How to tell if a rod is too "weak" or too "strong"?

[pauldconyers]

Besides being completely owned by a small fish or feel like your fishing with a broom stick what signs would you need to say a rod is too light or too heavy for a situation or presentation? I think if a buck bass was doubling up your rod that's one sign it's weak but would that speak more to the slow action of the rod?

 

I guess I'm asking because I'm in the market for a new rod. I may get a few brief opportunities to fish a few specific ones but not long enough to catch several fish and determine if I am missing hook ups because it's too strong or weak. Just want to get this right the first time.

[Yumeya]

It all depends on structure, species, size of fish targeting and how you like to fish.

 

I could take a ML spinning rod and use it for most of my fishing applications, but I like to finesse fish and I also like the challenge of a larger fish on a lighter application.

 

Most people can get away with a MH fast action casting rod and a ML fast action spinning rod and be good.

[WRB]

If you are asking about bass fishing rods break them down into 2 categories bait casting and spinning.

Spinning excels at casting light weight less aerodynamic or wind resistance lures. Lure weights between 1/16 oz to 1/4 for bottom contact lures and 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz for floating and diving lures. Medium power fast action spinning for general bass fishing used with 8 lbs mono or equal.

Bait casting reels cast lures 3/16 oz and up, the rod needs to match the nominal lure weight, nominal being the average or most common lure weight verses the rods recommended lure weights by adding the rods low and high and dividing by 2.

For example 1/4 oz to 1 oz is 1 1/4 oz divided by 2= 5/8 oz average lure weight as nominal or any lures within the recommended weight. You standard Medium Heavy or 4 power fast action bass rod with 12 lb mono or equal.

Spinning; Medium or 3 power fast action rod.

Bait casting; MH or 3 or 4 power fast action rod.

Everything else is fine tunning for specific applications.

It's not as difficult as most anglers tend to make it.

[J.Vincent]

If a rod doesn't load properly on the cast or if a rod loads too much and the lure is over powering the rod; then usually the rod is isn't ideal for that presentation. I generally base it on the rod lure rating stated by the manufacturer and try to stay within those guidelines !

[Fishes in trees]

Paul, you're in the KC Metro area, go to Rogers & talk to them.   Communicate what you've got and what you need that is different than what you've got.  They will hook you up and I've found their rod prices reasonable, for the most part.  Over the years I've probably bought over 2 dozen rods from them.

Things to ask about:  spinning or bait casting - bottom contact rigs or reaction bait rigs, high end vs low end vx mid-range.  What reel are you going to put on it or do you need another one of those also.  Do you have a rod brand that you're partial to?

Me - I'm partial to Fenwick & Falcon brands, but I have more than a few Shimano, All Star and Daiwa rods.   I have a few Kistler and Loomis and St. Croix and Carrot Stir.  Reel wise - I'm a Shimano guy but lately for spinning reels I got a few Pflueger spinning reels

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