Is It Ok To Go Above/below Lure Size On Rods?

[VinnieT]

My rod is rated 3/8 to 5/8

[ClackerBuzz]

yes.

but the real problems are:

1-using too light of a lure means you need to whip the rod like Hercules and will only achieve a fraction of the distance as using the right rod/lure combo. you tire out very quickly. your cast will 'hook' hard left (if right handed). you will have no accuracy.

2-using too heavy of a rod means LOTS of backlashes. you will probably jam the reel 3-4 times and give up. you can get away with it if the rod has a very stiff tip. a softer tip means trouble for sure. you will most likely give up b/c of backlashes before breaking a rod tip.

every beginner fisherman tries to maximize his rods for multiple techniques. after you get tired of 1 & 2 you buy dedicated rods.

[VinnieT]

Well, I don't plan on straying far from the limit, however, I just wanted to know if it was really bad to be using a 6/8 oz.(3/4) instead of 5/8...

[Fishes in trees]

Short answers to your questions. Q - Is it ok to go above or below listed weight ranges on a rod?

A - It is your rod - you can do whatever you want with it.

Q - Is it smart to go over/under listed weight ranged on a given rod? A - NO.

[ClackerBuzz]

cast away my friend. that weight is insignificant. depending on the rod you will start to see backlash issues when 1/2 oz over the limit. breakage issues should require 3/4oz+ over limit.

[Silas]

I have found there is a "symbiotic" relationship between rods and reels and lures. You will certainly know when all is well......the outfit will be almost effortless to cast. Everything works in sync.

I have experimented with different reels and lures on rods, switching them back and forth. What I find is that there is a "sweet spot" with the outfit. For example, my Dobyns Extreme 702C, (1/8-1/2 oz)paired with a Curado 50E really syncs with a Pointer 78. Just the right weight. The Pointer 100 is a bit overmatched for the rod. However, the Loomis 782 (1/4-3/4) paired with a Curado 200E5 is the perfect match for the Pointer 100.

I totally agree with Clackerbuzz......that's why many of us end up with "dedicated" rods. Expensive, yes....but well worth it in the long run if you fish a lot.

After you get the rod/lure weight down......then you move to "just the right reel!"

[Loop_Dad]

And also don't forget those rating are meant be just a guideline. Some rods can handle more or less than the others. The same rating from different manufacturer feel very different sometimes.

[rubba bubba]

There's nothing wrong with going outside the rating; some manufacturers are better at picking the range than others. You'll know when a lure is too heavy for your rod or too light, so try it out and see how it performs.

[LgMouthGambler]

Just a guide, unless you are severely overshooting.

[SirSnookalot]

Well, I don't plan on straying far from the limit, however, I just wanted to know if it was really bad to be using a 6/8 oz.(3/4) instead of 5/8...

That isn't enough extra weight to be concerned about. I load up 1/2 oz over the specs all the time, never an incident. IMO for bass fishing I don't see the need to use lures that really exceed the rod limits. At least when I'm bass fishing I'm casting more to a target area with less emphasis on distance. I'm also closer to the water so I'm not having a problem keeping the lure under the surface. If fishing off an elevated pier or jettie, distance is much more important, a lighter lure or spoon will just bounce on top especially if there are some significant waves, that's when I'm using a heavier lure. Going too light is probably worse, rods don't load up as well.