Rod Application

[Duma]

I recently moved from a saltwater environment to a freshwater one and I'm having trouble finding the best application for one of my saltwater rods.  It's a G-Loomis Pro Green (model # PGR882C) 7'4" medium power fast action casting rod.  For fast action this rod has a pretty soft tip on it so I'm kind of stumped what its best suited for.....shaky-heads?  Would love some feedback.

[finesse68]

Shaky heads, light spinner baits, chatter baits, tubes, or flukes. Pretty versatile action, the extra length will give you some leverage on single hook apps. The softer tip will really help on roll casts without making a big splash. 

[roadwarrior]

I like a firm tip for single hooks. The soft tip you describe is probably best suited for treble hooks. As a comparison, I have a G. Loomis PR844C which is my dedicated topwater rig, but is suitable for just about any treble hook presentation.

 

[Duma]

Thanks for the input.  Because most of the shakey-heads I'll be using have a thinner wire hook I think it'll be fine sinking into a fish.  My issue with soft tips is they seem to be harder to detect a lot of those subtle bites.  This rod would be perfect for squarebills except for the fact its 7'4".  Topwater - again too long, I'll be clacking it against my boat all day long.

Here's a link to the manufacturer's page on this series of rods.  Mine is PGR882C

 

http://www.gloomis.com/content/g-loomis/us/en/home/conventional/rods1/saltwater/PRO_GREEN_SERIES.html

[.ghoti.]

I see your rod is rated for 6-12lb line, 1/8 - 3/8oz baits. With a fast action, I'd call that a danged good finesse plastics rod. Tubes, flukes, trick worms, ned rig etc,,,

As long as you have a casting reel that will handle the lighter weight baits, that is.

[Further North]

3 hours ago, .ghoti. said:

I see your rod is rated for 6-12lb line, 1/8 - 3/8oz baits. With a fast action, I'd call that a danged good finesse plastics rod. Tubes, flukes, trick worms, ned rig etc,,,

As long as you have a casting reel that will handle the lighter weight baits, that is.

What kind of casting reel handles the light baits best?  Any specific suggestions or recommendations?

I know there are reels out there that will do this, i've just never figured out how to identify them.

[tbone1993]

30 minutes ago, Further North said:

What kind of casting reel handles the light baits best?  Any specific suggestions or recommendations?

I know there are reels out there that will do this, i've just never figured out how to identify them.

Anything with a shallow spool will work best. Tons of good options from diawa. Also a lot of aftermarket shallow spools for reels.

[Duma]

Good call Ghoti.  I actually have the rod paired with a Shimano Chronarch 50E which is perfect as it has a smaller spool than the regular Chronarch.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I like a fast action / soft tip Rod for flukes, jerkbaits and top water. 

[.ghoti.]

I'll recommend three reels suitable for light baits, because these are ones I have and use.

Any of the Alphas variations, PX-R and SS SV; all Daiwas. There are Shimano reels capable in this range as well, but I do not have any.

[Further North]

On 3/24/2016 at 10:49 PM, tbone1993 said:

Anything with a shallow spool will work best. Tons of good options from diawa. Also a lot of aftermarket shallow spools for reels.

tbone...thanks - now another stupid question: How do I identify a shallow spool?  I do probably 99% of my shopping on-line.

A search for "shallow spool" on Cabela's turned up two Abus, one spinning reel, some line and a bunch of fly fishing gear (which I already have a ton of).

14 hours ago, .ghoti. said:

I'll recommend three reels suitable for light baits, because these are ones I have and use.

Any of the Alphas variations, PX-R and SS SV; all Daiwas. There are Shimano reels capable in this range as well, but I do not have any.

Thanks!

[Duma]

Shallow or narrow, both work well.  Narrow is easier to see with the naked eye - just looks like a smaller version of the reel. 

[Further North]

Thanks folks, I appreciate your patience.

Next question, I have an Abu Garcia MGX, is that suitable for this kind of casting?  I stopped at Cabela's on the way back from the Twin Citeis today, and the MGX looked like it compared favorably to the Daiwa SS SV as far as spool depth.

I was also looking at a St. Croix Rage, info below:

RC610MXF

6'10"

A

X-Fast

1/8 to 5/16

4.5oz