M Or Mh For Finesse Spinning Application

[loudcherokee]

Looking for reccomendations for a worm rod I plan to use for texas rig, drop shot, possibly carolina rig and weightless wacky rig. Im pretty set on Berkley lightning rod shock series, but not sure what to go with for the power. I plan on using power pro 30# braid with a fleuro leader.

LC

[BrianinMD]

Normally for finesse I would say M, but for the applications you list I would suggest the MH

[endless]

I would go M. Only application that may be a problem would be the Carolina rig. But for T-rig, Drop shot, wacky, and shaky head I use a M.

[5dollarsplash]

Neither one will excell at all of those applications IMO(take it with a grain or two).  A MH would be my choice as it will be able to handle the carolina rig and beefier T-rigs. 

 

I'm in the same postition right now and if I had to pick either/or thats the way I'd go.  I know you do a lot of bank fishing so keeping down amount of gear is smart, but I would try to do the T-rig and C-rig on your lews.

[loudcherokee]

Neither one will excell at all of those applications IMO(take it with a grain or two). A MH would be my choice as it will be able to handle the carolina rig and beefier T-rigs.

I'm in the same postition right now and if I had to pick either/or thats the way I'd go. I know you do a lot of bank fishing so keeping down amount of gear is smart, but I would try to do the T-rig and C-rig on your lews.

Ive fished the t-rig on my lews successfully. I tried the carolina rig, and really couldnt get a feel for it. All I could feel was the big heavy weight on my line. If I got any hits, they were unknown to me.

when I fish the t-rig, its usually with a 1/4 or 1/8 ounce weight. Dont know if that makes a difference or not in the selection.

LC

[BrianinMD]

The c-rig is the application that swayed me to MH, it is so different from the other applications it makes it difficult for one rod though.

[5dollarsplash]

What weight are you using on your carolina rig?  It may just be that you could downsize the rig, almost to a split shot style, then the M power would cover you. 

 

I don't throw the C-Rig a ton.  Like BrianinMD said, its just so different I can't justify keeping a setup for it.  If I do feel compelled to use it usually I'll use my H frogging rod.

[loudcherokee]

What weight are you using on your carolina rig? It may just be that you could downsize the rig, almost to a split shot style, then the M power would cover you.

I don't throw the C-Rig a ton. Like BrianinMD said, its just so different I can't justify keeping a setup for it. If I do feel compelled to use it usually I'll use my H frogging rod.

I dont know honestly. It was the lightest of 3 sizes that came in a "carolina rig kit" by eagle claw I got at walmart. Its substantially heavier than my 1/4 ounce bullet weights.

LC

[Loop_Dad]

I am not sure if you have this options, but one posibility is to go longer rod with MH. Longer rod can handle lighter weight better.

 

 

Ive fished the t-rig on my lews successfully. I tried the carolina rig, and really couldnt get a feel for it. All I could feel was the big heavy weight on my line. If I got any hits, they were unknown to me.

when I fish the t-rig, its usually with a 1/4 or 1/8 ounce weight. Dont know if that makes a difference or not in the selection.

LC

 

I am not sure exact set up you have, but something is not right if you dont' feel a hit with c-rig. I suspect it is not the rod. The weight is not pined to the line, so when fish bites, your line should be free to move and  transffer that signal to you.

[kschultz76]

Unforutnately not all of those techniques are finesse, and no 1 rod is going to do them all well.  What rods do you have currently? 

 

For the carolina rigs, and heavier T rigs I'd definitely go MH but likely on a baitcasting setup not spinning.  If you're a spinning only guy, and nothing wrong with that I was at one point, then you can throw them on a MH spinning setup. 

 

The weightless plastics, wacky style, dropshots, and even lightweight shakeyheads could be covered by one all purpose rod geard toward finesse.  For those finesse applications I'd recommend investing in the highest quality rod you can afford, those light bites and presentations need a sensitive rod that will also cast those lighter baits well.

 

Pay attention to the lure weight ratings on the rod, not just the power because not all manufacturers rate them the same.  In my St. Croixs a ML is equivalent to a G. Loomis M, which is 1/8-3/8oz, and M is like MH in others an is 3/16-5/8oz.  There are even variations in different models within the same manufacturer.

 

I know budgets are always a concern, and if you're bank fishing you want to stay light. The best rod for you is the one you can afford and get you on the water.  But if you try to use one rod for all of those applications you'll be sacrificing somewhere in the equation.

 

Good luck!

[THE_Vue's]

Unforutnately not all of those techniques are finesse, and no 1 rod is going to do them all well.  What rods do you have currently? 

 

For the carolina rigs, and heavier T rigs I'd definitely go MH but likely on a baitcasting setup not spinning.  If you're a spinning only guy, and nothing wrong with that I was at one point, then you can throw them on a MH spinning setup. 

 

The weightless plastics, wacky style, dropshots, and even lightweight shakeyheads could be covered by one all purpose rod geard toward finesse.  For those finesse applications I'd recommend investing in the highest quality rod you can afford, those light bites and presentations need a sensitive rod that will also cast those lighter baits well.

 

Pay attention to the lure weight ratings on the rod, not just the power because not all manufacturers rate them the same.  In my St. Croixs a ML is equivalent to a G. Loomis M, which is 1/8-3/8oz, and M is like MH in others an is 3/16-5/8oz.  There are even variations in different models within the same manufacturer.

 

I know budgets are always a concern, and if you're bank fishing you want to stay light. The best rod for you is the one you can afford and get you on the water.  But if you try to use one rod for all of those applications you'll be sacrificing somewhere in the equation.

 

Good luck!

good info

[loudcherokee]

I am not sure if you have this options, but one posibility is to go longer rod with MH. Longer rod can handle lighter weight better.

I am not sure exact set up you have, but something is not right if you dont' feel a hit with c-rig. I suspect it is not the rod. The weight is not pined to the line, so when fish bites, your line should be free to move and transffer that signal to you.

7' is the max I can currently go in my car. Until I get a truck anyways.

Ive only tried the crig once. It was on 30# powerpro with a berkley vanish 17# fleuro leader, weight is unknown. I was using my berkley shock series casting rod in 7' mh action. There was a lot of vegitation. Perhaps I just wasnt fishing it right. I plan to read up on it and try again.

LC

[loudcherokee]

Unforutnately not all of those techniques are finesse, and no 1 rod is going to do them all well. What rods do you have currently?

For the carolina rigs, and heavier T rigs I'd definitely go MH but likely on a baitcasting setup not spinning. If you're a spinning only guy, and nothing wrong with that I was at one point, then you can throw them on a MH spinning setup.

The weightless plastics, wacky style, dropshots, and even lightweight shakeyheads could be covered by one all purpose rod geard toward finesse. For those finesse applications I'd recommend investing in the highest quality rod you can afford, those light bites and presentations need a sensitive rod that will also cast those lighter baits well.

Pay attention to the lure weight ratings on the rod, not just the power because not all manufacturers rate them the same. In my St. Croixs a ML is equivalent to a G. Loomis M, which is 1/8-3/8oz, and M is like MH in others an is 3/16-5/8oz. There are even variations in different models within the same manufacturer.

I know budgets are always a concern, and if you're bank fishing you want to stay light. The best rod for you is the one you can afford and get you on the water. But if you try to use one rod for all of those applications you'll be sacrificing somewhere in the equation.

Good luck!

Right now most of my bass fishing is done with a 7' mh berkley lightning rod shock series with a Lews Tournament MG and powerpro 30#. I threw some braid on my spinning rig to try and learn some finesse techniques, and that's what I caught my PB on with a texas rig. The reel is a mitchell 300xe and the rod is a 6'6" ugly stick in medium power. The ugly stick tip is just way too "mushy" feeling and definitely not sensitive enough, which is why I want a new rod.

So, I already have a MH on my baitcaster I can reserve for heavier stuff, so im looking for a new rod for my spinning reel for the lighter finesse jobs.

LC

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Right now most of my bass fishing is done with a 7' mh berkley lightning rod shock series with a Lews Tournament MG and powerpro 30#. I threw some braid on my spinning rig to try and learn some finesse techniques, and that's what I caught my PB on with a texas rig. The reel is a mitchell 300xe and the rod is a 6'6" ugly stick in medium power. The ugly stick tip is just way too "mushy" feeling and definitely not sensitive enough, which is why I want a new rod.

So, I already have a MH on my baitcaster I can reserve for heavier stuff, so im looking for a new rod for my spinning reel for the lighter finesse jobs.

LC

If you want to do true C-rigging the MH rod will suit you better. For the finesse techniques stick with a medium or even Med Light depending on the actual size of the bait and cover being fished.

[kschultz76]

In that case keep fishing C rigs and heavier T rigs on the MH baitcaster you already have if that rod works for you.  Then for lighter real finesse presentations concentrate on getting a good quality spinning rod of the right power/action for your applications.  I'm sure what you can get will come down to budget at some point.  Do you have a budget in mind for the rod?

[loudcherokee]

In that case keep fishing C rigs and heavier T rigs on the MH baitcaster you already have if that rod works for you. Then for lighter real finesse presentations concentrate on getting a good quality spinning rod of the right power/action for your applications. I'm sure what you can get will come down to budget at some point. Do you have a budget in mind for the rod?

Not necessarily a budget issue, but a brand loyalty issue. Im pretty set on the Berkley Lightning Rods due to past experience. I know they're sensitive, light weight, and strong. The $40 price tag is a bonus. Im just not sure if I should be getting a MH or M action for finesse plastics fishing. I think Im going to stick with 7', perhaps 6'6" if that is better.

A BPS carbonlite is also in the back of my head, but I REALLY like my berkleys.

LC

[kschultz76]

The power decision all comes down the lure/line weight rating of the rod, and what you want to throw.  For true finesse applications I'd stick to weights of 1/8-3/8 oz....some folks would go even lighter.  Not sure what that equates to in a Berkley or a BPS rod.  If you're comfortable with your choice of brand/model then you should be set.  For what its worth it would not be what I would recommend for a finessse rod.  I'd encourage you to at least look at some other options like St. Croix Triumph, St. Croix Premier, *** Black ***, etc.  Based on what I read about the Lightening Shock rods the way the tip is designed does not sound well suited to finesse applications.

[loudcherokee]

The power decision all comes down the lure/line weight rating of the rod, and what you want to throw. For true finesse applications I'd stick to weights of 1/8-3/8 oz....some folks would go even lighter. Not sure what that equates to in a Berkley or a BPS rod. If you're comfortable with your choice of brand/model then you should be set. For what its worth it would not be what I would recommend for a finessse rod. I'd encourage you to at least look at some other options like St. Croix Triumph, St. Croix Premier, *** Black ***, etc. Based on what I read about the Lightening Shock rods the way the tip is designed does not sound well suited to finesse applications.

I have been thinking about the black *** rod based on all the rave reviews it gets on this site. Id like to find somewhere local that carries it though. the closest cabelas is over an hour away and BPS is 6 hours away. Im not sure if Gander Mountain carries them or not.

LC

[Capt.Bob]

Finesse  Medium,,,,,,, heavier c rigg MH, but finesse means light rigs usually to weightless, for me that's Medium to Medium Light, if only one rod for all light finesse presentations,,,,,,,,Medium.

[gravestone]

My own "rule of thumb" 3/8 oz and less MED. 1/2 oz and heavier MH.

[EvanT123]

My own "rule of thumb" 3/8 oz and less MED. 1/2 oz and heavier MH.

I'll second that!

[kschultz76]

My own "rule of thumb" 3/8 oz and less MED. 1/2 oz and heavier MH.

Depends on the manufacturer. If you're buying say a G Loomis you'd be right on. But for a St Croix you'd want a ML based on 3/8 oz and lower for finesse. A Med St. Croix is a powerful stick, and the same is true other manufacturers as well.

[Bassfishing375]

For a finesse spinning application I would go with the 7' Medium. I personally have a 6'9"ML fast action rod for my finesse fishing and it works great for light texas rigs, drop shots, shaky heads, and wacky rigs. As for Carolina rigs I would stick with a MH baitcaster, unless you use the mojo rig which is basically a finesse Carolina rig.

 

Here is a video http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/mojo-rig.html

 

30# Power pro may be to much for a finesse spinning reel I would stick with 15#-20#

[kschultz76]

I use a St Croix LTB 6'6" ML/F rod for light finesse applications like drop shots, shakey heads, Slider heads. For weightless and wacky Senkos I use a St Croix Legend Extreme 6'8" M/XF. Both work well for me in those applications.

[SirSnookalot]

I don't ever throw anything heavier than 1/2 oz for bass, my canal set up because of high banks and a lot of vegetation is a med 7' 8/17 rod with 15# braid and I usually throw t rigged flukes.  I do fish ponds quite a bit too, my lures aren't too different but the rods are either light or ml.