baitcaster Like the Lexa 400 with the Tac909H
A baitcaster paired with the Tac909H provides excellent control without the bulk of longer conventional setups. For anglers who struggle with finger control or bird’s nests on conventional reels, a compact baitcaster offers easier handling while still delivering impressive distance once spool tension and brakes are dialed in. Not only is it about the casting but about the ability to handle big fish. The LEXA has proven time and time again big catches, from 40+ lb Yellowtail to 100+ lb Bluefin Tuna.
Who the Seeker Tac909H Is For
This rod is a great match if you:
- Throw small to medium surface irons (Gideon, Righteous, Colt Snipers, stick baits) and want longer, easier casts
- Prefer a lighter, more compact setup than a full 10' conventional jig stick
- Want a rod that loads deep (nice parabolic bend)
- Are looking to pair a rod with a 300–400 size baitcaster for calico bass, white seabass, yellowtail, and smaller-grade bluefin tuna
- Fish live bait
Who the Seeker Tac909H Is NOT For
The Seeker Tac909H is not a do-everything rod, and understanding its limits is key to getting the most out of it. This rod is not a good fit if you:
- You are looking for a go-to jig stick for a size Trinidad 20/Saltist 40 conventional reel
- Regularly fish surface irons or lures over 3 oz, which overload the blank and reduce casting efficiency
- Plan on targeting 100+ lb bluefin tuna. A Seeker 9'3 Pinhead ULUA would be a much better choice.
- Prefer ultra-fast, stiff, broomstick-style rods that rely on snapping the cast
- Are unwilling to adjust to a slower, more progressive casting rhythm required by parabolic jig sticks
Knowing what this rod is not meant for helps avoid frustration and ensures it’s used in the scenarios where it truly shines.
Final Takeaways
The Seeker Tac909H is a versatile rod that can cast lightweight surface irons, hard lures, and even live bait impressive distances. Its parabolic action loads smoothly, the long handle adds practical leverage on the rail, and pairing it with a Daiwa Lexa 400 and properly sized braid puts serious distance within reach.
If you’re transitioning from long conventional jig sticks or looking for a lighter, more manageable setup for SoCal and Baja-style fishing, this rod is well worth testing. Focus on spool tension, let the blank load, and finish your cast high when conditions allow. The result is improved distance, better control, and a setup that stays comfortable during long fishing sessions.