Rod/weight/line for Free Rigging

[FryDog62]

What is your preferred baitcasting rod (length, power, action, etc.) typical sinker weight, and line type/size you use for Free-rigging? 
 

I use three primary set ups:

 

*Tatula Elite Ehrler 7 foot, Medium-Medium Heavy extra fast, 12 lb fluoro when throwing  1/4 oz + lure.

 

*ALX Enox Decoy MHF when upsizing to 3/8 oz and a heavier plastic like a 3.8 Geecrack Bellows. 
 

* I’ve also experimented with a BFS set up - 7’1” Phenix Feather MLF with 1/8 oz and 7 lb Sniper (I’ll do anything not to drop shot if I can?)

[MontclairDave]

Well, I can tell you what doesn’t work well: spinning gear. My first few outings with free rig were amazing in terms of fish hooked but I was using a Medium Fast spinning rod with 12 lb braid and a 1/8 ounce weight along weed edges and every time the fish took me into the slop I had to literally reach down and grab the fish out; that rod was totally overpowered. I haven’t used any of my baitcasters yet and I have your rod power/action covered so I am eager to hear how they work so far, and what other people use.

 

But it is definitely a fish-catcher. I use Bull Flat mostly. Great for generating bites, but very fragile bait. Head blows out after almost every fish.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

7ft MH Fast

16lb Sniper

1/4oz teardrop weight

 

fishing heavy cover, bulky baits

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I use a 7'1 M F Muse

#12 InvizX

Usually using 1/8 or 3/16 skinny DS.  My favorite weights are Reins Slim round eye, but swagger work fine.

As far as baits go, there a ton of good ones.  I really like floating and neutrally buoyant baits, they work really well when the fish are in a negative mood.

 

[txchaser]

MH 3/8 oz 17lb tatsu, bellows gill (3.8")

H 3/8 oz 17lb tatsu, bull flat (4")

 

I liked the way it felt on the H much better, but both these baits are heavy, especially the bellows when it is wet. And I've only fished it on heavy weed edges.