The Correct Rod And Reel Selection

[tallen316]

I am trying to figure out what the correct rod and reel setups are for different lures. I would like know what you guys use for spinnerbatis, plastics, topwater, etc. Do I need to go with a 6'6'' MH for spinnerbaits or do I need a longer rod? What about gear ratios?? I am so confused!! I just want to be using the correct setup (rod and reel) for what ever lure I am fishing. I am still trying to understand rod selection because I want to expand my rod and reel collection so that I am using the right combo for that particular lure. Also if I can use a particular setup for multiple lures that would be awesome! Am I making sense lol...?? Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Well their are no absolutes in fishing. But for spinner baits a 6'6" mh/f is fine and a 6'6"-7 mh is generally ok for most techniques. . I generally try to keep it simple This is how I determine what rid get what technique. 1: single hook lures get a mh or sometimes heavy depending on cover. 2: treble hook lures get a M.

Now length. You need to look at what you' will be doing with what. Techniques that require accuracy I go with a 6'6" -7' With the exception being top water and jerk baits I also use the short rods for those cause I don't want the rod slapping the water on the retrieve. Open water techniques get a longer rod. Such as as a Carolina rig or casting a jig. I'm not so concerned with accuracy as I am with throwing the lure a long way.

With this system it has made it easy for me to purchase the rod I need. So let's say you wanna buy a worm rod. A it's single hook so you'll need a mh. Now if you are fishing cover and need accuracy go with 6'6"-7. If fishing open water structure an need a long cast go with 7'3" -7'6".

[roadwarrior]

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun

to collect. However, three rigs cover all the

basics:

#1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some

soft plastics and spinnerbaits

#2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook

lures

#3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a

variety of techniques

[SirSnookalot]

I do close to 100% of my freshwater fishing with 2 combos, I may use something else once in a while just for variety.

Pond and open water, med 6/12 spin rod and 30 supreme 10# braid, any lure or soft plastic within the rod parameters.

Heavy cover and hi banked canals, med spin 8/17 35 supreme 15# braid, any lure or soft plastic within the rod parameters.

One of my exceptions are frogs, at times I will use one of my saltwater mh spin rods.

60 years of fishing has made me quite adaptable on hooksets, I'm on auto pilot regardless of what rod or line I'm using, it's all second nature I don't give it too much thought.

[tallen316]

I appreciate all your responses! Thank you guys a lot! I knew I could get an answer from you!

Roadwarrior when you say a MM baitcaster for treble hook lures, does that include cranks both lipless and billed as well as top water lures?

Also are gear ratios important in these setups? If so what factor do they play?

[BrianinMD]

Generally a 6.4 to 1 reel will do everything you need.

If you want to get more specific, lower gear ratio's work well for deep diving cranks. For jigs, t-rigs and such a high speed reel provide some advantage.

[tomustang]

I appreciate all your responses! Thank you guys a lot! I knew I could get an answer from you!

Roadwarrior when you say a MM baitcaster for treble hook lures, does that include cranks both lipless and billed as well as top water lures?

Also are gear ratios important in these setups? If so what factor do they play?

Treble hook usually means crank baits. I don't like the term 'for treble' since jerkbaits and topwaters demand a different presentation that a moderate action rod can't do good enough with.

[Deleted account]

The "correct" setup is the one that feels right and works for you, less reading more fishing...