Lure weight on rods, few questions

[Chonch12]

Edit: Forgot to mention Have a Curado DC spooled with 30-50lb braid or more recently switched to 15lb Invizx Fluro. Really like the Fluro over the braid

 

So I got more into Bass fishing the past few years. Grew up trout and carp fishing. Just upgraded to a nicer rod (expride). I never really thought too much about the lure weight rating on rods until now since I want to really take care of this. I like to walk the bank with 2 or 3 setups (only have 3) to be versatile. This casting and 1 or 2 spinning for more finesse.

 

This is rated for 3/8 - 1oz being a MH, Of course throwing lures well over the rating can easily break the rod but:

 

 - How much outside the recommended range would you go?

 - Would you go much lower than the 3/8?

 - What are some pros/cons to going slightly outside the recommended?

 

For example if I toss a finesse 5/16 or 1/4 jig would I have problems?

Edited June 18, 2020 by Chonch12
Added Reel info

[galyonj]

How well throwing lighter than the rod rating on casting gear really comes down to line thickness and how well you can control the spool. The only real risks are backlashes, distance, and accuracy.

 

How well you can mitigate those dictates how much you enjoy the experience. If you're just flipping and pitching little stuff, that's no big deal at all.

 

You're certainly not gonna hurt anything, but you already know that.

[Steveo-1969]

Jig weight only considers the jig head, not the hook, skirt and trailer. I would guess if you put your 5/16 or 1/4 ounce jigs on a scale they would weigh more than 3/8 ounce. 

[MN Fisher]

8 minutes ago, Chonch12 said:

For example if I toss a finesse 5/16 or 1/4 jig would I have problems?

Well, adding the weight of the hook, skirt and trailer to the 1/4oz, it'd probably go above the 3/8 rating so you should be good there. The 5/16 jig might be problematical, but as long as you don't try to toss it into orbit you should be alright.

[garroyo130]

 - How much outside the recommended range would you go?

In my experience, the upper end of the rod tends to be exaggerated. I wouldn't go heavier than 1oz.

 

 - Would you go much lower than the 3/8?

As low as the reel and an educated thumb will let me. Of course, there comes a point where its just more practical to use spinning gear.

 

 - What are some pros/cons to going slightly outside the recommended?

Cons for too light on the baitcaster would be backlashes, on the spinning reels - line twist

Pros for too light ... more finesse? 

 

Cons for too heavy on the baitcaster would be backlashes, on the spinning reel I imagine the rod would be the limitation

Pros for too heavy ... fish deeper or maybe the ability to get into thicker stuff ... but then you might be underpowered with the rod. 

[Steveo-1969]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

Well, adding the weight of the hook, skirt and trailer to the 1/4oz, it'd probably go above the 3/8 rating so you should be good there. The 5/16 jig might be problematical, but as long as you don't try to toss it into orbit you should be alright.

Ummm 5/16 is MORE than 1/4..... ?

[MN Fisher]

Just now, Steveo-1969 said:

Ummm 5/16 is MORE than 1/4..... ?

RIGHT! I'm still working on my first cup of coffee - brain hasn't fully engaged yet.

[Steveo-1969]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

RIGHT! I'm still working on my first cup of coffee - brain hasn't fully engaged yet.

I get it! Eastern time zone here and I've already had 3 cups......

[OkobojiEagle]

My guide is how the rod feels when cast.  If the rod isn't loading I change to a lighter power rod or heavier bait.  If the rod "feels" over-loaded I might change to a lighter bait, change to a heavier power rod or most often change my casting stroke to more "lob" less "snap".

 

oe