05-07-2004, 12:11 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]As always, my friend, rod selection is always a matter of personal choice. Forget the scientific formulas. If the rod feels good and fishes good, it doesn't matter what the length or action is. And, after all, FEEL is probably the most subjective thing about fishing.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]For example, I know fisherfolk who love the Ugly Stick rods. Myself, I have owned a few, and now own none. I only bought one. I either found the others or won them in fishing derbies. I sold a couple at yard sales and gave away the others to family or to a young kid who needed gear. I found them to be too heavy and too insensitive for my style of "touch" fishing with light lures.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The length of a spinning rod is subject to the same factors of the flyrods we have just been discussing. The longer the rod the more leverage for casting and playing fish, and the more line control.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you enjoy "washing" spinners and hardbaits, a shorter rod WILL give you more casting accuracy for pinpoint casting to shoreline cover, etc. On the other hand, if you want to make longer casts with lighter jigs or other lures, a longer stick with a fast tip will get the job done better.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you do a lot of casting with light jigs, you need to maintain tight line and absolute feel of what is going on at the business end at all times. Crappies, bluegill and many other species will only register a light "tick" when they suck in a jig. If you have too much line on or in the water, that subtle take is not efficiently telegraphed to the rod. That's where a long stick will help keep more line up out of the water and help maintain a better feel.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Just as with fly casting, you need to pay attention to the balance between angler size and strength with the weight and action of the rod. A properly balanced rod allows you to cast all day long, with proper wrist action, without fatigue. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Again, technique is important. As I mentioned with fly casting, many spin fishermen use their whole arm in casting, when by using the wrist to first load the rodtip and then cast, you can get more distance and more accuracy. I see a lot of guys flailing their arms around as they cast and I wonder how they can hold up for a whole day of fishing.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]For example, I know fisherfolk who love the Ugly Stick rods. Myself, I have owned a few, and now own none. I only bought one. I either found the others or won them in fishing derbies. I sold a couple at yard sales and gave away the others to family or to a young kid who needed gear. I found them to be too heavy and too insensitive for my style of "touch" fishing with light lures.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The length of a spinning rod is subject to the same factors of the flyrods we have just been discussing. The longer the rod the more leverage for casting and playing fish, and the more line control.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you enjoy "washing" spinners and hardbaits, a shorter rod WILL give you more casting accuracy for pinpoint casting to shoreline cover, etc. On the other hand, if you want to make longer casts with lighter jigs or other lures, a longer stick with a fast tip will get the job done better.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you do a lot of casting with light jigs, you need to maintain tight line and absolute feel of what is going on at the business end at all times. Crappies, bluegill and many other species will only register a light "tick" when they suck in a jig. If you have too much line on or in the water, that subtle take is not efficiently telegraphed to the rod. That's where a long stick will help keep more line up out of the water and help maintain a better feel.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Just as with fly casting, you need to pay attention to the balance between angler size and strength with the weight and action of the rod. A properly balanced rod allows you to cast all day long, with proper wrist action, without fatigue. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Again, technique is important. As I mentioned with fly casting, many spin fishermen use their whole arm in casting, when by using the wrist to first load the rodtip and then cast, you can get more distance and more accuracy. I see a lot of guys flailing their arms around as they cast and I wonder how they can hold up for a whole day of fishing.[/size][/#0000ff]
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