Spinning/jerkbait rod - correct balance point? reel recommendation?

[GregN]

Hi Folks - newer member here.  While I have fished for a long time, I'm kind of new to the concept of a single rod dedicated to a specific application. With that said, I just purchased a Dobyns spinning rod that is 6'9" long, medium power, fast action that I want to set up for jerk baits (LC Pointer 78s/Rapala XRAPs, etc).  I typically fish these on 15# power pro with a 12# FC leader.  A few questions: 

 

1) Given the jerkbait application, I'm thinking I want a rod/reel combo that balances tip down. I just threw an older Pflueger Supreme reel on the rod, that weighs exactly 8.0oz,  and the rod balances just about an inch ahead of the most forward part of the reel handle (1" above the top of  the screw that locks the reel seat onto the rod)   Is this close to what the balance point should be for this application?   I'd like to purchase a new reel for this rod; if I go with a lighter reel, the balance point will move more forward and the rod will become even more tip heavy; maybe this is good thing?  I'd like to hear some thoughts on where the balance point should be for this application. 

 

2) I want to purchase a reel that really lays down small diameter braid (10-15#) well on the spool to allow for long casts and reduce the potential for wind knots. A shimano stradic in size 3000 weighs 7.9oz and when filled with braid will probably balance very close to the older Pflueger I threw on given they are so close in weight. From what I have read, these reels really lay down small diameter braid very evenly. If a more tip down balance point is desirable, then I'll have to go a lighter reel (perhaps a Daiwa Tatula LT 3000/4000).  Any recommendations for a lighter reel in the same price range ($150-200 range) that handles braid well?

 

Thanks for any feedback,

Greg

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There’s no right or wrong feel. It’s 100% personal preference. As far as personal preference goes rod “balance” is the single most over thought aspect ever discussed imo. Experiment and see what you like. 

[Tennessee Boy]

2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

There’s no right or wrong feel. It’s 100% personal preference. As far as personal preference goes rod “balance” is the single most over thought aspect ever discussed imo. Experiment and see what you like. 

Well said!   Although I think “balance” is the second most over thought aspect of a rod,  behind “sensitivity”.  ?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

3 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Well said!   Although I think “balance” is the second most over thought aspect of a rod,  behind “sensitivity”.  ?

Ya it’s a close call on that. I’ll give you that one.  Lol.  

[Darth-Baiter]

4 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Well said!   Although I think “balance” is the second most over thought aspect of a rod,  behind “sensitivity”.  ?

yea.  i never understood those guys at the store doing that teeter totter balance thing with a rod.  most times it doenst even have the reel on it.  much less the line and lure.  

 

same goes for kitchen knives. 

[WRB]

Most Dobyns rods balance in the center of the reel seat without a reel. Adding a reel doesn’t affect the balance with the pivot point at the reel seat.

Adding a lure at the rod tip impacts balance. 

Spinning rods you can adjust balance by how you hold the reel stem, between 2 fingers, 1 finger forward, 3 finger forward etc.

Tom

[ska4fun]

15 hours ago, GregN said:

Hi Folks - newer member here.  While I have fished for a long time, I'm kind of new to the concept of a single rod dedicated to a specific application. With that said, I just purchased a Dobyns spinning rod that is 6'9" long, medium power, fast action that I want to set up for jerk baits (LC Pointer 78s/Rapala XRAPs, etc).  I typically fish these on 15# power pro with a 12# FC leader.  A few questions: 

 

1) Given the jerkbait application, I'm thinking I want a rod/reel combo that balances tip down. I just threw an older Pflueger Supreme reel on the rod, that weighs exactly 8.0oz,  and the rod balances just about an inch ahead of the most forward part of the reel handle (1" above the top of  the screw that locks the reel seat onto the rod)   Is this close to what the balance point should be for this application?   I'd like to purchase a new reel for this rod; if I go with a lighter reel, the balance point will move more forward and the rod will become even more tip heavy; maybe this is good thing?  I'd like to hear some thoughts on where the balance point should be for this application. 

 

2) I want to purchase a reel that really lays down small diameter braid (10-15#) well on the spool to allow for long casts and reduce the potential for wind knots. A shimano stradic in size 3000 weighs 7.9oz and when filled with braid will probably balance very close to the older Pflueger I threw on given they are so close in weight. From what I have read, these reels really lay down small diameter braid very evenly. If a more tip down balance point is desirable, then I'll have to go a lighter reel (perhaps a Daiwa Tatula LT 3000/4000).  Any recommendations for a lighter reel in the same price range ($150-200 range) that handles braid well?

 

Thanks for any feedback,

Greg

 

A shallow spooled one, to have a better IPT and line slack control, to jerk and slash lures with more precision. Daiwa Luvias, Emeraldas, Revros...

[GetFishorDieTryin]

No matter what reel you put on that the balance point isnt going to shift much.  I think Dobyns weights their rods in the butt to ensure the rods balancing point is in in the area of the grip with a wide range of reel weights.  

I really don't think a tip heavy rod gives you any advantage in any situation, especially one where you have to manipulate the bait with the rod as much as a topwater or JB.  A balanced outfit is more comfortable and doesn't cause nearly as much fatigue as a tip heavy one. 

 

[OkobojiEagle]

I wish the Tennessee handle was more the norm than the exception with today's finesse rods...

[GregN]

3 hours ago, WRB said:

Most Dobyns rods balance in the center of the reel seat without a reel. Adding a reel doesn’t affect the balance with the pivot point at the reel seat.

Adding a lure at the rod tip impacts balance. 

Spinning rods you can adjust balance by how you hold the reel stem, between 2 fingers, 1 finger forward, 3 finger forward etc.

Tom

Understood.. Tx... I usually fish spinning rod w reel stem bt ring and middle finger.  For some reason, when fishing JB, I hold rod w stem bt my pinky and reel finger, it seems easier and more comfortable to Snap the rod w that grip. 

[Chris at Tech]

I think any of the spinning reels in that price range from the known reel makers will handle braid just fine.

 

@GregN where in Central NJ?  I grew up in Manalapan.  

[GregN]

2 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

I think any of the spinning reels in that price range from the known reel makers will handle braid just fine.

 

@GregN where in Central NJ?  I grew up in Manalapan.  

Robbinsville