Rod Help!

[rowyourboat]

guys, im a bit confused when it comes to what rods to use with what lures...

im not sure how the power/action/length affect your decision...

so could someone please explain this to me?

also, if you wouldnt mind, what rods would you use with lures such as:

crankbaits, c-rigs, senkos, tubes, flukes..... just things like that..

i know this is probably a rookie question, but im really confused about it..... thanks guys!

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Crankbaits I use 7ft to 6ft 6in rods. In either medium or medium heavy. With either a fast to moderate action. Now I have been known to throw deep divers on a 7ft 6in heavy rod. But that's a preference of probably only me.

[smalljaw67]

guys, im a bit confused when it comes to what rods to use with what lures...

im not sure how the power/action/length affect your decision...

so could someone please explain this to me?

also, if you wouldnt mind, what rods would you use with lures such as:

crankbaits, c-rigs, senkos, tubes, flukes..... just things like that..

i know this is probably a rookie question, but im really confused about it..... thanks guys!

Power, action and length all affect the rods performance and they all need to be considered in choosing a rod. The action refers to how much the rod flexes, a fast action rod only the top 1/3 of the rod flexes, a moderate fast action about half of the rod will flex and a moderate action about 2/3 of the rod will flex. Power ranges from UL-ultra light to H- heavy and everywhere in between but the power of the rod is going to determine how heavy the lures you are going to use but this is a greay area as there is no industry standard, on company will make a rod that is a medium power and has the same specifications as another company's medium light or even medium heavy. Length is mostly about casting distance and personal preferance but it does aid in certain applications like flipping and pitching. In general crankbaits along with most treble hook lures are going to be better fished on a rod that has a moderate or moderate fast action, the length can vary and so can the power depending on the size of the bait being used. Most lures using a single hook are going to be fished on a rod with a fast or extra fast action with a variety of different lengths and powers and again, the length and power will be dependent upon the size of the lures being used. Now this is just a general usage explanation, I'm sure you can find an article explaining it better than I did.

[Phranchise1213]

I had this problem when I first started out as well. To keep things simple, treble hook lures you should be using a moderate action to help play the fish better. Also, treble hook lures are generally baits that you are moving quickly through the water column and will generate a bite that nine times out of 10 you will feel regardless of your rods action. For example, Jerkbaits they will usually hit on the pause and you will feel the weight when you go to jerk again, crankbaits the lure will get heavy or stop vibrating etc..therefore a moderate rod that will bend more throughout the blank is more important so you don't rip out those trebles. A moderate action will also help delay your hookset and allow the bass to enhale the lure and close his mouth (this is especially important if you are using a graphite rod) As smalljaw said, single hook lures you should be using a a rod with a fast action because it helps you detect bites better due to a more sensitive tip. These lures you are usually fishing on the bottom and are in constant contact with your lure, or at the least a semi-slack feel. MY basic guideline would go as follows:

Frogs, Pitching and Flipping - Medium Heavy to Heavy Power with a Fast or X-Fast Action

Texas rigged worms and senkos and Jigs - depending on the lure weight...Medium, Med/Heavy or Heavy Power with Fast or X-Fast Action

Jerkbaits and Topwater - Medium/Light or Medium with a moderate action

Crankbaits - Medium/Light up to Medium Heavy Power with a moderate action

Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits - Medium Heavy Power with Moderate OR Fast Action (I prefer moderate)

Drop-Shot, Shakey Heads, Grubs, Finesse - medium/light all the way up to medium/heavy with a fast action

Of course there are more techniques, but this covers the majority. Hope this helps somewhat.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Here is a link to a detailed yet concise article covering the basics: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/rod-actions-power.html