BPS Microlite Rod 9'6

[bobberdown]

I ordered two of these rods one for myself and one for my fishing partner. I've only used them crappie fishing so I can fish deeper with a bobber. We used them the first weekend we got them and caught 40 keepers on a Sat. & 24 on Sun. I also used it at Barkley on 12/2/08 and caught 15 keeper crappie & about a 6 lb. LM and boy that was a fight. I love this rod and I do not have the weighted handle but it may make it better to use but I didn't have any trouble just like it is.

[smljaw]

I 100% agree with Know1. I ordered the rod and weight system. There are pros and cons to using the weight system and not using the weight system. I'd go ahead and order both (it's not like you'll be spending hundreds of dollars...). Try with and without & see which fits your style.

[Todd2]

I 100% agree with Know1. I ordered the rod and weight system. There are pros and cons to using the weight system and not using the weight system. I'd go ahead and order both (it's not like you'll be spending hundreds of dollars...). Try with and without & see which fits your style.

Yeah I forgot to order it with the rod, just didn't know if was worth another order. I'll probably put my reel on the rod when I get it and see how it feels and go from there. Thanks...

[dpage70]

From a custom builders perspective I think a balance kit on any rod that you are holding the tip down is just adding WAY to much unnecessary weight. If it's a tip up technique then yes, balance it but otherwise don't. I have that same rod and it's pretty heavy as it is so adding weight to it will make it a tank. That's just my opinion.

[UpaCrick]

IMO, you are better off waiting until after you add your reel of choice to see if additional weight is needed. You are bobber watching, not finesse jig fishing. The "perfect" balance is not extremely crucial, as dpage said. I really feel that having the right spinning reel is of more importance. By this, I mean a reel that is rated for 8,10,12 pound line sizes. The extra weight of the reel will help balance the rod, but the bigger spool size will help with increased casting distance. I have a Shimano 4000 on my 10 footer and a Rapala 30 on my 8 footer. I got what was on sale (and reportedly reliable) as these stay on the F-n-F rods year round.

Best of luck to you.

UpaCrick

[Smallie282]

I have the 9'6" BPS Micro Lite Rod with the weight balance kit installed. Without the kit you'll have to keep a constant pull on the rod tip to keep it up out of the water. After 8 or 9 hours of that you'll definatley see why you need the balance kit. It helps the hand, arm, & much more so, the wrist. But give it a shot. If you dont fish long per trip, you may be ok without it.

[bradley4bass]

Hope they are good rods just order one for my brother in-law and myself for christmas.

[Todd2]

Hope they are good rods just order one for my brother in-law and myself for christmas.

I think you'll be happy with the rod, especially for the money. I've had mine out once and I liked it but I agree with Smallie about the balance kit. I'll probably pick it up the next time I'm over in Clarksville.

[phoenix]

I have this rod, but I don't use the balance kit, never found it a necessary item.

[bradley4bass]

I went ahead and ordered us both the balance kit, just in case we needed them. Hope I like them and can't wait to try them out on the Holler.

[Dizzle]

I think you'll be happy with the rod, especially for the money. I've had mine out once and I liked it but I agree with Smallie about the balance kit. I'll probably pick it up the next time I'm over in Clarksville.

Oh yeah? Get your buddies together.... I need some stuff too!!!!

[thebassman30]

Gary,
Anytime you guys want to get on that FNF action, we'll hit the hollow. Get yourself some coveralls (Red Head Bonedry $170) or layer up under some real good rain gear. Mix in some hot hands and brown jerseys (gloves $1 a pair), you are ready to jack them.