Need Help Pairing Baits To Rod And Reel Combos

[WestIn21]

Alright so this is going to be a long topic, but i really need some insight.

I fish 4 abu garcia rod and reel baitcast combos, 1 quatum accurist pt baitcaster, on a duckett, and a daiwa megaforce baitcast combo.

Now my question is, is i am trying to see what baits i should be using on these rods to maximize my potential with the rods.

My rods are these

1. Abu Garcia ProMax Baitcaster 7:1:1 gear ratio, on a 7'0 ProMax rod

2. Abu Garcia SilverMax baitcaster, 6:4:1 gear ratio, on a medium action 6'6 SilverMax rod

3. Daiwa Megaforce baitcaster, 7:3 gear ratio, on a 6'6 daiwa medium heavy rod

4. Quantum accurist pt baitcaster, 6:4:1 gear ratio, on a duckett micro magic 7'0

5. Abu garcia cardinal z30 spinning combo, medium action 6'6

I need to know your alls opinions on what i should be using, because i would like to know what i could possibly be using on the rods that i dont already. Thanks for all info given!

[DFrench97]

Welcome to BR!  It would help to know the taper on the rods to determine the uses (Fast, Extra Fast, Moderate).  For example a 7' MH XF would work well for jigs, but if it was moderate, it would be a crank bait rod.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/is a good topic to read on rods.

[Ozark_Basser]

Just stay within the lure weight rating and use the slower tapered (more flexible - rated moderate or moderate-fast) rods for treble hooked baits like crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwaters. Use the faster tapered (stiffer - rated fast or ex-fast) rods for single hook or jig hook baits like worms, jigs, and other bottom baits.  

 

If all of those rods are rated as fast action rods, use the ducket micro magic for treble hook baits as it has a bit more give than a lot of other fast action rods. For fast moving baits with a single jig hook like spinnerbaits, swimjigs, even swimbaits, I like a softer tip which the duckett has as well. 

[HoosierHawgs]

PproMax- Flipping Baits

Silver Max- Spinnerbaits and Swim Jigs

Megaforce- Football jigs and Texas rigs

Quantum-Crankbaits

Cardinal-Finesse baits or anything you can't throw w/a casting combo. Try moving around reels to different rods and play w/what works for you

[Sam]

How about introducing yourself in the Introductions Section.

 

As for your query, easy question - difficult answer.

 

There are many "technique" specific rods on the market.  If your rods do not have any "techniques" stamped on them then go to the manufacturer's or Tackle Warehouse web pages and read what they suggest the rods you have be used for what baits and techniques.

 

In the meantime, learn as much as you can about rods and why you need a fast action tip for some baits; why graphite is best for crankbaits; what are the differences among the medium, heavy and extra heavy rods.

 

Also view the rod's parameters stamped on the rod near the handle.  This data will give you the maximum line test and bait weight suggested for maximum performance.  You can then decide what baits fall within those limits based on the places you fish, the baits you use and the techniques you like.

 

And do you know how to "balance" your baitcaster rig to avoid backlashes?  If not, let the guys know and they will tell you.

 

Don't drive yourself nuts over specific baits or techniques.  When in a pinch I will use any rod I have with me for any bait I need to continue to fish.

[OkobojiEagle]

I suggest you're going about this backwards.  Determine what baits you want to use for a chosen presentation... then choose the rod/reel that best fishes that presentation/bait in the available cover.

 

 

oe

[Catt]

I suggest you're going about this backwards. Determine what baits you want to use for a chosen presentation... then choose the rod/reel that best fishes that presentation/bait in the available cover.

oe

Agree!

I hate all this "Technique Specific" tackle!

I know what I like in a worm rod & I don't need Gary Lommis or Kevin Van Damm telling me I would be better off with their choice.

Individualism is what makes bass fishing great!

[A-Jay]

I suggest you're going about this backwards.  Determine what baits you want to use for a chosen presentation... then choose the rod/reel that best fishes that presentation/bait in the available cover.

 

 

oe

 

^^^^^

X2 ~ This

 

The baits & techniques you'll be using should drive which tackle you select, not the other way around.

 

After you've determined what baits you'll be using along with where & when, the choices made here will help you select which rod, reel & lines to use to make these presentation.

 

Good Luck and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

A-Jay