Rod Selection: The Basics

[kickyour_bass]

So if im using jerkbaits on a river bank I should be using a baitcaster and not spinning?

[The Fisher]

What would be the number one choice of line on each of those three set ups?

I use 12 lb Invizix on the baitcasters and 6 lb AN40 on the spinning rod.

[roadwarrior]

I am experimenting with braid mainline with a fluorocarbon leader on a couple of

jig/ weighted sof plastics rig as well as my treble hook combos. I think I will probably

go back to Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Tatsu only. I like a lot of the characteristics of braid,

but for me it is just a pain in the rear to deal with. I thought the combination with leader

might be the solution, but I am not completely satisfied. You will have to test different

combinations for yourself.

 

The short answer is this:

"The Best" is #6 Tatsu for spinning, #20 for MH or H baitcasting and #12 Sunline

Super Natural for MM.

 

For cost efficiency substitue Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 for spinning gear and #12 for the

MH or H baitcaster.

 

 

[FishTank]

I am experimenting with braid mainline with a fluorocarbon leader on a couple of

jig/ weighted sof plastics rig as well as my treble hook combos. I think I will probably

go back to Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Tatsu only. I like a lot of the characteristics of braid,

but for me it is just a pain in the rear to deal with. I thought the combination with leader

might be the solution, but I am not completely satisfied. You will have to test different

combinations for yourself.

 

 

I have tried this same experiment with braid.  I too don't feel happy with it.  I like braid for fishing heavy coverage but it is not my go to line of choice.  I like Yozuri Hybrid and Invisix.  Tatsu is on my list for next year.

[hawghound]

This sounds logical and I like the idea of 3 set-ups.  Unfortunately my buddy (a guy who admittedly catches fish much more consistently than myself), had me convinced differently.  I now own, well ummm, more than 3.  Next time out I think I will try to focus on the 3 set-ups you suggest and see how that goes.

[hawghound]

Wow, you guys are really out there. Even if you buy mid-lower gear, that's gotta be over a grand just in rods and reels. I can't imagine having a seperate rod for every bait, but I'm glad some are so fortunate and so picky. That's what drives innovation and gets the trickle-down going my direction.

Gear is fun to get and to have...but definitely not necessary. Just fun

I own more gear than I need so i certainly hear ya.  If I break down cost per fish, each of those large mouths are pretty darned expensive. And that is just the cost of the gear.  If I owned a boat cost per fish would be out of this world!

[A KGB Operative]

Hello everyone, first post here. I was curious on what my second rod and reel should be. I have a berkley lightning rod and a bass pro reel 6.3:1. I used it as a multipurpose and it worked swell. I was debating between a crankbait rod (okuma tcs medium+ with medium action) or a st croix mojo bass rod same specifics. Or I was wondering if I should get a jig,plastic rod as I use hard tackle and plastics equally.

I know nothing about a plastic/jig rod but I love sensitivity and curious on what actions to get it. I'd want it at 7ft and around 100 dollars.

I planned on purchasing either another bass pro qualifier (protip its 50 bucks the second weekend of febuary) or a diawa tatula(on amazon for 100)

Opinions?

[roadwarrior]

Start a new topic to post your question in this section of the Forum, but not on this thread.

[BigSkyBasser]

I've learned a lot on this thread.....but the thing that sticks out the most here is that RW really likes his Stellas haha. Wouldn't mind one or two myself if and when they land in my budget.

[FrogFreak]

I have a couple of thoughts here. One is that we have to remember that there isn't an industry standard on rods. I wish there was. I have MHs that feel like Heavies etc. My second thought is that if you are going to ask for advise, we need more information. If you want a rod, we need to know what kind of fishing you do, where you fish from (boat, shore) and what your budget is. Even at that, you need to do some research. And when all is said and done, there are a bunch of great rods out there. I own a Veritas, St. Croix's, Quantum's and some from a local chain (made by *** I believe) and they're all great.

 

Why should we care about what rod to use with what technique? You don't have to but for each technique, I've found that one rod makes the task easier than others. When frogging, I get a much better hook up ratio when I use a stiff heavy rod. When I pitch, I find the action and sensitivity of my Veritas MH helps. When I'm walking the dog from my Kayak, my 6 ft MXF works great. Can I go out there with one or two rods and catch fish? Sure and I can tighten any nut with a pair of vice grips but I like to use a socket set or the right size box end wrench if I can. I hope that makes sense.

[bigbill]

Email sent.

[Fishing&Tennis]

Would a MM crap ole two piece rod work for treble hook and spinner baits in a pond? I may eventually upgrade but for now that'll be my rod. If I get a new rod would a MF or MM be more versatile?

[wildpack]

If this thread were to recommend a St. Croix Avid MH bait caster as the first rig, would it be the AVC70MF?

 

I noticed road warrior’s personal rod selection and was puzzled why he didn’t seem to follow his own advice for MH versus M

 

Just checking before clicking the “buy” button. 

 

edit: OK, found a post from Delaware Valley Tackle,  "The power of St Croix's M is what some other makers call MH." done.

[Fishing&Tennis]

If you could only limit yourself to two setups what would you get?

Do I need an UL roostertails?

I'm pond fishing so I'd like to limit myself to just two setups.

Here are my technique is from most used to least:

Roostertail, spinnerbait, wacky Senko, shaky head, lipless & square ill crankbait, jointed swimbait,

[roadwarrior]

#1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some
soft plastics, spinnerbaits and treble hook lures.

#2 6 1/2' or 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a
variety of techniques

[Bassay]

I do a lot of crankbait fishing. But this year I want to do more soft plastic fishing. WHAT ROD SHOULD I GET THAT WOULD FIT BOTH CRANKING AND SOFT PLASTICS? MH or M. I also plan on a 6.1 to 6.4 reel.

[C0lt]

I do a lot of crankbait fishing. But this year I want to do more soft plastic fishing. WHAT ROD SHOULD I GET THAT WOULD FIT BOTH CRANKING AND SOFT PLASTICS? MH or M. I also plan on a 6.1 to 6.4 reel.

It depends what type of plastics. If you were throwing a weightless worm, or a weightless fluke or something, I would say that a medium fast action would do fine, but if you like big texas rigged brush hogs or something like that I would most definitely go with the medium heavy. 

[JDJ]

Your choice between a M or MH for throwing both cranks and plastics will largely depend on the "stoutness" of the rod. I don't have a ton of experience with different rod makes, but I enjoy using my MF St. Croix Avid for square bills, lipless crankbaits and also t-rigged and weightless plastics. It's a great multi-purpose rod, in part because it has a bit more backbone than your average M-weight rod. But, for example, when I throw a bulky buzzbait or frog my MHF Avid gets the nod.

[CDMeyer]

I second that I have about 6 all like those 3 and they do the trick just fine. However, that being said I still live that technique specific stuff

[roadwarrior]

Your choice between a M or MH for throwing both cranks and plastics will largely depend on the "stoutness" of the rod. I don't have a ton of experience with different rod makes, but I enjoy using my MF St. Croix Avid for square bills, lipless crankbaits and also t-rigged and weightless plastics. It's a great multi-purpose rod, in part because it has a bit more backbone than your average M-weight rod. But, for example, when I throw a bulky buzzbait or frog my MHF Avid gets the nod.

 

Two GREAT rods!

 

 

 

[microotter]

I don't know whether or not this is logical thinking bc I never handled a cranking rod, but... Do you feel like you can get away with spending less on a cranking rod since you don't necessarily need it to be super sensitive? It seems like crankbait fishing is a reaction bite. If i wanted to save some money on one of my rods would this be a logical rod to make that "sacrifice"?

[roadwarrior]

I don't know whether or not this is logical thinking bc I never handled a cranking rod, but... Do you feel like you can get away with spending less on a cranking rod since you don't necessarily need it to be super sensitive? It seems like crankbait fishing is a reaction bite. If i wanted to save some money on one of my rods would this be a logical rod to make that "sacrifice"?

 

Yes, absolutely.

 

 

 

[fishinMichigan52]

Nice info

[Kyrazzy7]

7' H/F 50# braid frog rod

6'8" MH/F 40# braid flipping and pitching, soft plastics, and poppers

6'6" M/M 12# mono crank baits, spinnerbaits, and buzz baits

OP, Do these set ups work for what I use them for?

[Milo1023]

I'm new to baitcasting and just bought my first reel. I got the h20 mettle reel. What rod would go well with this for general purpose? I guess I will be using a lot of crankbaits.