Posted by Pitman on 10-26-2003 10:15 PM:

Why is one rod more appropriate?

I often hear people favoring a certain type of rod (action, length, etc.) for using a specific type of lure (e.g. worms, tubes, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, etc.). I was wondering if people could briefly explain what makes a certain rod more appropriate for a certain type of lure. Hopefully this will be good help when I eventually expand my rod selections. Thanks a lot.

Pitman

Posted by earthworm77 on 10-26-2003 10:24 PM:

Pit, no one rod is versatile enough to have the ability to work all baits. Different lures often require different actions or lengths to be worked in an optimum way.

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Posted by Gregg on 10-26-2003 10:54 PM:

To give an extreme example, you need a reel stiff heavy to jig fish the gak (dense weeds) but your not going to be able to throw a 1/16 inline spinner on that rod that call for a much lighter action. A longer rod is good for longer cast with a crankbait(6 1/2 to 7 ft) but I like a shorter rod (5' 10" to 6 ft) for topwaters and hard jerks because it's easier (for me) to inpart the action I want.

With that said there are no hard fast rules personal preference plays into it ALOT.

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Posted by Bass Rat on 10-27-2003 07:24 AM:

Pitman, Why don't you tell us what lures you usually throw. Then we can narrow down the suggestions.

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Posted by Lpbassman on 10-27-2003 09:18 AM:

In a nut shell Earthworm has summed up this answer. Different lures require different length, and actions to properly work a particular type of lure or bait. Even a subtle difference, like adding a bullet weight to a worm could justify using a different type of rod to work it. Personally, I have 23 or 25 different rod and reel combos for different applications. Then again, I am a very disturbed individual!:p

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Posted by Pitman on 10-27-2003 04:00 PM:

I mostly use senkos (a sensitive subject for some of you but has proven to be a successful bait for me), tubes, sliders, and jigs. I have used a lot of EW's advice in his postings and Wormholes and enjoy his stuff very much (thanks EW). I also try and pay attention to what others are describing as their preferred outfits. I just ordered a L-action rod from BPS and will think about another outfit (or two!) to buy during the winter. Another lure which I have a soft spot for are Mepps spinners. When I was young I used to love looking through their catalogues seeing all of the fish that people caught, I have also had some nice success with them. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few more fishing days in before the end of the season.

Posted by patx on 10-27-2003 04:08 PM:

Im sure you are going to get more information, however, the way to look at it is much like a golfer looks at his/her bag of golf clubs. You wont use a sand wedge to drive a ball 300 yards. Same goes in bass fishing. You wouldnt use a light action spinning rod when working a jig in 25ft or water. The reason is, is that the light rod would bend way to much, combined with the fact that you are probably using light line, which stretches too much, makes for a poor choice when fishing a jig this way. The same scenario is there when fishing spinnerbaits, topwaters, crankbaits, etc.

Good luck,

Pat X

Posted by HugeFish4 on 10-27-2003 04:16 PM:

Senkos...a sensitive issue?

quote:

a sensitive subject for some of you

That is too funny!!! It is not a sensitive issue. I am just the resident Senko basher and it is all in jest.

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Posted by JOHN G on 10-27-2003 04:56 PM:

right, Huge has a standing joke around here about senkos....no problem on this board, virtually all of us fish this lure extensively.....

good thread and question.....

I like Pat's example about the golf clubs very much!!!!!!

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Posted by patx on 10-27-2003 04:57 PM:

Can you imagine the size of the fish he would catch IF he would USE Senkos.

LOL - Couldnt resist Huge!

Pat X

Posted by HugeFish4 on 10-27-2003 05:03 PM:

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Posted by Pitman on 10-27-2003 05:04 PM:

quote:

----------
"a sensitive subject for some of you"
----------

I guess that I have to work on how to show tone of voice better in my postings. Don't worry, I am sure that Huge buys up Senkos in bulk just so Gary Y thinks that sales are on the increase.

Thanks for all of the advice.

Posted by HugeFish4 on 10-27-2003 05:09 PM:

LOL!!!! Senkos Suck! Now we are back on track! LOL!

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Posted by Rob J in WNY on 10-27-2003 08:50 PM:

Speaking of Senkos...

I like to throw them on a 6-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8-pound test Yo-Zuri Hybrid line.

I use a 6-foot rod because I can swing it low to the water's surface for skipping the Senko back under cover effectively, and the medium-action rod's softer tip helps to "sling" it low much better for me.

The Yo-Zuri line, specifically smoke color, is highly visible for positive line watching (detecting strikes by seeing the line twitch or move instead of "feeling it"), and it it a VERY tough line for its 8-pound test strength.

Tight Lines...

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Posted by bass 64 on 10-27-2003 10:03 PM:

Rob that is a similar setup I use for senkos. I like a 6.5 foot rod medium heavy with 8lb hybrid and depending on lake, conditions, and size of average fish, move down to a 6ft medium with 6 lb test. -Joe

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Posted by Lpbassman on 10-27-2003 10:41 PM:

Ditto Rob,
I use the exact same rig to throw senkos as well. Sorry Huge!

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Posted by Bass Rat on 10-28-2003 05:33 AM:

quote:

Originally posted by patx
Can you imagine the size of the fish he would catch IF he would USE Senkos.

LOL - Couldnt resist Huge!

Pat X

He has to avoid the Senko just to even the playing Feild. LMAO

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Posted by Gregg on 10-28-2003 06:53 AM:

I agree with Rob J

6 ft med action only this year I stepped up to 10lb line for that setup.

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Posted by MarkNJBass on 10-28-2003 11:39 AM:

Big and heavy!!!

Since I'm flipping 95% of the time I like MH/H rods. BPS makes very affordable graphite flipping sticks in 7 and 7 1/2 ft. sizes. I also have two Castaway flipping sticks bought from NBS. They are great rods but are expensive ($119). The BPS rods are around $30. I stick with a MH rod for throwing a spinnerbait and a topwater bait. 6 1/2 or 7 footer is enough. I do have one spinning rod on the boat for either a jerkbait for a fluke depending on the time of year. I have a 6 1/2 ft M Qarrow rod I got at the Harrisburg show last year and it's very nice. Enjoy..Mark

Posted by Skeet on 10-28-2003 11:50 AM:

Pat used a good analogy with the golf clubs. Sure you can get buy with just a few clubs but certain clubs are a must have.

A good number of manufacturers make it easier for you to decide if the rod action is right for you by telling you what the rod is designed for. Daiwa, for example will tell you the baits and action a rod is designed for. In addition, pay attention to the line weight parameters.

To go back to Pat's analogy, remember not everyone will use the same club for a certain distance. I tend to use heavier action rods than most but it fits with the type of fishing I do.

For a generic rod (one that can handle most everything) it is tough to beat a 6' or 6.5' medium action rod with a fast taper. You can adjust from there depending on your preferences.

Better yet, ask to borrow a friends rod and reel and give it a try.

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Posted by earthworm77 on 10-28-2003 02:13 PM:

Rods are just like tools, you have to pick the right one to do a specific job.

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Posted by Jofish on 10-29-2003 04:29 PM:

Re: Speaking of Senkos...

Funny you say that I use the same set-up I like the YOZURI but I am going to try the dark green on the next go around. I find the line is super strong and holds up well, the shorter rod gives more control. I read EW's post on line and used some of his good advise. Some guy's say that it gives line twist but I had not had that problem.

Posted by Bass Rat on 10-30-2003 07:08 AM:

The golf club analogy is dead on. Would you chip with a driver? Or put with an iron? SO many reasons for switching set ups. What do you throw, Where & When will predicate what gearto uase.

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