Spinnerbait rod - what to look for?

[ScottF]

Ok, the Ugly Stik is on the way out.  What to look for in a new spinnerbait rod?  Budget around $100.

[jhoffman]

Fast Action

[21farms]

most people want a fast action rod (bends more at the tip than middle) with a lot of power. most people want spinnerbait rods between 6'6" and 7'0" though 7'0" is more common. some people like using a rod with a slower action (starts bending closer to the middle) like on a crankbait rod but i feel you lose out on a lot of critical sensitivity that way.

even at your budget, there's a lot of fine choices. i'd personally recommend the shimano clarus CSC-610MH: 6'10", medium-heavy power rating with a fast taper and only $60 with the best warranty in the business (lifetime). this rod is also very versatile...6'10" is pretty ideal for pitching and you can also use it for worming and carolina rigging.

but, basically, you want a 6'6" to 7'0", medium-heavy, fast action graphite rod. good luck.

[Infidel.]

Unless you are doing a lot of roll casts in and around structure, for that I use a 6ft MH pistol grip.  But that is not the norm for me.  Most of the lakes around here don't have that much cover so I like a 7ft fast action medium.  

[ScottF]

Since I bought a new worm rod, I'm wondering if my old worm rod would do for a spinnerbait rod.  It is a 20 yr old BPS Tournament Series Pitchin Stik 6' MH rod.  Clearly, the new rods would be better.  Thoughts?

[Jake P]

Rods have improved alot in 20 years, i would go with a new one. It would be worth it IMO.

[21farms]

Since I bought a new worm rod, I'm wondering if my old worm rod would do for a spinnerbait rod. It is a 20 yr old BPS Tournament Series Pitchin Stik 6' MH rod. Clearly, the new rods would be better. Thoughts?

funny how a 6-footer 20 years ago was considered adequate but today is considered "too short". anyway, some people like shorter rods for spinnerbaitin' when workin' under trees and such and because you can be more accurate. i too had a 20-year old BPS pitchin' stick but in 6'6" size...kinda heavy compared to today's rods but worth a try. fwiw, i just got back into fishing after a 20-year hiatus...so far this year, i've snapped two of my old rods at the hookset...not sure if it's just cuz the rods are so old or what. regardless, i've used that as a nice excuse to buy all new equipment!  

[ScottF]

I ended up buying a combo at BPS... Shimano Citica 200D and an   Xtreme XPS Woo Davies Spinnerbait rod medium action and 6'6".

[hawgchaser]

That is the exact rod I was going to suggest. I have 2 of them and love them.

[Pond Hopper]

Pool cue with a fast tip.  

[CPT Scrap]

lately ive taken to throwing a falcon low rider rod (topwater) in a 6'9" length with med-light action.....every fish feels like a hog, but i never have to worry bout rippin the spinnerbaits outta their mouths.  it also allows me go get a better feel for what the baits doin, be it a colorado, willow, or in-between.