mheichelbech Posted February 16, 2020 Posted February 16, 2020 Looking to get a spinning rod primarily for fishing lightweight baits (3/16 and less) and trying to determine if I would be better off with a short or long rod. I fish a lot around docks and other close quarters environments...a lot of pitching to dock corners and running baits parallel to docks. Any experience or suggestions appreciated! Whatever I get, like to keep it below $100. Quote
Super User MIbassyaker Posted February 16, 2020 Super User Posted February 16, 2020 Close quarters usually calls for a shorter rod. The Fenwick HMG line at $100 has 6'0" Light and Medium-light spinning models that would work for this. 1 Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted February 16, 2020 Super User Posted February 16, 2020 Basic rule of thumb. Shorter rods for more accuracy. Longer rods for more distance. St Croix Triumph also has 6' ML and L rods at $100 2 Quote
Super User jimmyjoe Posted February 16, 2020 Super User Posted February 16, 2020 You said that you fish close quarters a lot. What @MN Fisher said is correct; shorter rods are more accurate. Where long rods really excel is fighting the fish. You need to find a compromise rod, one that is short(er) yet takes command of the fish and controls it efficiently. I wouldn't take a L or ML power rod; you need to get that fish out of there, and get him out of there pronto. I would use a medium power rod as minimum. As to the action: dock fishing is short distance fishing. If you use braid, get a more forgiving rod with a softer tip. If you're going to use mono, get a faster action with a stiffer tip. I can't give you more specific recommendations. jj Quote
mheichelbech Posted February 16, 2020 Author Posted February 16, 2020 42 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said: You said that you fish close quarters a lot. What @MN Fisher said is correct; shorter rods are more accurate. Where long rods really excel is fighting the fish. You need to find a compromise rod, one that is short(er) yet takes command of the fish and controls it efficiently. I wouldn't take a L or ML power rod; you need to get that fish out of there, and get him out of there pronto. I would use a medium power rod as minimum. As to the action: dock fishing is short distance fishing. If you use braid, get a more forgiving rod with a softer tip. If you're going to use mono, get a faster action with a stiffer tip. I can't give you more specific recommendations. jj Will be using braid. Quote
Super User Team9nine Posted February 16, 2020 Super User Posted February 16, 2020 Personally, I wouldn't go 7', but I also wouldn't go much shorter than 6'6" - maybe down to a 6'3" at best. A little length to help pitch and maneuver your baits and line around corners and such would probably be beneficial. Quote
mheichelbech Posted February 16, 2020 Author Posted February 16, 2020 40 minutes ago, r3825 said: one foot six inches Haha I have caught bass on one of those old pocket fisherman outfits! Be good for skipping way up under docks! 1 Quote
r3825 Posted February 16, 2020 Posted February 16, 2020 1 minute ago, mheichelbech said: Haha I have caught bass on one of those old pocket fisherman outfits! Be good for skipping way up under docks! Thank you for getting the joke and not having a fit, that's what makes this site great Quote
mheichelbech Posted February 16, 2020 Author Posted February 16, 2020 1 minute ago, r3825 said: Thank you for getting the joke and not having a fit, that's what makes this site great It actually brought back good memories! 1 Quote
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