Rod Sensitivity Question

[aarogb]

I was out fishing this morning at my local lake and I was throwing a Shakey Head around some bridge pilings, but sadly didn't get any fish.

While I was fishing with my Shakey Head, I couldn't really keep in contact with my bait. The only way I knew it had reached the bottom is because I saw my line stop falling. Once I knew it had reached the bottom, I lifted my bait but I couldn't get the feel I wanted for it.

Do I need a more sensitive rod?

I was using a 6'6" Shakespeare spinning rod (not an Ugly Stik ) with 10 lb. monofilament and a 1/4 oz. Buckeye Lures Spot Remover.

[Raul]

You answered your own question:

I couldn't really keep in contact with my bait

If you can 't keep contact with your bait you do need a more sensitive rod.

[bass wrangler569]

Like Raul said, you answered your own question, you definitely should save up for a new rod.

[vatech]

Before dropping some bucks on a new rod, try doing the shaky head on fluoro and see if you can tell a difference. I feel like mono floats a little and that's going to be the last thing you want when doing a shaky head presentation.

[Raul]

I feel like mono floats a little and that's going to be the last thing you want when doing a shaky head presentation.

Not true.

[bigtimfish]

I feel like mono floats a little and that's going to be the last thing you want when doing a shaky head presentation.

Not true.

X2 not true

[OkobojiEagle]

Heavier jig head or use a superline are two other options.

[vatech]

I feel like mono floats a little and that's going to be the last thing you want when doing a shaky head presentation.

Not true.

X2 not true

OK, I stand corrected. However, mono does stretch, a.k.a. less sensitive. Anyways, my key point is try some flouro and see what you think before jumping to a new rod and reel.

[crw]

My guess would be that the rod was on older fiberglass  rod.  The are/were as sensitive as a rock.

[Raul]

OK, I stand corrected. However, mono does stretch, a.k.a. less sensitive.

Not true either, stretch has nothing to do with sensiivity, fluoro stretches as much as nylon.

Now back on the subject:

The only way I knew it had reached the bottom is because I saw my line stop falling

Man, if you can 't feel the bait hitting the bottom changing the line for a denser line won 't help much either.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Shakespeare rods are not really known for sensitivity! For that specific technique i would get the best rod i could afford along with some fluoro. Anytime you are fishing a contact bait you need all the sensitivity you can get.

[islandbass]

Do you know the composition of the bottom? If it is really soft of sandy, better rods will help.

Raul nailed some serious tips.  8-)

[Bernie Mac]

Have to agree, need a more sensitive rod...bait monkey is on the way  

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Is it an Excursion?

[aarogb]

Is it an Excursion?

    No, it is an Inspirinity I believe.

[The_Natural]

OK, I stand corrected. However, mono does stretch, a.k.a. less sensitive. Anyways, my key point is try some flouro and see what you think before jumping to a new rod and reel.

While you aren't off base for that hypothesis, it is actually fluorocarbon's density that makes it a more sensitive line (and sink).  

[RoLo]

The surest way to enhance sensitivity is to move to a higher modulus blank,

and if that isn't enough, spool up with braided polyethylene.

If you made both those changes, bottom contact with a 1/8 weight would be very pronounced...almost annoying.

Roger

[LAO162]

To get the most sensitivity out of a rod, you need to wrap a series of Andrew Jacksons around the blank.  As you tape the bills to the blank, try not to leave any spaces where the sensitivity may leak out.  While you will experience improvements if you tape them parallel to the blank, you will get the most sensitivity by taping the bills perpendicular to the blank.  If your budget allows, you can double up on the bills to get an "enthusiast" feeling blank.  Use Duct tape to attach Gold Eagle coins to the butt for the optimal balance. ;D ;D ;D

Be careful, I think a saw the baitmonkey in this thread  

On a more serious note, you should get into the practice of watching your line when using bottom techniques.  The experts on BR may say differently, but you will probably see more immediate results by improving your ability to watch the line rather than learning to fish only by feel.

Have Fun!

[LAO162]

The angler who fishes with insensitive equipment however, must rely totally on line-watching, and that's not good.

Agreed!!

I've been obsessed with gradually upgrading my rods to gain sensitivity - just ask my wife .  However, this year I've made a concentrated effort to watch my line rather than relying upon feel.  Sometimes I see the line move before I feel it, and sometimes I feel it first.  I have improved my success.  But, it didn't cost me anything to make a concerted effort to watch my line.  I should have made it part of my fundamental skills before spending money on new rods.  

As a diabetic, I am constantly worried that I will begin to lose sensation in my hands, so I want to work on all aspects of my game so I am prepared when/if it happens.  Perhaps that gives me a different perspective.  It also helps me to justify the new, sensitive rods so that I can appreciate them while I can still feel them (thanks baitmonkey)  ;D ;D