Am I doing something wrong with my rod choice?

[chicagolandangler]

Hi,

I'm pretty new to fishing and I've been throwing lures for a few months but never caught a bass yet. I bought a medium power Daiwa Tatula spinning rod, but I'm wondering if I made a bad choice because even just a 1/2oz crankbait weighs down the pole enough that it bends and I can feel the action on the pole, so I can't tell the difference between vibration and a bite. Do I need to upgrade my line weight (currently 10lb mono) or is it the rod that's the issue?

 

I'd also like to use big swimbaits that weigh over 1oz (my dad wants to go up to Canada next year and fish for big muskie, so I bought a few big swimbaits for that) and small live bluegills as bait in the spring, but I'm concerned my rod won't be able to handle that weight. I'm thinking about getting a baitcaster for an all-purpose setup, but is there anything out there that's truly all-purpose? I ride a bike everywhere so I really need only one or two rods that can do everything possible (panfishing, jigging, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwaters, bigger live baits) while also being able to break down into two or more pieces. I don't know anyone else who fishes seriously so I don't know where to even begin to look. Thank you!

[LCG]

You need to stick within the rods lure rating. So say it's 1/8-1/2oz,the sweet spot is half way, so a 1/4oz in this example. 

 

A medium power, fast action rod is very versatile for most fishing. However it's not ideal for panfish, or the other extreme end of musky fishing. 

 

Being as you haven't caught a fish yet, don't stress too much. Give it time before you start buying specific gear, once you learn more and understand what exactly you want to do. 

 

As for musky fishing, your looking at heavy to extra heavy rods and strong reels to hold up to those big boys. That's a whole different category. 

 

For bass, a medium power fast action rod is a good starting point. Next setup would be a medium heavy fast action baitcasting set up, which takes time to master. For panfish, a ultralight or light powered fast action rod is more suitable. It's not sporting catching bluegill on rods meant for bass. 

 

I fish for mainly bass, but also fish for bluegill, perch, crappie, sunfish, pike, carp, catfish, and Walleye. For panfish I use my son's ugly stick youth combo, for bass, pike, Walleye I use either a medium power extra fast action spinning rod rated 1/8-3/8 oz or a medium heavy extra fast casting rod rated for 3/8-1oz. 

 

Also your 1/2oz crankbait in actuality weighs more like 5/8oz when you factor in the hooks. It's gets complicated

[new2BC4bass]

10 pound mono is fine.  I doubt anyone is going to be able to give you any solid feedback on your rod until you give the rod's specifics.  Is it a Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy?  Is the action Fast or Extra Fast?  The Tatula line are good rods.  Don't own any spinning, but have several casting.  Great rods for the money AFAIC.

 

Lure weight on a package is normally no where near actual weight.  I weighed these two spinnerbaits.  Packages say 1/2 oz. for both.

 

Strike King Thunder Cricket weighed .62 oz.

War Eagle Spinnerbait weighed .82 oz.

 

A 5/8 oz. Storm Wildeye Swim Shad weighed 1 oz.

 

What surprised me was the actual weight of these two frogs.

 

1/2 oz. Jackall Kaera Frog weighed .411 oz.

5/8 oz. Live Target Koppers weighed .462 oz.

 

I re-calibrated my scale.  Weights came out the same.

[LCG]

To add to the above post, take a 1/2oz spinnerbait, that actually weighs  .62oz,then add a trailer like a curly tail grub and the total weight become 3/4-7/8oz. So if your rod max lure rating is 1/2oz,then the Lure is too big for the rod. 

 

Not all rods are the same either. I have casting rods rated to 1oz and in reality 3/4oz is the rods max. It's all a learning curve.

 

This site will help guide you though it all. Just read through the forums and start with the basics then work your way up slowly. 

 

OH, and you'll know when a bass hits that crankbait. Just keep at it. Learn the senko techniques as well, you will catch fish. 

[MidwestBassAttack]

Hey Chicagolandangler - Shoot me a message when you get a chance. Judging by your username you might be in my neck of the woods.  If so, I’ve got a Dobyns Sierra Micro 703 casting rod collecting dust. It’s a medium-heavy/fast. It’s yours if you want it! I’d rather see it used and enjoyed by a new angler than propped up in a corner collecting dust.

[roadwarrior]

7 hours ago, MidwestBassAttack said:

Hey Chicagolandangler - Shoot me a message when you get a chance. Judging by your username you might be in my neck of the woods.  If so, I’ve got a Dobyns Sierra Micro 703 casting rod collecting dust. It’s a medium-heavy/fast. It’s yours if you want it! I’d rather see it used and enjoyed by a new angler than propped up in a corner collecting dust.