Race

The comment about the swivel is an interesting one. I often use swivels if I'm using spinners in a river. Does using a swivel about 2 feet away from the bait or lure reduce the number of strikes? I've read that using snap swivels on the hook or lure can reduce strikes, since it looks unnatural. I've wondered if it's still detrimental if the swivel is away from the hook a foot or two?

Good question - I had not thought of that. Maybe someone here will be able to shed some light.

When I use a leader, I usually use (regular flourocarbon) leaders approx 2 feet long. I've read comments from some folks who were using longer leaders - anywhere from 4-feet to 10-feet. When I am using a leader, I don't reel the knot through the guide at the tip. I just cast with the entire leader beyond the tip. When using the longer leaders, doesn't the knot affect casting smoothness? Would it also not weaken the know each time you cast? I use a uni-to-uni knot and it's small, but it just seems there would be some detrimental effect if reeling and casting through the guides. Any advice? Thanks.

It's not the real seat that bothers me, it's the beige color that bothers me somewhat. It's not so much a deal breaker by itself, it's just that combined with the tall guides, the overall look of the rod doesn't interest me a whole lot.

I thought about the Panfish series a while back. I'm not sure Iike those tall guides, nor the beige plastic at the reel seat (it looks cheap).

Well, I was going to go with the St. Croix Inshore model, but discovered it it rated for heavier line and heavier lures, as well as having a moderate tip. Grandpa325 - What does an extra-fast tip do for a light rod? Does it make it more sensitive to light strikes? The one I broke had a fast tip. I didn't know they had a bargain room. I'll take a look. Thanks.

Thanks for all the tips. I looked at the other rods at St. Croix. I like the looks of their Tidemaster Inshore models. I also found that TFO has an Inshore 7' Light, but I'm not sure if I want to spend $180 + shipping on a light rod at this point. It does have a lifetime warranty, though. I'll most likely go with the St. Croix. Thanks again.

Thanks for the info. I didn't even consider the saltwater rods. I may have just assumed they were going to be heavier rods. I'll start looking at those options, too. I'll look again at the St. Croix rods. I'll have to look at those Dobyns rods. I've never had one of them.

Hello. I'm trying to find a 7' Light spinning rod. I currently have a 6' St. Croix Triumph Light with Fast tip. I want a one-piece rod. St. Croix doesn't have one. Fenwick doesn't have one. I don't believe Falcon, nor Shimano have one. I've seen 7' ultra-light, one-piece rods - I don't know why it's so hard to find them in a light rod? Are light rods less popular? Fewer uses for them? I'll be using it for panfish, crappie, etc. I've usually used ultra-light for this, but occasionally snag a small LMB at times. Thanks.