Finesse rod on a budget or something else?

[k813zra]

A little background. I have recently got into fishing for the first time in about a decade and at that time I was a teenager that fished with a simple ugly stick hand-me-down from my grandfather. When I said I was getting back into this my wife and mother both bought me fishing rods, lol. Long story short is that I ended up with an Ugly stik elite 5'6'' light/"fast" and an Ugly stik gx2 6' medium/(I think it is moderate but it does not say). Now, I still have the ugly stick from my youth and the newer ones are an upgrade but I don't know anything better to make an informed decision. What I can say is that the GX2 feels better with weightless plastics than the old US but something feels wrong. I can not feel if I am moving the bait very well, with a weightless worm, for example. Also, it seems to recover too slowly to give it more than one twitch. 

 

Anyway, I have little experience so I am going off of gut feel and by what I have been reading over the past few months while waiting for the ice to thaw. The ugly sticks do make fine rigs for catfish, carp, and panfish, which is what I fished for in my youth and still enjoy but I would like to try out bass fishing. As I have always been into UL/L panfishing I think that finesse might be the way to go but I could be looking at this wrong. Anyway, I am familiar with things such as jig/worm, drop shot etc as these are similar to how I fished in my youth.

 

Background out of the way, maybe I can get some advice on what I need to get started. I am more comfortable with a spinning setup for now and have a handful of of president reels laying around, which range from 25-35 size. So something to match one of those reels would be nice. I am looking for something that will do well with weightless plastics such as wacky worms, as well as light T-rig (1/8 and 4") and maybe senkos. Could I get a rod that does this and will work well for cast/retrieve on light jigs or will I need a second rod? I forgot to mention that I will likely be using mono for now until I learn a little more about what I like and how I like to fish.

 

A few requirements:

Rod length: If 1pc it has to be 6' or less as I can fit nothing larger in my car. 2pc changes things but I would like to stay at or under 7'.

Handle/grip: I seem to prefer the medium to longer handles thus far. It could be my form but there is less fatigue. I like a longer front grip too. 

Price: Under $100 as I am still trying to discover what I like and how I want to fish. I can upgrade later if needed. 

 

I apologize in advance for my thoughts being all over the place. I have been doing a lot of reading here and in general and it is overwhelming. When growing up fishing was just tossing a minnow or crawler in the water and waiting for a bite. As well as  a little jigging for white bass and crappie. So I am learning all over again. If I need to give any more information to help with the process, please ask as I would be happy to answer and learn. Also, if I need more than one rod for different application, that is fine. However, I would like to keep it to 1-2 rods for now because as I said, I do not know which way I will go and there is so much information to take in. Or maybe I am overthinking this. 

 

As always, thank you in advance for taking the time to read my jumbled thoughts and lend a hand!

[Darren.]

Based only on in-store handling of the GX2, I feel it 

is a bit soft on the tip, which would explain your thoughts

on how it handles/recovers/twitches a worm.

 

So for a budget rod with your 6' requirement (I love 6'

rods, too), I'd recommend you look at Bass Pro Shops.

There are a couple series they have with 6' M power 

rods depending on your budget.

 

Their Graphite series is quite inexpensive and a decent,

fairly sensitive rod for the money.

[RoLo]

 

Two budget blanks I'd seriously consider are the

Berkley Lightning Shock Rod & Bass Pro Shop Bionic Blade.

Roger

[k813zra]

Thank you both for the suggestions but that leads to a question or two. 

 

The shock I have heard is similar in construction to the ugly stick in that it is a more moderate action and a composition of graphite and glass with a glass tip. From what I have read people say this rod is basically good for crank baits, which I do not use, but is it okay for other stuff as well? I had also read that it was designed specifically for braid, which I don't understand, and would be ill suited for mono. Do I have a correct understanding of this or am I misinterpreting? 

 

Maybe it is not the action at all that leads to the issue, again, I can only go by what I have read thus far but many say the shock has a soft tip, which I think would cause it to have a similar feel to what I already have? 

[PECo]

While fishing for stripers a few months ago, I swapped spinning setups with a buddy who was having trouble getting bit while twitching a 1/2 ounce jig. He was using a fiberglass Ugly Stik rod and I was using a graphite Shimano rod. I was surprised by how springy the Ugly Stik was. Not only did that make getting a crisp, sharp twitch on the lure difficult, but it also made feeling a bite difficult. I sometimes fish for stripers with my eyes closed. That would be really tough to do successfully with a springy rod. I suggest that you try using a graphite rod. A medium, fast action rod would be a good place to start.

 

Also, try using fluoro, instead of mono. Mono stretches and dulls your feel for the lure. A very inexpensive place to start would be 10 pound test P-Line Fluoroclear, which is a co-polymer line. It's still pretty soft, but much less stretchy than any mono. If you like that, you could try 10 pound test Tatsu, which is 100 percent fluoro and doesn't stretch much at all, but is stupidly expensive. Another alternative would be to use braid with a mono or fluoro leader. Any of those would give you more feel than straight mono.

[k813zra]

5 minutes ago, PECo said:

While fishing for stripers a few months ago, I swapped spinning setups with a buddy who was having trouble getting bit while twitching a 1/2 ounce jig. He was using a fiberglass Ugly Stik rod and I was using a graphite Shimano rod. I was surprised by how springy the Ugly Stik was. Not only did that make getting a crisp, sharp twitch on the lure difficult, but it also made feeling a bite difficult. I sometimes fish for stripers with my eyes closed. That would be really tough to do successfully with a springy rod. I suggest that you try using a graphite rod. A medium, fast action rod would be a good place to start.

 

Also, try using fluoro, instead of mono. Mono stretches and dulls your feel for the lure. A very inexpensive place to start would be 10 pound test P-Line Fluoroclear, which is a co-polymer line. It's still pretty soft, but much less stretchy than any mono. If you like that, you could try 10 pound test Tatsu fluoro, which is 100 percent fluoro and doesn't stretch much at all, but is stupidly expensive. Another alternative would be to use braid with a mono or fluoro leader. Any of those would give you more feel than straight mono.

Thanks, I can give that a try. 

 

As for medium, should I be worrying about the lure ratings? Most of the medium power rods I see are rated at 1/4+ and I will be throwing weightless plastics that have to weight under 1/8. With a T-rig, for example, that is less of an issue as I can adjust the weight but for weightless I am at the mercy of the weight of the bait. 

[PECo]

My medium/fast Shimano rods are rated for 1/8 to 3/8 or 3/16 to 5/8 ounce lures, but I use 7' or 7' 2" rods. If you're throwing 1/32 or 1/16 ounce lures, you'll probably need to use 6 pound test line. I sometimes throw a 1/16 ounce jighead with a 1" curlytail grub on it for white perch using my setups, but it probably weighs 1/8 ounce. And this is with 10 pound test Tatsu, which is really too heavy for it. However, if you're throwing a weightless wacky-rigged 5" Senko, a rod rated for 1/8 ounce would work perfectly fine. Mine do. I always have a wacky Senko tied on.

 

I'd bet that Bass Pro or Cabela's has a 6' graphite rod that's rated down to 1/16 ounce, if you really think you need one that light.

[fishnkamp]

Lets start with your reels. I love the Presidents, so match one of your 35 sized presidents with a rod like a St Croix Premier 6'6" 2 piece medium light rod. This is available from Cabelas for $139. The rod is on the slightly lighter side to handle lighter bait like unweighted plastics, lightweight jigs, Ned Rigs, Senco style worms, drop shots, grubs and tubes

(trust me you want those in your arsenal) and many more baits like these.  These are the basics to finesse bass fishing.

 

 In the future I would add a rod like the matching rod in a medium or medium heavy.  This rod would handle heavier baits like bigger jigs, texas rigs etc.

 

You asked about the Berkley Lightning Shock.  Many posters misunderstand that rod due to its advertising.  Berkley touts it is "braid ready" or "made for braid".  It never meant it will not work for or as well with mono, or fluorocarbon line. It means it has a bit softer action and guides designed to be used with braid.  My wife and I own three of those rods and many rods that cost well over $250 as well.  Each one was selected to perform a specific task.  The 6'6" medium has a terrific action to fish jerkbaits, crankbaits, rattle traps and even spinnerbaits.  It is a slightly softer tip to help keep big fish hooked up when using treble hooked baits.  If they made the same medium action rod in 2 piece I would suggest you look at it as your second rod.  They do make a 6'6" medium light 2 piece and that might be a good rod if you choose not to get the St Croix.

The St Croix would be my first choice for your needs.  Cabelas also has their Tournament series available in the same size in the 2 piece ML version for around $60.

 

As for line that is your personal choice. I like to use Berkley FireLine in 14 pound test. I spool the reel 1/2 way with mono then fill the rest up with braid. I also like to add a 4 foot leader made of 8 pound test P Line CXX moss green.  My wife and I have caught a ton of fish doing it that way.

 

If you ever take a trip down here to MD I would be happy to take you out fishing down here.  You could learn a bunch using some of my gear. I live minutes from the bay.  

 

 

 

 

[k813zra]

7 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Lets start with your reels. I love the Presidents, so match one of your 35 sized presidents with a rod like a St Croix Premier 6'6" 2 piece medium light rod. This is available from Cabelas for $139. The rod is on the slightly lighter side to handle lighter bait like unweighted plastics, lightweight jigs, Ned Rigs, Senco style worms, drop shots, grubs and tubes

(trust me you want those in your arsenal) and many more baits like these.  These are the basics to finesse bass fishing.

 

 In the future I would add a rod like the matching rod in a medium or medium heavy.  This rod would handle heavier baits like bigger jigs, texas rigs etc.

 

You asked about the Berkley Lightning Shock.  Many posters misunderstand that rod due to its advertising.  Berkley touts it is "braid ready" or "made for braid".  It never meant it will not work for or as well with mono, or fluorocarbon line. It means it has a bit softer action and guides designed to be used with braid.  My wife and I own three of those rods and many rods that cost well over $250 as well.  Each one was selected to perform a specific task.  The 6'6" medium has a terrific action to fish jerkbaits, crankbaits, rattle traps and even spinnerbaits.  It is a slightly softer tip to help keep big fish hooked up when using treble hooked baits.  If they made the same medium action rod in 2 piece I would suggest you look at it as your second rod.  They do make a 6'6" medium light 2 piece and that might be a good rod if you choose not to get the St Croix.

The St Croix would be my first choice for your needs.  Cabelas also has their Tournament series available in the same size in the 2 piece ML version for around $60.

 

As for line that is your personal choice. I like to use Berkley FireLine in 14 pound test. I spool the reel 1/2 way with mono then fill the rest up with braid. I also like to add a 4 foot leader made of 8 pound test P Line CXX moss green.  My wife and I have caught a ton of fish doing it that way.

 

If you ever take a trip down here to MD I would be happy to take you out fishing down here.  You could learn a bunch using some of my gear. I live minutes from the bay.  

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for the detailed response, clarification and the offer to fish! I played around with my car a bit and I think I can get a 6'6'' in there with the seats down and the rod running to the center console. The 6' fits with no issue and room to spare. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before!

 

I like the looks and what I read of the St. Croix but I would love to check one out in person so a trip to a shop or two may be in order. But after your clarification I may just check out a Shock for now. They have them at walmart for $40 and I think at that price it is hard not to give it a go! Seems like a good next step from my ugly and maybe the St. Croix next month.  

[fishnkamp]

Where are you located PA?  Do you ever travel to Clarion, Erie or Bradford PA.  I ask because you have a lot of dealers carrying their rods, some are located around those cities.

If you go to ST Croix's website you can do a search.  I would call ahead to the store before running over to one first.

Stores like Field and Stream,  Sportsman's outlet and some Dicks carry them.  Here is the site:

http://stcroixrods.com/dealer-locator/?search=1&store_locator_country=US&forsearch=by_state&state=PA

 

If you travel to York PA there is a tackle shop called Susquehanna Tackle that will blow your mind. I have known those guys for 30 years and their inventory is awesome as well as their knowledge and assistance is top notch.

 

Lets talk a few baits. SInce you want to get deeper into the sport.Do some research and add these simple baits into your tackle bag. You will be rewarded with better success.

 

First pick up some 5 inch Kalin Lunker Grubs, my favorites are bluegill, watermelon/red flake, and ,smoke salt&pepper in that order.I always rig therm by using a Bass Pro Shops Perfect Finesse Worm jighead. I am sorry but I forget which hook size, I can check later though, I like them in  1/8 and 1/4 but they are available in other weights. It is a very sharp hook with the worm weight attached.  These hooks work really well on lots of baits. Rig them texposed.

 

Yamamoto Sencos (stick worms ) are very effective but also expensive. There are some decent others but very few are as good. Il like the 5 but at times the 4 or 6 work best.  These are awesome fished weightless texas rigged or nose hooked, weightless wacky style, wacky with a jighead and both regular texas and carolina rigged using just some split shots.

 

Research the drop shot technique and good baits to use with it.  Plenty of  youtube on that.

 

Go to Dicks Sporting Goods locally or order on line some Reaction Innovation Skinny Dippers and Little Dippers. These are soft paddle tail swimbaits.  Fish these unweighted on a swimbait hook (has a  special screw lock on it) a light belly weighted swimbait hook and for fish that are deeper than 10 feet i use Picasso swimbait jigheads. These look like the head of a fish.  These catch fish as deep as 40 feet. I like 3/8 and 1/2 but you can go heavier if needed.  I like White Trash, Sungil, Blue Pearl, Money Shot green and Houdini best.

 

Lastly research Z Man Ned rigs and the TRD bodies.  These tiny baits can be deadly. Be prepared to catch all types of fish on these.  Last April, while fishing on Dale Hollow Lake, my wife and I caught panfish, catfish, walleye, and both large and smallmouth bass ( some up to 8 pounds) on those crazy baits.

 

Every bait I have suggestion will be on the deck of my boat at sometime during a fishing day. I rely on them in deep clear lakes out west, and here on the off color tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay.  There are tons of other good baits like rattle traps, crankbaits, jigs etc. Day in and day out these baits get used on my boat.  You will never catch my wife fishing without a Kalin tied on.  In fact there is a discontinued color she loves.  I had to purchase the factories inventory, and empty out all of the warehouse inventory from Baltimore to California. I even emptied several big tackle stores of all their inventory  I now own almost 400 Kalin 5 inch Lunker grubs in smoke/red flake/salt & pepper. It is her favorite period.

[k813zra]

14 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

Where are you located PA?  Do you ever travel to Clarion, Erie or Bradford PA.  I ask because you have a lot of dealers carrying their rods, some are located around those cities.

If you go to ST Croix's website you can do a search.  I would call ahead to the store before running over to one first.

Stores like Field and Stream,  Sportsman's outlet and some Dicks carry them.  Here is the site:

http://stcroixrods.com/dealer-locator/?search=1&store_locator_country=US&forsearch=by_state&state=PA

I live on the PA/Ohio border. About 10 minutes from the Shenango outlet in Sharpsville. If I go to Ohio I can go to Fin and Fur, Gander, or Dicks. If I go to Eire There is a Gander, Field and Stream and Dicks. There is a Bass Pro somewhere around but I've not been there. 

 

I really like to buy from a local bait shop in Orangeville Ohio as they have been there for years and have always been helpful. They don't carry much of the high end stuff but I can get my tackle, bait and reels there.  

 

I have family in Hanover and some in Frederick. So fishing down your way is not to far of a stretch. 

[fishnkamp]

Call around before going to any of the dealers. Make sure the rod is in stock and then go put it in your hand. Also take your reel with you.  You will see how the combo feel in your hand.

Enjoy.  By the way my wife and I used to live near Duncannon PA for 5 years ( above Harrisburg).  I used to love fishing a lake in Howard PA called Foster Joseph Sayer Lake, we all called it Lake Howard.  I believe it was part of Bald Eagle State Park.  We also fished Lake Erie a couple of times. Presque Isle was the first place I ever caught a pike, man do they rip up a spinnerbait.  Our guide had us hiding in the marina areas to avoid some wind gust over 15 mph on the main lake. That place gets nasty.

 

[k813zra]

3 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Call around before going to any of the dealers. Make sure the rod is in stock and then go put it in your hand. Also take your reel with you.  You will see how the combo feel in your hand.

Enjoy.  By the way my wife and I used to live near Duncannon PA for 5 years ( above Harrisburg).  I used to love fishing a lake in Howard PA called Foster Joseph Sayer Lake, we all called it Lake Howard.  I believe it was part of Bald Eagle State Park.  We also fished Lake Erie a couple of times. Presque Isle was the first place I ever caught a pike, man do they rip up a spinnerbait.  Our guide had us hiding in the marina areas to avoid some wind gust over 15 mph on the main lake. That place gets nasty.

 

Thanks again, I will give some dealers a call tomorrow. 

 

As an aside, I just got back from fishing and brought home some white bass for lunch. Those Gulp Alive Minnows in two inch are killer on panfish! It is like being a kid all over again.

[fishnkamp]

Check your local grocery store. My wife and I have found a shake&bake type product from Mccormick and one other company.  It is found around the fresh fish area.  We like the Cajun and the lemon Pepper seasoned ones. Just make a egg wash  dip em then add some fillets to a zip lock bag of seasoned mix.  I either fry the fillet in a pan with a bit of butter or I use a heavier egg wash and cover the fillets with lots more mix. and bake them. They come out a little crunchier coated and delicious.

[k813zra]

49 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

Check your local grocery store. My wife and I have found a shake&bake type product from Mccormick and one other company.  It is found around the fresh fish area.  We like the Cajun and the lemon Pepper seasoned ones. Just make a egg wash  dip em then add some fillets to a zip lock bag of seasoned mix.  I either fry the fillet in a pan with a bit of butter or I use a heavier egg wash and cover the fillets with lots more mix. and bake them. They come out a little crunchier coated and delicious.

I will have to try that but my wife likes her fish roasted whole. I got used to eating them like that as well since I lived in Spain for 5 years. I sure do miss the fish markets there!