Rod Length vs Sensitivity

[Jeff H]

Is it possible shorter rods could be more sensitive?  With the "signal" traveling a shorter distance, could it remain stronger?  Lots of variables involved of course but just a general thought.  Say, a 5'6" rod vs a 6'6" of same blank and power ratings? Or, 6'6" vs 7'6" etc.

[dodgeguy]

all other variables being equal i would say yes but i don't know if you would be able to tell.i would say if you balanced the longer rods it would be almost no difference.

[islandbass]

I think what you say would make sense in some cases, but I would think if there were a difference it would probably be infinitesmal.

Let's say you have a 4.5' rod and a 9.5' rod. Well, the speed of sound (vibration) is considerably fast and because it's so fast, I don't think 5' is going to make a difference. Just a guess.

[senile1]

I think what you say would make sense in some cases, but I would think if there were a difference it would probably be infinitesmal.

Let's say you have a 4.5' rod and a 9.5' rod. Well, the speed of sound (vibration) is considerably fast and because it's so fast, I don't think 5' is going to make a difference. Just a guess.

Your point makes sense but there is another factor affecting sensitivity and that is the amount of material the vibration must travel through.  Another question is how do you measure the amount of material the vibrations travels through and where does the vibration begin on the rod?  The fish sends the vibration up the line which then touches the rod at each line guide.  Is there a vibration created at each line guide?  Interesting thread.  I have lots of questions but no answers.  

[islandbass]

I think what you say would make sense in some cases, but I would think if there were a difference it would probably be infinitesmal.

Let's say you have a 4.5' rod and a 9.5' rod. Well, the speed of sound (vibration) is considerably fast and because it's so fast, I don't think 5' is going to make a difference. Just a guess.

Your point makes sense but there is another factor affecting sensitivity and that is the amount of material the vibration must travel through. Another question is how do you measure the amount of material the vibrations travels through and where does the vibration begin on the rod? The fish sends the vibration up the line which then touches the rod at each line guide. Is there a vibration created at each line guide? Interesting thread. I have lots of questions but no answers.

I too will be following this thread to see if as a group we can come to a conclusion.  You have added extra thoughts that will add more ingredients to the soup. It would be interesting to see if the choice of scrim and density of the graphite and/or the guides play a role in dampening or enhancing the vibrations coming to the angler. Awesome!  8-)

[dodgeguy]

i'd say it would but we are talking identical setups with lentgh being the variable.i think the extra lentgh gives you more tip weight which all other factors being equal will deaden a rod.this is why i would balance all of them.if they were all balanced i don't know if you could tell the difference.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I think it would definitely deliver the vibration quicker to your hands not necessarily stronger/more sensitive. Maybe even resulting in better hook up ratios. But it would only be noticeable if there was a significant difference in rod lengths. Say an 8' rod v.s. a 5' 6" rod,  Otherwise, the difference would still be there but not enough for one to notice.

[SteveF]

There are a lot of unknowns for sure, however at the same time wouldn't the longer rod allow you to be more in direct connection with your bait due to having less line on the surface of the water as well?  This factor would definetely be a factor in my opinion.

Steve

[Bernie Mac]

Here is a thought on this...as the line lays (either spinning or casting) on the guides, it's the vibration of the line that rests on the guides that is transmitted to the rod blank. So let's look at it like this now...Sensitivity of the rod isn't based on "how fast" you feel it but "how strong" you feel it. Any rod that is longer than another would have more guides on it which is more contact on the rod blank making the blank vibrate stronger. No matter if the rod is 4.5' or 10', if you're running your crank bait at 17' in the water the same type of hit will still reach the tip (first guide) at the same time because the length from the first guide to your bait is the same distance. Here is an easy experiment to do. Go to a tackle shop with a buddy with 4 pieces of line (either fluro, braid, mono, guts from 5-50 cord). Keeping 2 around 8" inches and 2 around say 8'. Now take 2 rods of different lengths but the same model with the same action and power. Tie the end of the 8" line to the first guide and have your buddy thumb it. Which one did you feel the thumb with the most? Now take the 8' of line and tie it to the last guide and run it thru as if it was rigged and do the same thing and see what you come up with. You could even add some small weight to keep the line tight.