Gear Ratios & Rods

[lunkerboss923]

I’m getting back in the game. I here’s my current equipment: 

 

All Star Classic 6’6” Medium Fast 

Falcon HD 7’ Medium Heavy 

 6.6:1 Ratio Baitcaster

 8.1:1 Ratio Baitcaster

 

 

My favorite lure is a Wacky Worm rig. I had the rig paired with a 6.6:1 and 7’ MHF rod with 40 pound braid. I don’t know what it was but I caught 5 fish within 45 minutes yesterday bank fishing (which is all I do).  

I fish frogs, topwater, Texas Rigs, Spinners, some crankbaits and lipless. 

 

Here’s what I need help with...

 

I’m reading so much into what I need for tackle...almost daily!!! Here’s what I’ve arrived at: 

 

Frogs: 8.1:1 on a 7'3" Heavy power Fast action. 40# braid. (What other lures can I use on this set up, I love the reel...can you suggest a reasonably priced Rod)

 

Cranks/Lipless/Jerkbait/Topwater: 6.6:1 on a 6'6" Medium power Fast action. (I like this set up...would you suggest braid, mono, or Fluorocarbon)

 

TexasRigs/Senkos/ Spinner: 7.3:1 on a 7' Medium Heavy power Fast action.  What kind of line here? (Need a suggestion for a reel...was thinking about a Daiwa Fuego CT) 

 

*Not sure what happened to the font*

[lunkerboss923]

Anybody? 

[fishnkamp]

Lets start with a few questions first.  Think about your current gear. What does each rod do well. My suggestions are based on what you have said about each rod so far. I am not holding them in my hand and we all know what one brand of rod calls a fast action can be very different than another's.

You said you like the Falcon HD 7' MH with the 6.6-1 on it. I would leave that alone rigged as it is. I would even leave the 40 pound braid.  I would use this setup for bottom contact baits, jigs with plastic trailers, all of your 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce plastics and baits like chatterbaits and heavier spinnerbaits (3/8 and larger).  

 

I would consider matching the 6'6 medium power fast action for lighter baits and for some top water baits like Pop Rs and even some frogs like the Mr Ribbitt ( more of a toad)  This too is a versatile combo. If you send me an email at fishnkamp@comcast.net I can direct you to a place you could order a Daiwa Fuego for around $60 shipped. You also could go with a Daiwa Tatula CT for $80 shipped. I would choose a 7.3-1.

 

Now if you want a rod to fish frogs and heavier jigs ( up to 1 ounce) then I would match it up with your 8.1-1 reel and 65 pound braid.  What is your definition of "reasonable priced"?  If you can spend $110 then I would strongly consider a rod like an Irod Fiber 7'5 Heavy, it is called the Fred's Magic Stick.  If your budget can jump to say $160 then I would jump up o the same model in the Genesis II series. An IRG 754C "Fred's Magic Stick" is a great rod  frogs, toads. flipping, big worms and jigs.  If your budget can not go that high then you may find a deal on an Abu Garcia 7'3 MH Veritas. Their lure ratings are spot on, however they under rate their rods actions. Their Medium heavy is really a heavy in most other companies rods.

 

As for a rod for jerkbaits, rattle traps, cranks etc I again have to ask your budget. If your budget is less than $100 for the rod consider a 6'6" medium power moderate action Berkley Lightning Shock Rod. They sell for around $50. Match it up with a 6.6-1 reel also.  This could have copoly line or mono.  If your budget is higher I love my Abu Garcia Ike delay series 6'4 jerkbait rod for all kinds of treble hook baits. I also use two of the Lightning Shock rods for rattle traps and jerkbaits for stripers. In fall striper season I need 4 rods to throw different trap type baits.  The Ike rod runs around $130.

 

Let me know how well I did and what your thought are after reading this response.

 

Lets start with a few questions first.  Think about your current gear. What dooes each rod do well. My suggestions are based on what you have said about each rod so far. I am not holding them in my hand and we all know what one brand of rod calls a fast action can be very different than anothers.

You said you like the Falcon HD 7' MH with the 6.6-1 on it. I would leave that alone rigged as it is. I would even leave the 40 pound braid.  I would use this setup for bottom contact baits, jigs with plastic trailers, all of your 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce plastics and baits like chatterbaits and heavier spinnerbaits (3/8 and larger).  

 

I would consider matching the 6'6 medium power fast action for lighter baits and for some top water baits like Pop Rs and even some frogs like the Mr Ribbitt ( more of a toad)  This too is a versatile combo. If you send me an email at fishnkamp @comcast.net I can direct you to a place you could order a Daiwa Fuego for around $60 shipped. You also could go with a Daiwa Tatula CT for $80 shipped. I would choose a 7.3-1.

 

Now if you want a rod to fish frogs and heavier jigs ( up to 1 ounce) then I would match it up with your 8.1-1 reel and 65 pound braid.  What is your definition of "reasonable priced"?  If you can spend $110 then I would strongly consider a rod like an Irod Fiber 7'5 Heavy, it is called the Fred's Magic Stick.  If your budget can jump to say $160 then I would jump up o the same model in the Genesis II series. An IRG 754C "Fred's Magic Stick" is a great rod  frogs, toads. flipping, big worms and jigs.  If your budget can not go that high then you may find a deal on an Abu Garcia 7'3 MH Veritas. Their lure ratings are spot on, however they under rate their rods actions. Their Medium heavy is really a heavy in most other companies rods.

 

As for a rod for jerkbaits, rattle traps, cranks etc I again have to ask your budget. If your budget is less than $100 for the rod consider a 6'6" medium power moderate action Berkley Lightning Shock Rod. They sell for around $50. Match it up with a 6.6-1 reel also.  This could have copoly line or mono.  If your budget is higher I love my Abu Garcia Ike delay series 6'4 jerkbait rod for all kinds of treble hook baits. I also use two of the Lightning Shock rods for rattle traps and jerkbaits for stripers. In fall striper season I need 4 rods to throw different trap type baits.  The Ike rod runs around $130.

 

Let me know how well I did and what your thought are after reading this response.

By the way welcome to Bass Resources. I just realized you are a new member. Welcome and if I can help any in the future pm me.  I sorta lurk around here a lot.  If you read any of my posts I am getting real old LOL!  I have been fishing over 40 years, so I have played with lots of stuff.

 

[lunkerboss923]

Your email address is invalid 

[fishnkamp]

Sorry I left an unwanted space between the name and the "@" sign and did not catch it. I guess I was typing quicker than I was editing for mistakes. It is corrected now. Please try again

[lunkerboss923]

Still doesn’t work. Here’s my email. 

justinkahn@hotmail.com