Are spinning rod for bass stiffer?

[hahmmo]

Hi members~
 

I am currently shopping for a finesse spinning rod for dropshot and senko.

 

I currently have fenwick eagle medium fast 6’6” rod (1/8~3/4) and that has been my standard for what medium rod would feel like.

Now I checked ML rod from St.Croix, Lews, and Dobyns, and they all feel more like MH spinning rod in my book.. They seem way too stout for ML..  Then I checked fenwick HMG ML, and the rating seems appropirate..

 

My question is, Does fenwick power rating usually overestimated? Or maybe Bass specific spinning rods tends to be more stout? What is the rod you consider to be a true ML rod? 

 

Thank you for any opinion or insight!!

 

 

 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There is no standard, it’s all subjective. Gloss over the label and look for what you like the feel of. 

[waymont]

It's a tough one to answer. Sometimes rods by the same company, but different series may feel quite different. In addition comparing different companies makes it even more difficult to determine ratings.

For example I have a 6'6" Fenwick Walleye series rod that I use for bass that I completely love.

The action on it feels like a medium rod from Daiwa or Loomis, and the taper feels almost Extra Fast, but is rated as a ML fast action rod. It's a fantastic bass rod. I bought it wanting a little bit lighter rod, but really dig it as is.

Buying before handling will sometimes reveal some unexpected results.

[Scott F]

I fish for smallmouth frequently and like a medium light rod for throwing smaller baits like Ned rigs but still have the backbone needed to handle a big smallie in current. My preference is for St. Croix Avids and Premiers because they do both jobs very well. 

[Joe_w1234]

Some rods may feel stiffer than a medium light but that may be due to the fact that they have very fast action. Some (i think st Croix has this) have a stout backbone and bend a lot at the tip. If you check, the tips on those rods should be pretty bendy

[WRB]

What may feel as stiffness is probably "action" in lieu of power. 

Bass rods tend to have faster action, meaning the rods bending faster from tip down is about 1/4 the rod length for fast action and 1/3 the rod length for moderate action that you may be more familiar with. 

Lures with a single heavier wire hook like soft plastics and jigs bass anglers prefer fast action rods. Lures with treble hooks anglers usually prefer the moderate action rods.

Power varies greatly between spinning and casting rods and between manufactures. 

The only method to know how it performs for you is touch and feel with a reel mounted and line through the guides and casting weight. 

What I like you may dislike.

Suggested line and lure weights are only mfr guides lines.

Fenwick used power rating from 1 to 6 based on the rods maximum lifting weigh in pounds. Today the rods are rod are rated light, medium light, medium, medium heavy, heavy and extra heavy based on subjectivity.

Tom

PS, I suggest adding Major Craft Iovino finesse rods to your list.

 

[deadadrift89]

Definitely a difference across brands. I dropshot alot for Smallmouth and have these ML rods from most liked down and they all fish different:

 

1- Abu Garcia IKE Signature Series

2- Fenwick Elite Tech Bass

3- Abu Garcia Vendetta gen1

4- Castaway Skeleton V2