Rods and the lure weight ratings

[CybrSlydr]

I wasn't sure where to put this, either in the tackle or rod forum, so we'll start here and see where the mods move it. 

 

So, my rod has a lure weight rating of 3/16-5/8oz.  I've used a 1/8oz lure on it before and saw that it's too stiff to flex enough to send 1/8oz lures more than a dozen feet or so.  So I realize there is a reason for the low-end of the lure weight spectrum.

 

However, what about the top end?

 

For instance, I've gotten the last to LTBs and they've both had something in them that weighs more than my rod is rated for - the Live Target bait-ball lure, a Lunkermaster (I think?) baby bass spinner 1oz, etc.

 

Now, when I think about fishing, I'm catching (eventually, someday...) fish in the 3-5lb range.  This is also a very vigorous sport where the rod will be bending and put under much more weight and stress than a measly 1oz - same with the line.

 

So of that's the case, what is the point of giving a top-end lure weight rating of 5/8oz?  Is there a rule of thumb for the heaviest weight your lure should be?  Etc?

 

Thanks folks!

[bigturtle]

lure ratings are there to prevent your rod from snapping when you cast hard. Fighting a 1lb fish and casting a 1lb lure is not the same thing. You can probably cast up to 3/4oz if you are careful enough.

[CybrSlydr]

Wow, that's really surprising. 

[MassYak85]

I pay attention to them but it really depends on the rod. I have a BPS TourneyPro casting rod and it's a medium with the same rating as yours. I've used lures up to an ounce on it out of necessity before and while it definitely isn't optimal, it's can do it. I also have an Okuma Guide select rated 1-6 oz and I don't even get near the 6oz mark because the rod doesn't handle it well. Always air on the side of caution but the manufacturer's recommendations aren't always the be-all-end-all for what you should be fishing on the rod. There should be a point on either extreme where the rod stops loading up normally and your casting suffers because of it. So no there really isn't a rule of thumb. I probably wouldn't go above 3/4 on your rod unless you know it can handle more. And also take into consideration you may void your rod's warranty by doing so. 

[Mumbly]

2 hours ago, CybrSlydr said:

So, my rod has a lure weight rating of 3/16-5/8oz.  I've used a 1/8oz lure on it before and saw that it's too stiff to flex enough to send 1/8oz lures more than a dozen feet or so.  So I realize there is a reason for the low-end of the lure weight spectrum.

 

Only a dozen feet or so? What action is the rod? I have a few rods that are rated 1/4 - 3/4 and can throw an 1/8oz quite well.

 

was just curious

[CybrSlydr]

16 minutes ago, Mumbly said:

 

Only a dozen feet or so? What action is the rod? I have a few rods that are rated 1/4 - 3/4 and can throw an 1/8oz quite well.

 

was just curious

Says its fast action.  No.8 Fishing Blackout 6'6".  It was a small Rapala crank, thing wouldnt cast for anything.  Lol

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The sweet spot is usually somewhere in the middle of the listed range but since there is no standard experimentation is the only way to tell for sure. Casting and fish fighting stress the rod in very different ways. 

[WRB]

Both low and high lure weights are speculative and what the rod maker suggest you use with their product. Baitcasting rods differ from spinning rods, crankbait rods differ form swimbait rods and you cast differently than I do, no standards exist.

From the 3/16 oz to 5/8 oz description of your rod it could be either a casting or spinning rod, which is it and what power rating does it have?

Tom

[CybrSlydr]

16 minutes ago, WRB said:

Both low and high lure weights are speculative and what the rod maker suggest you use with their product. Baitcasting rods differ from spinning rods, crankbait rods differ form swimbait rods and you cast differently than I do, no standards exist.

From the 3/16 oz to 5/8 oz description of your rod it could be either a casting or spinning rod, which is it and what power rating does it have?

Tom

Mine is a spinning setup.

 

http://no8tackle.com/shop/freshwater-gear/blackout/

[K_Mac]

On the upper end it really makes a difference in how you cast. A gentle lob with a significantly heavier weight than rating may work fine. A hard overhanded cast with that same weight might snap your rod. One ounce on a rod rated to 5/8 might work fine, or may be seriously overloaded. It really depends on the the rod, and the application. 

 

Rod manufacturers tend to be very conservative on upper weight ratings, but care is needed when exceeding the limits.

[CybrSlydr]

Oops, double post.

[WRB]

51 minutes ago, CybrSlydr said:

Mine is a spinning setup.

 

http://no8tackle.com/shop/freshwater-gear/blackout/

With practice You should be able to cast 1/8 oz lures OK with this spinning rod depending on the line you use. I wouldn't use any lure over 3/4 oz with a medium power spinning rod you have and that is pushing it.

Tom

[Topwaterdude]

I have a 7' Dobyns fury med/heavy it's rated for Max 3/4 ounce I throw 1oz and 11/2 oz flipping weights,with 50lb braid on it and havent experienced any issues pulling those girls out of the slop.I've tried 7'6 and higher flipping sticks and I actually prefer a 7' med heavy stick for flipping for some reason I'm alot more comfortable with it and accurate.

[Deleted account]

On 1/22/2017 at 12:53 PM, CybrSlydr said:

Wow, that's really surprising. 

Wow, THAT"S really surprising...

[ING]

If rod line rating is 8-17lb, is it mean that I could lift up fish about 15lb at the pier without risk to break the rod?

[Bluebasser86]

10 minutes ago, ING said:

If rod line rating is 8-17lb, is it mean that I could lift up fish about 15lb at the pier without risk to break the rod?

NO! In fact that would be approximately a MH rod with those ratings, I could almost guarantee you WILL break that rod trying to deadlift a 15lb fish with it.

 

Those ratings are just the line sizes that the rod performs the best with. 

[TOXIC]

I can tell you this....over weighting a rod is the most miserable fishing you can do.  You lose all sensitivity and to me I feel like I am always trying to play catch up to the lure if that makes any sense.  As has been said, I like to keep my lure weights right in the middle of the weight recommendations.  The only exception is on heavy rated rods, I will go closer to the max.  

[LCG]

3 hours ago, ING said:

If rod line rating is 8-17lb, is it mean that I could lift up fish about 15lb at the pier without risk to break the rod?

Invest in a landing net. It will be far cheaper than snapping every rod you buy. Rods are meant to cast lures and help fight fish, not lift dead weight. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

4 hours ago, ING said:

If rod line rating is 8-17lb, is it mean that I could lift up fish about 15lb at the pier without risk to break the rod?

No. That’s the recommendation for line test and is virtually meaningless on a freshwater rod. 

[LionHeart]

Just curious, has anyone actually snapped a rod by exceeding the lure 'rating?' 

 

In my estimation, a lure rating on a rod is a suggestion of weight it will take to properly load the rod for casting (and is in many cases less than accurate).  Too light and the rod won't properly load, too heavy and it will be over loaded.

 

Kinda doubt that exceeding the lure rating (within some form of reason) is going to snap a rod.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

5 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Just curious, has anyone actually snapped a rod by exceeding the lure 'rating?' 

 

In my estimation, a lure rating on a rod is a suggestion of weight it will take to properly load the rod for casting (and is in many cases less than accurate).  Too light and the rod won't properly load, too heavy and it will be over loaded.

 

Kinda doubt that exceeding the lure rating (within some form of reason) is going to snap a rod.

That’s right, it’s for casting. With proper technique the deadlift capacity of most rods far exceeds any spec on it. I Won’t go into details. I don’t need a bunch of angry emails from people testing the theory. 

[CountryboyinDC]

5 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Just curious, has anyone actually snapped a rod by exceeding the lure 'rating?' 

 

In my estimation, a lure rating on a rod is a suggestion of weight it will take to properly load the rod for casting (and is in many cases less than accurate).  Too light and the rod won't properly load, too heavy and it will be over loaded.

 

Kinda doubt that exceeding the lure rating (within some form of reason) is going to snap a rod.

My dad.  He'd keep a 2 ounce sinker on a rod he wasn't using in case someone crowded us.  Used it as a 'warning shot'.  One day I got to see how a cheap fiberglass rod shatters.  

[ING]

On 5/16/2019 at 2:00 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

NO! In fact that would be approximately a MH rod with those ratings, I could almost guarantee you WILL break that rod trying to deadlift a 15lb fish with it.

 

Those ratings are just the line sizes that the rod performs the best with. 

 

 

What telling Lasmiglas specialist about that question:

https://www.lamiglas.com/blogs/lamiglas-fishing-rod-blog/line-rating-power-lure-rating-explained

"This rating may also provide a good guideline for the weight of leader you may use. If you are using a heavy mainline and a leader much higher than the line rating, you run the risk of stressing the rod to a break point. If your leader is within the rating you have a much better chance of breaking the line instead of the rod."

[rtwvumtneer6]

Came across this as I just put together my first A-rig.  I'm throwing it on a rod that's "Heavy" rated up to 1-1/2oz. In all, the rig weight about 2oz.  I'm really interested to see how this goes, and ready to assume full responsibility.  I'm guessing it will be ok (or I wouldn't try it) as long as I don't try and load it up and sling it like a crank bait ?