Rod Arsenal Opinions

All this griping on how much it cost and what it is named wants me to suggest a pre-rigged Zebco 33 straight out of the package with the line that is spooled inside for everything but here goes.

I am not a pro, nor will ever be a pro but I use 5 rods period. KISS Method, Keep It Simple Stupid

2 - G Loomis 7' MH with fast tip spooled with 6.2:1 Curados that I use for topwater, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, heck even Carolina Rig with them.

1 - 6-6 Heavy Lighting Rod spooled with a Quantum Accurist for flippin and pitchin.

1 each 6-0, 6-6 IM8 Medium Bass Pro Rod with Quantum TI30 and TI40 spinning reels. These have an extra spool with each so I spool up one with 10lb test for daytime jig, tube, spinnerbait, crankbait or whatever. The other spool is flourescent line for night jig or tube action.

That's it. I will never be a pro but with 5 rods and 5 baits attached that is all I will need. I know this one particular fella that I was paired up with in a tournament last fall that has a 2005 Z21 Commanche, pulled by a Nissan Armada, 6 Chronarh reels on Loomis rods, plus 3 ST Croix spinning outfits, more tackle than your average bait shop, and I landed a keeper within the first 30 minutes of the tournament and asked him to fire up the livewell and he says "I have never done that before" This same guy said that he fished in over 20 tournaments last year and landed 1 keeper total. Daddy is a lawyer, mommy is a doctor, he is 23 and still living at home, get the picture. Just because you have or don't have name brand equipment doesn't mean you can or can't catch fish. This guy could not catch a keeper if his life depended on it. I caught 3 fish and weighed in a little over 5 lbs to win the tourney, on the OHIO RIVER, and he griped how hot it was all day and ate 4 turkey sandwiches and drank no telling how many Pepsi's. All dressed up and no where to go I would say.

Tight Lines

First, of all thank you to everyone who responded.

Second, Is it accurate to say that anglers tend to go w/ shorter rods for spinnerbaits?

Also, while i've heard sensitivity is not as important for hard baits from other people, then what is the advantage of using a glass rod?

Do you all tend to throw jerk baits and top water on same rod?

Thanks

The sensitivity on my crankbait rods comes in when they hit the bait. A soft tip allowes them to get the bait in their mouth before you set the hook. I like to set the hook with a sidearm sweep of the rod.

On a worm rod, I set the hook with a violent upward swing from south Alabama. With a jaw breaking leg kick if necessary, Elvis Presley style.

Hello,
I think some people missed the topic of this post. I believe you were asking what type of rod/reel for the situation at hand. Some guys want a 7' plus rod for flippin/pitchin. I say use what feels best. Some guys flip or pitch from different angles like sidearm right or left. Also your height has a lot dto do with the length of rod you use. For spinnerbaits or crainkbaits I like a rod with some give at the tip. This allows me to tighten the drag way down and use the rod's flex to set the set the hook. I like to feel the rod load up and sink the hook instead of using a stiff rod and yanking the bait through the fish's lips. I think one thing many people overlook is their line. A lot of people pay a ton of money on rods, reels, baits but skimp on line and tie the wrong knots. If your line is more than a couple months old RESPOOL. Line ages fast if its not fluoro. Also,don't use fluorocarbon on topwaters it sinks too fast....etc. Also checkout some local rod makers. You will find their prices comparable or less than the high end makers. They use the same components or better plus they will repair their work until they die. Same goes with bait makers. Why give your money to the corporations? You watch Walmart will cary Loomis and Allstar someday. Good luck, fish what feels good to you or spend some money. Sometimes knowin that you spent some serious cash can make you fish better. One thing that you must remember is that if you don't have fun you will never get better, or succeed, or relax.

My best,
L.Bates

Larry,

You are right on your posting.

I don't fish many tournaments, just the ones we organize at work.

Fishing a tournament, I prepare a lot different. I will pre-rig at least 10 rods. 6 baitcaster, 4 spinning reels.

I rig up baits to fish the entire water column, and keep rods on the deck to throw multiple presentations into the same spot. I love after a missed strike, throwing a senko right back in the area if the fish didn't taste the hook.

Also if I am fishing with someone, and they get a fish on, grab the senko rod and get ready to throw in case a fish is following my partners catch. Many times the nicest fish will be the one trying to steal the lure out of the hooked fish's mouth.

Spending a lot of money on gear is mostly unnecessary. I have tons of crankbaits, but without a doubt soft plastics will outfish crankbaits by a wide percentage.

topwater

Bemuum3,
To answer your latest questions : Fiberglas and crankbaits go well together because of the limberness of the fiberglas tip. A fish can inhale a hardbait and "load up" a glasrod. Graphite rods, on the other hand, have inherently stiffer action, and at times really aggressive fish will literally let the lure be ripped from their mouths before a graphite rod reacts to the bite.
As for jerkbaits and spinnerbaitsand topwaters on one rod? not very often for me. I am 5'10" tall, and I find at that height that I am most comfortable (over an 8 hour period) throwing jerkbaits on a 6 foot spinning rod. Spinnerbaits - for me - throw best on either that little pistol grip I mentioned earlier or a 6'6" medium heavy baitcaster with pretty much flex in the tip. There are folks who throw 2 ounce ledge busters that would disagree ( as would the 1/16 ounce beetle spin crowd) but when I refer to spinnerbaits, I mostly mean the safety pin design ranging in weight from 1/4 ounce to 5/8 ounce. I throw buzzbaits and Spook type baits on baitcasters, while poppers get tied to medium action spinning rods 6'6" with a fast tip. Hope that helps