5 1/2' -6' worm rod for texas rig?

[ReelMaster]

I was reading an article on this site on worm fishing and it said,

"When fishing the Texas rig, use a medium to heavy action rod with a fast tip for better hooksets and more sensitivity. Use 5 1/2 to 6 foot rods - they don't over move the worm like longer rods do. Use 8 to 14 pound test line." I was surprised by the rod recommendation. How many fishermen follow that advice. I see most people with 6'6'-7' rods.

Also, who makes a good affordable worm rod.

[cart7t]

Rods longer than 6 1/2 foot have become the norm over the past 15 years or so. It wasn't so before. It's possible that's a dated article.

That said, it's also true. If an angler isn't paying attention to his rod tip movement while working a worm on a longer rod, he may very well be moving it way too much. I prefer a longer rod for more powerful hooksets, especially in deeper water and more leverage when playing a fish back to the boat.

Most of the major rod brands have their rods listed as to action and power ratings. Some even have the style of fishing listed for each rod. I'd suggest a 6 1/2 foot, mhvy fast action rod as a starter. I have 2 of them and use them most of the time.  As an affordable rod, I'd suggest a Team All Star TAS 786C.  

http://www.allstarrods.com/2009_as_teamasfwspec.html

[The_Natural]

The king of worm fishing prefers a 6'er...(Larry Nixon).  He used a pistol grip if I remember correctly.  

[Gone_Phishin]

Loomis makes a 5'6" MH rod in the Mossyback series.  I wish they would produce one in the GLX line.  I'd love one for beatin' the banks.

[Catt]

We can drop Pros names all day long but the truth is to use what you are comfortable with. If you can hit your target with consistency and have an 80% or higher hook up ratio then don't worry.

There many quality rods on today's market here is a few:

American Rodsmith

Bass Pros Shop

Berkeley

Castaway

Cabela

Falcon

[roadwarrior]

I think you will be happy with a 6 1/2' or 7' rod.

My soft plastics rod is a St. Croix ES70MF.

8-)

[eyedabassman]

For me, all my worm and T- rig worm rods are 6'6" or 7'6"" and I have no problems! I guide at night and the longer rods do have a advantage! I fish deep water in the summer and I need that long rod for hook setting power and a longer rod is better for fighting the fish and having more control of the fish next to the boat! I do use a 6' rod only for fishing docks and skippin! Just my 2 cents worth!

[The_Natural]

  Quote

We can drop Pros names all day long but the truth is to use what you are comfortable with. If you can hit your target with consistency and have an 80% or higher hook up ratio then don't worry.

Of course, Catt :.....I use a 7' rod for all plastics fishing except skipping. I was merely stating where using a short rod for wormin' originated.  I guess I need to start adding the 'whatever you are confident with/comfortable with' disclaimer that I thought was a given.

*and Correction... Nixon used a 5'6" pistol grip, but I'm not sure if that holds true today.

[cart7t]

Just a note. Bill Dance, one of the great T-rig plastic worm fishermen, once gave a tip for those using longer rods for worm fishing.

Basically, work your rod like you always do and then look up at your rod tip to see just how much it's moving the bait. His point was, what may seem like subtle movements down on the reel while you're working the bait is actually moving the rod tip quite a bit more than you thought. The longer the rod, the more action at the handle end winds up moving the rod tip quite a bit. Try it sometimes. You may find you're actually moving your worm along a lot more than you thought you were.

[Catt]

Which is one reason most people are not as productive as they could be with a Texas Rig?

Natural I wasn't not referring to you it was directed more at Mr. HopJ insuring him that just because Joe Pro uses are certain length rod it do not mean it would be suitable for him.

In today modern era of bass fishing there is too much emphases placed on lure specific tackle which in my option just a ploy of the bait monkey.

I use a 6' 10 worm rod which is only 2 shorter than 7' but I prefer it because it balances out with my Calcutta perfectly. I have a good friend who will use nothing but 6' 6 rods for every technique coupled with Abu Garcia's 5500C3; he is an outstanding angler.

[BARON49_Northern NY]

My wife still swears by an old 6' pistol grip rod I used back in the 80's and she catches fish on it to this day.

For me I went to an American Rodsmiths 6' 10" H, with a fast tip and a Revo SX spooled with 30 lb Power Pro for most of my worm fishing.  Great balance, best sensitivity in any rod I have ever owned, hook sets are a slight movement of the wrist.  Made fishing plastic worms fun again!  ;D