Rod choice

[biggiesmalls]

Hello, 

 

Wondering what rods you would choose for the following applications, as far as length/power/taper. I want to be able to fish:

• Large jerkbaits (Yo-Zuri crystal minnow, X-rap, etc)
• Spooks
• 1/2 ounce jigs
• Large texas-rigged worms (typically with 3/16-3/8 ounces of weight)
• Hollow body frogs
• Lipless crankbaits

Ideally, I'd like to put together two rigs to handle those lures. Then add in a spinning setup to handle:

• Senkos
• Finesse jigs (around 3/16 ounce)
• Flukes (on a 1/16 ounce weighted hook)
• Small topwaters (such as tiny/baby torpedos and chug bugs)

 

As far as length, power, and taper of the rod, gear ratio of the reel, and material/strength of the line - what would you put together that can fish those baits with 3 setups or less? 

 

Tight lines,

Drew

[Finnz922]

Irod 754 Magic Stick in either Air or Genesis

Irod Genesis 2 713 Power Finesse

 

I would look at a 4 power rod with a moderate fast to fast tip for the casting rod and a 3 power or M/MH spinning rod. Some might recommend a 2 power for the spinning rod. That might be fine, just consider the type of cover you typically fish around.

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, biggiesmalls said:

Hello, 

 

Wondering what rods you would choose for the following applications, as far as length/power/taper. I want to be able to fish:

• Large jerkbaits (Yo-Zuri crystal minnow, X-rap, etc)
• Spooks
• 1/2 ounce jigs
• Large texas-rigged worms (typically with 3/16-3/8 ounces of weight)
• Hollow body frogs
• Lipless crankbaits 

Ideally, I'd like to put together two rigs to handle those lures. Then add in a spinning setup to handle:

• Senkos
• Finesse jigs (around 3/16 ounce)
• Flukes (on a 1/16 ounce weighted hook)
• Small topwaters (such as tiny/baby torpedos and chug bugs)

 

As far as length, power, and taper of the rod, gear ratio of the reel, and material/strength of the line - what would you put together that can fish those baits with 3 setups or less? 

 

Tight lines,

Drew

For most of your first list - I'd go with a MH/F rod paired with a 6.6:1-7.3:1 reel

The frogging would be the exception if your tossing it into weed-beds. There a H/F rod with an 8:1 or faster reel...this would also be a pitch/flip/punch setup.

 

The spinning reel - a ML/F rod paired with a 1000 or 2000 size reel unless you're finessing into heavier weeds, in which case a M/F rod would be better.

 

I'm not suggesting specific rods/reels as I don't know what your budget is. There's decent setups across a wide range of costs.

[JK Jake]

• I would definitely get a heavy power rod with a fast action for fishing jigs and frogs, and braid is a must have for frog fishing. For the reel get one with at least a 7.0 gear ratio, and make sure it has a high drag for pulling bass out of vegetation.
• For the other baitcasting rod I would get a medium heavy power fast/mod fast action rod, and probably one around 7 foot. I would get at least a 6.0 gear ratio reel a little heavier fluorocarbon.
• For those spinning rod techniques you would probably want a medium or medium light power rod with a little more backbone than your typical drop shot rod. I would always get a faster reel (6.0 gear ratio) for my spinning set ups. Use braid for your main line and have a fluorocarbon leader. DO NOT put straight fluorocarbon on your spinning reel. You will get line twists and you will not be able to feel your lure as well.

The most important thing I can say to all of this is that rod ratings (Power, Action) are very general so I would always check out a rod in person before buying it. The Bass Pro fishing classic is coming up soon so that would be a great for getting new rods and reels.

[CrankFate]

I don’t know? I literally have no idea. The only thing I know is that taking internet advice on which rod to get is why there are always so many used rods for sale on the internet. Fish with what you have, figure out what you like and don’t like about it, then go feel the rods and figure out which ones you need.

[PLfishing]

I would go with a Medium Heavy Fast Action rod and a 6:3:1 or 7:1:1 gear ratio reel. I prefer to use Lews reels and favorite rods.

[roadwarrior]