Determining Rod Preference

[Shewillbemine]

I'm starting to build up my equipment collection and determining what I like or don't like. I could use some input here please.

One of my favorite combos is a Pfleuger Supreme baitcaster (discontinued) paired with a 7'2" Shimano Curado rod.

I recently purchased a BPS Pro Qualifier Combo Baitcaster with a 6'6" Carbonlite and I find this combo less appealing. It's almost as if it's "too light" if that makes any sense. I certainly cast shorter distances with this one.

Is it possible to actually prefer the heavier combo? I want to buy more but need help from those with more experience.

Thanks.

[roadwarrior]

The absolute weight isn't particularly important, it's balance that counts.

Basically a well balanced rod and reel will feel weightless. I don't know

these rods specifically, but what you want to avoid is a "tip heavy" rig.

Tip heavy feels heavy and just generally uncomfortable.

[Shewillbemine]

That makes sense Roadwarrior, thank you. Both the combos feel balanced to me, at least in my own hands.

What I'm trying to determine as well is if I purchase the longer, lighter Carbonlite rod will THAT actually be a better fit due to the increased length OR stick with the Shimano rod because it "feels" more solid?

[21farms]

as with everything else in life, give it some time. my preferences have changed drastically over time. personally, i like light...in fact, the lighter, the better, balance be damned. a 7'2" rod will generally give you longer casting distance than a 6'6" rod. i have found that some reels that i didn't like on certain rods "came alive" when mounted on a different rod and vice-versa.

[LgMouthGambler]

I personally dont go for the whole balance thing because once your fishing, balance is out of the question when reeling in lures unless you are fishing slow bottom techniques, then I would be using a spinning rig. Anyway, what feels better in your hands is gonna make fishing more comfortable. To me worrying about 2oz difference is soo minimal its pointless. Just my opinion. Balance the action and power of the rod to the type of fishing you are going to be using the reel for, and make sure the reel is going to perform proper for the style of fishing you are going to do.

[11justin22]

as with everything else in life, give it some time. my preferences have changed drastically over time. personally, i like light...in fact, the lighter, balance be damned. a 7'2" rod will generally give you longer casting distance than a 6'6" rod. i have found that some reels i didn't like on certain rods "came alive" when mounted on a different rod and vice-versa.

I have found that with certain reels too. I had a quantum smoke that was on a 7' foot veritas. Backlashed all the time and no casting distance at all. Kept reading how it was supposut to be quantums farthest casting reel. Yeah right thought. Then one day I got a wild hair and put the reel on a 6'6" mojo rod I had laying around.. WOW haven't had a single backlash since and can chunk a 3/8 swim jig 60-65 yards....seriously. It made a believer out of me.

[Mikey]

like said above balanced rod & reel

[dam0007]

I could cast heavy weighted saltwater gear all day so anything fresh water is 'light tackle' in my book

[SirSnookalot]

I could cast heavy weighted saltwater gear all day so anything fresh water is 'light tackle' in my book

I think that is a pretty accurate assessment. No question that some saltwater anglers try and put together the

perfect set up for each species and situation, but for the most part weight and balance are not something people are overly concerned about. In my little corner of the world you will see a lot of people with but 1 rod and a small assortment of lures with varying weights, seems to make little difference if we are throwing a 1oz or 4 oz lure on the same rod.

LMG makes a good point too. From my own experience my freshwater outfits feel feather lite to me, although by some's standards they may not be. Again I'm fishing with but 1 rod and a small assortment of lures that are not the same both in weight and profile. I give little or no thought to weight and balance, only my objective which is catching fish. In all fairness fishing as much as I do my fishing muscles are well conditioned, fatigue and soreness are non issues.

[roadwarrior]

Seems like this thread is drifting into "anything will do".

No doubt plenty of fish are caught on cane poles, another

huge percentage on disposable gear and all kinds of stuff.

However, if you intend to advance your game and learn the

nuances of the multitude of techniques, build your equipment

base on the experience others offer you on this forum.

Having the right equipment will not guarantee that you will

catch more fish, but "fishing" will be more fun!

[Silas]

Wow! How things have changed! In my youth, the old Abu Ambassadeur 5000, 500C, or if you were really going light, the 1500C, plus ONE rod....about 6 feet long with a pistol grip. Threw everything I had in the box with it. Somehow I must have successfully "adapted" to the different presentations and lure weights because I caught LOTS of fish.

But now, with advancing age, I find that I much prefer the lighter rods....with lighter actions, with smaller baits. I seem to be gravitating to more "effortless" casting. More accurate presentations. A bit of slowing down and concentrating more.

In the past few months, I have gone from the original Lew's Speed Spools and the round Calcuttas to the low profile, lighter reels.....even the ultra lite Pixies. My rods now are all Medium, or Light, or Medium light actions, and my baits rarely reach 3/8 oz. I went from 17-25# mono to 6-8# fluoro or small diameter braid.

All my outfits feel "balanced." That would be the best word.

I have swapped reels on different rods and found a world of difference. For example, a Pixy on a Loomis 721 I found a perfect balance. So was a Shimano Curado 50E on a Dobyns Champion Extreme 702. A Daiwa TD-X on a Falcon Lowrider, medium. And I am experimenting with 3 other set ups.

I think it takes awhile and much experimenting to get "just the right combination." Where everything seems to "mesh."

I find that I enjoy the fishing a bit more since I have several "instruments" that are in perfect harmony and make my day breeze by with the least effort.

[J Francho]

Only with time on the water, using your favorite baits will you develop a preference. There's some basic guidelines, but everyone develops their own preferences and styles.