Power vs Action for jerkbaits/light plastics?

[Cliff Hall]

Hey guys, 

so, I know this topic has been covered ad nauseam. Also, I can assure you guys that I have extensively looked through the forum before posting another one of these threads. My problem is I am in the market for a custom rod and, before making an expensive purchase, I want to know it will be right for the specific purposes I intend to use it for. So, to get to the point, why is it that people usually go to refer to power as being the dominant variable when considering treble hook rods/rods that need to consistently provide pressure and load? I usually like fast tips to retain as much sensitivity as possible (i know there are other contributing factors to sensitivity) and was wondering if I could get a Medium light rod to also have the same tension purposes with treble hooks. I want a rod for wade fishing that can be versatile enough to throw both jerk baits and light plastics. I usually fish Medium/fast for almost everything but I thought jumping down to a Medium Light/Fast would be an easier transition than all the way to Medium Light/Moderate. Sorry for the thesis and thanks for the help!

[Dens228]

I use a Medium rod for jerkbaits, I use a medium for most of my treble hook baits.  I like a fast action because I feel it imparts a better "jerk" on the jerkbait as I work it. 

I don't know about a Medium Light as I've never used one for anything other than dropshot and wacky rig.......I don't do much finesse wise.  

[roadwarrior]

I have a 7'2" MLF built on a RainShadow Immortal blank.  This is EXACTLY what

you are looking for.

[PhishLI]

I know you're thinking about a custom build and potentially lighter power, but here's where I'm going for the baits you've described for my wade fishing. I'm hoping it'll work for jerks, small cranks, and light plastics when I'm out wading flats and don't wish to return to shore to swap rigs. If it straddles the line decently for that cross section of baits it'll be good enough for me. I'm hoping the length gives me a bit more distance than I'm getting with my 7'1"-7'3" MF sticks.

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Both power and action should be considered in choosing a blank for a given application. If you’re working with a builder, it’s reasonable to expect them to guide you through picking components. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss a build. 

[roadwarrior]

Mike (DVT) built me the Ultimate Senko Rod!

[S Hovanec]

In the spring, i built a casting rod for the exact purpose you mentioned. I used a St Croix Inshore 7' MLF.  I haven't had a chance to throw soft plastics on it yet, but it works fantastic with LC Slender Pointers.

[jimmyjoe]

   Most of my jerkbaits and twitchbaits are between 1/2 and 1 oz, so I use a MH power, F or MF. But those are not my favorites; my favorite is the Bomber 13a, a little 1/4 oz. demon that fish love to gang up on.

   I use a St. Croix Avid-X spinning rod, ML/F for this, whether I use nylon or braided line. It has a reasonably stiff tip, and that lets me put a dance and shimmy into that little 13a ...... and then stop it dead. 

   But this may not be what you want.

   If you talk to @Delaware Valley Tackle, about getting a rod, he'll guide you. He can do that. Like a fisherman told me years ago, "Rod builders have to know more about rods than rod users."

   No matter what you do, I wish you the best of luck.  jj

[BrianMDTX]

3 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

I have a 7'2" MLF built on a RainShadow Immortal blank.  This is EXACTLY what

you are looking for.

Even in Texas? ?

[roadwarrior]

No, I just have the rod that fits his request. I use the rod for crappie and trout, never for

the monsters that roam Texas lakes! I'm not taking it to Florida next week either.

 

[Cliff Hall]

Hey, guys. 

Thank you for all of the replies. To clarify a bit, I am looking to use this rod for speckled trout while inshore fishing in Louisiana. Mirrodines, Mirrolure Fat Boys, and plastics down to 16th oz will all be on the menu. From what you guys are saying, I think the ML/F makes a lot of sense. I try to incorporate as many bass fishing concepts/techniques as possible into my inshore fishing game because you guys dive a bit deeper. Those speckled trout can be as finicky as any fish out there. 

[jimmyjoe]

2 minutes ago, Cliff Hall said:

     .....   while inshore fishing  .....

 

   I must assume that you already know the obvious: for salt or brackish water, use guide frames designed for salt water. Not absolutely necessary, but extremely wise.        jj