Going Over The Rod Rating....

[SoFlaBassAddict]

So as I find myself wanting to throw a little larger bait in some of these southern Florida strip pits, I figured I'd ask here before I go out and drop the coin on a new rod right now.

I've got a couple of flippin sticks here, both rated for 1 ounce lures. Am I running the risk of trashing those rods by throwing something like a 6" Hudd ROF 5, 6" BBZ, etc etc? Roughly 2 ounce baits.

Just looking to move up a bit from my small arsenal of undersized swimbaits.

[1234567]

I only use flipping sticks for my six inch hudds. Its an extra heavy and has plenty of power to really set that hook when the bass have bit down on that little swimbait.

[1234567]

I only use flipping sticks for my six inch hudds. Its an extra heavy and has plenty of power to really set that hook when the bass have bit down on that little swimbait. Casts them with ease as well.

[SDoolittle]

I've only broken one rod in all my years of fishing, but it was a flippin' stick, and I broke it throwing a swimbait. I don't remember the rod rating or the weight of the swimbait, but it was something similar to what you're talking about.

[SirSnookalot]

I think the rod should be fine, but I think your back and shoulder are going to feel it. I exceed the limit on my rods quite often, but 1oz rating and a 2 oz lure is pushing it too much, get a heavier rod, you will thank yourself.

[1234567]

I guess i should add that the flipping stick i use is rated up to 1.5-2 ounce baits.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Rod ratings are subjective on the part of the manufacturer. Exceeding the lure range rating by a reasonable amount is less likely to cause failure than poor performance. Th is provided you're not horsing it too much. In a pinch the scenario you descibe will work but for a steady diet of throwing 2 oz baits you'll be better off with a heavier rod.

[Bassn Blvd]

  On 12/3/2011 at 4:44 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Rod ratings are subjective on the part of the manufacturer. Exceeding the lure range rating by a reasonable amount is less likely to cause failure than poor performance. Th is provided you're not horsing it too much. In a pinch the scenario you descibe will work but for a steady diet of throwing 2 oz baits you'll be better off with a heavier rod.

^ Winner winner chicken dinner.

I use my M/H Loomis Mossyback Flippin Stick with the Matt lures baby bass, Matt Lures bluegill and Lake Fork Majic Shad ALL the time with zero problems. I throw them with an Abu Premier and braid. That being said, I think the bass and bluegill weights are about the max weight I'd throw with it on a regular basis.

P.S.

I'm not sure if the baits I throw are the same weight as the ones you're talking abvout though.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Thanks for the replies guys. Pretty much what I was expecting. In all honesty, that was probably just me being cheap. If I'm going to start tossing some larger baits I need to go out and pick up a new rod specifically for them. Gotta have the right tool for the job.

I may have to order one of those Okuma big bait rods that I keep hearing are so good for larger baits. Wish I had a dealer down in my area handy so I could mess around with one before buying it.