Rod length for skipping question…

[Rodney Smith]

 

I sold 7 ft MF spinning rod to and replaced it with a 7’3 M Extra Fast. I was pretty proficient at skipping with the 7 footer. The extra length of the 872s makes skipping a little more challenging. I can still do it, just not as well. Will I get better with practice or is a 7'3 rod simply too long for skipping?

 

[Hammer 4]

I don't think a 7'3" is to long. I skip with a 7'2" and a 7'4" rods. Granted the shorter rods make it easier, but with some practice the longer rods will work, imho.

[HaydenS]

It might be a little on the long side, depends on how tall you are, but with practice you'll get good at skipping with it.  As long as you aren't hitting the water with the rod  and aren't having a hard time controlling the rod you should be fine.  Good luck!

[Bass Rutten]

It's probably the xf tip combined with the extra length that's making it a bit harder for you. I find that the action/taper of a rod has as much if not more to do with skipping ease and accuracy than the length.

[Fastbee]

The XF tip is most likely your issue, not the length.

[PaulVE64]

Makes scense to me.

The odd time I've skipped a lure (total fluke) was with a med-fast 6 ft ML

[Fastbee]

Rod action is the most important part of skipping outside of learning the proper mechanics.

[FishTank]

I have a 6'8'' G Loomis GLX 803C and this my favorite rod for skipping.   Somehow it just works for me.  It allows me to keep the bait low without dinging something on the boat. 

[jimmyjoe]

On 7/24/2021 at 5:19 PM, Rodney Smith said:

Will I get better with practice or is a 7'3 rod simply too long for skipping?

 

  Even out your casting stroke. Slow it down a little, too. The worst thing about going to a new setup is the muscle memory and habits of the old one. With a little practice, you'll do fine.  ?       jj

[Ski]

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Ya the faster action likely requires an adjustment and perfect timing of the release point 

[ATA]

6'6" Shimano is my favorite for skipping, specially that I am bank fishing.

And shorter rod help me to dont have any incident and loose my tip top.

 

[Fastbee]

9 hours ago, Ski said:

Is this your skipping rod?  Did you make sure to pair it up with the new Lews Pro SP skipping reel?  I find it somewhat funny that guys get so hung up on what a label says.  I can skip with any rod/reel combo I own, including the XF ones but I will also NOT recommend XF rods for skipping.  DVT is exactly right in that everything must be pretty much perfect with an XF rod, the slower actions are so much easier.

[Rodney Smith]

I am starting to wonder if I should have stuck with a Loomis 842s instead of the 872s…

[Ski]

14 hours ago, Fastbee said:

Is this your skipping rod?  Did you make sure to pair it up with the new Lews Pro SP skipping reel?  

Yes, it is. No, I use a Curado 201 with 30 lb braid. I also use a Veritas MH spinning rod with fast tip.  Lews designed that rod for the purpose of skipping and so far I like it, especially with lighter baits.